Looking to get into the habit of hiking? To help you discover an adventure close to home we’ve compiled a list of our favourite hikes close to Melbourne.

INNER

Yarra Bend Park 

Yarra Bend is the largest natural bushland in Melbourne with kms and kms of trails, parklands, the popular Dights Falls and Flying Fox viewing platforms. Easy to get to and highly recommended.

• Location: 4km northeast of the city, close to Kew
• Distance: Varying, our favourite is a 9.5km loop 
• Find out more here

Darebin Creek Trail

The Darebin Creek Trail follows the Darebin Creek from the Main Yarra Trail in Alphington to Bundoora. Wide winding pathways, bridges, trees and parks along the way make this a picturesque trail. 

• Location: Northern suburbs of Melbourne from Alphington to Bundoora 
• Distance: 25km for the entire trail, but there are lots of points to start or finish
• Find out more here 

Hays Paddock

Hays Paddock is known for the Glass Creek wetlands area plus having an archery range. There’s seating and tables, BBQ’s and public toilets making it an ideal picnic spot too. 

• Location: Kew East
• Distance: Roughly 1.5km, can extend by crossing over Kilby Road and following the path
• Find out more here

Albert Park Lake

Albert Park is popular with runners, cyclists and dog walkers with scenic views of the lake and incredible views of Melbourne’s skyline. 

• Location: 3km from the centre of the city
• Distance: 5km circuit around the lake 
• Find out more here

NORTH/EAST

Warrandyte State Park

Warrandyte State Park is the closest state park to Melbourne’s CBD and has a range of trails for all levels of fitness. Think leafy trails and a variety of walks that feel much further from the city than it is.

• Location: 30km north east of the city
• Distance: Varying, options for 3km, 5km and 12km trails
• Find out more here

Mount Lofty

Situated within Warrandyte State Park, the Mount Lofty Walk offers great views of surrounding hills and valleys and the chance to spot native wildlife. Whilst it mightn’t be the tallest at 122m, it still definitely gets your heart rate up.

• Location: 24km north-east of the city 
• Distance: 6km circuit
• Find out more here

Sugarloaf Reservoir Circuit

The Sugarloaf Reservoir Circuit follows the perimeter of the Sugarloaf Reservoir, nestled in the Christmas Hills. There’s water views and possibility of kangaroo spotting. The Ironbark and Chris Phillips walks are shorter walks that can also be completed at the park. 

• Location: Christmas Hills, 35km north-east of Melbourne’s CBD 
• Distance: 15km, plus shorter options
• Find out more here

EAST

Sherbrooke Falls

The Sherbrooke Falls are located in the Sherbrooke Forest in the Dandenong Ranges National Park. Take the Sherbrooke Track or O’Donohue Track to get to the falls. 

• Location: 40km east of Melbourne near Belgrave 
• Distance: 2.5km circuit
• Find out more here

1000 Steps 

One of Melbourne’s most popular walks, the 1000 Steps Walk or Kokoda Memorial Walk is a must do. Whilst it’s debatable whether there are 1000 steps or not, it’s a beautiful hike amongst towering trees, ferns and greenery. 

• Location: Dandenong Ranges, 35km east of Melbourne
• Distance: 5km circuit
• Find out more here

Mullum Mullum Trail

The Mullum Mullum Trail is a 42km circuit spanning from Templestowe and Donvale. Surrounded by bushland and native flora, the circuit links to the Koonung Main Trail and the Yarra Main Trail in Templestowe. 

• Location: Ringwood
• Distance: 42km circuit (with many options for shorter distances too) 
• Find out more here

Koonung Creek Trail

The Koonung Creek Trail follows a section of the Koonung Creek which borders Manningham, Whitehorse and Booronda. Wetlands and native wildlife can be seen on the trail. The Main Yarra Trail and EastLink Trail can also be accessed from here.  

• Location: 18km east of the city
• Distance: 13.5km 
• Find out more here

SOUTH

Bayside Coastal Trail

This cliff top trail covers the picturesque coastline and features art and history. It’s a must do on a sunny day or to find a spot for sunset. 

• Location: Brighton to Beaumaris
• Distance: 17km (can start or finish at multiple points)
• Find out more here

Braeside Park

Braeside Park is a large environmental park, with waterways, wetlands and heathlands. With easy trails popular with walkers and trailer runners.

• Location: 30km south east of the city
• Distance: Varying from 3-7km
• Find out more here

Lysterfield Park

At the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges, Lysterfield Park is a large park with for walkers and mountain bikes, it’s also a popular picnic spot and is well known for its wildlife. We recommend the lake circuit trial.

• Location: 40km south east of the city
• Distance: 6km (and other options)
• Find out more here

MORNINGTON PENINSULA

Bushrangers Bay & Cape Schanck

If you’re lucky enough to live on the Peninsula, you might have already been to the lighthouse, but perhaps not completed the full walk between Cape Schank and Bushrangers Bay. It’s an incredible walk along the coastline with beach access too.

• Location: 100km south of Melbourne
• Distance: 13km (shorter options available)
• Find out more here

Point Nepean National Park

A historic landmark at the tip of the Mornington Peninsula, well known for its Quarantine Station, tunnels, forts and gun towers from WW1 and WW2. An incredibly scenic hike combining beaches and history.

• Location: 115km south of Melbourne, near Portsea
• Distance: 10km
• Find out more here

Arthurs Seat

The view from Arthurs Seat extends across the Port Phillip Heads and on clear days as far as the You Yangs and Mt Macedon. An easy incline walk through gardens, picnic spots and lookouts.

• Location: 90km south of Melbourne, near Red Hill
• Distance: 2km and 7km options
• Find out more here 

Red Hill Rail Trail

Connecting Red Hill and Merricks, the rail trail is an old railway line, now frequented by hikes and horseriders. A hidden, yet enjoyable and easy trail with great cafes and towns at both ends.

• Location: 85km south of Melbourne
• Distance: 6.5km
• Find out more here

WEST

Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail

This trail begins near the Westgate bridge and takes you past the historical maritime precinct of Williamstown, plus botanical gardens and beaches, popular for walkers and cyclists.

• Location: 10km west of the city
• Distance: 23km (can start or stop at any point)
• Find out more here

Maribyrnong River Trail

The Maribyrnong River Trail follows the river through the north-western suburbs of Melbourne. The trail passes wetlands, bush and residential areas, with some great views along the way. 

• Location: Begins in Southbank and ends in Brimbank 
• Distance: 28km (but can start or finish at multiple spots)
• Find out more here

Kororoit Creek Trail

What was previously derelict industrial land has been transformed into a picturesque hiking trail. With metre high artworks by Brooklyn artist Geoffrey Ricardo the Kororoit Creek Trail is a uniquely Melbourne trail. 

• Distance: 2km 
• Location: Inner Western Melbourne 
• Find out more here

Brimbank Park Trail

The Brimbank Park Trail follows the Maribyrnong River and links to the Maribyrnong River Trail. The main circuit is 4.3km but the connection makes it possible to continue along the river as far as Footscray. 

• Location: Keilor East
• Distance: 4.3 km 
• Find out more here 

NORTH/WEST

Organ Pipes National Park

The Organ Pipes National Park has a variety of easy walking tracks and picnic spots just 20km outside of Melbourne. They’re a unique sight, with the Organ Pipes being formed by cooling and cracking volcano lava.  

• Location: 20km north-west of Melbourne 
• Distance: 3km circuit 
• Find out more here 

Moonee Ponds Creek Trail

The Moonee Ponds Creek Trail begins at Melbourne’s Docklands and follows the creek to the Melbourne Airport following the creek. The trail has both open grasslands and bush, as well as playgrounds, rivers and bridges and multiple route options. 

• Location: Docklands to Melbourne Airport trail
• Distance: 25km 
• Find out more here

Woodlands Historic Park

This trail is frequently populated by runners, walkers and bird watchers, being well sign posted and with the chance to see wildlife, with most of the trail being a vehicle path.

• Location: Near Greenvale, 30km northwest of the city
• Distance: 8km and 11km circuits
• Find out more here

Found the perfect hike? It's time to make sure you've got the right gear to keep you protected from the elements, get your fit sorted here, and don't forget to pack some water, sunscreen and a windproof, waterproof jacket!