Quick Picks – Top 5 Hikes Near Melbourne for Every Skill Level
Best Family-Friendly Hike
Mount Lofty Loop (Warrandyte State Park): Rated 4.7/5 stars on AllTrails, this 5km moderate circuit is Melbourne’s most popular family hike (ranked Top 3 nationally, 2024). Abundant kangaroo sightings, Yarra Valley views, wide paths, and riverside stops make it ideal for kids. Most families finish within 90 minutes. Weekends see peak crowds; early arrival recommended.
Source & trail info
Best Accessible Trail
Cherry Lake Loop (Altona): 5km flat, sealed loop less than 30 minutes from CBD. Wheelchair and stroller accessible, with picnic tables and birdwatching. Dogs permitted on leash.
80% family suitability, accessible parking available (Tripadvisor reviews)
Best Challenge for Experienced Hikers
Wilsons Promontory Wilderness (Wilsons Prom NP): Showcasing remote coastal beauty, the 10km+ summits here demand high fitness. Rated 4.9/5 for scenery and solitude. Expect tidal rivers, beach crossings, and panoramic lookouts.
See trail guide
Best Pet-Friendly Option
You Yangs Regional Park (Flinders Peak Circuit): 5km return, moderate ascent, panoramic city and bay views. Clearly signed paths and off-leash areas. Suitable for fit owners and well-socialized dogs. Ample free parking near Turntable Carpark.
Check latest Park Vic pet policies
Best Hidden Gem Trail
Lerderderg Heritage River Walk (Lerderderg State Park): 9km loop, temperate forest, mossy gullies and mine shafts. Quiet—offers true immersion in nature within 1hr of Melbourne. Minimal crowds and rich birdlife. Moderate difficulty, prepare for muddy sections after rain.
Underrated walk report
Essential Guide to Hiking Around Melbourne in 2024
What’s New – Emerging Trails & Seasonal Highlights
Emerging: Upgraded sections of the Great Ocean Walk are now open (2024), featuring improved signage and safer boardwalks.
Seasonal: Spring (Sep–Nov) brings peak wildflowers to Dandenongs and Grampians; autumn (Mar–May) offers vibrant fall colors in the Yarra Valley; summer sunsets: Point Nepean and Bushrangers Bay. Summer bushfire seasons may bring trail closures—always check ahead.
Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Hiking Practices
- Stick to defined tracks; according to AllTrails 2024, 15% of reported trail erosion is linked to off-path hiking.
- Carry all rubbish out—no bins in most parks. Penalties apply for littering.
- No drones in any state or national park.
- Respect wildlife: Logs from 2024 reviews show 70% of users report animal sightings when quiet and distant.
Accessibility: Disability-Friendly & Inclusive Trails
- Cherry Lake, Point Nepean, and sections of Mullum Mullum Creek offer wheelchair-accessible paths.
- About 20% of trails around Melbourne are rated accessible (source: AllTrails accessibility filter, 2024).
- Accessible parking available at major urban trailheads; amenities often signed online via Parks Victoria.
Top 15 Hikes in Melbourne – Complete 2024 Trail List
Trail Overview: Location, Distance, and Difficulty
| Rank | Trail Name | Distance | Location | Difficulty | AllTrails/Tripadvisor Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mount Lofty Loop | 5km | Warrandyte State Park | Moderate | 4.7 |
| 2 | Kokoda Trail Memorial Walk (1000 Steps) | 2.5km | Dandenong Ranges | Moderate | 4.6 |
| 3 | Bushrangers Bay & Cape Schanck | 8km | Mornington Peninsula | Moderate | 4.5 |
| 4 | Point Nepean Hike | 10km | Mornington Peninsula | Easy-Moderate | 4.4 |
| 5 | Flinders Peak | 6km | You Yangs Regional Park | Hard | 4.6 |
| 6 | Cherry Lake Altona | 5km | Altona | Easy | 4.3 |
| 7 | Jumping Creek Reserve | 4km | Templestowe | Easy | 4.2 |
| 8 | Mullum Mullum Creek Trail | 7km | Doncaster | Easy-Moderate | 4.4 |
| 9 | Lerderderg Track (sections) | 5-10km | Lerderderg State Park | Moderate-Hard | 4.5 |
| 10 | Yarra Valley Trails | 3-6km | Yarra Valley | Easy | 4.5 |
| 11 | You Yangs Flinders Peak Walk | 5km | You Yangs Regional Park | Moderate | 4.6 |
| 12 | Great Ocean Walk | 10-15km | Great Otway NP | Moderate | 4.7 |
| 13 | Grampians Peaks Trail | 5-10km | Grampians NP | Moderate-Hard | 4.8 |
| 14 | Mount Buller Summit Tracks | 8km | Mount Buller | Hard | 4.5 |
| 15 | Wilsons Prom. Wilderness | 10km+ | Wilsons Prom NP | Very Hard | 4.9 |
Notable Scenery & Unique Features
- Panoramas: Mount Lofty, Flinders Peak
- Coastal views: Bushrangers Bay, Great Ocean Walk, Point Nepean
- Fern gullies: Kokoda Trail, Dandenongs
- Historic: Forts at Point Nepean, war memorials at Kokoda
- Wildlife: Kangaroos, wombats (Grampians, Wilsons Prom), rosellas and kookaburras (urban and forest trails)
How to Get There (Public Transport & Parking)
- Dandenongs/Kokoda: Train to Upper Ferntree Gully, local shuttle services
- Mornington Peninsula: Train/bus to Frankston, then Peninsula bus routes; shuttles to Point Nepean
- Yarra Valley: Train to Lilydale, connecting bus services
- Parking: Main trailheads offer free or low-cost parking; Great Ocean/Grampians/Prom require 1-3 hour drives
- Alert: Peak periods—arrive early as carparks fill fast, especially weekends
Best Time to Visit & Trail Conditions
Best Months: September–November (spring flowers, mild weather), March–May (autumn colours, low crowds, mild)
Weather risks: Summer highs may exceed 35°C; winter brings fog and slippery terrain; always check Vic Emergency for closures (bushfire/flood).
Trail surfaces: After rain, expect mud (especially at Jumping Creek, Whipstock Gully). Grampians and higher peaks can be windy/cold in winter.
Hidden Gems – Underrated Melbourne Hikes Locals Love
Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures
- Lerderderg Heritage River Walk: 9km, mossy forest, ferns, mine relics, quiet gorges, high wildlife—recent reviews praise its variety, solitude, and scenic beauty.
- Pigeon Bank Trail: ~7–9km, semi-flat, river views, wildflowers, birdwatching; residential road mixes, good for committed explorers. Secluded per 2023-2024 expert guides.
- Plenty Gorge Loop via Blue Lake: 7.5km, moderate, unique blue waters, kangaroos near abandoned farmhouse; fewer crowds, excellent for adventurous families or photographers.
- Whipstock Gully Trail: 3km, flat, stepping stones over creek, easy for kids, bushland, and pleasant year-round (watch for mud post-rain).
- Cardinia Aqueduct Trail: Easy, old aqueduct, shady parkland, ideal for dog owners, families. No facilities—carry water.
Wildlife Encounters & Nature Highlights
- Over 70% of user trail reports in 2024 mention wildlife sightings on moderate-difficulty and remote tracks.
- Commonly spotted: kangaroos (Plenty Gorge, You Yangs), emus and wombats (Grampians/Wilsons Prom), diverse birds and seasonal wildflowers.
- Best for nature: Dandenong ferns and moss, Lerderderg’s fungi and river valleys, Pigeon Bank’s wildflowers (spring peak).
Practical Hiking Tips for Melbourne Trails
What to Pack & Safety Essentials
- Minimum 2L water per person on all moderate-to-hard hikes
- UV-blocking hat, high SPF sunscreen—UV index often 10+
- Grippy hiking boots (tracks can be muddy/slippery after rain)
- Map (download AllTrails or Parks Vic maps offline—they offer real-time updates)
- First-aid kit, snacks, phone (Grampians & Wilsons Prom: coverage is patchy—let someone know your plan)
Weather Considerations for 2024
- Melbourne: 15–25°C most of year; Dandenongs receive ~1,200mm annual rainfall (be ready for rain even in summer)
- Fire danger is high in late December–February—check Vic Emergency before any summer hike
- Winter trails: fog and wind on higher peaks (Mount Buller, Grampians); dress in layers
Responsible Hiking and Leave No Trace
- Always use marked tracks; 2024 reports cite ongoing erosion due to shortcuts, especially at Mount Lofty
- All waste must be packed out; no bins on most bushland trails
- Keep distance from wildlife and never feed animals
- No fires or camping outside designated sites
FAQ: Hiking Melbourne’s Best Trails
- What are the top beginner hikes? Mount Lofty Loop, Cherry Lake, Whipstock Gully offer easy navigation and family access.
- Best pet-friendly trails? You Yangs, Cherry Lake, selected urban parks (always check most recent pet access rules).
- Are the trails crowded? Mount Lofty and Kokoda can be very busy on weekends—arrive before 8am or try less-known alternatives like Pigeon Bank.
- What’s the best season? Spring and autumn for cooler temps, wildflowers, and fewer crowds.
- How to check trail conditions? Use AllTrails app or Parks Victoria before departure for closure and weather info.
Resources & Updates
Where to Find Real-Time Trail Conditions
- AllTrails: User-submitted conditions, 2024 trail logs, closure alerts (free/paid app)
- Parks Victoria: Official alerts, closure notices, accessibility updates
- Vic Emergency: Real-time fire/flood warnings, emergency plans
Useful Maps & Mobile Apps for Melbourne Hikers
- AllTrails: Most up-to-date trail maps, offline navigation, user reviews, accessibility filters
- Parks Vic Maps: PDF and online interactive park maps
- HikeOS: Community trail conditions, less crowded or niche paths
CTA: For more details and up-to-the-minute trail updates, download AllTrails or visit Parks Victoria before your next adventure. Looking for the best trail gear? Try Bogong Equipment – trusted by local hikers.