10 of Victoria’s best winter walks

From rugged coastal paths to rail trails and guided strolls with a side of yoga, these great walks make it worth braving the winter chill.

Griffiths Island Walk takes you to the lighthouse at Port Fairy.

Rug up, lace up and hit the ground walking on one of Victoria’s great winter trails.

All achievable for even the casual walker, take in stunning scenery as the lure of a pub meal by the fire or a gourmet pizza at a cellar door entices you.

These are 10 of the state’s great walks to do in winter.

1. GEORGE BASS COASTAL WALK, GIPPSLAND

With Bass Strait beaches on one side and farmland on the other, the one-way, 8km clifftop trail takes about two hours.

It starts in San Remo and ends in Kilcunda, where you can feast on pub favourites or warm up with a fireside tipple at the Kilcunda Ocean View Hotel.

Leave your car parked at either end of the walk or go back whence you came.

George Bass Coastal Walk takes about two hours to complete.

>> Get more ideas for exploring Victoria over winter in Space magazine, in your Sunday Herald Sun.

2. RED HILL RAIL TRAIL, MORNINGTON PENINSULA

Gourmet pizza and pasta await at the end of the one-way, 6.5km walk from Merricks to Red Hill South, which takes about 1½ hours.

Relax with lunch at The Epicurean Red Hill’s Shed Restaurant. Leave a car at either end of the trail or retrace your steps.

3. WHEELIES, WINING & DINING ADVENTURE, WARBURTON VALLEY

Cycle the beautiful Warburton Trail, stopping for morning tea at a cafe.

Then sample regional wines at the likes of Whispering Hills Winery (Seville) and Brumfield Winery (Seville).

Bike & Hike supplies equipment and route info, and picks you up at the end of the day.

Ride to wineries for the afternoon to sip and sample regional produce on the Warburton Rail Trail.

4. YOGABOUT GETAWAY, DAYLESFORD

Daily yoga sessions and guided nature walks are highlights at Yogabout Getaway. Accommodation is mostly at the Rocklyn Yoga Ashram in the heart of the Wombat State Forest.

The retreats are two or three days, and vegetarian meals are included.

5. CLOUDEHILL GARDENS, DANDENONG RANGES

Wander through winter foliage at the renowned Olinda garden and nursery.

Then head across the road to the Olinda Tea House where you can warm up with its signature high tea or selections from the Asian fusion menu.

6. GRIFFITHS ISLAND WALK, PORT FAIRY

Reached by a causeway, this tiny island has a one-hour circuit walk taking in a lighthouse, sand dunes and crashing waves.

Watch for whales, black wallabies and echidnas. Afterwards, cosy up to the fire at the renovated Oak & Anchor Hotel.

Order share plates and whisky, or hot chocolate.

7. VENUS BATHS LOOP WALK, HALLS GAP

An enjoyable walk for all ages, discover the naturally formed rockpools as you follow the 2.3km track from the centre of Halls Gap to the botanic gardens.

Then dine in at Flame Brothers, an American-style smokehouse, restaurant and bar.

8. OVENS RIVER LOOP, MYRTLEFORD

This sealed 5.6km loop trail deep in the High Country can be walked or cycled.

The trail follows the Ovens River and passes through bushland.

Spot quirky hidden mosaic art, and cap your explorations with steaming mint tea and a Middle Eastern feast at Cafe Fez.

9. CAFE CULTURE WALKING TOUR, MELBOURNE CBD

Savour the aroma of fresh coffee beans as you explore laneways and hidden cafes with Hidden Secrets Tours.

Learn how the city’s cafe culture evolved and sample coffee, chocolate and sweet treats on the

three-hour walk, which ends with a cafe lunch in a hidden spot.

10. CAPE WOOLAMAI WALK, PHILLIP ISLAND

Be dazzled by the dramatic coastal scenery on this clifftop walk, home to a shearwater rookery and the island’s highest point.

Take your pick from three walking tracks or do a full circuit combining all three (8.3km, about 2½ hours), keeping an eye out for whales.

Lunch at The Cape Kitchen (Newhaven) on the nearby waterfront.

>> Get more ideas for exploring Victoria over winter in Space magazine, in your Sunday Herald Sun. Discover more ideas at visitvictoria.com/walks