5 best beginner hikes in Yarra Ranges National Park

Looking for some of the best beginner hikes close to Melbourne?

In Yarra Ranges National Park, on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri and Taungurung people, you can immerse yourself in lush temperate rainforests, witness incredible views, and experience some of the best hikes and nature walks for beginners.

So, put on your hiking boots, fill up your water bottle, and pack your picnic. It's time to get into nature and experience some of the best walks in the Yarra Ranges.

 

1. Rainforest Gallery

Distance: 350m

Time: 30mins, loop

Perched just above Warburton is the Rainforest Gallery, a short kid-friendly walk that offers unique perspectives of the forest.

Here, you can wander along the forest floor surrounded by towering Mountain Ash or head out 15 meters above the canopy on the viewing platform. Both are great places to spot a lyrebird on a wet, overcast, and misty day. Keep an ear out for their unique call and for the sounds of Cement Creek flowing past on its journey to the Yarra River.

The best time to visit the Rainforest Gallery is midweek. You’ll have a more tranquil experience in nature and a better chance of nabbing a car park.

Ranger tip: keep an eye out for the tallest self-supporting moss in the world, Dawsonia superba. It can grow up to 30 cm in height and is found on the rocks opposite the Rainforest Gallery car park.

Rainforest Gallery. Image: Visit Victoria 

 

2. Badger Weir

Distance: 1.1km-1.4km

Time: 30-40mins, one-way

Just 15 minutes outside of Healesville, you'll find Badger Creek with three family-friendly nature walks to Badger Weir and plenty of picnic grounds.

The Coranderrk Track is flat and accessible for families with strollers, while the Slip Creek and Lyrebird Tracks are easy trails with a few small steps.

Badger Weir is a special spot year-round with magnificent fungi appearing in autumn and winter. In summer, the creek offers a perfect place to dip your feet and cool off.

Known as one of the best picnic spots in the Yarra Ranges, Badger Weir is a great place to enjoy your lunch while observing wildlife.

After rain the trail can be muddy, so be sure to wear closed-toe shoes.

Ranger tip: keep your snacks to yourself. Feeding the birds your lunch can be harmful to their health.

 

3. Cambarville Circuit Walk

Distance: 4km

Time: 2hours, one-way

In stunning Taungurung Country, you'll find the Cambarville Walk to Cora Lynn Falls, a true gem of the Yarra Ranges.  

Beginning at the Cambarville picnic area and heading left into the forest, you'll be greeted with ancient Myrtle Beech, plenty of butterflies, and giant Mountain Ash – on this trail, there's magic around every corner.  

There may be snakes about on warmer days, so stay safe and stick to the path. When you reach Marysville Woods Point Road, cross over and continue the track to the beautiful cascading Cora Lynn Falls. Take a moment here to stop, breathe, and absorb your surroundings.

Cambarville Circuit Walk. Image: Visit Victoria

 

4. Keppel Falls 

Distance: 2km 
Time: 1 hour, one-way

Keppel Falls is a little more challenging with a stunning waterfall as your reward.

Beginning at the Keppel Falls Walk car park off Lady Talbot Drive, follow the thundering sounds of the falls along the track and over the footbridge. Glossy kangaroo ferns will guide your way to the falls.

During wet weather, the trail may be inaccessible for two-wheel-drive cars due to boggy roads.

Ranger tip: the best time to visit Keppel Falls is during the warmer months when you can cool off in the shade of this stunning walk. 

 

5. Lake Mountain Summit

Distance: 900m
Time: 20mins, one-way

If you're looking for the best view of the Yarra Ranges, look no further than Lake Mountain.  

Begin your walk at the Lake Mountain Alpine Resort Village and follow the wide track to the summit through snow gum woodland. Here, you can feel on top of the world as you climb above the clouds, and on a clear day, you might even see Melbourne in the distance.  

If you'd like to spend more time at the summit, follow the Summit Loop Walk track where you can see and smell native alpine shrubs and flowers, meet some of the locals, and even hear a symphony of frog calls at dusk.  

Spring through to autumn are all great times to visit Lake Mountain and explore the alpine region, and best of all, entry outside the ski season is completely free.

 

Remember, before you head out on your Yarra Ranges hike, check the Parks Victoria website for updated park conditions. 

Watch the video below for more information on some of the best beginner hikes close to Melbourne.