It’s official: winter is behind us, and spring has sprung in Victoria. If the promise of summer on the horizon has got you craving time outside, we’re here to help. We spoke with the hiking experts at AllTrails to get their pick of the best hikes across the state to try this spring.
1. Halls Gap to The Pinnacle Loop (Halls Gap)
This 9.6 kilometre loop in the Grampians takes hikers from the village of Halls Gap up to the famous Pinnacle lookout. In spring, wildflowers bloom along the trail, and the mild shoulder-season weather makes for perfect hiking conditions.
2. Lerderderg Gorge Circuit (Bacchus Marsh)
Meandering through the dramatic Lerderderg Gorge for 13 kilometres, this spectacular trail passes magical river crossings and towering cliffs, and in springtime, the gorge floor comes alive with wildflowers (including native orchids).
3. Mount Lofty Loop (Melbourne)
Following a gentle climb through the Warrandyte State Park, this breezy four-kilometre trail blossoms in spring – with flowering gum trees, explosions of wattle and far-reaching views across the Yarra River and beyond.
4. Lyrebird Walk, Neuman, Paddy and Coles Ridge Loop (Tremont)
This six-kilometre loop winds through towering mountain ash trees and lush fern gullies that fill with cool, ethereal mist on spring mornings. If you’re looking for an atmospheric, enchanted forest-style walk near Melbourne, this is the one.
5. Cape Woolamai Circuit (Cape Woolamai)
Tracing Phillip Island for 8.5 kilometres, this coastal loop showcases rugged cliffs, rocky caves and beautiful beaches. Spring is the best time to spot wildflowers blooming on the headlands and native seabirds nesting on the clifftops.
RECOMMENDED READ: These are the most scenic hiking trails in Victoria
6. Plenty Gorge Loop via Blue Lake (Melbourne)
In springtime, the grassy plains along this 7.7 kilometre loop burst with native flowers, and the lake’s turquoise colour contrasts beautifully with the lush green hills.
7. George Bass Coastal Walk: Kilcunda – Punchbowl (San Remo)
Stretching for seven kilometres along spectacular clifftops, this popular coastal walk offers uninterrupted views of the Bass Strait – it's particularly beautiful in springtime when the cliffs bloom with wildflowers and the sea breezes are calmer than in the peak of summer.
8. Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk (Pentland Hills)
This ten kilometre circuit takes in rugged mountain ridgelines and steep gorge walls in Werribee Gorge State Park. Spring weather keeps the climbing temps comfortable and wildflowers brighten the rocky landscape.
9. The Pinnacle via Wonderland Carpark (Bellfield)
Passing through the Grampians’ Grand Canyon and Silent Street before reaching the Pinnacle, this 4.2 kilometre return walk is short but steep – with spring weather making the rocky scrambles a lot more comfortable.
10. Keppel Lookout and Steavenson Falls (Marysville)
In spring, the forest landscape around this 11-kilometre circuit is alive with new growth, and the cascading waterfall (Steavenson Falls, one of Victoria’s tallest) is at its most thundering.
PSA: AllTrails has just launched a feature that helps you identify the creatures, trees and wildflowers you see along your walk using your phone camera. The ‘Outdoor Lens’ feature is essentially a fast-track to becoming your hiking group’s resident nature nerd – it’s included in the Peak memberships, so if you were looking to upgrade, now’s the time.
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