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Victoria has no shortage of headline-worthy hikes. The Grampians, Wilsons Prom and the Great Ocean Walk are reliable faves for outdoors enthusiasts, and closer to the city, the Dandenong Ranges and You Yangs are popular spots for a back-in-time-for-a-beer Saturday hikes. But if you're keen to swap crowded viewpoints for quieter trails, a new list from AllTrails has got your back – highlighting three lesser-known walks that deserve a spot on your hiking bucket list.
To help us explore the more undiscovered pockets of our great outdoors, the AllTrails team revealed their top 'hidden gem' hikes across Australia – trails that have earned glowing reviews from walkers while remaining relatively under the radar. In other words, these are the scenic tracks that deliver all the views, waterfalls and wildlife without the weekend crowds.
"There's mental and physical benefits that can come from finding a hidden gem," says Dr Hackenmiller, chief medical advisor at AllTrails. "When we can find awe and wonder and joy in our own backyard – seeing a new animal or insect, taking time to smell the fragrance of a flower, listening to the intricacies of birdsongs – it can be that much more exciting to realise these things are in our midst. Little surprises like this break up monotony and add spark to our lives. From a physical perspective, we get spikes in feel-good chemicals like endorphins when this happens."
Here are the three little-known Victorian trails that made the cut...
1. Burkes Lookout
If you're chasing sunrise views without the crowds, Burkes Lookout is one to bookmark. Hiding in the Dandenong Ranges, this short but special walk leads to sweeping vistas across the Yarra Valley and Silvan Reservoir, making it one of the region's best-kept secrets, according to the AllTrails team. Our advice? Pack a thermos of coffee and arrive early to catch the first light spilling across the landscape.
How long? Approximately 800m (return)
Distance from Melbourne? Around a one-hour drive
2. O'Donohue Track, Sherbrooke Falls and Sherbrooke Track Loop
For a dose of cool-climate rainforest, this peaceful circuit through Sherbrooke Forest is hard to beat. The trail meanders beneath towering mountain ash trees and lush tree ferns before reaching the picturesque Sherbrooke Falls, serving up otherworldly energy just an hour from Melbourne. This one’s the perfect walk for anyone looking to immerse themselves in nature without tackling a hyper-strenuous hike.
How long? 1.9km
Distance from Melbourne? Around a one-hour drive
3. Saddleback Track via East Track
The You Yangs are famous for their dramatic granite peaks, but this quieter loop showcases another side of the regional park. Winding through bushland before climbing to panoramic lookouts across Victoria's volcanic plains, Saddleback Track regularly rewards hikers with wildlife sightings along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for kangaroos, wallabies and native birdlife as you make your way around the circuit.
How long? Approximately 7.4km
Distance from Melbourne? Around a one-hour drive from Melbourne
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