Though Melbourne has a flourishing arts and culture as well as food city, it is still possible attitude outside the busy city and find plenty of things to do in the outdoors. Around Melbourne, you’ll suggestions for numerous hiking trails, nature reserves and picturesque landscapes, providing all outdoor freaks a perfect getaway and rest from the people. Be it a short and easy day hike or an exciting and strenuous uphill ascent, all the nearby hiking spots cater to all levels of fitness and adventure seekers from Melbourne.

Melbourne’s natural scenery has a wide array to offer for instance scenic views of Yarra River’s to vegetation’s in Dandenong Ranges National Park. This comprehensive guide is devoted to the most interesting hiking trails and nature spots of Melbourne and the surrounding areas, as well as the widest range of outdoor activities, including the popular walks around the city to well-hidden places such as Gorge parks, and some coastal sandy beaches, and remote regions.

Best Hiking Trails Around Melbourne

Dandenong Ranges National Park

The Dandenong Ranges National Park offers majestic views, tall trees, and moderate climate forests. It is the site of the popular Kokoda Track Memorial Walk also referred to the 1,000 Steps which offers a moderate excursion amidst lush green forests. The trail is dedicated to the soldiers who fought on Kokoda Track back in New Guinea which makes this an appealing walk for those who like to combine exercise and history.

For people who are after shorter walks but with equally impressive views, the Sherbrooke Forest Circuit is also another beautiful walk providing one of the most picturesque forested areas of Victoria. Sherbrooke Falls is another attraction where walkers get to see water splashing in gently peaceful surroundings. Access to the Dandenong Ranges is uncomplicated by public transport to the closest station Upper Ferntree Gully.

Yarra Bend Park

A little distance away in the city centre lies the Yarra Bend Park which is también provides extreme outside activity. The Yarra Bend Park Loop is a popular place among the residents and city visitors, providing a large panorama of the Yarra River with many spots to see animals-the locals. It’s suitable for short family walks or walks with kids on easy trails.

Another option for those interested in long walks is the Maribyrnong River Trail which makes a circular course and goes around a part of Melbourne’s riverside. The nature of the trail is very picturesque and with a bit of excitement particularly to families who would like to have an afternoon stroll where lots of animals await in display.

You Yangs Regional Park

You Yangs Regional Park is located ca. one hour from the centre of Melbourne and draws in lovers of the outdoor wishing to engage in activities such as hiking, mountain biking and climbing. Flinders Peak Walk is a 3.2 km return walk with stunning views where the highest point in the park is found. This point is that on the top, view of the Melbourne sights is opened as well as the view to the park surroundings.

The You Yangs also has good outdoor recreational activities that cater for both the beginners and the more seasoned athletes with soft trails and tough climbs. However, the unique composition of conical hills, caldera, lakes and massive clashing of volcanic lava rock formations makes the park an interesting place to visit.

Lerderderg State Park

If you dominant affairs impose tormenting wanting no more then the Lerderderg Gorge Circuit Walk in Lerderderg State Park that includes stunning river crossings, rugged terrain, and steep cliffs will amuse you. The stunning sight of the Lerderderg river would even tempt those who actually prefer a less strenuous hike. Brace yourself for on-foot travel outdoors as explanatory or instructional will just be an understatement as it is harnesses in extreme with big returns.

Having a gradation of easy, moderate and difficult, this particular hike is appropriate for steadfast hikers who are in search of peace and tranquility but wishes to be in an adventure that is much away from the city center. For those willing to take that challenge, Lerderderg offers breathtaking views together with an enormous affinity with the wilderness.

Warrandyte State Park

However if you are looking for hike a little closer to Melbourne’s Northern suburbs, Warrandyte State Park has an excellent retreat along the Yarra River with a leg. A particularly famous park for its striking hike on the Federation Track West, offers an opportunity to relax amid lovely surroundings. The park offers a mix of short and long routes, with even access to parks that are ideal for quick outer escapes without going too far from the city limits.

Organ Pipes National Park

Volcanic activity about six million years ago created the now famous organ pipes national park with its distinctive organ pipes. You have the chance to experience the striking Organ Pipes more closely as there is more than one walking track in Organ Pipes National Park, while plenty gorge park nearby has more or less similar sceneries and walking paths for various fitness levels.

Plenty River Loop in Gorge Park provides an average fitness level hiking trail with river gorges, vegetations and abundant animals. And if you want to mix up some beautiful lakes, decent rocks and a bit of adventure as well, these parks are just perfect for the weekend hiking.

Famous Natural Attractions in Melbourne and Its Vicinities

Wilsons Promontory National Park

Commonly dubbed “The Prom,” Wilsons Promontory National Park is possibly one of the oldest and the most treasured spots of Victoria. Remote beaches can be found along with sandy surfaced beaches as the Southern Ocean coastline stretches. It also has the most famous walking track in the park that is the Mount Oberon Summit Walk wherein you can feast your eyes towards a relaxing 360-degree ocean imprinted horizon.

If you want to see the Cape Woolamai part of Phillip Island, go swimming in Squeaky Beach or if you are in a mood for some aerobic exercise, trek in Wilsons Promontory will be fit for all different spheres of adventure lovers. There are paths for any level of physical preparation making it not only an interesting place for rather eager-to-hike persons, but also grown-and-children families.

Mornington Peninsula National Park

Similar to other national parks in Victoria, the most striking feature of the Mornington Peninsula is its spectacular coastal walks. Cape Schanck Trail is amongst them that traverses coastal scrub within the sultry buffa’s bushlands offering the best decorous views of the pacific. Steeped along the batoid coast, Bushrangers Bay is another often visited spot famous for its well-trailed route along the side of the cliffs and secluded bays of the Mornington Peninsula National Park. This area is ideal for people who want to have both an active and lazy day at the beach after a few hours of hiking.

The George Bass Coastal Walk however presents a longer 14.5-kilometre return cliff and seeks to attract those willing for real adventure and undertake this excursion. The region also includes the French Island which is a place worth visiting for people interested in witnessing Victoria natural beauty.

Grampians National Park

Grampians National Park is a trip that is a bit farther out of the city of Melbourne, however it makes the journey very worth while as it lies in one of the finest hiking locations in Victoria. People taking the Pinnacle Walk and especially the Pinnacle, Cathedral Peak can expect to walk amongst famous views of the ragged countryside of the park. Like so many other parks in Victoria, the Grampians is an outdoor paradise for active people and thrill-seekers. It has waterfalls, age old rock paintings and splendid mountain sights over hills and valleys.

The carpark at Allenvale Park is easily accessible and is a starting point to a number of park popular hiking trails, on the other hand Neds Gully in the Cathedral Range State Park is one of the places that can be explored for those that are seeking pleasure away from crowded places that are more commercialised and are willing to go hiking on some less popular routes.

Outdoor Activities for Everyone

Lysterfield Park

Family-oriented and suited for a novice, Lysterfield Park has multiple trails surrounding the picturesque Lysterfield Lake. The park has a lot to offer and can support walking, mountain biking, or even some decoration to the lakes. Within easy to medium fitness levels, Lysterfield is a perfect destination for those looking for beautiful and fun hikes without the stress of elevation gain or endurance exercise.

Brimbank Park

If you are planning to make family trips and go for walks with kids there is no better option than Brimbank Park along the Maribyrnong River. For nice walks with children and nature away from the city, the Brimbank Park Trail provides lovely walks with views towards the river and bushland that surrounds it.

Kinglake National Park

Less than an hour drive from Melbourne there are both, easier and harder trails at Kinglake National Park. The Mason Falls Walk is a picturesque walk of only 500 meters that ends at waterfall views while the Mt Sugarloaf circuit is a longer walk providing more effort for those wanting it. The park is suitable for all the hikers with different fitness levels, it has everything from short, scenic walks to long, wilderness treks.

Conclusion

Melbourne, which is of Australia, leaves in a place where there are so many hiking trails and even more beautiful nature. Whether you’re snowboarding the cliffs of Cape Shank, admiring the grace and glory of Grampians National Park or the quiet forests of the Dandenong Range. Melbourne tour there’s something for every risk-taker. There are easy accessible and less strenuous walking trails for the families with children as well as other more strenuous hikes where one needs to put on some tough hiking boots and gear while exploring the outside adventures in and around Melbourne aim at leaving a mark that will be hard to erase from those who will venture to the mainstream.

FAQs

What are the best hiking trails near Melbourne suitable for beginners?

Yarra Bend Park and Lysterfield Park are good for the novices due to the presence of some easy trails with picturesque views. Organ Pipes National Park also provides fairly short and less strenuous walks with interesting rock formations.

Which hiking trail near Melbourne provides the best view of the city?

Trails such as the ones found at the Flinders Peak Walk in You Yangs and the Pinnacle Walk in Grampians are famous for its scenic 360 degree views.

Can people get to hiking spots easily without a car?

Yes, many spots such as Dandenong Ranges (Upper Ferntree Gully Station) and Yarra Bend Park which are out of the city of Melbourne can also be travelled to via public transport.

What is the optimal period of the year for hiking in and around Melbourne?

Hiking is best during the warm weather of spring and autumn which is when the weather is very pleasant and the scenery is at its best.

Are there any secret parks or nature spots in Melbourne?

Yes, Warrandyte State Park and Plenty Gorge Park are underrated which are good to take a walk and great to enjoy nature while pleasing yourself with a peaceful day out.