The Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges are accessible to exercise in, and the beautiful national parks and gardens have a wide range of hiking trails to suit all tastes.
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Strolling and hiking energetically
Have a pleasant stroll past tall trees, clear streams, and fern-covered waterfalls to enjoy the majestic views and beautiful sounds of the surrounding countryside, Melbourne, and beyond. As part of many Yarra Valley tours from Melbourne, you can spot native wildlife while unpacking a gourmet picnic prepared by local producers.
If you’re looking for a more strenuous walk or hike, you’re in luck, as the rocky peaks and jagged ledges offer reliable climbs. Tackle the 1,000 steps of the Kokoda Walk briskly, and you’ll get a real workout.
Great national parks
You’ll find stunning scenery and secluded secrets through Yarra Ranges National Park, Dandenong Ranges National Park, Kinglake National Park, Bunyip State Park and Warrandyte State Park.
Around the city
You can take a short ride on the historic Warburton Railway, stopping at the old Yarra Junction station or the Sam Knott Hotel in Wesburn, or take the 38km journey to Lilydale.
Cambarville Cumberland Circuit Walk
A walking trail among the tallest flowering trees in the world. This breathtaking walk takes you past rare and mature rowan trees to the majestic 85-metre-tall Big Tree, which has dominated the forest floor for 400 years.
The Cora Lynn and Cumberland Falls are nestled in a rainforest gorge, and the Sovereign Viewpoint offers spectacular views of the Cumberland Valley.
Start this circular walk at the Cambarville car park, just off Marysville Woods Point Road. Pass under the Big Tree and Sitka Spruce to reach Marysville Woods Point Road. Cross the road and continue to Cora Lynn Falls and Cumberland Falls. Follow the trail to nearby Sovereign View, cross the road and return to the car park.
La La Falls Walk
La La Falls has long been a popular tourist attraction in the Warburton area. Hundreds of locals and visitors come here every year to admire the unique beauty of this ancient waterfall. To enjoy the spectacular view, visit the falls after heavy rain when it reaches its greatest power.
La La Falls is a short drive from the town of Warburton. Follow the signs from Park Road (opposite the Sanitarium factory) along Old Warburton Road to the start of the track at Irruka Road. Old Warburton Road can be accessed from Warburton or Yarra Junction.
The La La Falls Walk is lovely, and it features a large rowan forest and beautiful fern-covered meadows leading to a picturesque waterfall. This route, which runs along Four Mile Creek and is about 1.6 km round trip, has been popular with hikers since the 1880s. The trail has a moderate gradient, which can be challenging; allow 1.5 hours for the round trip.
There is a picnic area at the beginning of the trail to La La Falls and a large car park. However, there are no facilities at the waterfall itself.
Kokoda Memorial Walk (1000 Steps)
Climb the 1000 steep steps of the Kokoda Trail and feel the exhaustion of the Australian soldiers who walked the Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea during World War II.
See plaques describing the lives of those who fought and died on the trail during the Kokoda campaign in 1942.
Along the way, you will see tree ferns, mannan gums and black forests rising to the top of the hill. This walk is not recommended for those whose health limits physical activity.
Warburton Riverside Walk
The Yarra River is the lifeblood of Melbourne, and nowhere is it more beautiful than in its upper reaches, winding through the picturesque Warburton Valley. Here, the water flows clear before crossing the clay plains downstream. The best way to see it is to walk along the Warburton Riverwalk, which begins at Swing Bridge near Main Street.
It runs along the banks of the river for about 5 km, crossing six bridges. It’s a great walk, and a reasonable fitness level should be acceptable. On the way back to town, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Little Joe and Victoria Mountains and coffee and tea. Take an umbrella with you in spring, winter and autumn. The weather in Warburton can change very quickly.
Buttongrass Nature Trail
The Buttongrass Nature Trail in Bunyip Park is a self-guided trail that winds through forest and beautiful wet bogs. Along the way, you will encounter a variety of flora, including hakea, sawdust, tea trees and button grass.
The trail is a 3.5 km round trip and is an easy walk. Toilets and parking are nearby.
4 Brothers Rock Scenic Walk
Starting from the Mortimer Picnic Area, the Four Brothers Cliffs walk follows the old Hackett Trail to the Four Brothers Cliffs, a series of giant granite boulders that offer stunning park views.
Access is via the Hambrook-Tonimbuk Road, which is dirt but suitable for two-wheelers. The trail is located in Bunyip Park, an easily accessible car park.
Big Pats Creek to Starlings Gap
Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail
The Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail starts at Emerald Puffin Billy Station and follows the railway line, allowing travellers to glimpse a steam locomotive. Overall, it’s a leisurely walk with short climbs over bridges.
From Emerald to Kakadu, you can take a shorter trail or public transport to your destination and return on foot. It is a compacted forest trail with several road and bridge crossings. The trail connects the towns of Emerald, Kakadu and Gambrook, eventually leading to Belgrave via other trail networks.
Brimbonga Walking Track
Follow the Brimbonga Walking Track to the viewpoint and watch the water flow through the reservoir to Melbourne.
The path is flat, and the viewpoint is easily accessible by a few steps.
While walking along the trail, you can see such Australian animals as great gliders, sugar gliders, wombats, swamp wallabies, possums, bats, samba deer, owls, fish and kookaburras.
Mt Evelyn Aqueduct Trail
The Mount Evelyn Aqueduct Trail follows part of the aqueduct that once crossed the town of Mount Evelyn. This trail provides an important historical and contemporary link between the city and the surrounding national park. It is a gravel and bush trail with steep climbs.
Along the way, you will pass through remnants of dry forest and may be lucky enough to encounter echidna, wombat and wedge-tailed eagle.
Dogs are not allowed on this trail.
The Mount Evelyn Aqueduct Trail is 6.4 km long and easy to moderate. It allows users to connect to the Warburton Rail Trail or the Olinda Creek Trail to Lilliput Lake.
Olinda and Grey Gums Track
The Olinda and Grey Gums Trail combines open and singletrack trails with steeper sections. Visiting Sylvan Reservoir is easy and starts on the same route as the Messmate Track Circuit. Follow the signs to the Grey Desna Trail.
This is an easy walk on a dirt path where you can take your dog on a leash.
Olinda Heritage Walk
The Olinda Heritage Trail offers a glimpse into village life in the Dandenong Mountain Range in the early 1900s.
The self-guided Olinda Heritage Trail was developed by the Dandenong Mountain and District Historical Society to provide a lasting record of the early history and development of the township of Olinda. The walk is laid on tarmac paths, and wheelchair and pram accessible.
Powelltown Tramway Trail
The Powelltown Tramway follows the tramway routes built in the early 1900s to open up the region for logging. There is a wide variety of tramway walks, ranging from a few hours to two days.
The remaining bridges along the Powelltown Tramway are not safe. Leave them alone and follow the track through the ravines. Be prepared for leeches; wear long pants.
Mortimer Nature Walk
The Mortimer Nature Walk is a short walk that winds through the Bunyip State Forest. It is close to a picnic area by the creek and is suitable for all abilities. There are toilets and a car park nearby.
Look out for the southern nubuck or mountain grey gum leaves.
Cumberland Walks
Walk among the world’s most giant flowering trees in Yarra Ranges National Park. This breathtaking walk takes you past rare and mature rowan trees to the majestic 85-metre Big Tree, which has dominated the forest floor for 400 years.
The Cora Lynn and Cumberland Falls are nestled in a rainforest gorge, and Sovereign View offers breathtaking views of the Cumberland Valley.
Start this circular walk at the Cambarville car park, just off Marysville Woods Point Road. Pass under the Big Tree and Sitka Spruce to reach Marysville Woods Point Road. Cross the road and continue to Cora Lynn Falls and Cumberland Falls. Follow the trail to nearby Sovereign View, cross the road and return to the car park.
Lyrebird Circuit Walk
The Lairbird Trail is the first trail you will see on the Mason Falls Parkway after leaving the picnic area. It’s an easy 500-metre walk that loops back to the Mason Falls Circle route. Along the way, you’ll find information about the historic site of the Carman Mill, which once operated in the area, and the native flora and fauna that call Kinglake National Park home.
If you continue along the Mason Falls Trail, you’ll arrive at the Mason Falls Lookout. Mason’s Falls, located in Kinglake National Park, is home to native tree species, fungi, undergrowth and many small insects and animals, including lyre-tails – if you’re lucky and calm enough to spot them.
Ada Tree Walk
The Ada Tree, located in the Yarra State Forest in the Yarra Valley, is a giant rowan tree considered one of Victoria’s most crucial living trees. Estimated to be over 300 years old, it dominates the surrounding rainforest in the upper reaches of the Little Ada River.
FAQ
What are some popular hiking trails in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges?
Popular trails include the Kokoda Memorial Walk (1000 Steps), Cambarville Cumberland Circuit Walk, La La Falls Walk, Buttongrass Nature Trail, and Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail.
Which walks are best for beginners or families?
Easy options include the Buttongrass Nature Trail, Brimbonga Walking Track, Mortimer Nature Walk, Lyrebird Circuit Walk, and the Olinda Heritage Walk, which is wheelchair and pram accessible.
Are there historic or culturally significant walks in the area?
Yes — the Kokoda Memorial Walk commemorates WWII soldiers, the Powelltown Tramway Trail follows historic logging tramways, and the Olinda Heritage Walk explores early village life in the Dandenong Ranges.
Where can I see waterfalls on my hike?
La La Falls, Cora Lynn Falls, Cumberland Falls, and Mason Falls are scenic spots along several trails, especially spectacular after heavy rain.
Can I spot wildlife while walking in these parks?
Absolutely — the parks are home to native species such as wombats, wallabies, lyrebirds, kookaburras, sugar gliders, and even wedge-tailed eagles.
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