January 28 2018News
Walking Trails and National Parks Victoria : Part 1
As we say goodbye to January and welcome in a new month, it can be a great time, as the great summer weather continues in Victoria, to get outdoors and make the most of the extraordinary landscapes that we have right on our doorstep. Only a short distance from Melbourne CBD you can find a plethora of great walking trails, waterfalls and stunning National Parks to explore. The hardest part is often choosing where to start.
But, to give you a kick-start we’ve researched and collated a list of some of our top locations surrounding Melbourne. We’ve covered from the North to the South and everything in between to give you a well-rounded look of Victoria and all it has to offer.
This two-part journey begins with locations North of Melbourne, featuring the Grampians in the West and the Yarra Ranges in the East.
NORTH-WEST
Grampians National Park, Halls Gap
Distance from Melbourne: 3hrs, Approximately 260km
The Balconies Trail
Distance: 2.0 km
Return Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: easy
Start/Finish: Reeds Lookout Carpark
The lookout offers stunning panoramic views of Victoria Valley
Mackenzie Falls Lookout Walk
Distance: 1.9 km
Return Time: 40 minutes
Difficulty: easy
Start/ Finish: MacKenzie Falls Carpark
The walk to MacKenzie Falls, is suitable for beginnings or novices and offers the most spectacular view.
MT Sturgeon Loop Trail
Distance: 7 km
return Time: 2.5-3 hours
Difficulty: hard
Start/Finish: Stapylton Campground
This walk, suitable for fit and athletic walkers as it can involve water crossing, rocks and steep inclines.
NORTH-EAST
YARRA RANGES NATIONAL PARK, Marysville
Distance from Melbourne: 1.5hrs-2hrs, Approximately 100km
Recommended trails to try
Lake Mountain Summit walk
Distance: 4km return
Return time: 2 hours at a leisurely pace
Difficulty: moderate
Start/Finish: Village car park
Keppel Falls walk
Distance: 2km return
Return time: 45 minutes
Difficulty: moderate-hard
Start/Finish: Keppel Falls car park
Both these trails have short steep inclines and rocky pathways at times, walkers are recommended to be moderately fit and mobile to climb across rocks.
Next up, the South! Stay tuned for our next blog featuring some stunning locations in the South of Victoria. From the Great Ocean Road, to Wilson’s Promontory and Phillip Island. We have more amazing locations, waterfalls and trails to try.
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