Public transport in Victoria will continue to be free until the end of May, and then it will be half-price from June 1 until the end of the year. So, it’s no surprise that we’re looking at more ways to seize the moment, and have more adventures without hurting our wallets. We’ve already explored some excellent towns to visit in Victoria by public transport. And now, if you feel like getting out in nature, without straying too far from home, you’re in luck. We’ve put together a list of wonderful walks in or near Melbourne, that you can reach via public transport. Some of these hikes will take you through the forest, while others will have you strolling by the sea.
Whatever you decide, just remember to plan ahead, and leave plenty of time for issues like delays, cancellations or bus replacements. If you’re doing a particularly long walk, wear sensible shoes, pack snacks and water, and download a map or carry a physical one. To plan your journey via public transport, click here.
Bushland Circuit Trail
Getting there: Take the 200, 207 or 241 bus and get off at Studley Park Road. From there, walk downhill and enter the park.
Yarra Bend Park is the largest natural bushland near Melbourne, which means there’s lots of different walking trails to discover. If you’re not sure which one to start with, go for the Bushland Circuit Trail. This flat, short trail takes about 25 minutes to complete, and is 850 metres long. Starting from the Studley Park Picnic Area, you’ll head away from the Boathouse, journey through grasslands and amble along the river. As you go, listen out for the pleasant tunes of local birds, like White-plumed Honeyeaters. You’ll loop back around to the Boathouse, where you can relax with a cup of coffee. Dogs are welcome to come along!
For more walking trails around the park, click here.
Merri Creek Trail
Getting there: This 21km trail is close to public transport. You can take the train to stations like Clifton Hill, Rushall and Merri. It’s also near tram stops and bus stops.
Meander anywhere between Dights Falls and Reservoir on the Merri Creek Trail. This flat path will take you along the creek, where you’ll see plenty of parks and reserves, as well as notable spots like CERES in Brunswick, Coburg Lake Reserve and Brunswick Velodrome. This is a shared pathway, so just be mindful of any cyclists. See the map here.
Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail
Getting there: Take the train and get off at stations like Spotswood, Newport, Williamstown, Williamstown Beach, Seaholme or Altona.
For a nice walk in Melbourne’s west, try out the Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail. This 23km track will take you from the bottom of Westgate Bridge in Spotswood to Skeleton Creek in Altona Meadows. Hug the coastline as you travel along this flat path, and see wetlands, botanic gardens and piers along the way. Break up the journey into smaller bits, and hop on the train to get back home. Just note that stations like Altona and Seaholme are on the Werribee Line, not the Williamstown Line, which means you can’t take a train from Williamstown to Altona. Learn more here.
Plenty Gorge Park
Getting there: The park is near train stations like Middle Gorge and Hawkstowe. It is also within walking distance of buses like the 383.
Plenty Gorge Park stretches across 1,350 hectares in Melbourne’s north, spanning from Bundoora to Mernda. As a result, there’s lots of different walking trails for you to try, and a few different ways for you to reach it by public transport. One popular choice is the Plenty Gorge Loop, a moderate, 7km trail that will take you from grassy woodlands to rocky gorges. Along the way, you’ll see the pretty Blue Lake. As you go, look out for wildlife like kangaroos, echidnas and robins. With plenty of interconnecting paths, it’s easy to get lost, so it’s best to download a map beforehand. Learn more here.
Diamond Creek Trail
Getting there: Take the train on the Hurstbridge line and get off at Eltham, Diamond Creek, Wattle Glen or Hurstbridge.
The popular Diamond Creek Trail is about 17.3 km long, and connects Eltham to Hurstbridge. This shared track is suitable for walkers and cyclists, and there’s even a northern section that’s suitable for horse riders. Follow the creek, move through the forest and look out for native animals like wallabies and echidnas. Along the way, you’ll go past Edendale Community Environment Farm, as well as plenty of parks, playgrounds as a reserve. Take a break and have a picnic, or pop into one of the townships for a coffee. Travel one way, then hop on the train to go back to where you came. Learn more here.
Bayside Coastal Art Trail
Getting there: Take the train to Brighton, Hampton and Sandringham. You could also get off at stations like Mentone or Cheltenham, but they are further away from the beach.
If you feel like walking in the footsteps of artists, stretch your legs along the Bayside Coastal Art Trail. This 17km trail will take you from Brighton to Beaumaris, where you’ll see beaches and clifftops. As you go, you’ll encounter 42 signs that celebrate the lives and artworks of notable Australian artists. These signs are located as close as possible to where the artists stood. For a map and more information, click here.
Sherbrooke Falls Walk
Getting there: Hop on the train to Belgrave Station, then take the 694 bus and get off at Sherbrooke Lodge Road, which is next to Sherbrooke Picnic Ground.
Walk through this forest in the Dandenong Ranges and admire the greenery of the towering mountain ash and stringybark trees, as well as the lush ferns, on your way to see Sherbrooke Falls. The falls itself are quite small, and obscured by ferns, but you’ll still enjoy hearing the water tumbling along. This hike is best enjoyed after the rain, when the flow is stronger. As you go, listen out for any lyrebirds or other wildlife. Pack a picnic to enjoy at the Sherbrooke Picnic Ground. The walk there and back is over 2 km long, and should take about 45 minutes to complete. Learn more here.
Kokoda Track Memorial Walk/1000 Steps
Getting there: Take the train to Upper Ferntree Gully, then either walk 1200m to the base of the steps, or hop on the 688 bus and get off at 1000 Steps/Mount Dandenong Tourist Road.
Embark on one of Melbourne’s most popular bushwalks, and travel up the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk/1000 Steps. This steep track will test your fitness, as you climb up the hill through lush rainforest. Along the way, you’ll see plaques depicting the lives of those who fought and died on the Kokoda Track in 1942. It’s 5km long, and takes around two hours to complete. Find out more here.
Millionaire’s Walk
Getting there: Hop on the train to Frankston, then take the 788 bus to Ocean Beach Road/Kerferd Avenue.
There’s lots of great walks to try around the Mornington Peninsula, and if you feel like something a little more ‘hidden’, try the Millionaire’s Walk. This short clifftop walk will give you a peek into how the other half lives. Get a glimpse into the backyards of the rich and famous, or look out at the water and admire the coastal views. Located between Point King Road and Lentell Avenue, this track is a 1km return journey, and is a smaller part of Sorrento-Portsea Artists’ Trail. There are gates on both ends of the track, but don’t worry, you’re allowed to be there!
If you’re up for something a little longer, the bus will take you all the way to the entrance of Point Nepean National Park, where you’ll find more awesome trails.