Best spots to hike in Victoria with views, beaches and waterfalls
From crystal clear alpine waterfalls to dazzling white beaches and lookouts worth burning those glutes to reach, these are Victoria’s top spots for hikes with views.
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Itching to pull on your walking shoes and hit the road?
Whether you're dreaming of the trips you might take when the weather warms up, or looking for somewhere to explore on a crisp winter's day, Victoria's crystal clear alpine waterfalls and dazzling white beaches are top spots for an outdoor getaway.
GLAMPING PLACES YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF
PHILLIP ISLAND’S BEST CAMPING SPOTS
MT BUFFALO
A nature lover’s playground all year round, Mt Buffalo is about as good as it gets.
World-class crags for rock climbers to explore, and more than 20 hiking routes, 360-degree alpine views and waterfalls are just some of the delights to be enjoyed in summer. In winter, you'll take in a totally different perspective, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Walkers should come prepared for extreme conditions and always stick to the designated routes.
Cyclists looking to punish themselves can also tick off a peak climb on this mighty mountain 348km from Melbourne CBD.
Top picks: Ladies Bath Falls, Rollasons Falls, The Horn, The Cathedral.
Stay: Lake Catani campground or Bright (42km east).
LORNE
Waterfall chasers, look no further. More than half a dozen cascades can be accessed from the seaside resort town — and you can beat the crowds at the ever-popular Erskine Falls by going off the beaten track.
Kalimna Falls and Sheoak Falls are easy walks with great pay-off, while the extra adventurous can organise a car shuffle, before hiking along the river from Erskine Falls and back into town.
After working up an appetite, end the day with a burger from Bottle of Milk on the beach. Perfection.
Top picks: Sheoak Falls, Kalimna Falls.
Stay: Plenty of options for all budgets in Lorne (142km southwest of Melbourne CBD).
VICTORIA’S BEST OUTDOOR EXERCISE SPOTS
MUM’S THE WORD AS GIRLS GO GLAMPING
WILSONS PROMONTORY
The southernmost national park in Australia is home to more than 50,000 hectares of sandy beaches, granite tors and temperate rainforest.
Whether you’re a keen hiker or wannabe mermaid, there are plenty of outdoor delights to sample, ranging from easy day walks and multi-day hikes, to exploring secret coves and massive sand dunes.
There are numerous campsites at this national park 213km southeast of Melbourne, and they’re worth staying at to avoid a 40-minute return trip from the nearest town.
Top picks: Eastern circuit taking in Sealers Cove, Little Waterloo Bay, Refuge Cove or day walks Mt Oberon, Fairy Cove, Big Drift.
Stay: Tidal River or Yanakie (24km north of Wilsons Promontory).
WERRIBEE GORGE
Just west of Bacchus Marsh, Werribee Gorge State Park is close enough to Melbourne (67km from the CBD) for an easy day trip but far enough away to feel like a break.
The 10km circuit walk begins at the picnic area and takes you around the gorge rim, including various stunning lookouts.
It does require you to make your way across a very short section of rope attached to rock at the bottom of the gorge but this is easier than it sounds.
You can also go rock climbing at Falcons Lookout. In warmer weather, Parks Victoria recommends you climb the east-facing cliff it in the morning to avoid the worst of the afternoon sun.
Top picks: Circuit walk, Falcons Lookout.
Stay: Find a range of accommodation in Bacchus Marsh.
BEECH FOREST
Close to the Great Ocean Road but far enough to be off the beaten track, this charming country gem is nearly 200km from Melbourne CBD and feels like a whole other world.
Most visitors drop in to see a 79-year-old grove of redwoods which have found Instagram fame, but there’s more to see in this tiny town, like towering waterfalls you’ll more than likely have to yourself.
Mountain bike enthusiasts can also enjoy a leisurely undulating ride on the 50km Old Beechy Rail Trail.
Top picks: Beauchamp Falls, Hopetoun Falls, redwood forest.
Stay: Beauchamp Falls free campsite or Apollo Bay (40km south).
TOP CAMPING SPOTS ON THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD
DINNER PLAIN
The sometimes-overlooked little sister of Mt Hotham is pumping over the summer months.
From easy walks and a challenging 37km multi-day crossing, there’s a trail for almost all abilities. The region, 388km from Melbourne, is also a trail runner and mountain biker’s delight.
The alpine village even has a relaxing Japanese onsen bathhouse and spa for a hard-earned soak of your weary muscles.
Top picks: Room With A View, Hotham summit walk, Diamantina Hut to Mt Feathertop, Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing.
Stay: Hotham Heights or Dinner Plain alpine villages.
KINGLAKE NATIONAL PARK
The forest on the slopes of the Great Dividing Range has come a long way since the devastation of Black Saturday.
Popular spots include Mason Falls, a 15 minute walk from the picnic area and car park. People keen to really stretch their legs or walk off some festive food can keep going around a 16km circuit track which includes climbing Mt Sugarloaf.
Other hikes in the national park, about 90km northeast of Melbourne, range from 1.5km to 12km.
There’s also a mountain bike trail at Bowden Spur, near the intersection of Bowden Spur and Whittlesea-Kinglake roads.
Top picks: Mt Sugarloaf, Mason Falls.
Stay: The Gums Camping Area. Visitors need to bring their own drinking water. Accommodation is also available in nearby towns including Kinglake.
MARYSVILLE
This is another top pick if you want to stick to a day trip.
At just 97km from the city, the journey to Marysville passes through the stunning Black Spur and is just a little teaser of what’s ahead.
Those looking for a more advanced hike can tackle the 15km trail to Keppel Lookout, which rewards a glute-burning climb with a vantage point from the top of the 122m Steavensons Falls, plus views of the township and Cathedral Range on a clear day.
You can even have a go at reeling in your own dinner and cooking a catch at the nearby Buxton Trout Farm.
Top picks: Keppel Lookout trail, Keppel Falls, Lady Talbot Drive.
Stay: Marysville, Narbethong.
NOOJEE
This tiny Gippsland town is nestled between the Yarra Ranges and Baw Baw National Park, but don’t be deceived by its sleepy demeanour, 126km east of Melbourne.
Two of Victoria’s more impressive waterfalls can be enjoyed on an easy 2.2km return circuit at Toorongo Falls Reserve, taking in the reserve’s namesake and the impressive Amphitheatre Falls.
It’s also worth checking out the historic Noojee Trestle Bridge — one of the only remaining such bridges in the state.
Another big thing to marvel at is the Ada Tree in the Yarra State Forest, with the towering mountain ash estimated to be more than 300 years old and one of Victoria’s largest living trees.
Top picks: Toorongo Falls Reserve, Noojee Trestle Bridge, Ada Tree.
Stay: Warburton (50km) and Warragul (38km) are the closest larger towns to the west and south respectively.
VICTORIA'S 18 HIDDEN GEMS UNEARTHED
MELBOURNE’S 11 COOLEST PLAYGROUNDS
CATHEDRAL RANGE
Stunning views can be enjoyed from this little-known state park but be prepared to work for it. There’s no way around it — the only track is up on both circuits, so brace your quads for a burning climb of up to 540 metres, followed by a backbreaking rock scramble and downward trot for a full day’s hard work.
The reward is 360-degree views of the surrounding peaks and farmland, plus one helluva Facebook profile picture.
After burning all those calories, drop in at the Igloo Road House and treat yourself with a “famous” Buxton Burger.
Don’t forget to check weather conditions — the walks are difficult, extremely exposed and should only be undertaken by hikers with bushwalking experience.
Top picks: Northern, southern circuits.
Stay: Buxton (19km), Parks Victoria campgrounds.
GRAMPIANS
No outdoor adventure guide would be complete without the Grampians National Park, which has everything from short strolls to multi-day treks.
For those after something a little less strenuous, the Venus Baths Loop Walk and Balconies Walk are both about 2km. The former is dotted with rock pools if you need to cool off.
The stunning Pinnacle Lookout can be reached by several walks, some longer and harder and others easier. MacKenzie Falls is also a must-see and can be reached by a 2km walk.
Adventure seekers can take on the first (36km) section of the Grampians Peaks Trail, starting and ending at Halls Gap.
If hiking if not your thing, there is also the Halls Gap Zoo, as well as wine and helicopter tours.
Top picks: MacKenzie Falls, Pinnacle Lookout
Stay: Halls Gap offers accommodation ranging from camping and caravanning to luxury retreats. Stawell is also about 20 minutes away and Ararat under an hour.
PHILLIP ISLAND
There’s more to Phillip Island than penguins, koalas and tourists. Despite the crowded beaches, there are still a few spots which are yet to see much foot traffic, like the secret SS Speke shipwreck that is only accessible via a one-hour walk from Kitty Miller Bay.
The island’s surf beach is also home to the impressive Forrest Caves — sea caverns carved out by erosion over decades.
Top picks: SS Speke, Pinnacles walk, Forrest Caves.
Stay: No shortage of accommodation from holiday parks and Airbnbs, to motels and hotels.
BUSHWALKING WOMEN ON RIGHT TRACK
CROAJINGOLONG NATIONAL PARK
If you really want to get off the beaten track in Victoria, you can’t get much farther away than this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve stretching along 100km of East Gippsland coastline.
More than 400km from Melbourne and extremely isolated, it’s perfect for hiking, bird watching, camping and boating.
Highlights include the 1890-era Point Hicks Lighthouse as well as the pink granite Gabo Island Lighthouse, off the coast near of the tiny town of Mallacoota.
Both Point Hicks and Gabo Island offer accommodation, with the latter accessible by boat or air.
Experienced hikers keen to take on the mammoth Wilderness Coast Walk — stretching between Sydenham Inlet near Bemm River and Wonboyn in NSW — should register first.
Top picks: Mallacoota is an excellent base to explore the park.
Stay: Bemm River, Mallacoota or Gipsy Point. The park also offers multiple camping spots.
Eliza Sum is a Herald Sun digital producer and also co-founder of Melbourne Girls Outside. Follow on Instagram @elizasum
*Before setting out don't forget to check the latest information with Parks Victoria, and with local operators who may be impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.
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