Walk Victoria

There is no better way to experience Victoria’s natural assets than on two feet. Luckily, the myriad trails and tracks allow walkers to access some of the state’s most picturesque locations. Here are some top choices:

Great Ocean WalkThe Great Ocean Walk is the State’s premier multi-day bushwalking experience. This 100 kilometre-long iconic walk stretches along the state’s south-western coastline from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles. The trail can be broken into short works or day hikes, or experienced in its entirety over eight-days and seven-nights. Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk is a three-night, four-day guided experience along the western half of the Great Ocean Walk. Finishing with a helicopter ride over the Twelve Apostles, the experience includes transfers to and from Melbourne CBD, eco-lodge accommodation, gourmet meals, snacks and walking gear.

Grampians Peaks TrailCurrently under development, the Grampians Peaks Trail will be a 13 day, 12 night 144 kilometre (one-way) walk through the Grampians. It can be enjoyed in its entirety or experienced in small sections at a time. The trail is rich in Aboriginal culture and will provide an insight into the lives of the Jardwadjali and Djab Wurrung people. Hikers can choose to carry their own equipment and food or request for tents, sleeping bags and supplies to be provided at the camp site, enabling them to walk with a day-pack only. The first section of the trail has just opened, and is a one-way three day, two night loop walk from Halls Gap to Borough Huts and returning to Halls Gap, covering a total of 33 kilometres. Private guided walks are available. Parktrek run four day walking tours.

Surf Coast WalkThe 44 kilometre-long Surf Coast Walk runs from Point Impossible to Fairhaven along the Great Ocean Road. The trail takes in renowned beaches near Australia’s surf capital, Torquay, including iconic Bells Beach. With 12 easy to access trail heads, it can be enjoyed as a day walk or multi-day experience. Along the way, visitors can learn about the Aboriginal (Koori) way of life with the Koorie Cultural Walk, where interpretive signs provide information.

Great South West WalkThe Great South West Walk can be broken into two-hour loop walks or day walks, while the intrepid can walk the entire 250 kilometre loop that begins and ends in Portland in South West Victoria. From forest to beaches and the banks of the Glenelg River, the trail takes in a diverse landscape and boasts swimming holes, sand dunes, blow holes and seal colonies along the way. Auswalk runs a group guided and accommodated walking holiday along this trail.

Great Walhalla Alpine TrailOffering an abridged taste of the epic 650 kilometre Australian Alpine Walking Track, the 40 kilometre Great Walhalla Alpine Trail links the historic mining township of Walhalla to the pristine snowgum environment of the Baw Baw National Park plateau and its nearby village resort. Walkers can choose a ‘downhill’ or ‘uphill’ end-to-end itinerary, enjoying a two-day journey through alpine plains. Private tours are available, starting at Mt Baw Baw Resort and finishing at the Star Hotel in Walhalla.

Mornington Peninsula WalkThe 100 kilometre Mornington Peninsula Walk, takes a triangular route, linking four established trails along the state’s southern peninsula. Highlights along the trail include the historic fort at Point Nepean, foreshore townships, Arthurs Seat, Cape Schanck and its Lighthouse. The terrain ranges from ferny glens to cliff tops, coastal tea-tree forests and golden-sand beaches.

Wilsons Promontory Southern CircuitVictoria’s most popular multi-day bushwalk, the 59 kilometre Wilson’s Promontory Southern Circuit, weaves its way around one of Australia’s best loved National Parks – from Mount Oberon to the southernmost lightstation of mainland Australia (where visitors can stay), through Tidal River and onto Oberon Bay. Rainforest, beaches, heathlands and coastal tea-trees make for picturesque terrain.