Walking

Walking is both an excellent form of exercise and a great way to see some of the spectacular scenery that Victoria has to offer. There are myriad trails throughout the state, which can be walked in anything from half an hour or less, to several days, or even weeks.

Long distance walks

Don't be put off by the vast length of some of these walks. Depending on your fitness level, motivation and time, you can simply walk a small section to sample what is on offer.

Australian Alps Walking Track

Extending for 650 kilometres from Walhalla to Canberra, the Australian Alps Walking Track is a challenging walk for experienced bushwalkers. Much of the trail is through national parks and it traverses both mountain forests and high plains. As most parts of the track are far away from towns, walkers need to be self-reliant.

www.theaustralianalpsnationalparks.org

Goldfields Track

The Goldfields Track covers a distance of 210 kilometres, taking in historic mining areas and a variety of natural features. It is divided into 4 smaller tracks and follows the top of the Great Dividing Range, connecting the cities of Ballarat and Bendigo. The 44 kilometre Eureka Track starts at Mount Buninyong, passing through Ballarat and onto Creswick. The 60 kilometre Wallaby Track links Creswick with Daylesford. The 48 kilometre Dry Diggings Track extends from Daylesford to Hepburn Springs and Castlemaine. The 58 kilometre Leanganook Track section links Castlemaine with Bendigo.

www.goldfieldstrack.com.au

Grampians Peaks Trail

The 160 kilometre Grampians Peak Trail extends from Mount Zero in the north of the Grampians National Park to the township of Dunkeld in the south. It connects some of the most famous peaks in the Grampians, winding its way through a variety of landscapes and vegetation types. Along the way are panoramic views, rugged ranges, relics of Aboriginal culture and several camping areas.

www.parks.vic.gov.au

Great Ocean Walk

The Great Ocean Walk extends for a distance of around 100 kilometres between Apollo Bay and the 12 Apostles. See spectacular rugged coastline with sandy beaches and tall cliffs, the Cape Otway lighthouse, forests, rivers, waterfalls, wetlands and native wildlife. Visitors can enjoy short day walks or for those who wish to undertake overnight hikes, there are several walk-in camp sites along the way.

www.parks.vic.gov.au

Great South West Walk

The Great South West Walk is a 250 kilometre walking track that forms a giant loop between Portland and Nelson. It passes through 4 national parks and follows the coast along the Discovery Bay Coastal Park and inland along the Glenelg River. Along the way see stunning natural features including sandy beaches, rock formations, ocean views, forests and the picturesque Glenelg River with its gorges and limestone cliffs.

www.greatsouthwestwalk.com

Surf Coast Walk

The 44 kilometre Surf Coast Walk commences at Point Impossible at Torquay and traverses coastal landscapes, passing through Anglesea and Aireys Inlet, ending at Fairhaven. The walk can be split into a number of distinct tracks where you can enjoy spectacular scenery from lookouts, see wildflowers, forests, cliffs, beaches, an array of native wildlife, lighthouses and the world-famous Bells Beach. Some parts of the walk are also suitable for cyclists.

www.surfcoastwalk.com.au

Other walks

Victoria's many national and state parks offer an extensive network of walking tracks through diverse landscapes including coastal areas, mountains, forests, lakes and wetlands.

Enjoy a walk along the many rail trails in Victoria. These decommissioned railway lines cover a fascinating range of landscapes and are ideal for walking, as well as cycling and horse riding.

Guided walking tours

For those who wish to undertake walks with an expert guide, there are several tourism operators which offer this service.

Gippsland High Country Tours

Offering ecotours and walking tours in east Gippsland, led by experienced local guides who provide comprehensive commentary

www.gippslandhighcountrytours.com.au

Good Times Tours

Specialises in small group guided overnight hikes on the Grampians Peaks Trail. Tour includes all hiking equipment, food and return transport from Melbourne. Custom tours are also available.

www.goodtimestours.com.au

Good Times Tours

Specialises in small group guided overnight hikes on the Great Ocean Walk. Tour includes all hiking equipment, food and return transport from Melbourne. Custom tours are also available.

www.goodtimestours.com.au

Good Times Tours

Offers a dedicated 2 day Wilsons Promontory tour including all meals and camping accommodation. Perfect for students and backpackers looking to spend a weekend exploring Victoria's most popular National Park.

www.goodtimestours.com.au

Grampians Tours & Adventures

Our local knowledge and passion allows us to create unique as well as distinctive nature based adventure experiences from our base at Halls Gap in the Grampians National Park. Choose from bushwalking, night walks, rock climbing, abseiling and 4WD tours.

www.grampianstours.com

Otway Eco Tours

Operating fully guided tours through the Great Otway National Park and along the Great Ocean Walk. Discover Australia's most elusive animal on a guided platypus canoe tour departing from the Otway's town of Forrest. Take a mountain bike trail tour or simply hire a bike.

www.platypustours.net.au

Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk

Experience some wonderful walking in Victoria with a range of vehicle assisted guided walks along the spectacular coastal route of the Great Ocean Walk.

www.auswalkingco.com.au

Walk 91

Providing walkers with services for the popular "Great Ocean Walk" between Apollo Bay and the 12 Apostles, including transport to different sections of the walk, accommodation packages, delivery of food and supplies to your camping spot, camping equipment hire, and educational guided walks through rainforest, bush and along beaches ranging from one hour to a full day

www.walk91.com.au

Walking resources

Walking Maps features a large selection of walking maps that people have created from around Victoria. With clear directions, points of interest and photos included with most walks, this should excite and inspire you to explore Victoria on foot.