The best Melbourne walks and hikes are all sharp reminders that Victoria is full of some of Australia’s most picturesque moments.

Whether you’re after an easy riverside stroll close to the CBD or a challenging full-day bushwalk through Victoria’s national parks, there are countless hiking trails within easy reach of the city.

From family-friendly Melbourne walks like the Yarra Bend Loop and 1000 Steps, to more demanding hikes at Cathedral Ranges and Lerderderg Gorge, these are our favourites when it comes to the best hiking trails near Melbourne for every fitness level.

In short

If you’ve only got time to tackle one trail in Melbourne, then venture further afield to the otherworldly Cathedral Ranges and follow Neds Gully Trail. It usually takes us just under two hours to complete the 4.5km trail, which reaches up to 840 metres above sea level.

Its height is the reason why we pick this is as our favourite walk in Melbourne. The city itself is typically very flat, so you don’t get much elevation until you head on out to these historic ranges with the peak offering you an unforgettable view of Victoria’s natural beauty.

Be aware that this is one of the harder hikes near Melbourne, but you’ll be rewarded not just with the view, but an abundance of Australia’s favourite wildlife including kangaroos and koalas.

Easy hikes in Melbourne

If you’re after some easy hikes in Melbourne, then take note of the below options, all featuring relatively smooth trails that are wheelchair accessible, have very few obstacles or elevation gains, and are suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.

1. Yarra Bend Loop, Fairfield

Time from Melbourne CBD: 15 minutes

Starting from the Studley Park Boathouse, the Yarra Bend Loop is an easy 9.5 kilometres and should take you around two hours to complete. This trail is a popular hike for families and couples, given it’s only 15 minutes from the CBD.

The loop spans Yarra Bend Park, Studley Park and Dights Falls with plenty of natural landscapes to admire along the way. The parks also have numerous other signposted trails that are much shorter, but given it is an easy drive from the city, most visitors don’t mind hiking the longer loop and making a day of it.

Distance: 9.5 kilometres

Getting there: Take the 15-minute drive to Studley Park Boathouse

Accessibility: The hike is wheelchair accessible

Facilities: Parking and toilets are available at the boathouse

2. Steavenson Falls, Marysville

Time From Melbourne CBD: 1.5 hours

One of the best Melbourne hikes for beginners is this inspiring jaunt up to one of Victoria’s highest waterfalls. The roaring magic of the impressive 84-metre waterfall is a pot of gold at the end of a very short, easy hike that’s framed by majestic eucalyptus trees.

You’ll find this waterfall walk just outside of the town of Marysville, which is northeast of Melbourne. The path is very well-maintained, winding up the side of the hill to a top viewing platform for stunning views of the cascading falls.

Distance: 700 metres

Getting there: Take the 1.5-hour drive to Steavenson Falls car park

Accessibility: The hike is wheelchair accessible

Facilities: Picnic areas, toilets and parking are all available near the car park

3. Organ Pipes National Park, Calder Park

Time from Melbourne CBD: 30 minutes

Organ Pipes National Park is another easy hike near Melbourne CBD, home to unique rock formations including the namesake Organ Pipes; it’s endlessly photogenic.

It should only take you just over an hour to complete the three-kilometre loop, taking you through a river valley that screams serenity and sucks you out of Melbourne’s endless hustle.

This one is a great way to reset the mind and refocus your energy, given it cradles you in nature and feels like a world away from the city. Considering its proximity to the CBD, this is a popular choice for a family outing should the whole crew want to take advantage of nature close to Melbourne.

Distance: Three kilometres

Getting there: Take the 30-minute drive out to Organ Pipes car park

Accessibility: The hike is wheelchair accessible

Facilities: Parking and toilets are available near the car park

4. 1000 Steps Walk, Ferntree Gully

Time from Melbourne CBD: 40 minutes

Melbourne’s most popular bushwalk, 1000 Steps, takes place in the cinematic Dandenong Ranges National Park. The park, which has numerous other trails including the magical Sherbrooke Falls, is known as one of Australia’s most beautiful sights, so this is very much considered a rite of passage for locals.

It’s part of the larger Kokoda Track Memorial Walk so you can easily continue down that path if you so wish. However, 1000 Steps is the most accessible and the best part of the trail, offering an easy, life-affirming walk that’s only slightly moderate so would be suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Distance: Three-kilometre return

Getting there: Take the 40-minute drive to Ferntree Gully Picnic Area

Accessibility: The hike is wheelchair accessible

Facilities: Parking, picnic areas, toilets and a cafe are all available near the starting point

5. Red Hill Rail Trail, Red Hill

Time from Melbourne CBD: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Whether you start at Merricks Station Reserve or Red Hill Recreation Reserve, the Red Hill Rail Trail is easily one of the best hikes just outside of Melbourne and should only take you around two hours to complete.

Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, the path follows a former railway line, taking you through an incredible part of the Mornington Peninsula hinterland. You’ll stroll through various orchards, a few vineyards and plenty of farmland, featuring many points of interest without stalling you with any steep climbs. It’s perfect for a family outing or a meditative day outside of Melbourne.

Distance: 9.5 kilometres

Getting there: Take the 1 hour and 15 minutes drive to Merricks Station Reserve

Accessibility: The hike is wheelchair accessible

Facilities: Parking and toilets are available at the reserve

Moderate hikes in Melbourne

If you’re after some more challenging hikes in Melbourne, then take note of the below options, some of which feature steep climbs and treacherous areas that need to be navigated with caution. Some parts of these trails may be wheelchair accessible, but most will have limited accessibility considering there may be obstacles and elevation gains. They are suitable for people of all ages if they have intermediate fitness levels.

6. Hanging Rock Summit Walk, Newham

Time from Melbourne CBD: 1 hour

Numerous trails lead from the Hanging Rock Reserve car park, and they are all various distances. Most are quite easy and appropriate for all ages and fitness levels, with trails defined by the six-million-year-old formations of the Macedon Ranges.

Aim for the top of Hanging Rock’s summit, which is slightly steeper and requires a higher level of fitness. You’ll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful vistas in the state.

Distance: Varies

Getting there: Take the one-hour drive to Hanging Rock Reserve Park

Accessibility: The hike is wheelchair accessible

Facilities: Parking and toilets are available at the reserve

7. Sherbrooke Falls Trail, Ferntree Gully

Time from Melbourne CBD: 40 minutes

If 1000 Steps is too busy, a great alternative would be to venture a bit deeper into the Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track and conquer the slightly more challenging Sherbrooke Falls Trail.

From O’Donohue Picnic Ground, you will take a short hike beneath the towering canopy for about 2.4 kilometres as you venture deeper into the picturesque area. Given that 1000 Steps is much better recognised (it’s Insta-famous after all), you’re more likely to find a bit of that peace and tranquillity on this track.

Distance: Three-kilometre return

Getting there: Take the 40-minute drive to Ferntree Gully Picnic Area

Accessibility: The hike is wheelchair accessible

Facilities: Parking, picnic areas, toilets and a cafe

8. Bushrangers Bay and Cape Schanck Trail, Mornington Peninsula

Time from Melbourne CBD: 1.5 hours

As one of the best hiking trails on the Mornington Peninsula, this epic 10-kilometre journey takes you through inspiring, postcard-perfect views of Bushrangers Bay while following the well-marked Cape Schanck Trail.

Distance: 10-kilometre return

Getting there: Take the 1.5-hour drive down to Cape Schanck, and you’ll spot the starting point by the Boneo Road car park

Accessibility: Much of the hike is wheelchair accessible

Facilities: Picnic areas, toilets and parking are all available at the starting point

9. Flinders Blowhole, Mornington Peninsula

Time from Melbourne CBD: 1.5 hours

This easy-to-moderate hike is found just outside of the town of Flinders, which holds plenty of cafes, shops and galleries that you can explore before or after your coastal adventure.

Distance: 2.5 kilometres

Getting there: Take the 1.5-hour drive down to Blowhole car park

Accessibility: The hike is wheelchair accessible

Facilities: Parking and toilets are available at the starting point

10. Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk, Bacchus Marsh

Time from Melbourne CBD: 1 hour

Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk, like the more challenging Lerderderg Gorge Circuit, starts from either the Myers or Quarry Picnic Area car parks near Bacchus Marsh. The hike should take you around 4.5 hours to complete and is most popular for its mid-hike swimming hole, so make sure to bring your swimmers.

You’ll mostly be passing through incredible rocky woodlands as you trek to the gorge rim, offering endless photo opportunities or just bringing you out of your head and into nature with unforgettable scenery.

Distance: 10-kilometre return

Getting there: Take the one-hour drive down to either the Myers or Quarry Picnic Area car parks

Accessibility: Only part of the trail is wheelchair accessible

Facilities: Picnic areas, toilets and parking are available at either starting point

11. Flinders Peak Walk, You Yangs National Park

Time from Melbourne CBD: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Located in You Yangs Regional Park, the Flinders Peak Walk is a moderately difficult hike just over an hour outside of Melbourne CBD. It’s easily one of the most popular for intermediate and expert hikers, offering a broad view of Melbourne’s skyline as well as Geelong and Port Phillip Bay.

You’ll pass some massive boulders along the way to the peak and should have plenty of company with kangaroos and koalas in the park.

Distance: 3.2-kilometre return

Getting there: Take the 1 hour and 15 minutes drive down to Turntable car park

Accessibility: Much of the hike is wheelchair accessible

Facilities: Picnic areas, toilets and parking are all available at the starting point

Hard hikes in Melbourne

Some of the most challenging hikes in Victoria can be found under two hours outside of Melbourne. Below, we’ve listed two of those arduous paths, which may feature treacherous areas and steep climbs. They are only appropriate for experienced bushwalkers and hikers and may not be suitable for people without a sufficient level of fitness.

12. Lerderderg Gorge Circuit, Bacchus Marsh

Time from Melbourne CBD: 1 hour

Be warned, this is one of the hardest hiking trails in the state and an incredibly popular path for more experienced hikers. This 13-kilometre loop trail is found near Bacchus Marsh with an elevation gain of around 386 metres, following the Lerderderg River downstream with inspiring views.

Note that some sections of this challenging hike may be mildly washed out if water levels are high, so you could encounter some river crossings along the way.

Distance: 13-kilometre return

Getting there: Take the one-hour drive to either Myers or Quarry Picnic Area car park

Accessibility: This trail is not wheelchair accessible

Facilities: Picnic areas, toilets and parking are all available at either starting point

13. Neds Gully Track, Cathedral Ranges

Time from Melbourne CBD: 1 hour and 40 minutes

You’ll want to be equipped with a sufficient level of fitness and some bushwalking experience before tackling Neds Gully Track. This steady uphill hike is located just under two hours outside of Melbourne and is known as the most exciting of the many trails that zip around the Cathedral Ranges.

You’re heading on up to a peak that’s around 840 metres above sea level. It’s very well-marked and straightforward, but once you reach those drier woodlands the track gets much steeper and more arduous.

Safety is paramount, so make sure you are well prepared for a hike and take your time – the wildlife is very active in this area, so you’ll spot many kangaroos and koalas. Your reward: some of the best views in Victoria.

Distance: 4.5-kilometre return

Getting Here: Drive one hour and 40 minutes to Neds Gully Camping Area

Accessibility: This trail would not be wheelchair accessible

Facilities: Picnic areas, toilets and parking are all available at the starting point

How to prepare for a hike in Melbourne

If you’re wondering how to pack for a hike in Melbourne, then you’ll first need to consider what kind of distance you’re looking at. Packing for a two-kilometre hike and a 10-kilometre hike are slightly different.

First and foremost, you’re going to need comfortable shoes or hiking boots with strong grip. Some of these hikes can be slippery, especially the harder ones. Not having the right footwear is a recipe for disaster.

For all of the hikes listed above, it’s a good idea to bring sun protection as well as plenty of water. If you’re tackling those harder hikes like Neds Gully Trail, then it’s advisable to bring trekking poles. And while most of them are well-maintained with significant signage, it’s always a good idea to bring a map and a compass for navigation on longer trails. Always pack a first aid kit just in case.

You’ll also want to consider the weather. The best time for hiking in Melbourne is generally during the cooler months like March, April and May (autumn) or September, October and November (spring). This means the trails will be less crowded and it won’t be as hot.

Finally, should you bring your dog? There are many dog-friendly hikes in Melbourne, but do pay attention to any specific park and trail regulations. Regional parks are usually okay with dogs as long as they are on a leash, but National parks in Victoria generally do not permit dogs.

What are the most scenic hikes in Melbourne?

Some of the most scenic hikes near Melbourne include Bushrangers Bay and Cape Schanck Trail, as well as Hanging Rock Summit Walk and Steavenson Falls. These trails highlight everything from Victoria’s rugged coastline and waterfalls to volcanic rock formations and panoramic views across the state.

What is the highest hike near Melbourne?

Although Melbourne itself is fairly flat, there are several excellent summit hikes within two hours of the city. Our pick would be Neds Gully Track, which climbs to a peak around 840 metres above sea level in the Cathedral Ranges.

What are some lesser known hikes near Melbourne?

Some of the best lesser-known hikes near Melbourne include Organ Pipes National Park, Red Hill Rail Trail, Flinders Peak Walk and Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk. These walks generally offer a quieter experience with distinctive scenery ranging from basalt formations and vineyards to rugged gorges and sweeping views.

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