Who says you have to stay inside during winter in Melbourne? (To be fair though, we do love nursing a vino in a cosy wine bar or enjoying a Sunday roast at a pub with a fireplace.) Well, definitely not the outdoor experts at AllTrails – according to them, winter is actually a hugely popular time to get out in nature, with the hike-mapping app reporting its highest number of navigations during the colder months.
So after analysing the data and crunching some numbers, they've rounded up the ten most popular winter hikes in Australia, and four trails around Victoria have made the cut. Guess it's time to lace up your boots, pop on some layers and face the frosty conditions. We reckon these scenic tracks are well worth it.
Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk, Pentland Hills
This 7.6-kilometre loop features a hiking trifecta: gorgeous views, rock scrambling and, for the brave, a post-hike swimming hole (if you can brave the chill in winter!). Our favourite photo spot is the Eastern Lookout at the gorge, which offers panoramic views of the park’s coolest natural wonders.
Yarra Bend Park Loop, Melbourne
Just a short drive from Melbourne’s CBD, this relaxed 9.2-kilometre track on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people weaves through the city’s largest natural bushland park. Look out for rainbow lorikeets, red-rumped parrots, yellow-tailed black cockatoos and possums. Highlights include Dights Falls and Studley Park Boathouse – the oldest public boathouse on the Yarra River recently underwent a huge renovation, and is a beautiful spot to refuel.
Mount Lofty Loop, Wonga Park
This five-kilometre mountain climb has a lot going for it – there are plenty of uphills to get the blood pumping, but you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Yarra Valley stretching all the way to the Dandenong Ranges. You may even spot some wildlife along the way. It was also named the third most popular trail in Australia for 2024, so you know this one is a certified winner no matter what the weather conditions.
Lyrebird Walk, Neuman, Paddy and Coles Ridge Loop, Melbourne
Hidden in the Dandenong Ranges, this 6.6-kilometre loop offers a chance to spot the trail's namesake bird. Locals recommend walking anticlockwise to make it a little less strenuous. With lush, green scenery and giant ferns to admire, it's a particularly pretty track – keen photographers may want to bring their cameras.
These are Australia's top ten winter hikes, according to AllTrails:
- Grand Canyon Track, Blue Mountains, NSW
- Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk, Pentland Hills, VIC
- Yarra Bend Park Loop, Melbourne, VIC
- Whistlepipe Gully and Lesmurdie Falls, Perth, WA
- Spit Bridge to Manly Walk, Sydney, NSW
- Mount Lofty Loop, Wonga Park, VIC
- Enoggera Reservoir Circuit, Brisbane, QLD
- Pages Pinnacle, Numinbah Valley, QLD
- Lyrebird Walk, Neuman, Paddy and Coles Ridge Loop, Melbourne, VIC
- Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach Walk, Sydney, NSW
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