The best walks and hikes around Melbourne

Yes, the Mornington Peninsula offers some of Victoria's most scenic coastal walks. A great option is the Eau Gallie Beach loop from Howard E. Futch Memorial Park, which provides a lovely coastal experience. For more extensive clifftop trails, the region is famous for The Coastal Walk, a 30-kilometer trail stretching from Cape Schanck to Point Nepean National Park, which can be hiked in shorter sections.

Melbourne is a gateway to several highly-regarded hiking destinations. The Dandenong Ranges National Park is a local favorite, known for its lush rainforest and steep trails like the famous 1000 Steps. For rugged landscapes and dramatic sandstone ridges, many hikers head to the Grampians National Park (Gariwerd). Closer to the city, the You Yangs Regional Park offers fantastic panoramic views from its granite peaks.

Dog-friendliness varies by park. While dogs are generally not permitted in National Parks like the Dandenong Ranges or Mornington Peninsula National Park to protect native wildlife, many regional parks and state forests do allow dogs on a leash. Always check the specific park's regulations on the Parks Victoria website before you go.

Absolutely. The area around Melbourne has many easy, flat trails perfect for a family outing. The Turkey Creek Sanctuary loop from Malabar Scrub Sanctuary West is a gentle walk that's great for all ages. Additionally, many trails in the Yarra Valley, like the Warburton Rail Trail, are flat and accessible for families with children.

The Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are your best bet for waterfall walks. In the Dandenongs, Sherbrooke Forest has trails leading to the beautiful Sherbrooke Falls. Further out, the Yarra Ranges National Park is home to several impressive waterfalls, such as Steavenson Falls and La La Falls, which are particularly spectacular after rainfall.

Melbourne is an excellent place for beginner hikers as the terrain is predominantly flat. There are many easy options, with 13 of the 15 routes in this guide rated as easy. A good starting point is the Turkey Creek Waterside Trail – Turkey Creek Sanctuary loop from Vista Oaks, which is a straightforward and enjoyable waterside path.

The hiking routes around Melbourne are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the accessible waterside trails and the mix of coastal and sanctuary environments that make for relaxing and scenic walks.

While this guide focuses on day hikes, Victoria offers many challenging treks. The Grampians National Park (Gariwerd) is renowned for its multi-day hikes, such as the Grampians Peaks Trail. For a tough day hike, consider the Manatee Splash Pad loop from Indialantic, which is one of the more moderate routes in the immediate Melbourne area.

Hiking is possible year-round, but spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are generally considered the best seasons. During these times, the weather is mild and pleasant, and the landscapes are often at their most vibrant. Summer can be very hot, requiring early starts, while winter can be cold and wet, especially in mountainous areas like the Dandenong Ranges.

Yes, some excellent hiking areas are accessible via public transport. The Dandenong Ranges are a popular choice, with a train line running to towns like Belgrave and Upper Ferntree Gully, which are gateways to numerous trails, including the famous Kokoda Track Memorial Walk (1000 Steps).

Yes, loop trails are very common and allow you to enjoy a varied walk without retracing your steps. The Turkey Creek – Turkey Creek Sanctuary loop from Malabar Scrub Sanctuary West is a great example of a short and easy circular route that explores the local sanctuary.