Walking is not only beneficial to every part of our health from our joints to our minds, but it’s a great way to get out of the house, get some sunshine and ward off a sedentary lifestyle. Whether you’re someone who prefers a quick, brisk walk or a leisurely bush hike, we’ve found some of the best walking trails across Victoria to tackle.
01
Great Ocean Walk
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Not only is the Great Ocean Road one of the most famous drives in the country, but it’s also home to one of the most iconic walking trails, too. The Great Ocean Walk hugs Victoria’s coastline as you trek from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles. This multi-day walk is perfect for avid hikers who want to experience the magic of the Great Ocean Road, the beaches, rainforests and cosy towns along the way by foot. While the entire trail takes about eight days to complete end-to-end, you can opt for smaller chunks if you’re not prepared to do a 100km walk.
02
The Cathedral Range Southern Circuit
Difficulty: Challenging
If you’re after another challenging walk then the Cathedral Range Southern Circuit is a must-do. Laced with jagged and rocky trails that wind you up to the peaks of the Cathedral Range, this walk is quite challenging but you’re rewarded at the end with sweeping views of Victoria’s stunning regional landscape.
03
The Pinnacle Walk and Lookout
Difficulty: Challenging
The Pinnacle Walk in the Grampians is one of Victoria’s most popular hikes – and it’s hardly surprising why. This trail takes you past rock formations and wild bushland and finishes up at the Pinnacle Lookout where you’ll get an unparalleled view of Halls Gap. Compared to the other trails on this list, this walk is fairly short and the terrain is friendlier for all different levels of fitness abilities.
04
The Goldfields Track
Difficulty: Challenging
Looking to really challenge yourself? The Goldfields Track is heaven for history buffs and nature lovers alike. On this 210 kilometre walk, you’ll be following the paths once trodden by gold miners in the 1850s. Along the way, you’ll pass through historic towns, forests and Victoria’s dreamy countryside. The full track is quite long and takes about two weeks to complete, but you can break it into smaller sections if you want an easy day-long hike.
05
Lake Daylesford Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Looking for more of a leisurely afternoon stroll? The Lake Daylesford Loop is a three kilometre walk that’ll have you closing the rings on your fitness tracker. The trail circles around Lake Daylesford making for a brisk and aesthetically pleasing walk. But this walk isn’t all business, there are plenty of spots along the way to sit down, have a picnic or simply lie in the grass.
06
Albert Park Lake Walk
Difficulty: Easy
An easy walk to do closer to Melbourne’s CBD is the Albert Park Lake Walk. Located just a stone’s throw from Melbourne’s city centre, the Albert Park Lake Walk is a flat and accessible five kilometre loop trail. Taking about an hour to complete in entirety, this walk is an excellent way to hit your recommended fitness quota for the day whilst getting some fresh air and sunshine while you’re at it.
