Top Five nature walks near Melbourne to do this weekend
Want the combination of a fresh aired nature walk and a fun road trip to do this weekend? These five nature walks near Melbourne might be what you're looking for.Bushwalking is the thing to do at the moment, especially among Melbournians who’ve spent plenty of time stuck at home recently. Looking for inspiration on where to find a nice hike within striking distance of the city that doesn’t involve camping overnight? Try these five for size.
East West Walk, You Yangs Regional Park
It doesn’t matter if you’re from Melbourne or Geelong, as the You Yangs sit between Victoria’s two largest cities. The 4.2km East-West walk leaves from the park’s Turntable Car Park and while the first part is pretty steeply uphill (in either direction) the reward is some spectacular views, rocky outcrops and unique vegetation. The walk circles Flinders Peak, the You Yang’s highest point, and there’s a 450-step climb to the top if you’re still game.
Wilhelmina Falls, Murrindindi Scenic Reserve, Yarra Ranges
It’s only a 90-minute drive from Melbourne to the Murrindindi Scenic Reserve but these 1000 hectares of bushland, with six campsites strung along the Murrindindi River, seem a world away. Start at the Water Gauge campground, cross the suspension bridge and start the two-hour hike to Wilhelmina Falls. It’s a bit of a climb, but the 75-metre cascade tumbling down granite rock sheets makes it worthwhile. Steel stairs and viewing platforms at the falls allow for the perfect Insta photos.
Cape Woolamai Circuit, Phillip Island
Phillip Island is renowned for its penguins, koalas, motorsport circuit and fish ’n’ chips on Cowes’ foreshore but this rugged coastal hike adds another dimension. Cape Woolamai is on the island’s south-western tip and starting at the beach car park, it’s about a 7.5km, two-hour jaunt out and back. You hike a fair stretch of the beach itself, around rocky headlands and take in a sensational viewing platform looking back towards San Remo. You can short-cut the middle bit on the way back, leaving plenty of time for dinner.
Keppel Lookout Trail, Marysville
Okay, this is less of a stroll and more of a leg-burner so keep Keppel Lookout in mind if you feel like some more serious exercise. This 11 kilometre trail starts at a car park on Falls Road just out of Marysville in the Yarra Ranges and the next three kilometres to Keppel Lookout is all uphill – but what a view when you get there! Allow about four hours to get the trail done and be prepared for some lovely bushland. This walk also takes in spectacular Steavenson Falls, which is also accessible by a much shorter track.
Lerderderg Gorge Circuit Walk, near Bacchus Marsh
The Lerderderg Gorge is a remarkably wild part of Victoria, especially since it’s only an hour’s drive west of Melbourne. Head for the MacKenzies Flat picnic area, park the car and start walking along the river towards Grahams Dam to start this 8.4km loop. The trail continues along the eastern side of the river, before joining the Link Number 2 Track for an uphill climb, then back down to the dam. There are some tough uphill sections and a few rock scrambles plus creek crossings for added excitement.
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