Quick Overview – Victoria’s Must-Do Hikes This Year
Top 3 Iconic Hikes in Victoria
- Great Ocean Walk: 97–100 km, Apollo Bay to Twelve Apostles. Rated as one of the world’s top 20 hikes; spectacular coastal scenery, best completed in 6–8 days. Popular with over 40,000 hikers annually (source).
- Grampians Peaks Trail: 164 km, Mt Zero to Dunkeld. 13 days, challenging elevation, grand lookouts, Aboriginal rock art. Usage up 11% year-on-year.
- Wilsons Promontory Wilderness Coast: 19–63 km, variable routes. Pristine beaches, unique wildlife, options for shorter return hikes or multi-day circuits (source).
Best for Families & Beginners
- Mait’s Rest (Great Otway): 1 km rainforest boardwalk, flat, non-slip surfaces, interpretive signs. Most visited family walk as per Tripadvisor (ranked #1, 98% positive reviews).
- 1000 Steps (Dandenong Ranges): 1 km stair climb, shaded gullies, challenging but accessible, picnic areas nearby.
- Jells Park Walk: Lakeside circuit, sealed and pram-friendly, excellent for young families.
Hidden Gems for Solitude Seekers
- Silent Street & alternative Grampians circuits: Quieter side-trails off main Grampians routes for solitude amid sheer cliffs and fern gullies.
- Barwon River Walk (Geelong): Riverside wetlands, low crowd density, strong birdlife presence (source).
- Remote sections of the Great Ocean Walk and Wilsons Promontory: Offers remote coves, less-trafficked campsites—best visited on weekdays or off-peak.
Updated Trail Guide 2026: Best Hikes in Victoria, Australia
Grampians National Park: The Pinnacle & Wonderland Loop
The 11 km Pinnacle & Wonderland Loop (Grade 3, moderate) starts from Halls Gap’s Wonderland Carpark. Expect 573 m total ascent, rocky sections, and iconic sights like Grand Canyon, Venus Baths, Bridal Veil Falls, and Silent Street. Pinnacle Lookout offers panoramic views of Halls Gap and the surrounding valley (source). Average completion: 4.5 hours; user satisfaction consistently above 95%.
Great Ocean Walk: From Apollo Bay to Twelve Apostles
A 97–100 km multi-day coastal trek considered Australia’s finest by international rankings. Traverses Great Otway National Park, featuring eucalypt forest, waterfalls, limestone cliffs, and remote beaches. Difficulty: Moderate–Hard. Choose between the full walk (6–8 days) or shorter day sections; campsites available by permit. Annual usage: Over 40,000 hikers with increasing numbers each year (source).
Dandenong Ranges: 1000 Steps & Beyond
The Kokoda Track Memorial Walk (1000 Steps) is a 1 km stair climb through lush fern gullies, inspired by WWII. Family friendly but steep; 80,000 users surveyed in 2025 named it the state’s most iconic city-proximate hike. Other nearby short walks provide gentler terrain and universally accessible paths (source).
Wilsons Promontory: Mount Oberon & Wilderness Coast Trails
Mount Oberon summit trail is a 6.8 km return with moderate gradient and sweeping Southern Ocean views. The Wilderness Coast Walk (up to 63 km) is remote, crossing diverse habitats, beaches, and forest. Limited access, permits required for overnight stays, and tides impact some segments. Over 700 animal species observed in Parks Victoria reports.
Great Otway National Park: Maits Rest & Longer Treks
- Maits Rest: 1 km family boardwalk; highest satisfaction rating among Great Otway short walks.
- Cape Otway–Aire River section: 20 km, high biodiversity, wildlife siteings include koalas, echidnas, and swamp wallabies.
Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk: Rugged Scenery Close to Melbourne
Popular among advanced hikers, this 10 km circuit features rocky ledges, river crossings, and ancient geology. Grade 4 (hard): recommended for those with hiking experience. Visitation grew by 14% in 2025 on Parks Vic trail counters.
More Standout Hikes: Regional Highlights & New Discoveries
- Mount Bogong Circuit: 56 km, Victoria’s highest peak, Grade 5 (hard), scenic ridgelines, 4 days.
- Alpine Crossing (Mount Feathertop to Bogong): 80 km, best Nov–Apr, experienced hikers only.
- Remote regional parks: Ben Boyd National Park (coastal wilderness), Hotham Alpine (long-distance snowgum routes), Little Desert National Park (wildflowers, rare birds).
Unique Criteria – Find Your Perfect Victorian Hike
Best Hikes for Wildlife Spotting
- Wilsons Promontory: Emus, wombats, eastern grey kangaroos, 700+ species recorded.
- Great Otway National Park: Regular sightings of koalas and echidnas, best at dawn/dusk around Maits Rest.
- Barwon River Walk: Birdwatching hotspot, 120 species logged in 2025 citizen science count.
Spectacular Views & Lookouts
- Pinnacle Lookout (Grampians): Panoramic over Halls Gap and Lake Bellfield.
- Mount Oberon (Wilsons Prom): 360° ocean/forest views, rated top in user surveys.
- Great Ocean Walk: Multiple cliff-top vistas of Southern Ocean and limestone stacks.
Solitude & Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures
- Silent Street (Grampians): Narrow rock corridor, meditative quiet, infrequently trafficked.
- Back sections of Great Ocean Walk and Wilsons Prom: Least visitor density, best with overnight stays.
- Bambra-Buckenbowra section (Croajingolong National Park): Coastal and forest scenery, rare visitor trails.
Family-Friendly & Accessible Trails
- Maits Rest, 1000 Steps, Jells Park Walk: Boardwalks, pram-friendly, rest areas.
- Dandenong Ranges National Park signposted loops: Grades 1–2, sealed sections available.
2026 Essentials – Trail Updates, Access & New Regulations
Recent Trail Changes and Closures
Closures due to bushfire risk still affect selected areas (e.g., Aire Crossing site on the Great Ocean Walk closed as of Jan 2026—source). Always consult Parks Victoria’s conditions listing before travel.
Permits, Fees & Seasonal Information
- Most trails: No general permits needed (except some multi-day sections like Falls to Hotham).
- Fees: Campsites and vehicle entry to selected parks (see official Parks Vic fee schedule).
- Book overnight campsites for Grampians Peaks Trail, Wilsons Promontory, and Great Ocean Walk.
- Best seasons: Mar–Oct for Grampians Peaks; Nov–Apr for Alpine; avoid extreme heat and bushfire season.
Bushfire & Weather Considerations in 2026
- Check for closures—summer fire season (Dec–Mar) sees frequent trail restrictions.
- New conservation priorities as of Jan 2026 add restrictions near waterway corridors. Aim to hike early or out of peak season where possible.
Insider Tips from Victorian Hikers
Local Secrets: Avoiding the Crowds
- Start early morning or midweek to avoid peak volumes at Great Ocean Walk and 1000 Steps.
- Explore side-trails in Grampians or less-visited parks such as Little Desert and Croajingolong.
Best Times to Hike Each Trail
- Coastal walks: Autumn (Mar–May) for mild weather and stable tides.
- Alpine: Nov–Apr after snowmelt; Grampians: Winter/early Spring for waterfalls.
Where to Eat, Stay, and Refuel Nearby
- Near Grampians: Halls Gap—cafes, grocery, and camping.
- Great Ocean Walk: Apollo Bay and Port Campbell—full accommodation and shuttle options (see Tripadvisor).
- Dandenongs: Mountain Ash Tearooms; picnic areas at Ferntree Gully and Jells Park.
Downloadable Maps, Trail Apps & Planning Resources
Free Printable Trail Guides (PDFs)
- Download official maps from parks.vic.gov.au (A4/A3 PDFs) for all state/national parks.
- Use Victoria Walks for crowdsourced, printable walking maps.
Essential Hiking Apps for Victoria
| App | Key Features | Offline Maps | GPX Import/Export | Topo Quality | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avenza Maps | Imports Parks Vic maps, GPS tracking | Yes | Yes | High | Free + paid maps |
| Gaia GPS | Custom overlays, weather integration | Yes | Yes | Excellent | Subscription |
| AllTrails | User ratings, route planning | Partial | Yes | Good | Free/Pro |
| Komoot | Voice navigation, elevation profiles | Yes | Yes | Good | Free/Pro |
Packing Checklists & Safety Essentials
- Official Parks Vic Bushwalking Checklist: Download PDF at parks.vic.gov.au (“Plan and prepare” section).
- Essentials: Map, GPS app, headlamp, PLB (personal locator beacon), layered clothing, sun/rain protection, first aid kit, water purification, emergency bivvy, and portable fuel if not in fire-ban season.
- Test gear before multi-day hikes; check current restrictions on stoves and tents.
FAQs – Planning the Best Hikes in Victoria, Australia
How to Choose the Right Trail for You
- Check trail distance, Grade rating (1–5), recent user feedback (see AllTrails, Tripadvisor).
- Prioritize day walks for beginners or families; multi-day options for advanced hikers.
- Look for boardwalks and sealed routes for accessibility needs.
What to Do in Case of Emergencies
- Carry PLB or satellite messenger for all remote walks (mandatory on Grampians Peaks, Wilsons Prom overnight routes).
- Save the Parks Victoria emergency number (13 1963) and leave trip plans with a contact.
- Follow marked trails, observe weather/bushfire alerts, and have basic first-aid training.
Wildlife and Environmental Protection Guidelines
- Strictly observe “Leave No Trace”: carry out all rubbish, use bio-toilets when provided.
- Stay on marked tracks—new waterway corridors protected as of Jan 2026.
- Do not feed or disturb wildlife; observe park-specific rules for pets and campfires.
For up-to-date trail conditions, official maps, and safety regulations, always check Parks Victoria before you head out. Ready to gear up? Download packing checklists and trail guides now to prepare for your next Victorian hiking adventure!