Find Your Trail While Hiking in Melbourne

A city on the ancient grounds of the Kulin Nation of the Wurundjeri people, Melbourne has always been an important meeting place for social, educational, sporting, and cultural gatherings. It is a place where you can trace every trend and taste. Adrenaline-pumping hikes, boujee dining, and richer-than-rich art experiences, one won't ever run out of things to do in Melbourne City. 

As the sun goes down, the place comes to life with its breathtaking natural beauty, vibrant dining scene, and events. Wouldn't walking across long distances on trails here feel rejuvenating and surreal? Actually, it is one of the best things you can do. Hike! It may be a day-long activity, but Melbourne's hikes are nothing short of spectacular. It is the best way to immerse yourself in the culture and history of the area. So, lace up your boots and get ready to hit the trail, as we are about to share some of the best trails for hiking in Melbourne.  

Hiking in Melbourne, Australia: The Perfect Day Trip Awaits!   

The perfect day trip doesn't exist! But it does. Hiking in Melbourne. Just a short drive from the bustling city are coastal cliff-top trails, towering rainforest fronds, tumbling waterfalls, and clamber-up peaks dominating open plains. Here is a list of the top hiking places in Melbourne:

• Yarra Bend Park  
• Mount Lofty 
• Sherbrooke Forest Circuit 
• Plenty Gorge Loop via Blue Lake 
• Yellow Gum Circuit 
• Galatea Point & Dights Falls Loop 
• Capital City Trail 
• Blue Tongue Bend Trail Loop

Yarra Bend Park   

Yarra Bend Park is Melbourne's largest natural bushland park. With lush grounds and diverse wildlife, hiking here feels different. This 9.2-km loop hike near Melbourne, Victoria, is considered a moderately challenging course. The area is also popular for birding and mountain biking, so you will likely meet other explorers and hiking enthusiasts.

If you're looking for a place to escape the chaos of the city, this trail is perfect for you. Along the banks of the Yarra, you can fully absorb nature with native bushland and wildlife, such as rainbow lorikeets, red-rumped parrots, yellow-tailed black cockatoos, water rats, brush-tail, and ring-tail possums. The trail is available year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Though it can be a bit of a bottleneck for the section of the trail that goes along the stream, it is best to start early.  

Mount Lofty 

Nestled in the northeast direction of Melbourne, discover Warrandyte State Park. This 4.8-km loop trail is generally considered a little challenging and takes an average of 1 hour and 26 minutes to complete. The route threads its path through serene landscapes filled with a variety of wildlife and offers fantastic views of the Yarra River and the greater Yarra Valley.  

This track is oscillating with plenty of uphill to keep your blood pumping. Also, get ready to encounter some kangaroos and wallabies as they shade under trees. One of the best hikes in Melbourne, with a gorgeous walk with gorgeous views, especially on a misty winter morning.  

Sherbrooke Forest Circuit 

Get ready to tackle this 11.6-km loop hike close to Melbourne. With an average of 4 hours and 1 minute to complete, this is a fun and exhilarating route, considered moderately challenging. About 36 kilometres east of Melbourne, Victoria, this trail runs through the Dandenong Ranges National Park. Its looped route begins and ends at the intersection of Glen Harrow Heights Road and Old Monbulk Road in the town of Belgrave.

The trail itself is quiet and peaceful, with many birds chanting to one another. It takes you through the lush, fern-filled forest, but be prepared, it can get muddy, especially along the Hillclimb Track leading up to Sherbrooke Falls. Also, remember to wear proper hiking shoes, be ready for mud and a few tricky spots, and bring walking sticks if you want that extra stability. ] 

Plenty Gorge Loop via Blue Lake 

Check out this 7.2-km loop walking track in Melbourne, Victoria. Generally considered easy to moderate. If you want a pleasant walk through the gorge out to Blue Lake on the outskirts of Melbourne, Victoria, this is IT.

There are some steep, slippery downhill sections and a small amount of rock scrambling in some spots. But the trail is flatter close to the lake. There is also a river crossing, but the water level is low enough in the daytime, so one can jump across. Just do not overlook the map, as the trail can be hard to follow in spots. All in all, a great route with a combination of easy and harder sections, lots of wildlife, and some lovely scenery.  

Yellow Gum Circuit 

In the northern suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria is this nice, relaxing pathway through Plenty Gorge Park. This 6.4-km hike near Melbourne is a great bit of nature that's not too far from the centre of the city. The hike starts along Goldsworthy Lane at the Yellow Gum Circuit with a half loop of the Blue Lake Circuit and then follows onto Yellow Gum Ridge Track, Mackelroy Track, Clear Hill Track past the water tank, and returns along Goldsworthy Lane.

The highlights of this hiking location in Melbourne include exploring various wildlife, beautiful rock formations, and great views of Blue Lake. There can be challenges like poor signage and limited shade, so it is best to bring water and follow a map strictly for navigation.   

Galatea Point & Dights Falls Loop 

Waiting for an easy route? Here it is! Try this 4.2-km hiking trail near Melbourne, Australia. Popularly considered an easy trail, it takes an average of 55 minutes to complete and is perfect for beginners or casual hikers. With the starting point near Dight Falls Park, this is regarded as one of the most popular walks in Melbourne along the Yarra River. This flat route is suitable for people of all fitness levels.

What highlights it as one of the best hiking spots in Melbourne is the lovely views, accessibility, and a gentle walk along the Yarra. You get to see Dight Falls, Deep Rock Swimming Hole, and Galatea Point. Also, due to this ease, it is worth noting that this area can get quite busy, particularly on weekends. Muddy sections and narrow paths can also be a challenge.  

Capital City Trail 

Where is the fun without some struggles and stairs? This one is a 29.6-km trekking trail near Melbourne. Generally considered challenging, it can take about 6 hours and 9 minutes to complete. Melbourne's Capital City Trail explores the banks of the Yarra River, threads many of the city's beautiful parks, and cuts through the charming streets of the inner north. The route connects multiple shared paths through a variety of landscapes, giving you a splendid tour of Melbourne.

In this walking track in Melbourne, you can find water fountains, cafes, picnic areas, Melbourne Zoo, and numerous historic buildings along the route. There is nothing particularly complicated or dangerous along this route, just the long path and stairs at Gipps Street / Collins Bridge (there is also a ramp).   

Blue Tongue Bend Trail Loop 

Explore this 3.9-km loop hike close to Melbourne, Victoria. It's usually considered an easy walk, taking about 1 hour and 4 minutes to enjoy fully. This scenic trail winds along the beautiful Yarra River in Warrandyte State Park. As you walk, you'll experience a variety of landscapes: from rolling hills with remnants of native bushland, including Box Eucalypts, Wattles, and Manna Gums, to lush understories filled with native grasses, wildflowers, and orchids. Keep an eye out for a wonderful array of wildlife along the way—kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, platypuses, koalas, and over 100 bird species, along with many reptiles, frogs, fish, and insects. It's a truly vibrant and inviting outdoor adventure.    

Discover Melbourne's breathtaking landscapes, from rugged coastlines to majestic mountains, which offer an unparalleled playground for hikers, walkers, and bushwalkers of every skill level. Enjoy a variety of trails, whether it's a leisurely family walk close to the city or an adventurous full-day trek into the wilds. With Melbourne tour packages, you're all set to connect with nature, boost your fitness, and make wonderful, lifelong memories.  

FAQs 

Q1. Are there public transport options to reach hiking trails near Melbourne? 

Yes, many hiking areas are accessible by train or bus.  

• Dandenong Ranges: Belgrave Line to Upper Ferntree Gully or Belgrave stations
• You Yangs: V/Line train to Lara, then a short taxi or bike ride
• Organ Pipes: Bus to Calder Park, followed by a walk

While having a car offers more flexibility, public transport-friendly hikes are absolutely possible and a great option for eco-conscious travellers.  

Q2. Are guided hiking tours available in Melbourne for beginners or tourists? 

Yes! Several local companies offer guided day hikes or overnight treks, including: - 

• Eco-certified nature tours 
• Hikes with indigenous cultural insights 
• Wildlife and photography-focused walks 

These are great for solo travellers, beginners, or those without a car. Many include transport, snacks, and gear. Check out operators like Hike & Seek, Walking Tours of Melbourne, or Bushwalking Victoria groups.  

Q3. Are Melbourne’s hiking trails suitable for children or families? 

Yes! Many trails are family-friendly, offering short distances, gentle grades, and interesting features: 

• 1000 Steps (with caution – it’s steep but rewarding) 
• Sherbrooke Falls Walk (Dandenong Ranges – short and shaded) 
• Brimbank Park (lots of space, easy riverside paths) 
• Organ Pipes National Park (easy return walk, geological interest)
• Many parks also have picnic areas, toilets, and visitor centres, making them perfect for a day out. 

 Q4. Can I bring my dog on hikes around Melbourne? 

Many parks near Melbourne are dog-friendly, but not all. Dogs are generally allowed: 

On-leash in regional parks (e.g., You Yangs, Lysterfield Park) 

Off-leash in designated areas like parts of Westerfolds Park 

Dogs are not permitted in most national parks, such as Dandenong Ranges or Wilsons Promontory, to protect native wildlife. Always check signage and park rules before heading out.  

Q5. What’s the best short hike near Melbourne for a quick nature escape? 

1000 Steps Kokoda Track (Dandenong Ranges) is a popular short hike just 40 minutes from the city. It’s a 2.8 km return trail with steep stairs through lush rainforest, simulating the Kokoda Track in PNG. Perfect for fitness seekers with limited time.