For this edition of Trail Tuesdays, we’re heading south and rounding up some of the best hikes in Victoria. Whether you’re chasing a quick coastal walk, a full-day summit mission, or an overnight adventure, these are the trails worth adding to your list.
Within a few hours of Melbourne, you’ve got rugged coastlines, alpine peaks, rainforest gullies, waterfalls, and enough winding trails to keep your weekends booked out year-round.
Single-day Hikes
The Pinnacle Walk in Grampians National Park
If there’s one hike that belongs on every Victorian hiking bucket list, it’s this one. The Pinnacle Walk delivers wide views spanning over the Grampians with rock formations, cliff edges, and plenty of dramatic scenery along the way.
There are a few different ways to tackle it, but the route from Sundial Carpark strikes the perfect balance between effort and reward. Spanning over 4.2km, you can expect rocky terrain, some scrambling sections, and panoramic views that make every step worth it.
Photo by Joshua Tsu on Unsplash
Sources: https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/sites/the-pinnacle-walk
https://www.trailhiking.com.au/hikes/the-pinnacle/
Mount Feathertop via The Razorback
Labelled ‘The most iconic hike in the high country’, this 22km return track starts at Mount Hotham. The Razorback Track follows an exposed ridgeline all the way to the summit of Mount Feathertop, which is Victoria’s second-highest peak.
The trail itself is relatively straightforward, but the alpine scenery is what makes this hike unforgettable. On a clear day, you’ll get endless mountain views in every direction. Sunset and sunrise up here are next level if you decide to turn it into an overnight trip.
Photo by We Are Explorers
Sources: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/australia/victoria/mount-feathertop-via-the-razorback
https://www.visitvictoria.com/see-and-do/outdoor-and-adventure/walking-and-hiking/10-must-do-hikes
Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk
Less than 90 minutes from Melbourne, Werribee Gorge spans over 7.7kms and is proof you don’t need to drive deep into the state for a great hike. This trail is quite popular due to its proximity to Melbourne, especially on weekends, so plan accordingly.
This circuit follows the river through steep gorge walls, rocky scrambling sections, and narrow trails that hug cliffs, and will take most people between 3-4 hours to complete. Some tips: avoid this one after heavy rain, as sections can get slippery fast.
Photo by Hiking Fiasco
Source: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/australia/victoria/werribee-gorge-circuit-walk
Mount Oberon Summit, Wilsons Promontory National Park
No Victorian hiking list feels complete without Wilsons Prom. While there are plenty of longer trails throughout the national park, Mount Oberon is one of the best shorter options with a huge payoff, spanning over 3.4km approximately, and will take around 1.5-2 hours.
The trail steadily climbs through bushland before opening up to panoramic coastal views across the Prom. Sunrise and sunset here are especially worth the effort. You’ll start at the Telegraph Saddle car park, then head along the gravel vehicle track to the summit, where you can take some unreal photos with the Tidal River and offshore islands in the background.
Photo by Damien Tait on Unsplash
Sources: https://www.visitvictoria.com/see-and-do/outdoor-and-adventure/walking-and-hiking/10-must-do-hikes
http://alltrails.com/trail/australia/victoria/mount-oberon
Multi-day Hikes
Mount Bogong via Staircase Spur & Eskdale Spur Loop
At 1,986 metres, Mount Bogong is Victoria’s highest peak, and one of the most rewarding overnight hikes in the country.
Most hikers tackle this as a 2-day loop via Staircase Spur and Eskdale Spur, camping overnight near Michell Hut or Camp Creek Gap. The climb up Staircase Spur is relentless, but once you hit the alpine ridgeline, the views completely open up across the Victorian Alps.
Conditions up here can change fast, even outside winter, so proper alpine prep is essential. Expect exposed terrain, steep climbing, and a hike that feels every bit like a proper mountain adventure.
Photo by Tanya Eade-Smith on AllTrails
Sources: https://www.visitvictoria.com/see-and-do/outdoor-and-adventure/walking-and-hiking/10-must-do-hikes
https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/alpine-national-park/attractions/mount-bogong?
Big River Fire Trail Figure 8
If you’re after something remote, rugged, and a little less polished than the classic Victorian alpine hikes, the Big River Fire Trail Figure 8 delivers. Also found in the Mount Bogong Range, this trail spans 45-55km depending on the path you take, and can take between 2-4 days.
This multi-day route winds through dense forest, river crossings, steep fire trails, and remote campsites within the Big River State Forest. It’s the kind of hike where you can go hours without seeing another person. Just bushland, mountain views, and the occasional wombat wandering through camp.
The figure-8 format also makes it easy to shorten or extend sections depending on fitness and conditions. Just be ready for serious elevation gain and long stretches without facilities.
Photo by Brandon Jellyfish on AllTrails
Sources: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/australia/victoria/mount-bogong-and-big-river-fire-trail-figure-8
The Great Ocean Walk
Stretching from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles, the Great Ocean Walk is one of Australia’s best coastal multi-day hikes.
Over several days, the trail moves through wild beaches, towering cliffs, coastal forest, and remote sections of shoreline that feel a world away from the tourist stops along the Great Ocean Road. The total distance is a whopping 110km and will take most hikers around a week to complete.
You can tackle shorter sections over a weekend, but completing the full track is the ultimate experience. There are designated hike-in campsites along the route, plus options for guided and lightweight supported walks if you’d rather skip carrying a full pack.
Photo by Ian Schneider on Unsplash
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/australia/victoria/great-ocean-walk
Preparing for a multi-day hike? Grab all the gear you need here.
From alpine ridgelines to coastal cliffs and rainforest gullies, Victoria has a trail for pretty much every kind of hiker. Whether you’re planning a quick day trip from Melbourne or gearing up for a full weekend adventure, these hikes are a solid place to start.
Trail Tuesdays will be back next week with another state guide, so we’ll see you there!