Victoria is Australia's most compact yet culturally rich state, home to the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne, world-famous Great Ocean Road, and diverse landscapes from the Grampians to alpine regions. The state blends urban sophistication with natural wonders, offering everything from world-class dining to pristine national parks.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Pinnacle Loop Walk
The Pinnacle is the most popular hike in the Grampians, offering some of Victoria's most spectacular views. The trail climbs through rocky heath and eucalyptus woodland to a series of dramatic lookouts with sweeping views across the Wimmera plains and the Grampians ranges. The final rocky scramble to the Pinnacle is exhilarating.
Trailhead: Wonderland car park, Halls Gap
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2
The Prom Circuit
The Prom Circuit is considered one of Victoria's best multi-day hiking experiences, traversing the southern tip of mainland Australia through wilderness beaches, granite mountains, and diverse coastal ecosystems. The trail visits Sealers Cove, Refuge Cove, Roaring Meg, Waterloo Bay, and Lighthouse Point at the southernmost tip of mainland Australia.
Trailhead: Tidal River, Wilsons Promontory National Park
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3
Great Ocean Walk
The Great Ocean Walk is a multi-day or day-walk coastal trail following the Great Ocean Road coastline from Aireys Inlet to Apollo Bay. The walk offers spectacular ocean views, passes through rainforest gullies, along clifftops, and down to secluded beaches. Each day section (8-15km) can be done independently.
Trailhead: Aireys Inlet (east end) or Apollo Bay (west end)
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4
Mount Feathertop Summit Walk
Mount Feathertop (1922m) is Victoria's second-highest peak and arguably its most beautiful mountain. The summit offers dramatic 360-degree views across the Victorian Alps. The Razorback Ridge connecting Feathertop to Mount Hotham is one of Australia's finest alpine ridgeline walks. The MUMC hut near the summit provides basic overnight shelter.
Trailhead: Diamantina Spur trailhead near Harrietville
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5
MacKenzie Falls Loop
MacKenzie Falls is one of Victoria's most impressive waterfalls, dropping 30 metres into a sandstone gorge. The walk descends steeply from the car park to the base of the falls, then climbs back. The falls are most impressive after rain. The gorge is beautiful and swimming in the pool at the base is popular in summer.
Trailhead: MacKenzie Falls car park, Grampians National Park
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6
Kokoda Track Memorial Walk
The Kokoda Track Memorial Walk in the Dandenong Ranges is a walking track that commemorates the Australian servicemen who fought on the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea during World War II. The trail passes through beautiful mountain ash forest, giant fern gullies, and offers occasional views over Melbourne.
Trailhead: Upper Ferntree Gully Station car park
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7
Mount Buffalo Circuit
Mount Buffalo National Park contains some of Victoria's most diverse alpine landscapes, from dramatic granite tors to wildflower meadows and crystal-clear streams. The Gorge walks lead to spectacular viewpoints, and the circuit around the Plateau visits numerous highlights including The Horn (highest point at 1723m) and Lake Catani.
Trailhead: Mount Buffalo Chalet area
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8
Cathedral Range Southern Circuit
Cathedral Range State Park contains a dramatic series of quartzite ridges just 90km from Melbourne. The Southern Circuit offers challenging scrambling over exposed rock, with spectacular views north over the central highlands. The ridgeline is narrow with some sections requiring hands for balance.
Trailhead: Cooks Mill car park
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.
Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.
Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.