Instead of hibernating this winter, why don’t you rug up and head outdoors for a nice easy walk, without worrying about the glaring sun or any annoying insects? Go for a nice walk on the beach and look out for whales, or go for an enchanting walk through the forest in search of waterfalls. If you’re not sure where to start, the walking website AllTrails has revealed the most popular walks to try around Melbourne during winter. Breathe in the cool air and stretch your legs without breaking a sweat on these top trails.
Here are the most popular winter walks to try near Melbourne
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. The Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk is 7.6km long. It 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.
2. Yarra Bend Park Loop
The Yarra Bend Park Loop is a great way to stretch your legs and immerse yourself in the great outdoors, without having to go too far away from Melbourne. This 9.2km trail is located in Yarra Bend Park, the largest area of natural bushland near Melbourne. Wind your way through the park and along the banks of the Yarra River. Look out for any wildlife, including flying foxes, as well as possums and cockatoos. Dogs are welcome to come along, as long as they’re on a leash. If this particular loop is too long, you could always opt for a shorter trail. If you’re hungry, grab a bite at Studley Park Boathouse.
3. Mount Lofty Loop
This popular 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.
4. Lyrebird Walk, Neuman, Paddy and Coles Ridge Loop
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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.
5. Yellow Gum Circuit
Enjoy a nice walk through Plenty Gorge Parklands on the 6.4km Yellow Gum Circuit. The loop is just 20km away from Melbourne, and is a popular place to visit all year round. Your journey along the Yellow Gum Circuit begins at Goldsworthy Lane. Walk through the park and do a half loop of the Blue Lake Circuit, then wind your way back along Yellow Gum Ridge Track, Mackelroy Track and Clear Hill Track. Enjoy spectacular views of the lake, and keep an eye out for any kangaroos. Learn more about the walk here, and find out what else you can do in Plenty Gorge Parklands here.