Clem Robin14 Of The Best Bushwalks Near Melbourne
In Victoria we’re lucky enough to have an adventure playground on our doorstep. Here we showcase 14 of the best bushwalks near Melbourne that can be reached within a few hours drive. For those walks that are further afield, discover more adventures near Melbourne and make a weekend of it. Enjoy!
Cathedral Ranges Southern Circuit Hike
High Country
This bushwalk is top of our list for a reason. The Cathedral Ranges make for an absolutely stunning environment, and the tracks that link together forming the Southern Circuit hike are both challenging and rewarding.
The view down Razorback Track, Cathedral Ranges.
Want to see more? Full adventure notes here.
Lerderderg Gorge Circuit Walk
Daylesford & Macedon Ranges
We love the Lerderderg Gorge Circuit Walk because you get those off-the-grid vibes while only being an hour from downtown Melbourne. The bushwalk follows the meandering Lerderderg river for 6 km before a peaceful walk back to your starting point through state forest.
Following the Lerderderg River downstream along the East Walk
Want to see more? Full adventure notes here.
Point Nepean Walk
Mornington Peninsula
With Bass Straight on one side & Port Philip Bay on the other, the Point Nepean coastal walk is a great way to explore the very tip of the Mornington Peninsula. An ideal walk to tack onto a weekend away, or close enough for an easy day trip.
Looking back along the Point Nepean track from Fort Nepean.
On route to the Rip lookout—which marks the halfway point of the round-trip—you’ll pass Cheviot Beach, a number of gun turrets & Fort Nepean. There’s plenty to see on this epic coastal walk, but be prepared for some windy conditions on certain days. Full adventure notes here.
Mt Loch Summit Walk
High Country
This alpine walk is best between November to April (no snow), and will take you to the top of the 4th highest mountain in Victoria. The wide-open, 360 degree views of Alpine Victoria are absolutely stunning, while the mountain flora will give you plenty to discover.
Walking across alpine grasses towards Mt Loch summit
Want to see more? Full adventure notes here.
Waterfall Walks Along The Great Ocean Road
Great Ocean Road
There are loads of bushwalks on the Great Ocean Road, but they’re always better when you can throw in a waterfall! Here we showcase three of our favourites and how to get there, so you can get off the beaten track and discover these beautiful locations.
The stunning Hopetoun Falls in Beech Forest
Want to see more? Full adventure notes here.
Bushrangers Bay Walking Trail
Mornington Peninsula
Walking into Bushrangers Bay is a stunning coastal adventure just over an hours drive south of Melbourne on the Mornington Peninsula.
The towering cliffs above Bushrangers Bay
You’ll get to stride it out while taking in the views of Bass Straight from the cliff tops, before meandering down through the bush trail to arrive on the beautiful white sand beach of Bushrangers Bay. Full adventure notes here.
Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk
Daylesford & Macedon Ranges
Up for a challenging bushwalk a stone’s throw from Melbourne? This is it. At just one hour’s drive north-west of Melbourne, the Werribee Gorge Circuit walk has it all; on-trail, off-trail, lookouts, descents, climbs, river crossings, cable climbs, wildlife spotting & rock hopping.
The stunning views over the Werribee Gorge from a ridge trail
This tough walk provides an awesome sense of adventure, that’s why it’s without a doubt one of our favourite bushwalks within an hours drive of Melbourne. Full adventure notes here.
Toorongo Falls Circuit Walk
Gippsland
A road trip from Melbourne to Noojee encompassing the Toorongo Falls / Amphitheatre Falls circuit walk is a day well spent.
While Toorongo Falls is the more spectacular of the two, both falls are quite unique and will impress. Waterfalls aside, the Toorongo Falls Reserve is great fun to explore! Full adventure notes here.
Den Of Nargun Circuit Walk
East Gippsland
This hidden gem is tucked away in the Mitchell River National Park and is a must-see if you’re exploring East Gippsland on a weekend away or road-tripping through.
Highlights include vista views of the national park, lush gully trails, river access, waterfalls (when flowing), pools and of course the Den of Nargun. Legend has it a fierce being, half human and half stone lives there. Are you game to explore the lair? Full adventure notes here.
Tongue Point Walking Trail
Wilsons Promontory
A brilliant coastal walk to the tip of Tongue Point, where giant boulders tower above and the ocean drops away into the deep blue just meters from the edge.
The environment is weathered, yet beautiful, and the wildlife isn’t shy, often seen foraging close to the walking trails. Yes, the Tongue Point walk is one of many on Wilson Prom, but it’s truly unique and definitely worth adding to the adventure list. Full adventure notes here.
Mount Oberon Summit Walk
Wilsons Promontory
Are you up for taking on an early morning mountain walk to witness an epic sunrise? The Mt Oberon summit walk needs to be on your list.
Getting the perfect sunrise takes a little planning and a bit of luck on the day, but it’s well worth the effort. The sunrise from Mt Oberon’s summit is stunning, and as the light brings your surrounds to life, you’ll be blown away by the magnificent 360 degree views of Wilsons Promontory National Park. Full adventure notes here.
Ironbark Basin Walk
Great Ocean Road
Tucked away between Bells Beach and Point Addis, Ironbark Basin is a beautiful bushed inland basin that runs down to the beach. Along the Ironbark Basin walk you’ll enjoy stunning ocean views and if you’re lucky, spot a few echidnas, reptiles and native birds.
This section of coastal trail is part of the greater Surf Coast walk and well worth a visit. Full adventure notes here.
Warburton Redwood Forest Walk
Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges
Entering this forest is like stepping onto the set of a fairytale. The redwoods rise high into the sky and the densely planted forest muffles the noise of the outside world, creating an airy silence that’s only broken by the crack of a twig or the call of a bird.
It’s beautiful, but strange at the same time—making it a fantastic place to explore, picnic, walk around and get epic Insta-fodder. Full adventure notes here.
1000 Steps Walk
Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges
The 1000 Steps Dandenong Ranges walk is extremely popular with tourists, locals and fitness fanatics alike, and there’s good reason for it.
The trail is a beautiful winding bushwalk that follows a creek up a luscious valley in the Dandenong Ranges National Park, giving you a sense of being embraced by nature while you get the heart rate up! The well known for being used as a pre-season training location for a lot of football clubs, but you definitely don’t have to go that hard. Full adventure notes here.
Lovin’ our guide to 14 of the best bushwalks near Melbourne? You might also like 7 must-do adventures in the Grampians National Park. Go on, you know you want to!