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Hiking and bushwalking

Victoria's dramatic and diverse landscape and climate provide the perfect excuse to get outdoors and hike mountain peaks and ranges, beaches and desert dunes.

Whether it's hiking through the Alpine region or the Great Ocean Walk, Parks Victoria offers  a variety of experiences to suit all kinds of hikers and bushwalkers with a range of experience levels.

Find out more about the experiences on offer, how to choose the right hike for you, the health benefits of hiking, new hikes being created and more.

Choose the right hike

We've put together a simple guide to ensure everyone has a great time when hiking and to help you choose a walk that is the right match for you.

Learn how to pick the perfect trail
A group of four walkers stop to take in the view of Wartook Reservoir on northern section 3 of the GPT

Where to hike

Witness breathtaking natural scenery at some of Victoria’s most iconic places when you lace up your boots and take to a hiking trail. From alpine mountain peaks to rugged coastal cliffs and inland ranges, hiking and bushwalking is a popular nature activity all year round.

Find our favourite hiking spots
A mother and her 10 year-old daughter walk up from South Jawbone surrounded by views of the Yarra Ranges.

Health benefits of hiking

Most of us know the physical benefits of exercise, but did you know that hiking in nature can amplify those benefits and offer more? A hike or bushwalk may seem like a fun way to pass an hour or a day, but research shows it is far more valuable than that.

Health benefits of hiking
The sunrise over the Serra range from jardji-Djawara Hiker camp on southern section 2 of the GPT

Hiking with kids

Getting kids outdoors hiking in nature is great for their physical and mental wellbeing, as well as their cognitive development.

See our top tips for hiking with kids
A three year old boy leads his mum and younger brother through the forest near Grants Picnic Ground.

New and upgraded walks

To improve access to parks and enable more people to enjoy and gain the health benefits of time spent in nature we are investing in a range of new walking and hiking trail experiences.

These trails will not only offer unforgettable natural and cultural experiences in stunning places, they will also help stimulate the economy across regional Victoria.

Here are just some of the key experiences that have been or are being created.

Two friends walk along the track south of Redmans Bluff with views of the Serra Range in the background on central section 3 of the GPT

Grampians Peaks Trail

The Grampians Peaks Trail (160km) is a world-class 13-day hiking experience from Mt Zero in the north, through Halls Gap and finishing at Dunkeld. It can also be completed in shorter sections.
Four friends stop for a later afternoon break on the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing.

Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing

The Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing is a proposed multi-day 57-kilometre walk through the spectacular Alpine region from Falls Creek to Mt Hotham. It will be one of Australia’s outstanding alpine walking experiences that captures the essence of the Australian Alps – the solitude, the seasons, the breathtaking beauty and the stories of the High Country.
Two men with hats and backpacks walk along the George Bass Coastal Walk

Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park

The new Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park combines existing parks and reserves along a 40-kilometre stretch of coastline between San Remo and Inverloch on Bunurong Country to better protect natural and cultural values, improve access, and enhance recreational opportunities.

Murray River Adventure Trail

The Murray Region is one of the most dominant features of the landscape in south-east Australia, with exceptional natural environments and significant Aboriginal cultural heritage. When fully complete, the Murray River Adventure Trail will be a series of connecting walking, cycling and paddling trails. This new nature-based experience will run along the river and its banks all the way from Lake Hume in the east, near Wodonga, to Mildura in the west.

Get even more into nature

 
Four friends relax by the edge of the Yarra River as their curly brown dog gets ready to jump in the water.

Dog-friendly parks

Taking your dog to a park will send tails wagging and eyes filling with appreciation. Nothing beats both you and your dog enjoying being out in nature. For the perfect spot to take your dog, look no further than Victoria’s metropolitan, regional and reservoir parks.
Two friends walking along the Rainforest Gallery trail in the Yarra Ranges National Parkl

5 best beginner hikes in Yarra Ranges National Park

Immerse yourself in lush temperate rainforests with these five top beginner-friendly hikes and nature walks close to Melbourne.
A young woman leading a man on a walk through Budj Bim National Park

Top circuit walks

There's nothing better than a circuit walk taking in great scenery and interesting natural and cultural landmarks. For a taste of Victoria's best, check out this selection on your next getaway.
A female hiker with a large backpack looks out from the Great Ocean Walk walking track

Long distance hikes

If you’re a serious hiker and are looking for a longer hiking challenge, then these iconic trails may be a perfect match.
Two women follow the path through scrub up Mt Bogong with mountain views in the distance.

Walking

Whether you’re after a gentle stroll or something long-distance, there are walking trails to suit all levels of fitness and ability.
Father and son bird watching on boardwalk

Bird watching

From bushland to wetlands and everything in between, parks provide habitat to an abundance of common and rare bird species. Go for a wander and see how many you can spot.

Aboriginal heritage

Learn more about the culture, history and contemporary aspirations of the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of our land.
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