Explore the 10 best day hikes from Melbourne

Are you prepared to venture out and immerse yourself in nature’s beauty? Here are some of the finest hiking and walking trails near Melbourne to explore.

We adore our splendid city, but occasionally, escaping into nature for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging adventure is refreshing. Lace up those hiking boots, prepare your trail mix, hydrate with your Camelbak, and embark on a journey to discover some of the most stunning hikes just a short drive from Melbourne.

Regional Victoria boasts an abundance of scenic trails perfect for invigorating hikes, ranging from enchanting temperate rainforests to breathtaking coastal vistas.

For those who prefer staying closer to home, there are also fantastic walking options right on Melbourne’s doorstep, offering a quick retreat from the bustling city.

Day hikes near Melbourne, reachable within a two-hour drive

1. You Yangs Regional Park Flinders Peak Walk

Don’t forget your furry friend! You Yangs Regional Park, situated between Melbourne and Geelong, welcomes dogs. The highlight here is the 3.2-kilometer Flinders Peak Walk, leading to the park’s highest point. This trek, suitable for both you and your pup, boasts approximately 450 steps and an elevation gain of around 200 meters, providing a challenging yet rewarding experience. The trail begins and ends at the Turntable Drive car park.

Drive time from CBD: 1 hour
Round-trip duration: 1 hour (3.2 km)
Difficulty level: Moderate to strenuous

2. Mornington Peninsula National Park

Bushrangers Bay Trail

Offering stunning views over Bass Strait, this coastal clifftop walk is a must-try. Begin your journey from the Cape Schanck car park, traversing sandy outcrops, neighboring farmland, and banksia forest.

Along the way, keep an eye out for whales, lively birds, and perhaps even kangaroos crossing the grassy clearings.

Conclude your adventure with a refreshing swim in the cool waves at Bushrangers Bay, after which the trail is named.

Drive time from CBD: 1 hour 30 minutes
One-way duration: 45 minutes (2.7 km)
Difficulty level: Easy to moderate

3. Werribee Gorge

Circuit Walk

This walk offers a trifecta of hiking delights: stunning vistas, exhilarating rock scrambling, and, depending on the season, a refreshing post-hike swimming spot.

Begin your adventure at the Meikles Point picnic area and car park, then follow the trail as it winds along the river and ascends via a rocky crest. Continue towards the Eastern Lookout at the gorge rim for a sweeping panorama of the park’s most splendid natural wonders.

Drive time from CBD: 1 hour
Circuit duration: 4 hours (10 km)
Difficulty level: Moderate to strenuous

4. Steavenson Falls

Keppel Lookout Walk

Embark on this hike starting from the Steavenson Falls car park, allowing you to begin your journey with a breathtaking view of one of the state’s tallest and most impressive waterfalls.

Follow the signposts directing you towards the Keppel Lookout, where your ascent begins on a rugged dirt track, passing by the De La Rue lookout. Expect undulating terrain and potentially slippery conditions, especially after rainfall, so come prepared with ample water, snacks, and sturdy footwear.

The Keppel Lookout, marking the halfway point of the hike, offers expansive views, particularly towards the Cathedral Ranges on clear days. Descend back towards Falls Road to conclude the hike, or if you’re up for it, extend your adventure with a stroll through the fern gully.

Drive time from CBD: 2 hours
Return duration: 3 hours and 30 minutes (11 km)
Difficulty level: Moderate to strenuous

5. Organ Pipes National Park

Nature’s quirks never cease to amaze! Just a short drive off the Calder Freeway, approximately 20 kilometers north of Melbourne, lies the stunning Organ Pipes National Park. Spanning 121 hectares, the park is renowned for its standout feature: 2.5 million-year-old basalt columns, resembling organ pipes.

While there, take a leisurely stroll along the short circuit walk, starting from the visitor center. The trail showcases the park’s main attractions, including the Keilor Plains, the Tessellated Pavement, and the impressive Organ Pipes themselves.

Drive time from CBD: 30 minutes
Circuit duration: 30 minutes (1.5 km)
Difficulty level: Easy to moderate

6. Lerderderg State Park

Lerderderg Gorge Circuit WalkImmerse yourself in authentic Victorian bushland with the Lerderderg Gorge Circuit Walk. This area is teeming with diverse flora and fauna, showcasing the essence of the Australian wilderness.

The highlight of the park is the 300-meter deep gorge, sculpted over time through sandstone and slate. Beginning at the Mackenzies Flat picnic area, the circuit walk mostly follows the natural course of the river. Be prepared for rock hopping, encounters with remnants of the gold mining era, and potentially river crossings depending on weather conditions.

Drive time from CBD: 50 minutes
Circuit duration: 4-5 hours (13.5 km circuit)
Difficulty level: Medium

7. Dandenong Ranges National Park

Eastern Sherbrooke Forest Walk

If you’ve had your fill of the 1,000 Steps, the Eastern Sherbrooke Forest Walk offers a similar experience of lush fern-filled scenery minus the crowds of fitness enthusiasts.

Begin your journey at Grants Picnic Ground, passing by the bird feeding enclosure, and follow the initial section of the track known as the ‘Lyrebird Walk’. Stay on the occasionally steep path, veering right at any junctions, to immerse yourself in the verdant vegetation and catch glimpses of the occasional kookaburra.

Drive time from CBD: 1 hour
Return duration: 2.5 hours (6.6 km)
Difficulty level: Medium

8. Mornington Peninsula National Park

Fingal Beach Walk

For those seeking maximum scenic rewards on their hike, the Fingal Beach Walk delivers with stunning clifftop vistas and a serene beach to explore. Kick off your adventure at Fingal Picnic Area, located 2 kilometers north of Cape Schanck, and wind your way through the scrub forest.

Pause at lookout points along the route to catch your breath and marvel at the breathtaking views over the end of the Mornington Peninsula. The trail descends via numerous (yes, numerous) steps to Fingal Beach, a secluded gem likely to be all yours.

You have the option to return the same way, braving the climb back up those steps, or during low tide, extend your trek by approximately two kilometers along the beach to Gunnamatta Beach. From there, a loop path guides you back to the starting point. Opting for the loop means avoiding the stairs but doubling the distance.

Drive time from CBD: 1 hour 30 minutes
Return duration: 1.5-2 hours (5 km) if you only go to Fingal Beach; 3 hours (10 km) if you complete the loop to Gunnamatta
Difficulty level: Easy to medium

9. Macedon Ranges

Hanging Rock Summit Walk

Located north of Melbourne, this region boasts an abundance of natural beauty, with the pinnacle being the breathtaking views from the top of Hanging Rock. Forget about picnics and white dresses; instead, focus on the stunning rock formations you’ll encounter on your ascent to the summit.

While the path can be steep at times, providing a good workout for the heart, the opportunity to marvel at these 6 million-year-old rocks up close makes it all worthwhile.

Drive time from CBD: 1 hour
Circuit duration: 40 minutes (1.8 km)
Difficulty level: Medium

10. Point Nepean National Park

Point Nepean Walk

Situated in Boonwurrung country, this area boasts some of the earliest European settlement in Victoria. To explore the rich history and enjoy stunning bay views, embark on this 14.5-kilometer return walk. Starting at the Point Nepean entry gate, the trail leads you along coastal and bush tracks, passing by the historic Quarantine Station and World War II military buildings. With mostly flat terrain and diverse scenery, you have the flexibility to customize your journey and turn back at any point along the way.

Drive time from CBD: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Return duration: 3 hours (14.5 km)
Difficulty level: Easy to medium

In conclusion, Melbourne and its surrounding regions offer a plethora of spectacular day hikes, catering to every level of hiker and nature enthusiast. From coastal clifftop walks to lush bushland trails, each hike presents a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of Victoria’s diverse landscapes. Whether you’re seeking panoramic vistas, tranquil beaches, or historic landmarks, there’s something for everyone to discover just a short drive away from the bustling city. So, dust off your hiking boots, pack your essentials, and embark on an unforgettable adventure exploring the 10 best day hikes from Melbourne.