Victoria fits coastal summits, cool rainforest and high alpine ridges into one state. These six walks show its range, with what to know and the kit worth packing.
Kit for changeable weather, longer days and rougher ground.
Boots and shoes with grip for rockier, steeper ground.
Packs from small day bags to trekking sizes.
Waterproof jackets and ponchos for sudden showers.
Fleece layers for cool mornings and windy summits.
Single poles and pairs to steady steps and descents.
Head torches for early starts and late finishes.
From a short rainforest stroll to a multi-day coastal trek.
A 6.8 km return climb from Telegraph Saddle car park that winds up through tall eucalypts, finishing with timber and granite steps. The summit looks over the coastline, Tidal River and the offshore islands.
Good to knowGranite boulders can be slippery when wet and there are unprotected cliffs at the top. Dogs are not allowed.
A trail of more than 100 km from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles, usually walked over eight days through tall forest, fern gullies, remote beaches and clifftops. You can also walk a single day or a favourite section.
Good to knowHike-in campsites must be booked before you walk, and walking east to west is recommended. Some beach and river crossings can be unsafe at high tide or in rough surf, so check tide times and local conditions each day.
A 22 km return walk from Diamantina Hut near Mt Hotham, following a ridge mostly above the treeline to Mount Feathertop, Victoria's second-highest peak. Allow about 8 hours, or split it with a night camped near Federation Hut.
Good to knowThe ridge is very exposed and should not be crossed in bad or unsettled weather. Local tourism advice suggests November to April as the best time to go.
A 2.5 km return walk from the Gorge Day Visitor Area, opposite the Mount Buffalo Chalet, that links a string of lookouts over the gorge. Signs along the way tell the area's story through the eyes of local pioneer guide Alice.
Good to knowRoad and parking arrangements change in winter, so check Parks Victoria before you drive up. For a longer outing, the 4 km Lake Catani Track runs through Alpine Ash to the lake.
Two short walks in the Strzelecki Ranges. The 720 metre Fern Gully Nature Walk introduces Mountain Ash forest and cool temperate rainforest, and a 1.2 km track from the visitor centre car park leads to a suspension bridge through the rainforest canopy.
Good to knowAllow about 15 minutes return for Fern Gully and 25 minutes each way to the bridge. The first 300 metres of the Lyrebird Ridge Track is flat gravel, with slopes beyond that may be hard for unassisted wheelchair users.
A narrow, rocky ridge walk from Sugarloaf Peak to the Farmyard camping area, with steep drop-offs and views over forested farmland and valleys. Parks Victoria says it suits experienced bushwalkers only.
Good to knowThere is no shelter or natural water and phone signal is unreliable, so carry plenty of water and consider a personal locator beacon. Avoid it in bad weather, low visibility, strong winds or on high fire danger days.
On alpine walks like the Razorback, the weather can change quickly and the ridge is very exposed. Carry a warm fleece and a waterproof jacket, even when the morning is clear.
Some beach and river crossings on the Great Ocean Walk can be unsafe at high tide or in rough surf. Check tide times before each day and take inland alternatives where they exist.
Signage can be limited on rugged walks such as the Cathedral Range, where you follow orange track markers. Carry a map, know your route and allow plenty of daylight.
Phone signal is unreliable in many parks. A personal locator beacon is worth carrying on remote or exposed walks, and always tell someone your plans.
Start with short, easy walks such as the Gorge Heritage Walk before taking on Grade 4 or Grade 5 routes like Mount Oberon or the Cathedral Range.
Multi-day walks such as the Great Ocean Walk need hike-in campsites booked before you go. Check the land manager's website for current details.
Fire danger, storms, flooding and seasonal road closures can all affect access. Check park alerts and the fire danger rating before you leave.
| Item | Why | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Hiking boots | Grip and support on rock and steps | Choose waterproof boots for wet coastal and alpine tracks |
| Backpack | Room for water, food and layers | Go bigger for full days and overnight walks |
| Rain jacket | Weather changes fast, especially up high | Keep it near the top of your pack |
| Fleece | Warmth on summits and windy ridges | Add it before you get cold, not after |
| Trekking poles | Support on long climbs and descents | Practise with them on a shorter walk first |
| Head torch | Light if a long day runs late | Pack spare batteries or charge it the night before |
| Water | Many walks have no water on the route | Carry more than you expect to drink |
Short walks such as the Gorge Heritage Walk at Mount Buffalo (2.5 km return) and the Fern Gully Nature Walk in Tarra-Bulga National Park (720 metres return) are easy places to start. The Grampians (Gariwerd) also has plenty of short walks around Halls Gap. Build up to harder climbs like Mount Oberon once you know how your legs and kit feel on a sustained uphill.
Most day walks don't need a booking. Multi-day walks are different: hike-in campsites on the Great Ocean Walk must be booked before you start, and that booking acts as your camping permit. Some parks, reserves and campgrounds charge fees, so check Parks Victoria or the relevant land manager for current details before you go.
It depends on where you are heading. Alpine walks such as the Razorback are best from late spring to autumn, with local tourism advice pointing to November to April, while forest and coastal walks can be enjoyed for much of the year. Waterfalls and fern gullies are at their best after rain. In summer, check the fire danger rating, as some parks close on high-risk days.
Generally not. National parks in Victoria are usually dog prohibited, and Parks Victoria states that dogs are not allowed on walks such as Mount Oberon at Wilsons Promontory. Assistance dogs are welcome, with entry requirements in parks that are usually dog prohibited. Some regional and state parks allow dogs on a lead, so check the rules for each park before you go.
Pack for cold, wind and rain even in summer: a warm fleece, a waterproof jacket, a hat and sun protection. Carry plenty of water and food, a map and a head torch in case the day runs long. On exposed ridges like the Razorback there is little protection from the weather, so turn back if conditions change.
Choose a walk that suits your fitness, check the conditions and pack for the weather. We have the kit for every kind of trail.
Free delivery on orders over $150. Members get our lifetime warranty.
