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