Quick Guide – Top 5 Must-Do Hikes in Victoria
Editor’s Pick for 2024
- Sherbrooke Forest Circuit – Dandenong Ranges National Park
- Distance: 11.6 km circuit
- Difficulty: Easy (minimal elevation)
- User Feedback: Trending as Victoria’s #1 and Australia’s #2 trail, praised for lush rainforest ambience and abundant wildlife.
Source: Timeout, 2025 - Highlights: Towering mountain ash, fern gullies, kookaburra sightings
Best for Beginners
- Plenty Gorge Loop via Blue Lake – Plenty Gorge Parklands
- Distance: ~10 km circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate (gentle undulation, good for novice hikers building stamina)
- User Feedback: Highly popular for accessibility and ending with a swim at Blue Lake.
- Highlights: Gorge views, blue lagoon, urban proximity
Most Scenic Multi-Day Trek
- The Pinnacle (Grampians Peaks Trail) – Grampians National Park
- Distance: 13 km loop via Grand Canyon, Silent Street, Wonderland (multi-day options up to 164 km)
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult (steep ascents)
- User Feedback: Consistent high rankings for summit vistas and rugged scenery.
Source: TripAdvisor, 2024 - Highlights: Panoramic mountain views, iconic rock formations
Ultimate Family-Friendly Walk
- Mount Lofty Loop – Warrandyte State Park, Melbourne
- Distance: 4.8 km circuit
- Difficulty: Easy (gentle trail, suitable for young families)
- User Feedback: Among Australia’s most popular trails in 2024, celebrated for accessibility and safe family hiking.
- Highlights: Yarra River views, diverse birdlife, picnic areas
Most Unique Wilderness Experience
- Great Ocean Walk – Great Otway and Port Campbell National Parks
- Distance: Full route 104 km (typically hiked over 6–8 days; shorter sections available)
- Difficulty: Moderate (undulating coastal terrain)
- User Feedback: Top-rated for wild coastline, cliff-top vistas, and the Twelve Apostles.
Source: Australian Traveller, 2024 - Highlights: Ocean cliffs, pristine beaches, lighthouse
What’s New? Unmissable Victoria Hikes Recently Opened or Updated in 2024
- Parks Victoria reported nine major upgrades across five key parks in the 2024–25 cycle, including improved signage and trailhead facilities. Major efforts focused on enhancing user safety and environmental sustainability.
Source: Parks Victoria Annual Report 2024–25 - Sherbrooke Falls Walk has been rejuvenated, including interpretative audio guides to highlight Dandenongs’ ecosystem values.
- Trail realignments on the Grampians Peaks Trail have reduced environmental impact and improved erosion controls; over 50 km of resurfaced track.
Hiking Victoria: Overview of Diverse Trails and Regions
Alpine Adventures – High Country Highlights
- Mount Hotham to Mount Feathertop Razorback Walk: 22 km return; 1,723 m elevation; exposed ridgeline with snow gum forest and wildflower meadows (moderate–challenging).
- Buller Summit: 16 km from Mansfield; panoramic high alpine vistas; best hiked November–April.
Coastal Walks – Ocean View Trails
- Great Ocean Walk: Over 104 km; variable difficulty; consistently among Australia’s top long-distance coastal treks (user rating 4.8/5, >45,000 annual completions in 2023–24).
- Cape Woolamai Coastal Walk: 8.5 km circuit, Phillip Island; easy-moderate, unique basalt cliffs and wildlife (shearwaters, wallabies).
Rainforest Escapes – Cool Temperate Wonderlands
- Sherbrooke Forest Circuit: 11.6 km; easy; cascading ferns, lyrebird calls, year-round cool climate.
- Maits Rest (Great Otway): 2 km; accessible boardwalk through ancient myrtle beech forest.
Wild Bushland and Outback Hikes
- Grampians Peaks Trail: Up to 164 km in total; segmented, with 13 recommended stages (rated advanced); granite escarpments, eucalyptus woodlands, spring orchids.
- Wyperfeld National Park: Birdwatching-rich mallee scrub on Rabbit Flat and Desert Walks (5–15 km circuits, moderate difficulty).
Detailed Reviews: Best Hikes in Victoria by Difficulty
Top Easy Hikes Suitable for Beginners and Families
- Mount Lofty Loop: 4.8 km; gentle grade; paved sections; picnic spots; 5/5 user score (AllTrails 2024, 6,500 check-ins).
- Merri Creek Trail: 8.9 km (or shorter segments); flat; urban wildlife and wetlands; pram-friendly.
- Maits Rest Rainforest Walk: 2 km; full wheelchair/pram access; informative signage.
Best Intermediate Trails for Adventurous Day Hikers
- The Pinnacle (Grampians): 13 km via Wonderland; rocky climbs; 560 m elevation gain; 3–5 hours; consistent user rating 4.7/5.
- Plenty Gorge Loop via Blue Lake: ~10 km, undulating; achievable for fit beginners stepping up.
Victoria’s Premier Multi-Day and Advanced Treks
- Great Ocean Walk: Full route 104 km; 6–8 days; campgrounds; moderate daily distances (12–24 km/day); top completion rate for multi-day in Victoria (Department of Environment, 2024).
- Grampians Peaks Trail: Up to 13 days; 164 km; challenging ridge scrambles, remote stages; recommended for experienced hikers with strong navigation.
Accessibility in the Wild: Best Hikes in Victoria for All Abilities
Wheelchair-Friendly and Pram-Accessible Walks
- Albert Park Lake Circuit: 4.9 km sealed path; wheelchair/pram-friendly; popular for accessible urban nature (Parks Victoria survey: >20,000 annual accessible visits).
- Maits Rest Boardwalk: Full access; 15 landings for rest points; audio descriptions available on app (2024 update).
Trail Facilities, Parking, and Signage
- 89% of Parks Victoria’s top 20 trails have upgraded trailheads, parking bays including mobility spaces, and tactile signage (Parks Vic 2024–25 stats).
- Accessible toilets at metro and regional trailheads; bookable all-access campgrounds at Wilsons Prom and Grampians.
Inclusive Adventure Tips
- Use trail preview tools (360° photos, elevation profiles via Parks Victoria app) before setting out.
- Always check seasonal trail closures or upgrades for accessibility updates.
- See Victoria Accessible Trails Directory for current listings.
Practical Planning – Essential Tips for Hiking in Victoria
Gear, Packing, and Safety Checklist
- At least 2L water per person per day; filter advised in remote alpine and coastal areas.
- Layered clothing; rapid weather change is common. Rain jacket in all seasons.
- PLB/locator beacon for solo/multi-day hikes (required for GOW, Grampians Peaks Trail stages 5+).
- Mobile reception is spotty in remote parks; download offline maps.
Seasonal Weather and Best Times to Go
- Best season: October–April (temperatures 16–26°C, long daylight hours, reduced risk of bushfires).
- Winter (May–August): Snow in Alpine, muddy trails in Otways/Dandenongs, uplifting waterfalls in rainforest areas.
Sustainable Hiking and Leave No Trace Principles
- All Parks Victoria-managed trails are under “Leave No Trace” guidelines; 2023–24 saw a 14% drop in littering fines and 7% increase in volunteer clean-up hours (Parks Vic report).
- Camp only in designated sites; advance bookings now enforced for GOW and Grampians Peaks Trail stages.
- Use Parks Victoria site for instant ranger alerts and eco-hiking resources.
Local Voices: Hiker Stories and Insider Tips
Favourite Trails from the Victoria Hiking Community
- “Mount Lofty is a weekly ritual for us – always spot something new.” – Anna, Yarra Valley
- “The Pinnacle trail has the best sunrise in the Grampians – don’t miss early morning.” – Mike, Halls Gap
Hidden Gems Shared by Locals
- Keppel Lookout Trail (Marysville): 11 km; forest views and waterfalls, less trafficked.
- East (Gooram) Falls: Steep steps, spectacular after rain; rarely crowded.
User Photos and Firsthand Trail Experiences
- See real-time trail snaps and reviews on the AllTrails Victoria hub.
- Share your photos with #VicHikes2024 on social media for monthly prize draws (sponsored by Parks Victoria and local outdoor retailers).
Frequently Asked Questions about Hiking in Victoria
- What are the most popular day hikes?
Mount Lofty Loop, Sherbrooke Forest Circuit, The Pinnacle Traverse. - When is the best time of year?
October–April for alpine/coastal; rainforests best year-round. - Are dogs allowed on trails?
Permitted in state parks and reserves with leash; prohibited in national parks. - Where can I book multi-day campsites?
Directly via Parks Victoria Bookings. - Best hike for beginners with kids?
Mount Lofty Loop, Albert Park Lake Circuit, Maits Rest. - Wheelchair accessible?
Albert Park Lake Circuit, Maits Rest Boardwalk, sections of Merri Creek Trail. - Multi-day guided trek providers?
Recommended: Great Walks, RAW Travel, and Go Walkabout.
Ready for your adventure? Book your trailhead campsites and get exclusive gear deals at Wild Earth Australia.
Hike responsibly, respect the wild, and experience Victoria’s best in 2024!