Pack the car and head out of town with the kids for some nature play at one of these great day hikes near Melbourne. They are all fewer than 2 hours away so you can still be back for dinner!
Remember: always be prepared when hiking! Bring plenty of water and snacks for everybody and wear sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat and sturdy shoes – hiking boots or runners are best.
I’ve listed day hikes Melbourne has on offer that are easy for little legs as well as some more challenging trails that are only suitable for older children who are experienced hikers. And always check that a particular hike is open before you set out! So if you find yourself googling “walking trails near me,” look no further.
If you’d rather hiking trails near Melbourne, here are some of the best short walks in Melbourne for families and the best Melbourne bushwalks for families.
Best Day Hiking Melbourne
1. Bayside Coastal Trail, Brighton – Beaumaris
If you want hikes in Melbourne with views of Port Phillip Bay and lots to learn, the Bayside Coastal Trail is an excellent experience! This is a long trail, stretching along beautiful coastline for 17km from Brighton to Beaumaris, but I recommend you choose to break it into smaller portions if you’re hiking with children.
The 17km stretch encompasses 4 trails; the Art Trail, Indigenous Trail, Environment Trail and History Trail. You can follow all or just one of the trails, all of which have detailed signage explaining each point.
Start at Head St, near the Elwood Life Saving Club, and finish at Charman Road.
Bayside Coastal Trail, Head St, Brighton
Trail length: 17km
Difficulty: Easy
2. Banksia Park to Heide Sculpture park, Bulleen
There are a few Melbourne hikes that incorporate a good dose of visual art, and this is one!
Head from Banksia Park in Bulleen through bushland and along the Yarra River to the stunning gardens and sculpture park at Heide Museum of Modern Art.
Banksia Park to Heide Sculpture Park, Banksia Park, Templestowe Rd, Bulleen
Trail length: 5km one way
Difficulty: Easy
3. Bay Trail, Elwood to Sandringham
The Bay trail offers scenic hiking around Melbourne; Head from Elwood to Sandringham along the beach and take in the views as well as some of the Bayside Coastal trail. You’ll also pass the Brighton Beach Boxes.
Bay Trail, Elwood Beach, Moran Reserve, Elwood
Trail length: 16km
Difficulty: Easy
4. Main Yarra Trail, Templestowe – Southbank
This walk takes you along the Yarra River through Melbourne’s north eastern suburbs to Southbank. It’s generally a flat path in good condition, and you can expect to be passed by cyclists.
You’ll be treated to a changing view as you pass lush parklands then draw closer to walk around Melbourne CBD to Southbank. Look out for wildlife, you may even spot a platypus.
Main Yarra Trail, Westerfolds Park Cct, Templestowe
Trail Length: 33km
Difficulty: Easy
5. Bushrangers Bay Trail, Mornington Peninsula National Park
This walking track near Melbourne offers incredible views, and spans from the Cape Shanck car park and ends at Bushrangers Bay (named after two escaped convicts). It travels through sandy outcrops, past farmland and banksia forest. You’ll hear abundant birdlife, kangaroos and perhaps even spot a whale.
When you arrive at Bushrangers bay, you’ll see a spire named Elephant Rock, and soft white sand on the wild windswept beach.
Take a quick detour at the start of the walk to see the Cape Schanck lighthouse, on the southernmost tip of the peninsula, built in 1859.
N.B. The beach at Bushrangers Bay isn’t patrolled and not recommended for swimming.
Bushrangers Bay Trail, 1359 Boneo Rd, Cape Schanck
Trail length: 6km one way
Difficulty: Easy – Medium
6. Flinders Peak Walk, You Yangs Regional Park
The You Yangs is perfect for hiking near Melbourne’s western suburbs and makes for a fabulous day out for the whole family – you can even bring your dog!
The Flinders Peak Walk starts off at the Turntable Drive car park, and takes you to the highest point of the You Yangs, with an elevation rise of around 200 metres and 450 steps to climb. You’ll likely spot plenty of kangaroos in the You Yangs, and mountain bikers too.
There are lots of clearings with tables and little camp BBQs throughout the park. You’ll need to take all your own gear (including wood, kindling, marshmallow toasting forks and sticks, and a lighter), but it makes a lovely day out to cook some food, roast marshmallows and settle in for a few hours. Note that you’ll need to check the fire danger rating before planning a BBQ.
Flinders Peak Walk, You Yangs Regional Park, Turntable Dr, Little River
Trail length: 3.2km loop
Difficulty: Medium – Hard
7. Eastern Sherbrooke Forest Walk, Dandenong Ranges National Park
If you want walking tracks near Melbourne with ferny greenery but without the hoards of fitness enthusiasts sighted at the 1000 Steps, try the Eastern Sherbrooke Forest Walk.
It starts at Grants Picnic Ground, and you’ll need to follow the section of track labelled the Lyrebird Walk. Take a right at any turn and you’ll travel in a loop back to Grants Picnic Ground, passing through varying vegetation where you may see lyrebirds, wombats, swamp wallaby, echidna, possums and powerful owls. The trail has some steep sections but is usually on management vehicle tracks.
Eastern Sherbrooke Forest Walk, Grants Picnic Ground, Kallista
Trail length: 6.6km loop
Difficulty: Easy – Medium
8. Sherbrooke Falls Trail, Dandenong Ranges National Park
This is a relatively good track as far as easy walks near Melbourne go, with a few uneven bits, that will take you through rainforest past very old and very tall Sassafras and Mountain Ash, with tree ferns below. You can hear, and sometimes spot, Superb Lyrebird, and you might also get a glimpse of wombats, swamp wallabies, ring tailed possums and brush tailed possums.
This trail is especially enjoyable after rain, when Sherbrooke Creek is gushing along over rocky outcrops.
The trail starts and finishes at Sherbrooke Picnic Ground or O’Donohue Picnic Ground.
Sherbrooke Falls Trail, Dandenong Ranges National Park, Sherbrooke Lodge Rd, Sherbrooke
Trail length: 2.4km return
Difficulty: Easy
9. Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk, Werribee Gorge State Park
There are several bushwalks near Melbourne at Werribee Gorge (which is actually a good distance away from Werribee in Bacchus Marsh). The 10km Werribee Gorge Circuit walk will take you around the rim of the gorge.
It starts from either the Quarry or Meikles Point Picnic Area, which are accessed from Myers Road. By starting at the quarry and heading anti clockwise, you’ll end the trail at the gentler riverside track.
There are definitely tricky sections along this trail such as steep inclines, rock hopping, uneven ground with steps, and a 50m section of cable handrail to assist you to cross a particularly tricky section of rock, but you’ll be rewarded for it. The terrain is interesting, the views are fabulous, you can do some wildlife spotting, and weather dependent, there are spots to have a post-walk swim.
Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk, Werribee Gorge State Park, Myers Road, Pentland Hills
Trail length: 10km
Difficulty: Medium – Hard
10. Organ Pipes Circuit, Organ Pipes National Park
Organ Pipes National Park is a beautiful spot to hike in Melbourne, with Jackson Creek running along the base of the ancient volcanic basalt columns, providing opportunities for water play and tranquil picnic spots.
The full Organ PIpes trail will take you past the three areas of geological significance in the park; the basalt columns (that look like organ pipes – hence the park’s name), rosette rock and the tessellated pavement.
It’s a reasonably good quality track throughout the park, but there are definitely some hilly areas to be prepared for!
Organ Pipes Circuit, Organ Pipes National Park, Organ Pipes Rd, Off Calder Fwy, Keilor North
Tail length: 3km
Difficulty: Easy – Medium
11. 1000 Steps – Kokoda Memorial Walk, Dandenong Ranges National Park
If you want a peaceful walk where you’re unlikely to pass another human being, this is NOT the walk for you. This is one of the most popular hikes Melbourne locals, visitors and fitness enthusiasts enjoy.
The steep 1000 step climb will give you a taste of the trek that the Australian Soldiers did on the Kokoda campaign in Papua New Guinea during WWII, and you’ll pass 14 memorial plaques.
You’ll see tree ferns, manna gum and blackwoods in between the start point at the Ferntree Gully Rangers Office and the finish at One Tree Hill Picnic Ground. Check out this track and see why it’s one of the best hikes Melbourne has to offer.
Kokoda Memorial Walk, Dandenong Ranges National Park, Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Ferny Creek
Distance: 5km
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Hiking Trails In Regional Victoria
12. Two Bays Walking Trail, Dromana – Cape Schanck
This trail winds from Dromana and Cape Schanck, between Port Phillip Bay and Bass Strait.
As well as beautiful Melbourne hiking views, you might be lucky enough to see wallabies, koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, birdlife including kookaburras and snakes.
Look out for the blue wren symbols along the track to make sure you’re on course. Much of the trail is gravel pathways, and there are some steep sections.
Two Bays Walking Trail, 553 Point Nepean Rd, Dromana
Trail length: 26km
Difficulty: Easy – Medium
13. Neds Gully Track, Cathedral Range State Park
This isn’t a long walk, but it’s not for inexperienced walkers – it’s a steep track that travels from Neds Gully camping area to Neds Saddle, making it one of the trickier day walks near Melbourne.
From Neds Saddle you can choose a different track if desired, and head to Cathedral Peak (the highest elevation in the park), Little Cathedral, Neds Peak and The Farmyard. The Neds Gully Track can be walked as part of the Cathedral Park Northern Circuit.
Neds Gully Track, Cathedral Range State Park, Taggerty
Trail length: 2.2km one way
Difficulty: Medium – Hard
14. Lerderderg Gorge Circuit Walk, Lerderderg State Park
If you want to feel a long way from anywhere – this is one of the best walks Melbourne and surrounds cn offer! You’ll feel far more remote than you actually are at the Lerderberg State Park, with wildlife, rugged bushland and Lerderberg River in a deep gorge cut through the parks sandstone and slate.
This walk starts at the Mackenzies Flat picnic area and follows the course of the river for a good portion of it. You’ll need to do some rock hopping and possibly even river crossing.
Look out in the park and you might spot relics from the gold mining days.
Lerderderg Gorge Circuit Walk, Lerderderg State Park, Lerderderg Gorge Rd, Darley
Trail Length: 13.5km
Difficulty: Medium
15. Fingal Beach Walk, Mornington Peninsula National Park
Trail Length: 5km to Fingal Beach or 10km loop to Gunnamatta
Difficulty: Easy – Medium
If you love views the beach, there are plenty of options for hiking around Melbourne. Set off on the Fingal Beach Walk from the Fingal Picnic Area, through the scrub, and multiple lookout spots to have a snack and appreciate the breathtaking views.
You’ll go down lots and lots of steps onto Fingal Beach, which you’ll often have all to yourself. It’s not a good swimming beach, but there are interesting rockpools to inspect.
You’ll either need to backtrack up the steps and along the same path, or if you’d prefer not to climb the stairs; during low tide, you can continue along the beach to Gunnamatta beach and around a loop path to the start.
Fingal Beach Walk, Fingal Picnic Area access road, Cape Shanck Road, Cape Shanck
16. Hanging Rock Summit Walk, Macedon Ranges
The top of Hanging Rock gives spectacular views across the Macedon Ranges and Cobaw Ranges north of Melbourne. And it makes the walk, which is steep in parts, well worth it.
The ancient rock formations, created by lava 6 million years ago, are worth your attention too; with overhanging boulders, tunnels and cave formations.
And last, but certainly not least, you’ll feel the sense of intrigue and mystery of the area that likely inspired the Australian Classic Picnic at Hanging Rock, making it a truly memorable experience hiking Victoria.
Hanging Rock Summit Walk, South Rock Road, Newham
Trail Length: 1.8km
Difficulty: Medium
17. Point Nepean Walk, Point Nepean National Park
Point Nepean Walk is one of the hiking tracks near Melbourne where you can have a swim as well!
This trail begins at the Point Nepean entry gate and travels along both bush and coastal tracks. You’ll go past the old Quarantine Station and WWII Military Buildings. Read the signage at any beaches you come across, some are accessible and may even be suitable for a dip.
There are also shorter walks if you don’t want to travel the 14.5km, or you can turn back at any point.
Point Nepean Walk, Point Nepean National Park, Defence Rd
Trail Length: 14.5km
Difficulty: Easy – Medium
18. Deadman’s Loop, Brisbane Ranges National Park
This walk starts at the Stieglitz Courthouse, and you continue along Stawell St. You’ll see interesting rock formations along the way.
This area has one of Victoria’s richest wildflower habitats, and the best time to see the flowers in their full glory is Spring – one of the richest nature walks near Melbourne!
Deadman’s Loop, Stieglitz Historic Park, Brisbane Ranges National Park
Trail Length: 5.4km
Difficulty: Medium – Hard
19. Keppel Lookout Walk, Marysville
The Keppel Lookout Walk is one of the more challenging bush walks near Melbourne, but the rewards are great! Starting out at the Steavenson Falls car park, you’ll see the falls very close to the start of the walk. They’re one of Victoria’s tallest waterfalls, at 122m, and have been a popular attraction since the 1860s.
Follow the signs towards Keppel Lookout (which you’ll reach approximately half way through the walk). You’ll be treated to glorious views of Marysville, Cathedral Range State Park and the falls during this walk, but you will need to be prepared with sturdy shoes, food and water as the track has steep and rough sections. It can also be slippery after rain.
You’ll pass 4 lookouts in total on the loop, perfect for a pit stop. Don’t forget to look out for lyrebirds as they’re common in this area.
Keppel Lookout Walk, Falls Road, Marysville
Related: Best Waterfalls for a day trip from Melbourne
Trail length: 11km loop
Difficulty: Medium – Hard
20. Sanatorium Lake Eco-Trail, Macedon Regional Park
Looking for easy trails? This walk starts at the Days Picnic Ground and passes diverse vegetation as it travels around the Sanatorium Lake, constructed to provide water to a nearby tuberculosis sanatorium (later destroyed by fire). This trail links to the Macedon Ranges Walking Trail, a much longer 29km hike.
There is plentiful bird life around and you might spot kangaroos, wallabies and wombats too.
Sanatorium Lake Eco-Trail, Days Picnic Ground, Lions Head Rd
Trail length: 2.8km
Difficulty: Easy
21. Macedon Ranges Walking Trail
This Melbourne hike is for more experienced hikers, and covers various terrains as you travel past lookouts, across rivers and you can even go on a cable if you’d like.
The trail starts at the Mount Macedon Hotel, and you’ll hike to Memorial Cross on Mount Macedon, Camels Hump and Mount Towrong, before looping back to the starting point.
Macedon Ranges Walking Trail, Mount Macedon Hotel, 694 Mount Macedon Road, Mount Macedon
Trail length: 18.8km
Difficulty: Medium – Hard
22. George Bass Coastal Walk, San Remo – Kilcunda
Start at Punch Bowl car park in San Remo and walk the clifftop path above Bass Strait to the Bass Highway in Kilcunda (opposite the hall at Peppermint Road).
This is one of the most stunning bushwalks near Melbourne, as you follow the route of George Bass’ coastal discovery voyage over 200 years ago, and as well as rugged coastline, you’ll see some secluded beaches. If you fancy a longer walk, this trail links to the Bass Coast Rail Trail, which goes from the Punch Bowl to Wonthaggi.
George Bass Coastal Walk, Punch Bowl car park, Punch Bowl Rd, San Remo
Trail length: 7km one way
Difficulty: Easy – Medium
23. La La Falls Walk, Warburton Valley
Another great walking track near Melbourne where you can see a waterfall; this trail travels alongside Four Mile Creek through rainforest and you’ll arrive at La La Falls. Keep an eye out for lyrebirds along the way.
La La Falls Walk, 25 Iruka Rd, Warburton
Related: Best Waterfalls in Victoria for your next Waterfall Hike
Trail length: 3.2km
Difficulty: Easy – Medium
24. Ironbark Basin Walk, Great Ocean Road
Head from the south western end of Bells Beach to Point Addis on the Ironbark Basin Walk. You’ll get views over the bushed inland basin that runs down to the coast, and possibly some echidna and reptile sightings. There’s also lots of native birdlife in the area.
Especially after rain, you need to take special care around the cliffs and landslips. This is particularly pertinent around Jarosite Headland.
Ironbark Basin Walk, 172-230 Bells Beach Rd, Bells Beach
Trail length: 10.5km
Difficulty: Easy – Medium
25. Cape Woolamai Walks, Phillip Island
There are three different tracks:
Pinnacles Walk, 4km trail length, follow the green markers
Old Granite Quarry Walk, 6km trail length, follow the blue markers
Cape Woolamai Beacon Walk, 6.6km trail length, follow the black markers
These walks at Phillip Island’s southerly (and highest) point take you along the top of sheer cliffs.
You’ll see plenty of bird life and surfers in action on Woolamai Surf Beach below.
Cape Woolamai Walks, Woolamai Beach Road, Phillip Island
Difficulty: Easy
More short walks in Melbourne for kids
Bike trails in Melbourne with kids
Best waterfall hikes in Victoria
Where to find the best farm stays in Victoria
For more nature play join Parks Victoria’s Junior Rangers program
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