The Yarra Valley is famous for its wine and food but also has some of the most beautiful hiking trails for all levels of fitness. From beginners looking for a gentle stroll to experienced hikers looking for a challenge, Yarra Valley has it all through its trails, picnic spots and views. Whether you’re walking through greenery or climbing steep trails for views, you’ll find something for everyone in this stunning region.
Each trail has picnic tables, public toilets and family-friendly amenities. Discover the breathtaking hiking trails in Yarra Valley while enjoying the best wine tour! Explore scenic views and taste exquisite local wines.
Maroondah Reservoir Park
Maroondah Reservoir Park, near Healesville is one of the easiest walking trails in the Yarra Valley. This trail is peaceful, takes you through beautifully maintained gardens, exotic trees and along the edge of the reservoir. Perfect for families and beginners, this flat trail has great views of the Maroondah Dam and the surrounding landscape. Great for a gentle walk, with picnic tables and plenty of open space to sit.
Distance: 3 km loop
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Scenic views, picnic facilities, toilet facilities, family-friendly greenery
After your walk, sit at one of the picnic areas, such as the Fernshaw Picnic Area or Dom Dom Saddle Picnic Area, both have outdoor seating and great views of the surroundings. Great for families or those looking for a comfortable experience in nature.
Badger Weir Picnic Area
Badger Weir Picnic Area is another great spot for a gentle walk among the trees and greenery. The walking trail at Badger Weir goes through ancient Mountain Ash forests, Myrtle Beech groves and fern gullies. Great for birdwatchers and nature lovers, lyrebirds and parrots are often spotted along the trail.
Distance: 2.5 km return
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Tall trees, exotic trees, picnic tables, public toilets, forest walk
Badger Weir has shaded trails and picnic facilities so it’s a great spot for families to spend the day. Don’t forget your hiking boots and after your walk, sit down to a picnic in nature.
Warburton Rail Trail
The Warburton Rail Trail is Yarra Valley’s longest and most popular trail, 38km from Lilydale to Warburton. This trail follows an old railway line and is perfect for hikers, mountain bikers and families. The flat trail is suitable for all fitness levels, and you can do shorter sections if you just want a more relaxed day.
Distance: Up to 38km
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Features: Scenic views, picnic tables, public toilets, family-friendly, cycling and mountain biking
You’ll pass through vineyards, farmlands and bushland with stunning views of the surrounding valleys. There are picnic tables and public toilets along the way so it’s perfect for an all day adventure or a dog friendly day out with your fur babies.
O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail
The O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail is a moderate walk with stunning views of the Yarra Ranges. This 30km trail follows the historic O’Shannassy Aqueduct that once supplied water to Melbourne. The trail is flat but long so more suitable for hikers with a moderate level of fitness. You’ll walk through forests, past waterfalls and over fern gullies, with scenery around every corner.
Distance: Up to 30km
Difficulty: Moderate
Features: Scenic views, picnic tables, Yarra Ranges views, natural beauty
You’ll find popular picnic spots like the Dom Dom Saddle Picnic Area and Badger Weir Picnic Area along the trail to rest and take in the views. Public transport options are available, and it’s a popular spot for locals on public holidays and weekends.
Cathedral Range State Park
For the more experienced hikers, Cathedral Range State Park has rugged trails with steep climbs and rocky terrain. The Neds Gully Track is a popular route to Sugarloaf Peak, South Jawbone Peak and North Jawbone Peak. The tough terrain is rewarded with great views of the surrounding area, including the stunning Cathedral Peak.
Distance: 11km loop
Difficulty: Hard
Features: Scenic views, rugged terrain, Sugarloaf Peak, picnic tables
There are several campgrounds in the park, including Neds Gully Campground and Cooks Mill Campground, if you want to turn your hike into an overnight adventure. Don’t forget your hiking poles and plenty of water as you tackle this tough but rewarding trail.
Dandenong Ranges National Park
In the Dandenong Ranges National Park this short walk goes through a dense forest of Mountain Ash trees, ferns and undergrowth. A easy walk to Sherbrooke Falls, great for families or a relaxing walk in nature.
Distance: 2.4 km return
Difficulty: Easy
Features: Tall trees, greenery, picnic facilities, views
Nearby picnic areas, such as the Olinda Monbulk Road area, have public toilets and outdoor seating, so it’s a great spot for a family picnic. The Sherbrooke Falls Walk is also part of a larger network of trails in the Dandenong Ranges, including Mathias Track and Razorback Track, so there’s plenty of scope for more walking.
Kinglake National Park
Kinglake National Park is a great destination for a mix of forest and waterfalls. The Masons Falls Circuit is a family-friendly walk with great views of the falls and forest. For those who want to extend their walk the Wombelano Falls Circuit is a slightly longer walk through a scenic forested area.
Distance: 4 km return (Masons Falls), 7 km return (Wombelano Falls)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Features: Waterfall views, picnic areas, public toilets
Kinglake National Park has several picnic areas with tables and facilities so it’s a great day out in nature. You can also walk nearby trails, such as Jawbone Creek Track and Canyon Track, for a more in-depth experience of the park.
For those who want to go higher the Mount Donna Buang Summit Walk is the way to go. This moderate to hard walk goes through forest to the summit where there is a lookout tower with great views of the Yarra Valley. In winter the trail can be snow covered so it’s a unique hiking experience.
Distance: 6 km return
Difficulty: Moderate to hard
Features: Scenic views, snow in winter, public toilets, and picnic facilities for the adventurous hiker
Mount Donna Buang has picnic areas nearby and public transport, so it’s a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts. The lookout tower at the top has great views, so it’s one of the top 10 things to do in the area.
Warrandyte State Park
Warrandyte State Park has several walking trails that offer a mix of views, wildlife and history. Trails like the Reids Tramline and Bushrangers Bay Track are easy to moderate and take you through different environments. There’s spots for families, fur babies and adventurers along the way.
Distance: Various
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Highlights: Family friendly, beautiful views, historical points
Picnic areas are scattered throughout Warrandyte State Park, and picnic tables and outdoor seating are available for enjoying the great outdoors. Whether you’re walking along the Yarra River or in the bush, this park has something for everyone.
Conclusion
The Yarra Valley and surrounding areas have some of the best walks in Victoria. Whether you’re after a leisurely walk or a big adventure, these walks cater to all fitness levels and have views, picnic spots, and a connection to nature. From the tall Mountain Ash trees to the waterfalls, each walk is a special one.
FAQ
Where are the best picnic spots along the walks?
Fernshaw Picnic Area, Dom Dom Saddle Picnic Area and Badger Weir Picnic Area are popular picnic spots with picnic tables, outdoor seating and views.
Are there any mountain bike trails in Yarra Valley?
Yes, the Warburton Rail Trail and parts of the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail are mountain bike friendly with scenic views and a smooth path.
What level of fitness do I need for walking in Yarra Valley?
The Yarra Valley has walks for all fitness levels. Beginners can do the flat, easy Maroondah Reservoir Park walk, while more experienced walkers can tackle the Cathedral Range or Mount Donna Buang Summit Walk.
Are there public transport options to get to the walking trails in Yarra Valley?
Yes, many trails such as in the Dandenong Ranges National Park and near Mount Donna Buang are accessible by public transport from Melbourne so you don’t need a car.
What do I need to bring for a walk in Yarra Valley?
Make sure to bring the essentials like water, snacks, sunscreen, hat, hiking boots and a map. For more challenging walks, hiking poles can be helpful. And consider packing a picnic to enjoy at one of the many picnic tables along the way.