Victoria offers one of the most diverse hiking landscapes in Australia. From alpine ridgelines and rugged High Country peaks to wild coastlines, temperate rainforests and rolling inland ranges, the state provides an enormous variety of walking experiences within relatively short distances. Whether you are seeking a challenging mountain ascent or a relaxed coastal walk, Victoria’s extensive network of trails makes it easy to explore these landscapes on foot.
Across the state there are more than 2,000 walking trails covering roughly 8,000 kilometres. These tracks pass through national parks, coastal reserves, alpine plateaus and forested ranges, offering something for every level of walker. Hiking in Victoria is not just about the destination. It is about the experience of moving through changing environments, breathing in the cool mountain air, and gaining a deeper appreciation for the landscapes that shape the state.
Alpine and High Country adventures
For hikers looking for a physical challenge, Victoria’s alpine regions and rugged ranges offer some of the state’s most memorable walks. The High Country is home to a network of tracks that climb across exposed ridges, snow gum forests and sweeping alpine plains.
The Cathedral Range Ridgeline Circuit provides an exhilarating traverse across rocky ridges with wide views across the Acheron Valley. The climb to Mount Feathertop via the Razorback follows one of the most spectacular alpine ridgelines in the country to Victoria’s second-highest peak. Nearby, Mount Bogong, the state’s highest mountain, offers a demanding ascent and expansive views across the Victorian Alps.
For those looking to extend their journey over several days, Victoria also hosts several major long-distance walks that traverse entire landscapes and regions.
The Grampians Peaks Trail is one of Victoria’s newest and most ambitious long-distance routes. Spanning 165 kilometres through the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, the trail links a series of rugged peaks, sandstone escarpments and panoramic viewpoints from Mount Zero in the north to Dunkeld in the south.
The Great Ocean Walk is one of Australia’s classic coastal journeys. The 100 kilometre trail runs from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles, passing remote beaches, coastal cliffs and sections of forest along Victoria’s famous Shipwreck Coast.
The Great South West Walk offers a very different long-distance experience. This 250 kilometre circuit in south-west Victoria combines coastal scenery, river landscapes and inland forest environments, with walkers able to complete the full circuit or select individual sections.
Coastal walks and national parks
Victoria’s coastline provides another outstanding setting for walking. From rugged clifftop tracks to sheltered beaches and coastal heathlands, these trails combine ocean views with diverse wildlife and plant communities.
Wilsons Promontory National Park offers some of the state’s most popular walks. Shorter tracks lead to beaches and viewpoints, while the climb to the summit of Mount Oberon provides sweeping views across the Prom’s distinctive granite landscape. The Mount Bishop hike offers another excellent vantage point across the park’s rugged interior.
The coastline of the Great Otway National Park and the wider Great Ocean Road region also features prominently in Victoria’s hiking scene. Walkers can explore sections of the Great Ocean Walk, visit remote beaches and traverse forested gullies that descend toward the coast.
Other coastal routes include the Surf Coast Walk, which links clifftop lookouts and surf beaches between Torquay and Anglesea, and the Two Bays Walking Trail on the Mornington Peninsula, which crosses the peninsula from Port Phillip Bay to the ocean coast.
Day walks close to Melbourne
Many of Victoria’s best day walks are located within easy reach of Melbourne, making them ideal for shorter adventures.
The George Bass Coastal Walk in Gippsland follows sandstone clifftops between Kilcunda and Punchbowl with wide ocean views and a strong sense of coastal character. The Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk explores a dramatic river gorge west of the city, with rocky sections, river views and a surprisingly rugged landscape.
The Lerderderg Gorge Scenic Rim provides a demanding circuit through the steep terrain of Lerderderg State Park, while the Ted Errey Nature Circuit in Brisbane Ranges National Park offers a shorter family-friendly option through open woodland and rocky ridgelines.
Further east, the forests of Tarra-Bulga National Park and the wider Grand Strzelecki Track network provide access to lush temperate rainforest and some of the tallest mountain ash forests in the world.
Victoria also offers many shorter walks suited to families and casual walkers. Tracks such as the Triplet Falls Rainforest Walk in the Great Otway National Park provide easy access to waterfalls, forest scenery and viewing platforms that showcase the region’s natural beauty.
Hiking throughout the year
One of the advantages of hiking in Victoria is the ability to walk throughout the year. Spring brings widespread wildflower displays across alpine and coastal regions. Summer is ideal for high country walks and coastal hikes where sea breezes provide relief from the heat. Autumn offers clear skies and colourful foliage in forested valleys, while winter transforms parts of the Victorian Alps into a snow-covered landscape suited to experienced walkers with the appropriate skills and equipment.
Preparing for your hike
- Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support are essential for uneven terrain.
- Pack comfortable, breathable clothing that can be layered as conditions change.
- Bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and insect repellent.
- Carry sufficient water, snacks, lunch for longer walks, and a basic first aid kit.
- Navigation tools such as a map and compass or a GPS device with an offline map are strongly recommended.
- Depending on the season, you may also need wet weather gear, thermal layers or a headlamp.
Explore Victoria on foot
Victoria’s landscapes offer an extraordinary variety of walking experiences within a relatively small area. From alpine summits and forested ranges to remote coastal cliffs and accessible day walks close to the city, the state provides opportunities for both casual walkers and experienced bushwalkers.
Whether you are planning a multi-day trek through the mountains or a relaxed coastal walk, Victoria’s trail network offers countless ways to explore the state’s natural landscapes on foot.
What’s your favourite hike in Vic? You can choose only one.