By the Wild Women On Top team
Victoria. From the picturesque Yarra Valley to the spectacular Great Ocean Road, this southern state has seriously got it going on. The landscape is a walker's dream. The air is fresh, the bushland is bursting with life and vitality, and the coastline is magic.
Victoria is absolutely jam-packed full of epic trails and tracks which suit both die-hard hikers and beginner bushwalkers. So, if you're planning a weekend away with your best girlfriends, here's eight weekend walks in Victoria we think should be on your to-do list.
Mornington Peninsula
This slice of Australian coastline is simply magical. The area is so stunning, it's where we've decided to hold Coastrek Mornington Peninsula!
There’s a reason the Mornington Peninsula is a beloved tourist destination. You navigate your way through rich Aussie bushland by foot against the backdrop of rugged rocky cliffs and crystal clear water that seems to last forever. Point Nepean is a particularly spectacular part of the peninsula. There’s cheeky wildlife, stunning scenery, well-maintained trails, fascinating history and plenty to see and do. And it’s just 90km out of Melbourne's CBD.
Mitchell River
Mitchell River National Park is a hidden gem, recommended by Wild Women Trek Training coach Sarah Biggs. Mitchell River isn't very well-known, so the tracks aren't busy, making this walk wonderfully serene.
The Mitchell River Walking Track is about 18km in length and can be completed in one or two days, depending on how you want to approach it. The river is calm, the vegetation is lush, and the trails are quiet. You'll love it.
Wilsons Promontory
Wild Women On Top and Coastrek founder Di Westaway is a huge fan of Wilsons Prom. Di says Wilsons Prom has something for every Wild Woman, from amazing one-day hikes to overnight adventures that take you out to the Wilsons Promontory Lighthouse, which is stands like a beacon above the wild waters of the Bass Strait at the very end of the rugged peninsula. Like the Great Ocean Road and the Mornington Peninsula, Wilsons Prom features coastline, bushland, and views you’ll remember forever.
The beauty of Wilsons Prom is you can really make it a weekend walking adventure. You can camp or stay in cabins along the route.
The Grampians
The Grampians is a jewel in Victoria’s natural crown. Located just three hours out of Melbourne, it’s the perfect location for a peaceful and adventurous weekend away. You can scale sandstone mountains, hike your heart out, and learn more about the ancient landscape and its significance to the local Indigenous communities.
Mount Abrupt is a fabulous challenge for keen hikers and bushwalkers, with the climb exposing you to rock hopping and rock scrambling. From Mount Zero and Mount Stapylton, to The Pinnacles and Mackenzie Falls, the Grampians is a nature smorgasbord.
Mount Macedon
Just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, you’ll find the Macedon Ranges, a glorious collection of peaks and valleys at the very southern end of Victoria’s Great Dividing Range.
Macedon Regional Park has a variety of trails that will tickle the fancy of both hardcore hikers and brand new bushwalkers. From exploring the tranquil Sanitorium Lake, to climbing Mount Macedon to witness the expansive views over the breathtakingly beautiful landscape, this region has something for everyone.
Great Ocean Walk
The Great Ocean Road is known as one of the world’s most beautiful coastal drives, and for good reason. The coastline in Victoria looks like it's straight out of a postcard.
The Great Ocean Walk follows the same stretch of coastline as the Great Ocean Road and the landscape is even more extraordinary when explored by foot. Deserted beaches, rugged rocky peaks, and dense bushland abound. The entire trail is 100km long, starting at Apollo Bay and finishing at the renowned Twelve Apostles, but there are so many delightful microadventures and walks along the route, so you have the luxury of picking and choosing which location works best for you.
Keep in mind the Great Ocean Walk attracts lots of tourists so be aware that it can get busy and try to visit outside of peak times. We recommend going in Spring or visiting sites such as the 12 Apostles at sunrise before the crowds come in.
Mount Hotham and Mount Buffalo
Although Mount Hotham and Mount Buffalo are situated within the Victorian Alps and are popular skiing locations, these majestic mountains are also wonderful to explore in the warmer months, especially in summer. The air is fresh and crisp, the alpine views are spectacular, and you can follow the ski trails by foot.
The town of Bright is a great place to stay, as it is close to both Mount Buffalo and Mount Hotham. The region is known for its wineries, so this area is the perfect blend of adventure, challenge, fitness, fun, and food for your weekend away.
Tipperary Track between Daylesford and Hepburn Springs
The Tipperary Track is a fabulous full-day microadventure and is particularly special because of the delightful natural springs which greet you at the end. The 16km walk starts at the stunning Lake Daylesford and finishes at the Hepburn Springs. The track isn’t too challenging and would be great for bushwalkers who are after a slow, steady hike with a lovely surprise to finish.
The Tipperary Track is about 40 minutes drive out of Ballarat, a charming Victorian town steeped in history.
Trek Training is coming to Melbourne! If you're a Melbourne-based Wild Woman looking to explore with a tribe of like-minded hikers, join us on Facebook to be the first to know when we launch our new group.
