Rocky peaks, river gorges and coastal cliffs all sit within easy reach of Melbourne. Here are six day hikes worth lacing up for, with what to know before you go and what to pack.
The essentials for a day on the trail, starting with your feet.
Hiking shoes, boots and sandals for everyday trails.
Packs from small day bags to trekking sizes.
Bottles and insulated flasks to carry enough water.
Sun hats, caps and beanies for every season.
Waterproof jackets and ponchos for sudden showers.
Single poles and pairs to steady steps and descents.
Six walks to the west, north and south of the city, from a quick summit to a full day.
A short, steep climb of about 450 steps from the Turntable car park, rising around 200 metres to Flinders Peak. The lookout takes in the western volcanic plains, Geelong and Melbourne.
Good to knowParks Victoria puts it at about 3.5 km and an hour return. Dogs are welcome on a lead in this regional park, so it suits a walk with the family dog.
A 10 km loop in Werribee Gorge State Park with views along the gorge rim and a return beside the river. One tricky rocky section above the river has a 50 metre cable handrail.
Good to knowWalk it anticlockwise to finish on the gentler riverside track. Riverside sections can flood after heavy rain, so check Parks Victoria alerts and the forecast before you go.
A 5.4 km return walk from the Cape Schanck Lighthouse eastern car park, through coastal scrub to a sandy beach backed by basalt cliffs at the mouth of Main Creek. At low tide the rockpools are worth exploring.
Good to knowExpect sandy, narrow paths and steep stairs in places. The beach is unpatrolled with rips and strong currents, so Parks Victoria does not recommend swimming, and dogs are not permitted.
A 700 metre walk leads to a viewing platform over Masons Falls, a high drop waterfall that is most impressive after rain. For a longer outing, the 7.8 km Running Creek Walk passes shaded fern gullies and drier ridges.
Good to knowListen for superb lyrebirds and watch for wallabies. There is no drinking water at the picnic area, so bring your own, and stay behind the barriers at the falls.
A gentle 3 km return walk upstream from Mackenzies Flat Picnic Area to Grahams Dam, with views of Lerderderg Gorge. Look out for wallabies and fragrant saltbush on the way.
Good to knowThe river is seasonal, so spring and autumn are the best times to see it flowing. Beyond Grahams Dam the terrain gets difficult, and Parks Victoria suggests carrying 3 to 4 litres of water per person for longer hikes here.
A 1.8 km return trail near Woodend that climbs through volcanic rock formations, including about 140 winding stone steps, to the summit. The rock is the setting of the novel and film Picnic at Hanging Rock.
Good to knowWear enclosed shoes with good grip, especially in wet weather. Dogs and bikes are not permitted on the summit trail, and a vehicle entry fee applies to the reserve.
Rocky steps, gorge tracks and sandy coastal paths all reward a grippy sole. Light hiking shoes or boots suit most day hikes near Melbourne. Break new pairs in on a short walk first.
Several of these walks have no drinking water at the trailhead. Carry enough for the whole walk, with extra on warm days or longer loops like Werribee Gorge.
Summits and coastal paths offer little shade. Pack a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses, even when the morning feels mild.
Conditions can change during the day, and hills and coastlines often feel cooler than the city. A packable waterproof jacket weighs little and earns its place in your bag.
Grahams Dam or Flinders Peak make good first outings. Build up to a full loop like Werribee Gorge once you know how your legs feel.
Tracks can close for flooding, fire danger or works. Check Parks Victoria alerts and the fire danger rating before you leave home.
Let a friend know where you are walking and when you expect to be back. Keep your phone charged, as signal can be patchy.
| Item | Why | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Hiking shoes | Grip on rock, steps and sand | Wear them on short walks before a big day |
| Day pack | Carries water, layers and snacks | A small pack is plenty for most day hikes |
| Water bottle | Few trailheads have drinking water | Fill up before you leave home |
| Hat | Little shade on summits and coastal paths | Pair it with sunscreen and sunglasses |
| Rain jacket | Weather can change during the day | Pack it even on a fine morning |
| Walking poles | Help on steps and steep descents | Shorten them for climbs, lengthen them for descents |
The walk from Mackenzies Flat to Grahams Dam in Lerderderg State Park is a gentle 3 km return, and the walk to the Masons Falls lookout in Kinglake National Park is only about 700 metres. Kinglake's 500 metre Lyrebird Circuit Walk is designed for people with limited mobility. Once those feel easy, Flinders Peak in the You Yangs adds a steady climb of about 450 steps.
Some of them. For Flinders Peak, Parks Victoria suggests the V/Line Geelong line to Lara, then a short taxi ride to the Turntable car park in the You Yangs. The Belgrave line also gets you close to walks in the Dandenong Ranges. For most of the other walks here a car is the simplest option, so check transport and timetables before you set out.
It depends on the park. Dogs are welcome on a lead at You Yangs Regional Park, but they are not permitted anywhere in Mornington Peninsula National Park, including its beaches and car parks, or on the Hanging Rock summit trail. Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks, with entry requirements in parks that are usually dog prohibited. Check each park's rules before you go.
Spring and autumn are comfortable for most of these walks, and in Lerderderg State Park they are when the seasonal river is most likely to be flowing. Waterfalls such as Masons Falls look their best after rain. In summer, start early, carry extra water and check the fire danger rating, as parks can close on days of extreme fire danger.
Dress in layers you can add or remove, as conditions on a summit or by the coast can be quite different from the city. A breathable top, comfortable pants or shorts, grippy shoes and a hat cover most walks, with a light rain jacket in your pack. For the Werribee Gorge Circuit, Parks Victoria also recommends a map, drinking water and grippy walking shoes.
Pick a walk, check the park alerts and pack for the weather. We have the kit to help you enjoy every step.
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