Hiking in Melbourne: 5 Best Trails for Every Skill Level
Melbourne is known for its food, culture, and coffee, but step just outside the city and you’ll find something even better: incredible hiking trails. From coastal cliffs to mountain peaks and peaceful valleys, hiking in Melbourne gives you variety, beauty, and adventure all year round.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the 5 best hikes in Melbourne, perfect for beginners, seasoned hikers, and everyone in between. Expect dramatic views, fresh air, and unforgettable moments. If you’ve been searching for hikes near Melbourne, hikes close to Melbourne, or the best spots for hiking in Melbourne Australia, you’re in the right place.
Best Hikes in Melbourne 🌿
1. Yarra Valley & the Heritage Convent
Yarra River | Photo Credit: Klook
The Yarra Valley is the easiest and most beginner-friendly option on this list. Trails here are mostly flat or gently rolling, making them ideal if you’re new to hiking in Melbourne, Australia, or just want a relaxing walk outdoors. You’ll enjoy peaceful riverside paths, vineyard views, and plenty of places to pause and take in the scenery.
Walking near the Heritage Convent adds a calm, cultural touch to the experience. This area is perfect for families, casual walkers, or anyone easing into trekking Melbourne trails without pressure. Pair your walk with a Yarra Valley tour or nature experience to make the most of your visit.
Difficulty ranking: 🟢 Easy (1/5)
2. Great Ocean Road
Lord Arch Gorge at Great Ocean Road | Photo Credit: Klook
Next up is the Great Ocean Road, a fantastic step up from easy walking trails. Coastal paths here are well-formed and clearly marked, making them accessible while still feeling adventurous. You’ll walk beside cliffs, beaches, and ocean viewpoints that keep the hike exciting from start to finish.
Many sections of the Great Ocean Walk are perfect for day hikes, especially for travelers looking for hikes close to Melbourne with big sunset views. While there are some stairs and uneven surfaces, the terrain remains manageable for most people.
Difficulty ranking: 🟡 Moderate (3/5)
3. Mount Buller
Mount Buller | Photo Credit: Klook
Mount Buller truly shines during the alpine season, when cooler temperatures and clear mountain air create perfect hiking conditions. As the snow melts, the slopes transform into scenic alpine trails with wide-open views stretching across the High Country.
Some trails involve longer distances and higher elevation, but nothing feels overwhelming. For hikers looking to level up their hiking in Melbourne experience, Mount Buller is a rewarding choice without being too intense.
Book a Mount Buller day trip or summer tour to handle transport and focus fully on the hike.
4. Grampians National Park
Hiker standing on a cliff overlooking Grampians National Park | Photo Credit: Klook
Difficulty ranking: 🟡 Moderate (3/5)
The Grampians National Park is where hiking starts to feel more demanding. Trails usually include steep climbs, rocky steps, and longer distances that test endurance. In return, you’re rewarded with dramatic lookouts, waterfalls, and some of the most iconic scenery in Victoria.
This destination is ideal for hikers who want variety and don’t mind breaking a sweat. If you’re actively seeking more adventurous hikes near Melbourne, the Grampians deliver unforgettable experiences.
Make your trip smoother by booking a Grampians day tour or hiking experience, especially if you prefer guided hikes or transport included.
Difficulty ranking: 🟠 Hard (4/5)
5. Wilsons Promontory Wilderness
Couple enjoying views of Wilsons Promontory | Photo Credit: Klook
Wilsons Promontory Wilderness is the most challenging hike on this list and the most adventurous! Trails here can be long, remote, and physically demanding, especially on coastal and summit routes. This is true wilderness hiking, perfect for experienced trekkers.
What makes it worth the effort is the reward: empty beaches, granite peaks, and an incredible sense of isolation. If you want to experience the wild side of hiking in Melbourne, this is the ultimate challenge.
For convenience, book a Wilsons Promontory tour or hiking trip, especially if you don’t want to worry about transport.
Difficulty ranking: 🔴 Very Hard (5/5)
Hiking in Melbourne FAQs
What are the best hikes in Melbourne?
The best hikes in Melbourne include Grampians National Park, the Great Ocean Road, Mount Buller, Yarra Valley, and Wilsons Promontory. Each offers a different type of scenery, from mountains to coastlines. Together, they cover all styles of hiking in Melbourne, from easy walks to challenging treks.
Are there good hiking trails near Melbourne?
Yes, there are many excellent hikes near Melbourne, often within a 1–3 hour drive. Places like the Yarra Valley and Great Ocean Road are especially popular for day trips. These trails make it easy to enjoy nature without going too far from the city.
What are the best hikes near Melbourne for beginners?
Beginners will love the Yarra Valley and parts of the Great Ocean Road. These areas offer well-marked paths, gentle terrain, and plenty of rest spots. They’re ideal if you’re new to trekking Melbourne trails.
What are the best day hikes around Melbourne?
Great Ocean Road sections, Mount Buller summer trails, and many Grampians hikes are perfect for day trips. You can complete them in a few hours and still return to Melbourne the same day. Booking a tour on Klook makes day hikes even easier.
What hikes near Melbourne offer the best views?
For views, it’s hard to beat the Grampians, Great Ocean Road cliffs, and Wilsons Promontory. These hikes offer sweeping lookouts, ocean horizons, and dramatic landscapes. Bring your camera because you’ll want to capture every moment!
Ready to Hit the Trail?
From coastal cliffs to alpine peaks, hiking in Melbourne opens the door to unforgettable outdoor experiences, and it gets even better with the Klook Pass Melbourne, which helps you save on tours, transport, and outdoor adventures across the city and beyond.
If you’re chasing epic views, fresh air, or a new challenge, these trails deliver every time. Start planning today, unlock more experiences with Klook, and step confidently into nature. Adventure is waiting; go claim it. 🥾🌿
What is Klook?
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Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
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