Hiking & Outdoor Adventures Nearby in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
1. Great Ocean Walk
A challenging, long-distance hike along the rugged coastline of Victoria, offering stunning views of cliffs, beaches, and wildlife.
- Length: 104 km (64.6 miles) long, making it a multi-day hike
- Scenery: Unparalleled coastal views, including the iconic Twelve Apostles
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, with steep hills and uneven terrain
2. Dandenong Ranges National Park
A beautiful rainforest park offering walking trails, waterfalls, and stunning views of the city.
- Size: Covers an area of approximately 35 square kilometers (14 square miles)
- Flora & Fauna: Home to a variety of native Australian animals and plants
- Accessibility: Easily accessible from Melbourne by public transport or car
3. Wilsons Promontory National Park
A natural wonder featuring diverse landscapes, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife.
- Distance: Located about 200 km (124 miles) southeast of Melbourne
- Beaches: Home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Victoria, such as Squeaky Beach
- Camping: Offers camping facilities for those wanting to stay overnight
4. Grampians National Park
A breathtaking park offering hiking trails, rock formations, and stunning views.
- Size: Covers an area of approximately 567 square kilometers (219 square miles)
- Rock Formations: Home to iconic rock formations like the Grand Canyon and MacKenzie Falls
- Accessibility: Located about 260 km (162 miles) northwest of Melbourne
5. Mornington Peninsula National Park
A coastal park offering hiking trails, beaches, and scenic views of the bay.
- Size: Covering an area of approximately 25 square kilometers (9.7 square miles)
- Beaches: Offers numerous beaches, including the famous Brighton Beach
- Scenery: Features scenic coastal views and the historic lighthouse at Cape Schanck
6. You Yangs Regional Park
A unique park featuring volcanic rock formations and walking trails.
- Size: Covers an area of approximately 5,038 hectares (12,470 acres)
- Rock Formations: Home to the distinct You Yangs volcanic rock formations
- Accessibility: Located about 50 km (31 miles) northwest of Melbourne
7. Healesville Sanctuary
A wildlife park offering close encounters with native Australian animals.
- Size: Covers an area of approximately 6 hectares (15 acres)
- Animals: Home to over 200 species of native Australian animals
- Education: Offers educational programs about conservation and wildlife
8. Philip Island Nature Parks
A coastal park offering penguin parades, koalas, and scenic views.
- Size: Covers an area of approximately 12,680 hectares (31,350 acres)
- Wildlife: Home to a colony of little penguins, as well as koalas and kangaroos
- Attractions: Offers the famous penguin parade, Churchill Island Farm, and Nobbies Centre
9. Bruny Island
An island off Tasmania offering hiking trails, wildlife, and stunning landscapes.
- Distance: Located approximately 150 km (93 miles) southeast of Melbourne
- Wildlife: Home to a variety of native Tasmanian animals, such as wallabies and penguins
- Scenery: Features stunning landscapes, including cliffs, beaches, and forests
10. Mount Buller
A winter ski resort offering hiking trails in the summer.
- Size: Covers an area of approximately 3,091 hectares (7,640 acres)
- Seasons: Known for winter skiing and summer hiking
- Scenery: Offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains
11. Moorabool Trails
A network of trails offering hiking, cycling, and horse riding opportunities.
- Size: Covers an area of approximately 240 square kilometers (93 sq mi)
- Activities: Supports hiking, cycling, and horse riding activities
- Scenery: Features diverse landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and farmland
12. Dareston Spur Trail
A challenging hike offering stunning views of the city and Dandenong Ranges.
- Length: 12.5 km (7.8 miles) long, making it a full-day hike
- Scenery: Offers breathtaking views of the city and Dandenong Ranges
- Difficulty: Challenging due to steep hills and uneven terrain
13. Lerderderg Gorge
A picturesque gorge offering hiking trails, waterfalls, and historic sites.
- Size: Covers an area of approximately 35 square kilometers (14 sq mi)
- Scenery: Features beautiful waterfalls, gorges, and historic gold rush sites
- Accessibility: Located approximately 50 km (31 miles) west of Melbourne
14. Munda Biddi Trail
A long-distance trail offering hiking, cycling, and horse riding through the forests.
- Length: 1063 km (661 miles) long, making it a multi-day hike or bike ride
- Activities: Supports hiking, cycling, and horse riding activities
- Scenery: Features diverse landscapes, including forests, rivers, and vineyards
15. Yarra River Trails
A network of trails following the Yarra River offering hiking, cycling, and picnicking.
- Size: Covers an area of approximately 145 km (90 miles) long
- Activities: Supports hiking, cycling, and picnicking activities
- Scenery: Features the beautiful Yarra River and city views