Whether it’s long walks on the beach, in the forest, or a nice and easy stroll, we just love going for walks around Melbourne and Victoria. And we’re not the only ones. According to data from the website AllTrails, Easter is the busiest hiking season in Australia. They’ve crunched the numbers to reveal the most popular walks around Victoria over the Easter weekend last year. So, if you’re looking for somewhere to stretch your legs, this list is a great place to start!
The most popular walks in Melbourne and Victoria over the Easter long weekend
1. Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk
This loop in Werribee Gorge State Park is one hour away from Melbourne. Around the park, you’ll find a variety of shorter and longer loop walks to choose from, and all of them will need a moderate level of fitness, as you will encounter uneven surfaces and steep hill sections. According to AllTrails, the Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk was the most popular walk in Melbourne over the Easter weekend. This 7.6km trail starts from Meikles Point Picnic Area and will take you along the Werribee River. Expect some scrambling along the way, as well as a short cliff section with cables along an exposed rock face. Bring your bathers on a hot day for a refreshing dip in one of the swimming spots along the way, like Needles Beach.
2. Lyrebird Walk, Neuman, Paddy, and Coles Ridge Loop
Wander through forests and fern gullies on the Lyrebird Walk, Neuman, Paddy, and Coles Ride Loop. This moderately challenging, 6.6km hike will take you through some tranquil sections of the Dandenong Ranges. Start from the Coles Ridge car park, and go along the start of the Lyrebird Track. After about a kilometre, take Neuman Road through mountain ash forest and past and open meadow. From there, continue on Paddy Track, cross a creek and head back to where you started along the Coles Ridge Track. This walk takes about 2 hours and 13 minutes to complete. Learn more here.
3. Mount Feathertop via The Razorback
Feeling up for a challenge? Test yourself on a 7 hour hike to the summit of Victoria’s second highest peak on the Mount Feathertop via The Razorback trail. It’s 22.7km up and back, and covers quite a bit of altitude. Starting from the carpark of Diamantina Hut, you’ll descend into the Big Dipper pass and pass through low shrubs, open snow grass and snow gum woodlands. Then, you’ll get to the rocky bluffs, where you’ll slowly make your way up to the summit and take in unforgettable views. You can split this hike across two days by sleeping overnight at Federation Hut near Little Feathertop. Read more here.
4. Halls Gap to The Pinnacle Loop
This moderately challenging loop in the Grampians offers stunning panoramic views. Make your way to The Pinnacle by journeying through dry forests, across creeks, past scrubland and more. The Halls Gap to the Pinnacle Loop is 8.7km long. For more information about this particular walk to the Pinnacle, click here. For other options to reach the Pinnacle, click here.
5. Lerderderg Gorge Circuit
Take a walk around Lerderderg State Park on the Lerderderg Gorge Circuit. This challenging loop is 8km long, and features some steep sections, rocky parts and even river crossings is water levels are high. Please note that there are planned burns scheduled in Lederderg State Park, which will affect walking trails, so you won’t be able to try this one out over Easter. But, if you’d like to learn more about it for the future, click here.
6. Cape Woolamai Circuit
On this picturesque, 8.2km loop, you’ll take in incredible views of the ocean, cliffs and local wildlife, such as fur seals, koalas, wallabies and penguins. The Cape Woolamai Circuit takes about two hours to complete, and is considered moderately challenging as there are some gradual climbs and stairs. Try to time it so that you’re walking during low tide, so that you can move safely along the beach. See more about this particular walk here. For more trails around Cape Woolamai, click here.
7. Mount Lofty Loop
This family-friendly walk in Warrandyte State Park offers sweeping views of the Yarra River and Yarra Valley. The Mount Lofty Loop is 4.8km long, and winds its way up and down hills. Look out for local wildlife like kangaroos and wallabies. Near the trailhead, you’ll find a playground for the little ones. See more here.
8. Kokoda Track, One Tree Hill, and Lyrebird Track
This loop in the Dandenong Ranges kicks things off with a climb up the iconic 1000 steps, or the Kokoda Track. After that, continue on to One Tree Hill, then make your way back down via the Lyrebird Track. The Kokoda Track, One Tree Hill, and Lyrebird Track is 4km long, and takes about two hours to complete. See more here.
9. Keppel Lookout and Steavenson Falls
This loop trail near Marysville will take you around Keppel Lookout and Steavenson Falls. It’s 10.km long, and takes an average of 3 hours and 33 minutes to complete. It starts a bit steep as you make your way up to Keppel Lookout, but you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Marysville, Cathedral Range State Park and beyond. This journey will take you through mountain ash and stringybark forests, and you’ll pass other vantage points like Oxley Lookout, Del La Rue Lookout and Steavenson Falls Lookout. Admire the waterfall on the way back. Learn more here.
10. Mount Oberon
If you’re in Wilsons Promontory, make your way up to the summit of Mount Oberon. This 6.4km out-and-back trail takes an average of 2 hours and 20 minutes to complete. Your journey begins in the Telegraph Saddle Carpark, and from there, you’ll make your way uphill through eucalypts. The final section features a steep climb up stairs to reach the summit. You’ll be rewarded with fabulous views of the surrounding forests and coastline. Check it out.
Bonus – Venus Baths Loop Trail
While it didn’t make it to the Top 10 of the most popular walks to try during the Easter period, the Venus Baths Loop Trail in Halls Gap also received a shout-out for being a popular walk that’s also family-friendly. It’s a 1.8km loop that takes about half an hour to complete. Amble along to Venus Baths and cool off in the water, before continuing through the Halls Gap Botanical Gardens. Learn more here.