As the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to start planning your adventure in the great outdoors. And if you love hiking, there’s lots of wonderful walks around Victoria for you to stretch your legs on. Embark on coastal trails, wander through forests or keep it simple with an easy walk near Melbourne. And if you like camping, immerse yourself in the best nature that Victoria has to offer by enjoying a nearby stroll. The teams from AllTrails and Hipcamp have crunched the numbers to reveal the state’s most beloved hiking trails and nearby camping sites, so you can enjoy a lovely weekend getaway.
The best hikes and campsites in Victoria
1. Riverside King Valley & Smalls Lane to Black Range Track
Go camping on the banks of the King River at Riverside King Valley. Set on a 25 acre working farm, about half an hour away from Wangaratta, this space has ten different campsites, offering choices for small groups or larger gatherings. This site is accessible for all vehicle types, and well-behaved dogs are welcome to come along.
When you’re ready, head out on the Smalls Lane to Black Range Track in Cheshunt. This beautiful, 15km route begins at Smalls Lane, and will take you through a secluded forest. This spot is great for hiking, running and even mountain biking. Look out for wildlife as you go.
Once you’ve reached the beginning of the Black Range Track, return to the campsite and warm up by the fire.
2. Rodborough Vale & Mount Beckworth Summit and Manna Gums Walk
There’s a number of separate campsites available at Rodborough Vale. Located in the Central Goldfields region, you’ll find the property near charming towns like Maldon and Clunes. It’s a massive, 600 acre site filled with creek flats, native bushland and volcanic outcrops. Look out for native species like platypus, wedge tailed eagles and kookaburras. The sheep farm borders Tullaroop Reservoir, so if you’ve got an electric powered boat or a canoe, you’re welcome to go out on an adventure on the water. Otherwise, simply relax by the creek or chill out with some fishing.
Dogs are welcome, but as this is a working farm, they will need to be very well-behaved around the sheep. There’s also a flushing toilet available at the shearing shed.
After exploring the campsite, hop in the car and head towards Mount Beckworth Scenic Reserve. Stretch your legs on the Mount Beckworth Summit and Manna Gums Walk. This 4.8km route is about half an hour away from Ballarat. It’s a fairly steep trail, but you’ll be rewarded with stunning views at the summit. It’s also usually quite secluded, so you can truly feel immersed in nature. If you’re lucky, you might see an echidna or a wallaby.
3. High Country Paradise & Ovens River Trail
Whisk yourself away to Myrtleford and camp among the scenic mountains and valleys of the High Country. At High Country Paradise, you’ll be just a short distance away from bike trails, craft breweries and the snowfields. The campsites are spacious, and can fit up to 20 adults. There’s even yards available for horses, so if you’re keen to do some horse riding nearby, this is the perfect place to stay.
This site offers toilet amenities, but you will need to bring your own toilet paper. Showers aren’t available, and you’ll need to bring your own water. There are firepits available, so you can relax by the fire.
After getting some rest, take a drive to Rotary Park in Myrtleford, and go for a beautiful stroll along the Ovens River Trail. This out and back route is 3.7km long, and takes roughly an hour or 90 minutes to complete. Take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the river up to Apex Park, then make your way back.
4. Hazelnut Valley Farmstay & Mount Erica and Mushroom Rocks via Australian Alps Walking Track
Stay on a working hazelnut farm just two hours away from Melbourne. Located in Caringal, Hazelnut Valley Farmstay offers a secluded escape for campers. If you’d like, a farm tour with product sampling is available on request. Unwind by Tyres River and warm up by the campfire.
You will need to be fully self-contained and bring your own camping toilet. During winter, the property can only be accessed with a four-wheel drive.
If you’re up for a hike, head to Baw Baw National Park and make the climb up to Mount Erica and Mushroom Rocks. This particular trail via the Australian Alps Walking Track is 8.7km long, and takes over three hours to complete. As you slowly make your way up, you’ll see giant, mushroom-like granite boulders, covered in moss. It’s best to wear sturdy, waterproof shoes, as this route can get muddy.
5. Nillawarree Farm Stay & Wild Dog Creek Falls
Drive over two hours away from Melbourne, to the base of Mount Samaria, and go camping at Nillawarree Farm Stay. Located between Mansfield and Benalla, this 200 acre property has plenty of spacious campsites for you to try. Feel like you’ve got the place to yourself, and enjoy the stunning natural landscape. Farm tours and animal feeding are available if you’d like, so you can meet some of their pet sheep and goats. This farm stay has two hot water showers, two toilets and a camp kitchen for everyone to share. Campfires are permitted, and dogs are welcome to come along.
There’s lots of lovely trails to try nearby, and one notable one is the Wild Dog Creek Falls walk in Mount Samaria State Park. From Mount Samaria Road, you’ll walk through native forest and down a steep set of stairs to the waterfall viewing platform. After admiring the falls, make your way back up the stairs. This secluded trail is just 2.9km long, and takes less than an hour to complete.
Those were the best camping and hiking combos in Victoria, according to AllTrails and Hipcamp. If you’d like to see the full list for Australia, click here.
