Where’s the Best Day Hike Near Melbourne?

View from Mt Bishop, Wilson’s Prom – Ross Chapman

We’re spoiled for choice for day hikes near Melbourne and throughout Victoria. With so many lovely national parks, there’s hundreds of trails to choose from. So where exactly is the best day hike?

If I had to choose just one walk as the best, it would have to be Sealer’s Cove, at Wilson’s Promontory. It’s hard to beat the combination of mountain scenery, amazing sea views, the rugged track through valleys full of tree ferns, then finally arriving at the beautiful secluded beach at Sealer’s Cove.

In fact, you can’t really go wrong at the Prom. There’s a huge range of great walks on offer, even after the flood damage in March 2011.

Another amazing day hike is Mt Feathertop, Victoria’s second highest mountain. The views from the top are incredible. It’s important to be properly prepared for this one – it’s steep, requires stout footwear and walkers need to be equipped for bad weather, which can occur at any time.

There are also excellent day hikes in the Grampians and the Yarra Ranges National Park.

Walking in the Yarra Valley

And even closer to Melbourne, there are great day walks near Ferntree Gully, including the extremely popular 1,000 Steps, as well as fantastic views on walks in the Cathedral Range, the Werribee Gorge State Park, along the Bass Coast, from Arthur’s Seat, the Mornington Peninsula National Park, and the relatively unknown Brisbane Ranges.

Walking near Ferntree Gully

Phew, did I mention we’re spoiled for choice?

If you have a favourite day hike near Melbourne, please let us know by leaving a comment below.

We look forward to your suggestions.