“Whether you're a diehard bushwalker or just looking for a day out in some fresh air, Melbourne's a great place for walking,” says Weekend Notes. “From art trails, to lyrebird rainforest to spectacular coastal views, there's a walk for everyone to enjoy.”
“Melburnians are an intrepid bunch,” explains James Shackell in Red Bull. “Head into the Dandenongs on any given Sunday and you’ll find them trekking leafy trails in body-fit gear with the super-human energy that only a smashed avocado and double-shot latte can provide. When it comes to hikes within easy driving distance of the suburbs, we’re pretty spoiled for choice. You can set off in any direction (south east to the Mornington Peninsula, north along the Hume or south west to the Surf Coast – just watch those speed cameras). Within an hour or two you’ll find some of the best short walks in the state.”
Here’s why Victoria deserves its reputation as a great bushwalking destination: “It has 1868km of mainland coast and many more kilometres of river, snow-catching mountains, salt-making desert and country in-between, created by violent geological processes and lapping seas, Victoria is a mixed assortment of walking treats,” says Melanie Bell in one of the best books on the subject, Top Walks in Victoria. “You can tread a collapsed lava canal in the state’s west, or meander among ancient river red gums beside the Murray River; climb a steep spur to the summit of the state, or cross plains of mountain gentians to camp among elegantly striped snow gums; leave footprints on deserted beaches, or on boardwalks through prehistoric rainforest.”