If you think stunning cliffs and stone walls can only be found at Mt Buffalo or the central Grampians then think again.

We’ve picked eight of the state’s most-beautiful, but least-known cliffs and rock formations for you to get that perfect landscape shot.

Bold colours, dramatic formations, or beautiful lighting, each of these cliffs is a sight to behold.

Pink Cliffs, Heathcote

1 hour 30 minutes drive north of Melbourne

These colourful and unusual folded formations are the result of gold mining processes used in the 1800s. Tucked on the outskirts of Heathcote, easy to access via a short walking track, Pink Cliffs Geological Reserve transports you to another world with its multi-coloured pastel landscape.

 

Werribee Gorge, Werribee Gorge State Park

1 hour 30 minutes drive west of Melbourne

A hidden gem to the west of Melbourne, Werribee Gorge State Park gives you a feeling of wilderness you wouldn't expect so close to a capital city. Enjoy walking through the gorge, rock hopping across the creek or stopping for a picnic. For the adventurous, the circuit walk is a challenging 10km hike.

Organ Pipes – on the outskirts of Melbourne

30 minutes drive west of the CBD

Right on the western edge of Melbourne, Organ Pipes National Park is a must for photography fans. Unusual basalt rock formations, such as the Organ Pipes, Rosette Rock and the Tessellated Pavement, were formed by volcanic processes. Although the track to get down to the rock formations is steep, it is paved and will not disappoint.

Big Rock, You Yangs Regional Park

1 hour drive west of Melbourne

Walk through the boulders of You Yangs Regional Park to the top of Big Rock and be rewarded with sweeping views across the western plains. This is an important spiritual place used for thousands of years by Traditional Owners as a gathering place. The ancient rock well on the top of the granite rock is evidence of Aboriginal life here thousands of years ago.

Red Cliffs, Murray River Reserve

Almost 6 hours drive north west Melbourne

As you gaze along the Murray River and the steep red cliffs lining it you could be mistaken for thinking you are in the Red Centre. Enjoy the spectacular views of Murray River Reserve from a boat, houseboat or nearby lookout.

Little River Gorge, Snowy River National Park

5+ hours drive east of Melbourne

The deepest gorge in Victoria, Snowy River National Park is a must if you’re headed further afield exploring the mountains. Enjoy a short walk to the lookout for a truly spectacular view. This park is jointly managed with Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation and the gorge is a significant place for the Traditional Owners.

Hollow Mountain, Grampians National Park

3.5 hours’ drive north west of Melbourne

If you’re headed to the Grampians, don’t limit yourself to just the sights around Halls Gap. At the northern end of Grampians National Park is Hollow Mountain. With unusual cliff formations and colours you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the Kimberleys. Even if you don’t make it right up to the spectacular view from the top, the cliffs along the way are a sight to remember.

Glenelg River, Lower Glenelg National Park

5+ hours’ drive west of Melbourne

The Murray River isn’t the only mighty river in Victoria. The wide Glenelg River starts in the Grampians and makes its way to sea at Glenelg. In Lower Glenelg National Park, sheer limestone cliffs soar high either side of the river. Take a walk along the cliff tops, enjoy the views on a river cruise, and even hop off and enjoy exploring the underworld wonders of Princess Margaret Rose Caves.