It’s Saturday morning, the four walls around you seem to be closing in as you sit on the couch wondering what to do for the weekend? Your runners sit on the shoe rack shining against the reflection of the sun. It wasn’t until I ran out of data on my phone plan that I decided to go out, get off the grid and explore Melbourne’s sourndings. Some being less than 2 hours out of the city centre and it is truely amazing the beauty you can find along these dirt paths that many simply choose to bypass. What you find when venturing out of the suburban rat race is much more than cool views or scenic drives, it brings a breath of fresh air to your lungs, natural light to your eyes and a spring to your step when returning back to the city climbing those stairs up to your apartment. I’ve made it a goal that while in Melbourne, to make the most of every spare day and with the weather really starting to clear up, there is no excuse not to while the suns out!

It doesn’t take long once you put the shoes on and fill the backpack to realise how easy it truely is to take little adventures at the drop of a hat. Simple things that make living in one place so much more enjoyable. Sure Melbourne’s weather is some of the most unpredictable in the world and the winter is long and cold but make it out the other side and let me tell you, the trees stand in the spring sunshine with spectacular green hues no matter which direction you look!

Here are my favourite walks, all within a stone’s throw from the city;

Werribee Gorge State Park

45 minutes North West from the CBD.

This would have to be one of the most accessible for anyone in close proximity to the city. In under an hour you can be walking the first steps of this wonderful 10km circuit hike. Located just 10kms outside of Baccus Marsh this hike is one for all abilities. With 4 different routes on offer, finding something for the whole family is super simple. With a paved road all the way to the car park you won’t even need to wash the car afterwards!

Starting out on the short circuit has you on an average incline with dry clay underneath your feet. A great way to warm the calves up for what lays ahead as you weave between the trees. Following the well placed orange markers will lead you around the Northern side of the trails. Reaching the fork in the path around 2kms in allows you the option to save the legs or challenge the heart and branch off along the longer circuit route. Branching off was a great choice with multiple lookouts scattered along the undulating hills. Once you cross the rolling hills it’s time to get the upper body involved and cross the rock scramble. This is fantastically designed with a solid new metal rope giving you the reassurance every step of the way as you tread just millimetres from the waters edge. With wildlife regularly spotted, watch out down below for a potential platypus swimming through the waters.

Cathedral Ranges National Park

2 Hours North East from the CBD.

Rock climbing without ropes is the first thing that comes to mind when thinking back to this hike. A super challenging one that’s for sure. It wouldn’t be recommended to those without a good level of fitness, upper body strength and some ankle stability (or at least better shoes than my 4 year old Nike Frees with zero grip). While it may seem daunting looking up to what’s described by others as a rock scramble, once you pass this point the views from the top (932 meters high) are absolutely breathtaking! No matter which way you look the endless rolling mountains make you appreciate why you got off the grid this weekend.

After a 5km winding dirt road, parking at Sugarloaf saddle allowed me to use the long drop provided at the campground before I set off. Taking the first steps along the Canyon Track makes me wonder why people say this is such a difficult hike? I soon turn a corner and realise that in front of me is a 60 degree incline with nothing but rocks. This makes for a fun tactical climb as no two hikers seem to take the same path. Once over these rocks with a bit of encouragement from those already at the top, looking back is very rewarding knowing the easy option would have been to give in and go home.

I definitely wouldn’t recommend this to the faint hearted but for those who like a challenge this will be right up their alley. Getting here involves driving through what’s voted as one of the best weekend drives in Australia. Winding your way through the Black Spur into Marysville would have to be one the most scenic things you could do. Gigantic trees line the road with rays of sunlight poking through at each turn. While it might be right on the edge of a day trip, this is one not to be missed.

If you’re planning on spending the day out here make sure to stop into the local Marrysville bakery and fill up on some local and freshly baked goodies.

Mount Oberon, Wilsons Promontory

3 Hours South East of the CBD.

The peak of the famous Southern National Park that blows you away with its beauty the moment you enter the gates and soon after feels like it will blow you off the cliff top with a few heavy wind gusts. After a steady ascent to the summit of Oberon, the views in which you’re rewarded with are something completely different from anywhere else I have been before. Combining both tree tops and established forest with pure white sand is something that isn’t often combined here in Australia. Casting our eyes further down a particular trail shows a glistening bay tucked in-between two mountains. While it looks impossible to get to, I am told after a 6 hour hike and an overnight camp it is in fact, secluded and even better in person than from a distance.

After a long day of hiking, it’s hard to not treat yourself on the way back to Melbourne with a stop in at Trulli Pizzeria in the little town of Meeniyan. With an incredible menu that ticks all the boxes of traditional Italian followed by a visit next door to their Gelateria, you will definitely have a reason to visit again!

Hanging Rock

1 Hour (80kms) North West of the CBD.

The hidden gem that has become famous for its movie scene backdrop & New Years Day races below on the race track. This weekend walk will have the kids jumping over, under and through the rocks on the easy incline as you make your way up to the lookout point on top. A great one to do in spring as the mountains around still have their luscious green look to them. Being a former volcano sitting 718m above sea level, this rock formation is something you can’t miss no matter which angle you look at it. Once you’re down be sure to check out the Hanging Rock Winery as seen in the distance below for a local drop.

Tarra Bulga National Park, Gippsland

2 Hours South East of the CBD.

Hidden down at the gateway to Gippsland is one of the most tranquil bush walks you will take this year. With an easy path wrapping around the rainforest it is only fitting for there to be a giant wooden suspension bridge smack bang in the middle that is the main attraction on this wonderful walk. You definitely won’t be setting any speed records on this walk as you will be stopping every few minutes for another jaw dropping snap. Once you’re done make sure to head across the road to an oddly but fantastically placed Tarra Bulga guest house & cafe.

You Yangs Regional Park

1 Hour West of the CBD

Just outside the city fringe is a mountain surrounded by nothing but flat open plains that makes you feel ten times higher than you really are. With views on a clear day showing the city skyline and even the Dandenong Ranges across Port Phillip bay and back down coast to Geelong, this makes for a great country Victorian viewpoint. Parking at the Tabletop carpark removed most of the incline and led us to an easy (dog friendly) half an hour walk in either direction to the the tallest point - Flinders Peak.

Top Tips for weekend hikes around Victoria;

Backpack - Include plenty of drinking water. Often out in the elements with little shade you go through water a lot quicker than usual. Taking water along in an insulated drink bottle will be one of the best decisions you make trust me. Ice cold water as you stand on top of a mountain, thank me later. Towels can be handy for many reasons whether it be to dry yourself off after a swim, lie on under a tree or cover your head in the suns peak.
Food - Depending what time of day you head out will determine what exactly you take but my best recommendations would be small things that boost energy such as bananas, protein bars etc. These will ensure you make it to the next pit stop and bound over all the obstacles in your way.
Camera - Decide what lens you will use and stick to it. Camera equipment starts to add up pretty quickly when you take a bit of everything “just in case”. Minimising weight, especially on longer hikes will keep your back, legs and mind a lot happier. If you’re someone who is snap happy then a clip from companies such as Peak Design make it super easy and convenient having you camera right there and ready to go. I choose to carry my Lowepro 450II with it’s side access panels also giving me easy access.
Shoes - I shouldn’t comment on this. I have honestly been wearing an old pair of Nike Frees with next to no grip that somehow make it out the other side of each walk. I feel extremely inadequate and under prepared when passing those with much more support around their ankles.
Batteries - Taking an external battery pack can be the life saver when your batteries start dying half way through a hike.
Wildlife - While Australia has its fair share of crazy wildlife, more times than not the animal is more scared of you than you are of them. Make plenty of noise as you rustle through the thick grass, keep you hands out of empty log hollows and always carry your phone incase you run into trouble along the way.

Melbourne's Best One Day Weekend Bushwalks