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Keep moving in winter

Don’t let cooler temperatures deter you from getting into nature this winter. Skip the city streets and head to the park for your morning run, or head further afield on a dry weekend for some winter bushwalking. If you’re an experienced cross-country skier, our mountain peaks are calling!

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Bushwalking

Winter can be a great time of year to experience the rugged beauty of nature on a bushwalking trail. Bushwalking in winter can be exhilarating with the clean, crisp air. Plus, you won’t have the same level of crowds on popular trails. So, keep an eye on the weather forecast, pick a dry day and take your waterproof jacket (just in case). Make sure to choose a good walk that is suitable for the season before you go.

You'll find some great options on our hiking and bushwalking page.



Popular parks for winter bushwalking:

Horseshoe Bend in the Little Desert National Park.

Little Desert National Park

The best time to visit the park is between late winter and early summer when the temperatures are comfortable and the park is full of blossoms and wildflowers. Camp beside the Wimmera River, and enjoy bushwalks, birdwatching or four-wheel driving.
Sunset over a pink lake in Murray Sunset National Park.

Murray-Sunset National Park

Murray-Sunset National Park is home to the famous Pink Lakes. This remote and unspoilt corner of northwestern Victoria draws photographers from all over the world. Explore the islands of the Murray River by four-wheel drive in dry weather or by canoe after rain – and camp under starry skies.
A young couple walk through a cave in Budj Bim National Park

Budj Bim National Park

Budj Bim is a long dormant volcano. Budj Bim is the source of the Tyrendarra lava flow which extends over 50km to the southwest. It is central to the history of the Gunditjmara people.
A four wheel drive is parked to the side of a a sandy track at Wyperfeld National Park with a cloudy sky overhead.

Wyperfeld National Park

Located in the flat, semi-arid north-western corner of Victoria, Wyperfeld is one of Australia's most fascinating national parks.
Two women walk through ferns along the Shelly Harris Track in Kinglake National Park.

Kinglake National Park

Only 65 km north of Melbourne, Kinglake National Park lies on the slopes of the Great Dividing Range, offering dramatic views of the Melbourne skyline, Port Phillip Bay, the Yarra Valley and across to the You Yangs.

Trail Running

Trail running is a great way to improve your fitness and try something different to running on city streets. The main difference with trail running is the surface you're running on. Instead of concrete, it could be dirt, gravel, steps or compacted trails. The surface isn't always even so you need to think about where you place your feet – which makes it all the more interesting! Melbourne's extensive network of urban parks offer a variety of trail running opportunities for all ages, fitness levels and abilities.

Find great options on our trail running page.



Popular parks for trail running:

Two women in activewear walk their dogs while two runners approach them.

Albert Park

Jog, cycle or walk with your dog around Albert Park Lake - just 3km from the centre of Melbourne. And when you stop to catch your breath, take a moment to enjoy the magnificent views of the city skyline.
A couple look out over the water from the beach at Lysterfield Lake.

Lysterfield Park

Rising from the southern foothills of the Dandenong Ranges, Lysterfield Park is the perfect place to explore nature with friends with a huge variety of recreational activities.
Donellys Weir in the Yarra Ranges National Park.

Yarra Ranges National Park

Situated between Melbourne and the Victorian Alps, the Yarra Ranges National Park is a place of epic views, majestic rainforest scenery and fun-packed snowplay. Enjoy the panorama from Mount Donna Buang, or go deeper into the park on the Black Spur Drive, and wind through towering Mountain Ash forests to Lake Mountain.
Two women in active wear walk up the granite steps on the way to Flinders Peak.

You Yangs Regional Park

Magnificent views, birdlife and a mecca for walkers, horse riders and mountain bikers - welcome to the You Yangs! The distinctive granite peaks of this park rise abruptly from the flat plains below. Flinders Peak and Big Rock have panoramic views out to Melbourne, which is just an hour away.
The view of Safety Beach and Port Phillip from the top of Arthurs Seat State Park.

Arthurs Seat State Park

Rising above the Mornington Peninsula, Arthurs Seat State Park is a prominent feature in the landscape of Port Philip Bay.

Skiing

Are you one to embrace the cold? There’s plenty of winter-lovers out there, and skiing is one of the reasons why. If cross-country skiing is your thing, you’ll find some great options in Victoria’s mountain peaks. At Cresta Valley you’ll find four marked cross-country ski trails. Mount St Gwinear is another great spot, with 12km of cross-country trails. Before you head out, remember that spots close to Melbourne can become extremely busy and may reach visitor capacity at peak times like on weekends.

Make your visit to the snow a safe and memorable one by following the tips on our skiing and snowplay



Popular parks for skiing:

A picturesque photo of the stone hut near the Horn at Mt Buffalo.

Mount Buffalo National Park

Sheer cliffs, granite tors, waterfalls and big views make Mount Buffalo a must-see alpine retreat
A middle aged couple walk through Mushroom Rocks on a cold winters day with snow on the ground.

Baw Baw National Park

Covering a substantial part of the Baw Baw Plateau and sections of the Thomson and Aberfeldy River valleys, Baw Baw National Park offers colourful wildflowers in early summer and open grassy plains with Snow Gum woodlands.
A couple walk along the Bogong High Plains near Mt Nelse.

Alpine National Park

The Alpine National Park is an adventure-lover’s dream. Hike Victoria’s highest mountain ranges, explore wildflower draped landscapes on horseback or head out on world-class mountain bike trails
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