Feeling a little cooped up? Take a break and immerse yourself in nature, without breaking a sweat, by going on some easy walks near Melbourne. From picturesque spots near the city, to stunning outings further out, these gentle walks are suitable for all ages. Go for a casual stroll, look out for waterfalls, see stunning ocean views and much more. Some of these walks are accessible or family-friendly, and some of these walks are great for dogs too. Although these walks near Melbourne are quite easy, just remember to take precautions, like wearing sunscreen and bringing along a bottle of water.
1. Albert Park Lake in Melbourne
Go for a walk around the picturesque Albert Park Lake. Located just 3km away from Melbourne, this popular spot has lots of different paths for you to choose from. Go around the lake on the 4.7km Lake Path, and take in views of idyllic swans and more. This takes about 45 minutes. Not interested in doing the whole thing? You could also take the Western Bike Path, which is 25 minutes one way, and just over 3km long. This path goes along the western edge of Albert Park. The whole family can have fun here, with playgrounds for the kids, off-leash spots for dogs and tranquil picnic areas. More info here.
📍33 Lakeside Dr, Melbourne VIC 3004
2. Dights Falls Loop Trail in Yarra Bend Park
Head to Yarra Bend Park, the largest area of natural bushland near Melbourne, and take a stroll along the Dights Falls Loop Trail. This popular 3.2km walk winds its way along the Yarra River, and takes about one hour to complete. Feel lost in nature, without having to travel too far from the city as you walk through the bush. Along the way, you’ll cross bridges, see a former lunatic asylum, admire the view at the lookout over Galatea Point, see the artificial weir known as Dights Falls, and more. If you’re hungry, grab a bite at Studley Park Boathouse. Dogs are allowed to come along, as long as they’re on a leash. See more here.
📍Yarra Bend Rd, Fairfield VIC 3078
3. Organ Pipes Walk in Organ Pipes National Park
The short, 3km Organ Pipes Walk will take you on a journey to the incredible basalt columns at Organ Pipes National Park. These 20-metre-high columns, which resemble organ pipes, were formed from molten lava about a million years ago. The path is sealed, but it is quite steep, so take your time to look around and fully appreciate the surrounding landscape. The walk takes about 90 minutes, and you’re welcome to have a picnic next to the carpark or next to the Organ Pipes lookout. Learn more here.
📍Organ Pipes Rd, Keilor North VIC 3036
4. Pound Bend River Walk at Warrandyte State Park
Warrandyte State Park is the closest state park to Melbourne, and is only a 45 minute drive away from the CBD. There’s lots of walking trails for you to discover, and a good place to start would be the Pound Bend River Walk. Starting from the northern end of the picnic area, you’ll walk upstream along the Yarra River on this easy track. The walk is 2.4km long, and takes about one hour to complete. Along the way, you’ll journey through a forest filled with towering manna gums. Listen out for birds, and keep an eye out for Eastern Grey Kangaroos in the grassland area. Learn more here.
📍Pound Bend Rd, Warrandyte VIC 3113
5. Lake Circuit Trail in Lysterfield Park
Look out for kangaroos and other native wildlife on the Lake Circuit Trail in Lysterfield Park. As you can guess from the name, this family-friendly walk will take you around Lysterfield Lake. The trail is a 5.5km circuit, or a 90 minute walk, and consists of mostly flat and wide gravel circuit and two short hills. Wander through the forest, look out for birds on the lake, and keep an eye out for kangaroos, koalas and echidnas. This trail is suitable for walkers and runners, as well as bicycles and off-road prams. Learn more here.
📍Horswood Rd, Lysterfield VIC 3156
6. Sherbrooke Falls Loop in Dandenong Ranges National Park
The Dandenong Ranges is full of incredible walks, including the challenging 1000 Steps. For something a little easier, take a stroll along the Sherbrooke Falls Loop walk. This picturesque route can begin and end at either the Sherbrooke Picnic Ground or the O’Donohue Picnic Ground. Amble through the forest, listen out for birds and local wildlife, and admire Sherbrooke Falls. This waterfall is particularly lovely after a bit of rain. The loop itself takes about 45 minutes to complete. Learn more here.
📍Odonohue Track, Sherbrooke VIC 3789
7. Mason Falls Walk in Kinglake National Park
Kinglake National Park is home to over 40 native mammal and 90 native bird species, including wallabies and lyrebirds. Keep a lookout for them, and admire plenty of native plants, with a walk from the Mason Falls Picnic Area. This area has a number of short walks for you to check out, including the Mason Falls Walk, which takes you to the stunning high drop waterfall. The trip is 700 metres one way. There’s also a 500m Lyrebird Circuit Walk, a lovely path that is specifically designed for people with limited mobility. See more here.
📍Masons Falls Rd, Kinglake West VIC 3757
8. Big Rock Walk in You Yangs Regional Park
The You Yangs are about an hour away from Melbourne, and are filled with both easy and more challenging walks. For something super quick, take the 10 minute return walk to Big Rock from the Big Rock Carpark. It’s only 100 metres, and you’ll be rewarded with great views. For something slightly longer, try the Big Rock Walk, which is about 3km long and takes an hour to complete. This journey will take you from the park office carpark, around Big Rock and back. Dogs are welcome to come along, as long as they’re on a lead. Learn more here.
📍Turntable Dr, Little River VIC 3211
9. Sanatorium Lake Eco-Trail in Mount Macedon
Round up the family and go for a peaceful walk together on the Sanatorium Lake Eco-Trail in Mount Macedon. This 2.5km loop around the lake takes you through eucalypt forests and a fern gully. Near the lake, you’ll also find other picnic areas and walking trails that are waiting to be explored. The area is a welcoming environment for over 150 species of native birds, as well as mammals like kangaroos and wombats. Dogs are allowed to come along, as long as they’re on a leash. The best time of year to go for an easy walk around the lake is in spring and summer. Learn more here.
📍Lions Head Road, Mount Macedon VIC 3441
10. Summit Circuit Walk in Arthurs Seat State Park
Soar up to the top of Arthurs Seat, and take in the sights along the 1.8km Summit Circuit Walk. This walk will take you to some major points of interest, including the major lookouts, the Matthew Flinders Cairn, Seawinds Gardens, William Ricketts sculptures and the Seawinds Nursery Volunteers Indigenous Garden. The walk should take about an hour to complete, and there will be some steps along the way. Learn more here.
📍Seawinds Entry Road, Arthurs Seat VIC 3936
11. Flinders Blowhole Walking Track in Mornington Peninsula
If you’d like to take in dramatic views, without working too hard for it, why don’t you check out the Flinders Blowhole Walking Track? It’s a short walk along a wooden boardwalk and a stairway. The track will lead you to the end of Elephant Rock, where you can look at the blowhole, watch the waves crash against the rocks and gaze at plenty of sea birds. Just be mindful of any slippery rocks, high tide or large sea swells. See more here.
📍Blowhole Track, Flinders VIC 3929
12. The Nobbies Walk on Phillip Island
The next time you’re on Phillip Island, stretch your legs on The Nobbies Walk. Drive to the tip of the Summerland Peninsula, and take in views of the Bass Strait and the southern coastline by strolling along the clifftop boardwalks. Look out to the Nobbies and Seal Rocks and see if you can spot any seals, little penguins and even whales in winter. This easy walk is 500m return, and only takes about 20 minutes. It’s also pram-friendly, and suitable for wheelchairs along the upper level. After your walk, pop into the Nobbies Centre and treat yourself to something from the cafe. Learn more here.
📍1320 Ventnor Road, Summerlands VIC 3922