Victoria may be one of Australia's smaller states, but it packs in an extraordinary range of hiking landscapes. In just a few hours you can move from dramatic ocean cliffs to alpine summits, cool temperate rainforest, and rugged inland gorges. Whether you want a short day walk near Melbourne or a multi-day trek, this guide helps you choose the right destination for your time, budget, and fitness level.
The 20 Best Hiking Destinations
1) Wilsons Promontory National Park
Known as "The Prom", this park is one of Victoria's most iconic wilderness destinations, with granite peaks, turquoise bays, and abundant wildlife.
- Top trails: Mount Oberon Summit Walk, Squeaky Beach Walk, Southern Circuit (multi-day)
- Getting there: Drive via South Gippsland Highway (about 3 hours)
2) Grampians National Park (Gariwerd)
Massive sandstone ranges, sweeping lookouts, and waterfalls make the Grampians one of Victoria's most rewarding hiking regions.
- Top trails: The Pinnacle Walk, Mount Stapylton Summit, Grampians Peaks Trail (160 km)
- Base town: Halls Gap
3) Great Ocean Walk
A world-class 100 km coastal walk with ocean cliffs, beaches, and rainforest segments along the Great Ocean Road.
- Highlights: Seacliff views, remote campsites, coastal wildlife
- Travel: About 4 hours from Melbourne to the trail region
4) Mount Buffalo National Park
Famous for granite tors, waterfalls, alpine meadows, and high viewpoints in Victoria's northeast.
- Top trails: The Horn Walk, Eurobin Falls Track, Mount Buffalo Plateau Walk
- Access: Via Bright in the Alpine region
5) Alpine National Park
Victoria's largest national park offers long alpine ridgelines, high-country camps, and major summit routes.
- Must-do trails: Mount Bogong Summit, Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing, Mount Feathertop Razorback Ridge
6) Cathedral Range State Park
A rocky spine of rugged ridgeline walking and one of the toughest day-hike zones close to Melbourne.
- Top trails: Razorback Track, Cathedral Range Circuit
- Best season: Autumn and spring
7) Great Otway National Park
A diverse region with rainforest gullies, coastal edges, and famous waterfalls.
- Top trails: Triplet Falls Walk, Redwood Forest Trail, Cape Otway Lighthouse Walk
- Best season: Winter and spring for strongest waterfalls
8) Tarra-Bulga National Park
A compact but beautiful cool-temperate rainforest park with giant ferns, mountain ash, and peaceful walking tracks.
- Highlights: Suspension bridge walk, rainforest boardwalks, birdwatching
- Best season: Summer for cooler forest temperatures
9) Lerderderg State Park
A rugged gorge system with remote-feeling routes and steep terrain close to the city.
- Popular trails: Lerderderg Gorge Walk, Grahams Dam Track
- Best for: Experienced day hikers wanting less crowded routes
10) Mount Donna Buang
A high Yarra Ranges summit area with broad views and winter snow opportunities.
- Best season: Winter for snow hikes, autumn for clear views
11) Mount Bogong
At 1,986 m, Mount Bogong is Victoria's highest mountain and a classic challenge for experienced hikers.
- Main route: Staircase Spur Track (steep and demanding)
- Best season: Summer
12) Mount Feathertop
One of Australia's most striking summit hikes, known for narrow ridgeline walking and dramatic mountain views.
- Main route: Razorback Ridge from Mount Hotham
- Best season: Late spring to autumn
13) Werribee Gorge State Park
A canyon-style gorge walk with river crossings, rocky ledges, and surprisingly wild terrain near the city.
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Best for: Half-day or full-day adventures
14) Lake Eildon National Park
Lake-edge scenery mixed with forested ridges and lookout tracks, ideal for casual weekend hiking.
- Best for: Family-friendly walking and scenic viewpoints
15) Mount Arapiles
Internationally known for rock climbing, but also home to rewarding summit walks and big horizon views.
- Best for: Combined hiking and climbing trips
16) Mount Buller
Well known as a winter ski destination, Mount Buller becomes an excellent summer hiking base after snow season.
- Top hike: The Bluff Track
- Best season: Late spring to autumn
17) Goldfields Track
A long-distance 210 km route passing through historic goldfields landscapes and regional forest terrain.
- Best for: Multi-day walkers and section hiking
18) Surf Coast Walk
A coastal path linking beaches, cliffs, and seaside communities with flexible distance options.
- Best for: Scenic day walks with easy access points
19) Mount Macedon
A classic close-to-city mountain hike with dense forest, lookouts, and cooler weather than metropolitan Melbourne.
- Best for: Beginner to intermediate day hikers
20) Dandenong Ranges National Park
One of the most accessible hiking regions from Melbourne, with fern gullies, mountain ash forest, and iconic short walks.
- Popular walks: 1000 Steps Kokoda Track Memorial Walk, Sherbrooke Falls Walk
- Best for: Quick nature escapes and half-day walks
Essential Hiking Tips for Victoria
- Check weather and trail alerts before every hike, especially in alpine and coastal zones.
- Monitor bushfire risk and heat conditions during summer.
- Carry enough water, snacks, and a backup layer even on short hikes.
- Use navigation tools (offline map, GPS app, or paper map and compass).
- Tell someone your route and expected return time for remote tracks.
Victoria offers thousands of kilometres of walking tracks across dramatically different landscapes. With solid preparation and realistic route planning, you can safely experience some of Australia's best hiking adventures all year round.