Victoria's stunning landscapes, from rugged coastlines to majestic mountains, offer an unparalleled playground for hikers, walkers, and bushwalkers of all abilities.

Explore a diverse range of trails, from family-friendly short walks near Melbourne to multi-day expeditions in remote wilderness areas. Immerse yourself in nature, improve your fitness, and create unforgettable memories. Reach summits with some of the most spectacular views in Australia.

What’s more, research shows hiking has many valuable mental and physical health benefits. Read on to get inspiration for your next hike and gather essential information for your next adventure.


Where to hike or walk in Victoria

Victoria’s national and state parks and reserves offer thousands of kilometres of trails to hike, walk or bushwalk - from leisurely strolls to challenging multi-day treks.

Explore the beginner-friendly rainforest trails in Yarra Ranges National Park, walk remote coastal bushland tracks in Wilsons Promontory National Park, hike a section of the iconic Great Ocean Walk or tackle the 13-day Grampians Peaks Trail (GPT) for a truly epic adventure – Victoria's parks are full of diverse and captivating natural beauty.

We’ve compiled our favourite parks, places and trails to visit in Victoria across all experience levels so you can plan and find the right trail for you. Including:

  • Beginner hikes, walks, and bushwalks
  • Intermediate hikes, walks and bushwalks
  • Overnight and multi-day hikes

For even more inspiration on things to see and do in Victoria's parks, subscribe to our Outdoor Inspiration e-newsletter.

Hiking, walking and bushwalking information

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, it is important that you adequately plan and prepare before heading out on a hike, walk or bushwalk. Always consider your fitness level, experience, group size, available time, and weather conditions before choosing a trail. Every walk is different. Visit the park page and read the walking information available to help decide if a trail is right for you.

 

  • When to go

    In Victoria you can hike and bushwalk all year-round. The warmer months (early summer, autumn, and late spring) are usually the most popular times to go, which means the trails can get busy. To avoid crowds, consider visiting mid-week or leaving early.

    Before you leave home, check the latest park conditions on the Parks Victoria website, fire danger rating and download the VicEmergency app. The VicEmergency app can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.

    Do not go for a hike or bushwalk if there is high fire danger rating.

  • Hiking with others

Find more information and safety tips on our hiking safety page. Or, scroll to view our frequently asked questions about hiking, walking, and bushwalking in Victoria.

Hikes and walks for all levels in Victoria

Explore our top picks for the best parks, trails, and regions to explore across Victoria’s parks, depending on your experience.

 

Beginner hikes, walks, and bushwalks

Enjoy stunning scenery and fresh air on shorter, easier trails perfect for those new to exploring the outdoors. Visit the park page or explore the visitor guides to find a walk that suits your pace and interests.

What to expect:

  • Grades: 1-2
  • Distance: Usually under 10km.
  • Duration: 1-2 hours.
  • Terrain: Mostly flat or gently sloping ground with well-maintained trails.
  • Difficulty: Suitable for people with either minimal or no bushwalking experience.

Inspiration for beginner-friendly walks

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.
Two women in activewear follow a path through tall mountain ash trees.

Mindfulness walks in nature

Doing low to moderate exercise in nature on a regular basis can help to lower blood pressure, improve sleep and increase energy levels. Mindfulness walks take this idea further and help you slow down and focus on the present moment - each step, each breath – feeling calm and relaxed.
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.

Intermediate hikes, walks and bushwalks

Looking for a longer, more challenging adventure? Our parks offer a variety of intermediate trails with breathtaking views, perfect for a half-day or full-day adventure. Consider staying overnight in the region to make the most of your experience.

What to expect:

  • Grades: 3-4
  • Distance: Usually under 20km.
  • Duration: 2+ hours-full day.
  • Terrain: May include gentle hills, steep sections, rough surfaces, or many steps.
  • Difficulty: Requires a good level of fitness and bushwalking experience.

Inspiration for intermediate walks

A couple stop to enjoy the view of the ocean sat upon a granite boulder at Tongue Point.

Day Walks at Wilsons Promontory National Park

A range of walking opportunities are available to day visitors of all ages and fitness levels, taking in pristine beaches, temperate rainforest, towering sand dunes or lookouts offering spectacular panoramic views.
Two female hikers follow the Great Ocean Walk trail down to Wreck Beach

Short and Day Walks along Great Ocean Walk

Less than 3 hours in length, ranging in difficulty and all are accessible from established visitor car parks.
Walking through the Wonderland Range on Central Section 1 of the Grampians Peaks Trail

Day walks at Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

Get a sample of the Grampians Peaks Trail with one of our suggested day walks. Explore the ancient, rugged landscape of Gariwerd and discover the natural beauty of the Grampians National Park.

Overnight and multi-day hikes

Our overnight and multi-day hikes offer unforgettable experiences for skilled hikers and those with a high level of fitness. From alpine meadows to rugged coastlines, these iconic trails will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.

Most multi-day hikes with campgrounds/accommodations require a reservation. Make sure you book or check the park page to see if a reservation is required before heading out.

What to expect:

  • Grades: 4-5
  • Distance: May be over 20kms
  • Duration: 5+ hours, potential for up to several days. Some trails provide campsites for overnight stopovers.
  • Terrain: Can include rugged terrain, steep inclines, and challenging conditions.
  • Difficulty: Requires excellent physical fitness, bushwalking experience, and proper equipment suited to the grade of the hike.

Best parks for a longer walk

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.
Three friends stop for a quick drink late in the afternoon on their walk from Hotham to Falls Creek.

Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing

One of Victoria's icon walks, the 37km Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing (FHAC) is a 3 day/2 night walk through the Alpine National Park, linking the resort villages of Falls Creek and Mt Hotham.
A group of four hikers walk along the beach at Discovery Bay as part of the Great South West Walk

Great South West Walk

Walk the diverse landscapes of Lower Glenelg National Park, Discovery Bay Coastal Park, Cobboboonee National Park and Cape Nelson State Park. Starting from Portland, the walk travels through majestic tall forests, meanders alongside the World Heritage Glenelg River, remote ocean beaches, past ancient lakes and culminates along rugged ocean clifftops.

Walking in the Warby-Ovens National Park

Joining a local bushwalking club

For those looking to explore Victoria's natural wonders while staying active and social, joining a local bushwalking group can be incredibly rewarding. Not only is it an excellent way to meet new and like-minded people, but there are also safety advantages to walking with a group, as well as the physical and mental health benefits which come from hiking in nature.

Hiking in Victoria FAQs

  • How do I choose the right trail for my fitness level and experience?

    Before you head out to a park, it’s important to be realistic about your fitness level and what you can manage. If you’re new to hiking, start with shorter, easier trails close to home to build your fitness and confidence safely.

    To help you find the right trail, use the Australian Walking Track Grading System (AWTGS). It’s a simple and helpful tool that rates the difficulty of trails from Grade 1 (very easy) to Grade 5 (very hard).

    You can find the grade symbols online, in visitor guides or on signs to help you choose a trail that suits you. The track grade, weather conditions and your general health and fitness levels will impact the difficulty of the hike.

    Find out more about what the different grades mean.

  • Is it safe to hike in Victoria’s parks?
  • Can I take my dog with me?
  • Is there mobile phone reception in parks?
  • What do I pack before heading out for a hike, walk or bushwalk?
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