With its wondrous natural landscape, brilliant cultural attractions, and vibrant neighborhoods bursting with street art, Melbourne is, quite simply, a marvelous destination. This coastal city is the capital of the Australian state of Victoria and is a premier hub of history, outdoor recreation, gastronomy, and culture. From rowdy sports matches at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to shopping at the Block Arcade, a labyrinth of the city’s unique laneways, Melbourne brims with endless options for entertainment. Here you can admire the jaw-dropping collection of masterpieces in the National Gallery of Victoria, marvel at stunning panoramas of the Twelve Apostles natural rock formations in Port Campbell National Park, or enjoy family-friendly fun at Melbourne Zoo or the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Another great way to see the sights and take in the lively vibe is by exploring the city’s walking trails. These urban hikes highlight fantastic attractions and amazing panoramas throughout the city! Read the list below for the best walks in Melbourne, Australia.
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1. Steve's great Melbourne parks hike

Admire some of the most iconic sights of the city on this fabulous urban hike! Steve’s great Melbourne Parks hike is an 11.5 km (7 mi) ramble that passes by many of Melbourne’s iconic attractions, including Royal Botanic Gardens, Carlton Gardens, and Royal Exhibition Building, and Morrell Bridge which spans the Yarra River. This trail starts at Shrine of Remembrance, a memorial dedicated to Australians who fought for the country and ends at Flemington Bridge station. If you need a break along the way, stop for a bite at any of the Lygon Street cafes and cake pit stops, situated along the trail.
Steve's great Melbourne parks hike
Address: Birdwood Ave, Melbourne VIC 3001, Australia
Website: Steve’s great Melbourne parks hike
2. Maree's Inner-Yarra hike

Stretching along the Yarra River from Fairfield Boathouse to Federation Square, Maree’s Inner-Yarra hike takes you across the city past great attractions and restaurants. This sprawling walk is 16.2 km (10 mi) long and is a great way to see sights like Dights Falls, a weir where Merri Creek meets the Yarra River, as well as Corroboree Tree in Burnley Gardens. You will also pass Collingwood Childrens’ Farm and Abbotsford Convent along the way. Before you begin your trek, make sure to stop for tea and scones at the delightful Fairfield Boathouse! This walk takes about four hours to complete, but there is a shorter route available that traverse Fairfield to Richmond and highlights many of the same sights.
Maree's Inner-Yarra hike
Address: Fairfield Park Dr, Fairfield VIC 3078, Australia
Website: Maree’s Inner-Yarra hike
3. Photographer's walk

One of the most scenic walking trails in the city, Photographer’s walk features fabulous views of the Yarra River and Melbourne’s famous laneways and street art. The trail starts at the beautiful Morrell Bridge and finishes at Federation Square for a total distance of about 8 km (5 mi). Along the way, you can admire the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Eureka Tower, Birrarung Marr, and Seafarers Bridge which spans the Yarra River. This trail also passes great street art areas like Degraves Street, Hosier Lane, and ACDC Lane, as well as the bustling plaza of Centre Place which brims with delightful eateries and charming cafes. The trail takes about two hours to walk.
Photographer's walk
Address: Morell Bridge, Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia
Website: Photographer’s walk
4. Simone Alexander’s Port Phillip Bay hike

The coastal trail of Simone Alexander’s Port Phillip Bay hike showcases sweeping views of Melbourne’s marine parks. Over the course of the 12.6-km (7.8 mi) long hike, you will see gorgeous panoramas of Port Philip Bay, as well as Williamstown Marina, Jawbone Marine Sanctuary, and Norfolk Pines. The three-hour hike concludes at Altona Pier, where you can take a dip in the refreshing water or sink your toes into the soft sand.
5. Camberwell to St. Kilda

Follow this beautiful trail from Camberwell Market to St. Kilda Pier. This intermediate-rated hike showcases a number of Melbourne’s beautiful parks, including Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Catani Gardens. The trail ends at lovely St. Kilda Pier, a historic boardwalk that boasts gorgeous panoramas of the Melbourne skyline and Port Phillip Bay. This trail is 13.8 km (8.6 mi) long and takes about 3.5 hours to complete.
Website: Camberwell to St. Kilda
6. Mount Oberon Summit walk
Marvel at jaw-dropping panoramas of Melbourne’s turquoise coastline and towering mountains on this guided hike experience! On this 12-hour day tour, you’ll hike from Tidal River to Little Oberon Bay, and then up to Mt. Oberon, where the sparkling Victoria coastline will take your breath away. You’ll also get the chance to explore the soft sand dunes at Wilsons Promontory and hear the peep of white grains of quartz under your foot as you walk on Squeaky Beach.
7. Merri Creek hike

This lovely 10 km (6.2 mi) hike follows a peaceful stretch of Merri Creek through the vibrant neighborhoods of Melbourne. The trail starts at Harding Street Bridge in Coburg and passes through Fitzroy to end at Victoria’s Parliament House. There are plenty of terrific attractions you can stop at along the way, including bustling Brunswick Street and Carlton Gardens where you can visit the Royal Exhibition Building and the Melbourne Museum. Without additional stops, the trail takes about two and a half hours to walk.
Merri Creek hike
Address: 9 Beckley St, Coburg VIC 3058, Australia
Website: Merri Creek Hike
8. Dandenong Summit Circuit hike

A challenging hike located in Olinda Recreation Reserve, Dandenongs Summit Circuit hike overlooks Melbourne from atop the lush summit of Mt Dandenong. On this four-hour-long circuit hike, you’ll be rewarded with terrific city panoramas, as well as views of Olinda Falls and the RJ Hamer Arboretum. Make sure to stop at Burkes Lookout where you can see all the way to Port Philip Bay on a clear day. This trail is ranked as difficult and is 14 km (8.7 mi) long.
Dandenongs Summit Circuit Hike
Address: 71-73 Olinda-Monbulk Rd, Olinda VIC 3788, Australia
Website: Dandenongs Summit Circuit Hike
9. Capital City Trail

This vibrant trail follows the old Inner Circle Railway through Royal Park and passes by many of Melbourne’s iconic attractions in the energetic Southbank neighborhood. As you follow the lush banks of the Yarra River, you will see sights like the Victorian Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, the MCG and Melbourne Park, the historic Como House, and the Herring Island Environmental Sculpture Park! The trail is formed in a loop and takes about four hours to complete. Rated as easy, this 29 km (18) long trail is popular with cyclists as well.
Website: Capital City Trail
10. Werribee Gorge Circuit
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Explore marvelous Werribee Gorge on this fantastic circuit hike. Starting from Meikles Point Picnic area, this 10 km (6.2 mi) long trail ranges the length of the gorge and highlights views of rocky ridges, snaking rivers, and a sandy beach. Stop by the Eastern Lookout at the gorge rim for a panorama of this beautiful natural area. The hike takes about four and a half hours to complete and is rated as intermediate to difficult.
Werribee Gorge Circuit
Address: 204 Myers Rd, Pentland Hills VIC 3341, Australia
Website: Werribee Gorge Circuit
Embrace the beautiful scenery of Melbourne
From its unique laneways filled with colorful street art to its plethora of gorgeous parks and gardens, Melbourne is filled with unique things to see. Explore the city on foot, and enjoy the engaging hikes throughout the city. Whether you want to explore the urban or natural landscape of the area, these hikes are a great way to see more of Melbourne. Start planning your Australian adventure today!
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