With the end of winter in Australia firmly in our sights, the time to get out for a hike in the warmer weather of spring is nearly upon us.
If you happen to live in the faux capital of Australia – Melbourne – then you might be aware that there are a number of nearby day hikes available to you.
This is especially true for those of you who consider yourselves beginner hikers.
In no particular order, this blog will discuss what I would deem to be the 5 best beginner hikers available to you within a short driving distance from Melbourne.
I’ve also included one at the end of this blog that isn’t as popular as the first five, but is certainly a walking trail worth checking out should you get the chance.
Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk
Very much an old favourite of mine, the Werribee Gorge Circuit is approximately an hour’s drive west of Melbourne CBD and is certainly a unique hike.
At just 8 kilometres in distance, Werribee Gorge is a mix of bushland trails and rocky paths, while also including some really amazing views.
But, best of all, it includes a gorge path that requires you to shimmy & rock hop your way across a thin, rocky path by the river while holding onto a steel cable.
And this is why it’s so unique – because there aren’t any other trails in Victoria that include this.
You Yangs Walk – Little River
A little further down the road from the Werribee Gorge State Park, and on the way to Geelong, is the You Yangs East-West Walk.
A 7-kilometre, loop hike starting at the incredibly accessible Turntable Car Park, the jewel in the crown of the East-West Walk is the lookout point at Flinders Peak.
This spot will afford you some incredible views of the southwestern region of Melbourne with views of Geelong and Port Phillip Bay.
A very popular hike for beginners and casual walkers, I’d also recommend this walk in the You Yangs for those of you who have little kids.
Mount Lofty – Wonga Park
A popular beginner’s hike in the outer east of Melbourne, Mount Lofty in Wonga Park is a great little hike following parts of the Yarra River.
At only 4.5 kilometres, it should only take you 1.5-2.5 hours to complete…and that’s inclusive of a long and grinding hill to Mount Lofty.
With views of the nearby Dandenong Ranges and plenty of kangaroos hopping about, Mount Lofty is an excellent choice for beginner hikers, casual walkers, and weekend wanderers.
Sherbrook Falls Walk – Dandenong Ranges
Speaking of the Dandenong Ranges, one of the best beginner hikes in the park would have to be the Sherbrooke Falls Walk.
With an 8-kilometre trail that weaves its way through giant Mountain Ash and dense forest, you will really feel like you’re in another world on this adventure.
At the halfway point of the hike, you’ll be able to wander down to the small viewing platform that overlooks Sherbrooke Falls.
Finally, you’ll no doubt hear them as you make your way through the forest but don’t forget to keep your eye out for the elusive lyrebird.
Reid’s Tramline Walk – Warburton
Located in the Yarra Valley, Warburton is quickly becoming a location to visit when you’re looking for an adventure.
It’s also home to an excellent beginner’s hike in the depths of the Yarra Ranges National Park – Reid’s Tramline Walk.
A near-on 6-kilometre walk starting in the old timber town of Powelltown, the walk begins with a decent heart starter of a hill but soon levels out as you begin to descend into deeper parts of the forest.
I think what I love about this hike is that you won’t see many people out and about on this trail as it isn’t considered an overly popular hike like the nearby La La Falls or Redwood Forest (which is more of a meander than a hike).
Furthermore, it’s full of history with a couple of old timber mill relics left over from a bygone making that little bit more special.
And finally…
Freeman’s Mill Walking Track – Bunyip State Park
I promised I’d give you a beginners day hike that you may not have heard of before, and here it is – Freeman’s Mill Walking Track in the Bunyip State Park.
Located a 1.5 hours drive from Melbourne near the town of Gembrook, this near 14-kilometre return hike follows an easy-to-follow trail
Don’t let the kilometres scare you off! Apart from a reasonable grind of a hill, this hike is incredibly straightforward and has a campsite located at the halfway mark.
And best of all – it’s well-signed! So if you’re worried about getting lost, don’t be. You’ll be totally fine.
Finally, the reason I have chosen this hike is that while the nearby Four Brothers Rocks track gets all the love, I think this one is just as nice – especially if you’re new to hiking.
And they’re what I would consider, for a variety of reasons, to be the five best beginner day hikes in Melbourne whether that be due to ease of access, its location or the level of adventure that awaits you.
I promise whichever hike from this list that you choose to do, you will thoroughly enjoy yourself.
