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Environment

Starting from the car park on Coles Ridge Road, Sherbrooke, this walk loops within the Sherbrooke Forest via the Hall, Paddy, Welch, Yards, Ridge, Hackett and Lloyds tracks. Enjoy the majestic beauty of the rainforest on this peaceful walk, going through towering mountain ash and lush tree ferns. Stop at the Sherbrooke Falls to admire the cascading waters, where there is a viewing platform that offers the best view. The forest houses a wide variety of birds, including superb lyrebirds, kookaburras, rosellas, sulphur-crested cockatoos, king parrots and macaws. There are many picnic grounds along the way that provide a tranquil setting for a lunch break. The walk also passes by the Alfred Nicholas Gardens, known for their picturesque water features and iconic ornamental lake and boathouse. The trail is a mixture of small tracks, wide tracks, flats and hills. There are some very steep ascents and descents that require a reasonable amount of fitness. In rainy weather, the trail may get muddy. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Sherbrooke Forest Loop

12.4 km circuit

5 h 30 min to 8 h

Sherbrooke Forest Loop

2 h 45 min to 4 h 30 min

Waterfall

Environment

Doongalla Stables Extended Loop

Doongalla Stables Extended Loop

12.7 km circuit

4 h 30 min to 6 h 30 min

12.7 km

Circuit

Walk

4 h 30 min to 6 h 30 min

Mtb

Starting near the Doongalla Stables Picnic Area, at the end of Doongalla Forest Road, Mount Dandenong, this walk takes you on a generous loop within the Dandenong Ranges National Park via the Stables, Edgar, Camelia, Fireline and Dacite tracks. Enjoy this hike through the Doongalla Forest, surrounded by ferns, trees, and birds, with beautiful views along the way. The trail is wide, flat and well signposted. It has some challenging hills, and is suited for moderately fit walkers. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Starting behind the Red Hill Epicurean Centre on Shoreham Road, Red Hill South, this walk leads to Merricks and back via the Red Hill Rail Trail. This scenic walk takes you along the former railway line, which used to carry fresh apples on to Hastings where they were sent on to the markets of Melbourne. Surrounded by vineyards and rolling green paddocks with ponies, the trail goes through rows of pine trees, with mushrooms and bright red toadstools dotting the ground. There are many vantage points along the trail where you can look across to Western Port Bay and Phillip Island. There are some good coffee and food spots at the start of the trail, and after you complete it you can sample the local produce at the Merricks General Wine Store. This is a shared trail for walkers, mountain bike riders and horse riders, so be aware of your fellow travelers. The ground can get slippery and can be quite uneven as horses use this trail often. The surface is mostly gravel with some dirt parts, and the return walk has a long gentle hill climb. Make sure to bring your own drinking water, as there's none available along the trail. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Red Hill Rail Trail

12.7 km return

3 h 15 min to 5 h 30 min

3 h 15 min to 5 h 30 min

Run

1 h 15 min to 2 h 45 min

Environment

Lysterfield Loop to Lysterfield Hill

Lysterfield Loop to Lysterfield Hill

12.9 km circuit

3 h 30 min to 6 h

1 h 30 min to 2 h 45 min

Starting near the Mahogany Car park on Horsewood Road, Lysterfield, this walk loops around Lysterfield Lake, past Lysterfield Hills and back. Enjoy a peaceful walk around the lake and the surrounding hills, with fantastic nature and wildlife to admire. Many kangaroos can be spotted grazing on the lake's shoreline along the way. As you walk across the dam wall towards the end of the walk, you will get the best views of the lake. This walk has plenty of variety, with many flat sections and a couple of steep climbs easily handled on the well-maintained trails. Many signposts facilitate navigation. Keep in mind that this walk is very popular and can get rather busy on weekends. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

O'Shannassy Aqueduct Trail

O'Shannassy Aqueduct Trail

13.5 km return

3 h 30 min to 6 h

1 h 15 min to 2 h 45 min

This walk starts near the Yuonga Road Carpark in Warburton, leading to the Dee's Road Carpark in Millgrove and back via the O'Shannassy Aqueduct Trail. Enjoy this beautiful, calming walk along the forested and shady maintenance track for the O'Shannassy Aqueduct, surrounded by tall trees and ferns, with wonderful views of the Yarra Valley. The natural state of the forest surrounding the aqueduct provides a haven of homes for many native animals. A keen eye and ear will discover Kookaburras, Eastern Rosellas, Lyrebirds, Superb Fairy-wrens, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos, Wallabies and Echidnas. The trail follows the aqueduct and is on a gentle grade, being suited for people of all ages and levels of fitness. The track's surface is a combination of compacted small to medium sized crushed rock and patches of grass. Bear in mind that there are no toilets in the area, and camping is not permitted along the aqueduct. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Environment

Running Creek Walking Track

Running Creek Walking Track

13.5 km circuit

4 h 30 min to 7 h

2 h 30 min to 3 h 45 min

Wheelchair

4 h to 8 h 30 min

From Mount Sugarloaf Road at the top of the mountain this circuit walk heads of along Mount Sugarloaf Ridge Track north to reach the Running Creek Track. Following Arturs Creek you then reach the stunning Masons Falls. Stop for a while and just take in the beauty of the area before heading along Running Creek uphill to reach the Masons Falls and than later the Blackwood picnic area. If lucky you might spot a Lyre Bird or two. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Waterfall

Environment

Williamstown to Altona via the Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail

Williamstown to Altona via the Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail

13.7 km return

3 h 15 min to 5 h 30 min

13.7 km

Return

Walk

3 h 15 min to 5 h 30 min

Starting near the car park on the Esplanade, this walk goes from Williams to Altona and back via the Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail. Enjoy a peaceful walk that takes you along the shoreline on a mostly paved trail, going past multiple marine sanctuaries and nature reserves, all well explained on information boards. This is a great walk to bring kids and dogs along. Along the way, there are areas with food, water and toilets available. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Bus

The Blue Tongue Bend Walk, Warrandyte, starts near Stiggants Reserve, at the end of Stiggants Street, leading along the Yarra River to the Yarra River Linear Reserve and back. Embark on a peaceful walk beside the river, where you can enjoy views of the water and the bushland, amid the sounds of the local birdlife. The dirt trail meanders along the river. There is also a picnic ground with barbeques, firewood and toilets. This track is well-formed and mostly wide and flat, with some narrow, hilly and rocky sections. It can be a little muddy and slippery after recent rains or in otherwise damp conditions. Overall, it is manageable for most people, and popular with families. Dogs are not allowed on this track. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Blue Tongue Bend Walk

14.4 km return

4 h to 6 h 30 min

Blue Tongue Bend Walk

Environment

Mount Donna Buang via Mount Victoria Walking Track

Mount Donna Buang via Mount Victoria Walking Track

14.8 km return

6 h to 8 h 30 min

3 h 45 min to 5 h 30 min

Starting from the end of Martyr Road in Warburton, this walk takes you to the summit of Mount Donna Buang and back. Venture up into the mountains on this challenging shaded walk through alpine ash landscapes for panoramic views over the area. There are plenty of lookouts along the way where you can take a breather. The elevated walkway will guide you through the Rainforest Gallery for the chance to see ancient old trees from a different perspective. There is also a picnic area with gas barbecues, fireplaces, picnic tables, toilets and a lookout. This is considered one of the most challenging hikes around Melbourne, and one should be prepared for a steep, unrelenting ascent to the top, with some muddy and slippery parts. This track is recommended for people with endurance fitness. Please note that dogs are not permitted in Mount Donna Buang or the Yarra Ranges National Park. And watch out for leeches. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Starting from one of the parking lots near shops in Olinda on Olinda-Monbulk Road, this circuit walk takes you east toward Former Olinda Golf Course Park. This great walk takes you across the creek to reach the Olinda Creek waterfalls and picnic area. Enjoy the serenity of the place before heading uphill through the arboretum to reach the Mount Dandenong lookout with magnificent views over the area. Descend through the lush forest of Rainbow Gully Reserve before getting back to the starting point for a coffee at one of the local cafes. Let us begin by acknowledging the Woiworung people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Dandenong circuit walk

15.3 km circuit

5 h to 8 h

Dandenong circuit walk

Environment

Bus

Starting on Ryburne Ave in Ashburton, this walk follows the Gardiners Creek Trail on a pathway shared by walkers and cyclists, ending near St Kevin's College and Scotch College in Burnley. Following the course of Gardiners Creek, the trail goes through many different parks and reserves, passing by a number of different sportsgrounds and playgrounds along the way. It also passes through beautiful wetland areas where ducks, birds and frogs can be seen. The trail ends upon crossing a bridge over the Yarra River, where it links to the Main Yarra Trail. This trail is ideal for family outings, dog walking, jogging or bike riding. It's a very popular walk, and it can get crowded on weekends. Be aware of speeding bikers passing by. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Environment

Gardiners Creek Trail

15.7 km return

6 h to 10 h 30 min

Gardiners Creek Trail

Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track

Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track

15.7 km oneway

5 h to 7 h

Starting from the end of Telopea Road, Emerald, this walk takes you to Sassafras via the Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track, visiting A'vard, Kensleys and Bingleys picnic grounds along the way. This historic track offers quite the journey with its wonderful flora and fauna. Enormous trees provide heaps of shade as you make your way alongside Sassafras Creek. You can start from either end, and the journey is dog-friendly. Parts of the track may be overgrown, muddy or both. Keep an eye out for thorns. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Cafe

Pets

Environment

Rural

Bay Trail (Elwood-Brighton)

Bay Trail (Elwood-Brighton)

17 km return

4 h to 7 h

1 h 30 min to 3 h 15 min

Starting from Marine Parade, Elwood, this walk takes you to Brighton and back via dedicated coastal tracks and beaches. Expect a delightful journey with heaps of places to stop, eat, swim, shop, play and do much more. Panoramic coastal views will be available throughout the walk, and you can see a black swan while admiring the views. There are dedicated cycling tracks, so you'll have no problems riding/running/walking. Dogs are allowed on-leash unless otherwise specified. Check the wind direction and speed beforehand to avoid an unpleasant experience. Watch out for pufferfish in the sand. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Starting at the Fernshaw Picnic Area on Maroondah Highway, Fernshaw, this walk leads to the Dom Dom Saddle Picnic Area and back via the Morley Walking Track and Road 8. This hike weaves its way through beautiful scenery with some great views, passing through ferns and Mountain Ash on a clear and well-formed track. The track has plenty of signage and is fairly easy to navigate. There are two spacious car parks at either end of the track with picnic tables, barbecues and toilet facilities, which can be easily accessed from Maroondah Highway. This walk has three very steep and challenging sections, which can be slippery in wet conditions. The track may also be slightly overgrown in places, with obstacles such as ferns, fallen trees, branches and bark. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Environment

Morley Walking Track

18.8 km return

6 h 30 min to 10 h