Subscribe      List an Event or Business      Invite a Writer      Write for WN      Writers      Other Locations
1 million Australian readers every month      list your event

Where’s the Best Day Hike Near Melbourne?

Home > Victoria > Adventure | Day Trips | Escape the City | Free | Health and Fitness | National Parks | Nature | Outdoor | Walks | Questions
Writer's Answer:
by Sue Williams (subscribe)
Writer, bushwalker, dessert enthusiast. Author of the Rusty Bore Mysteries. More info here: https://www.textpublishing.com.au/books/live-and-let-fry
Published June 7th 2012
View from Mt Bishop, Wilson's Prom by Ross Chapman
View from Mt Bishop, Wilson's Prom - Ross Chapman


We're spoiled for choice for day hikes near Melbourne and throughout Victoria. With so many lovely national parks, there's hundreds of trails to choose from. So where exactly is the best day hike?

If I had to choose just one walk as the best, it would have to be Sealer's Cove, at Wilson's Promontory. It's hard to beat the combination of mountain scenery, amazing sea views, the rugged track through valleys full of tree ferns, then finally arriving at the beautiful secluded beach at Sealer's Cove.

In fact, you can't really go wrong at the Prom. There's a huge range of great walks on offer, even after the flood damage in March 2011.

Another amazing day hike is Mt Feathertop, Victoria's second highest mountain. The views from the top are incredible. It's important to be properly prepared for this one – it's steep, requires stout footwear and walkers need to be equipped for bad weather, which can occur at any time.

There are also excellent day hikes in the Grampians and the Yarra Ranges National Park.

Walking in the Yarra Valley by Sue Williams
Walking in the Yarra Valley


And even closer to Melbourne, there are great day walks near Ferntree Gully, including the extremely popular 1,000 Steps, as well as fantastic views on walks in the Cathedral Range, the Werribee Gorge State Park, along the Bass Coast, from Arthur's Seat, the Mornington Peninsula National Park, and the relatively unknown Brisbane Ranges.

Walking near Ferntree Gully by Sue Williams
Walking near Ferntree Gully


Phew, did I mention we're spoiled for choice?

If you have a favourite day hike near Melbourne, please let us know by leaving a comment below.

We look forward to your suggestions.
Help us improve  Click here if you liked this article  193
Share: email  facebook  twitter
I love 1000 Steps. Many do the steps but stop there, if you still have some energy continue on for a longer loop, while the steps are busy just a few metres away the crown drops out.
By eleve - reader
Tuesday, 30th of August @ 05:02 am
Werribee Gorge State Park is excellent; interesting, scenic and varied. The 'circuit walk' is a 10k walk, with one section that is a bit tricky (although I took my 2 yo in a backcarrier) and a bit of good up and down. It's only about a one hour drive from melbourne CBD.
By nealh - reader
Wednesday, 4th of July @ 11:57 pm
Oddly, there is a nature reserve in Blackburn that is really a great walk. Down near the Yarra can be good too - anywhere out near Heidelburg and the Heidelburg or Heidi Gallery is a great small walk with all the sculptures etc.

Otherwise you have to travel a bit, which takes away from your time if its only one day you have.
By Jody Kimber - senior reviewer
Thursday, 1st of September @ 11:28 am
MT. BISHOP
By Anonymous
Friday, 10th of August @ 11:40 pm
Directly in town: I love a walk along the Yarra. Between the Abbotsford convent and Studley Park Boat House is my favourite part (~2hrs return), but the walk can be extended either way, eg you could start in the city or do a side trip up the Merri Creek which is beautiful walking without having to drive anywhere!
By up.au - reader
Wednesday, 4th of February @ 11:27 pm

More Melbourne articles
Articles from other cities
Popular Articles
Categories
Lists
Questions