Explore the Best Multi-Day Hikes in Victoria for Unforgettable Adventures
Victoria is a hiker’s paradise, with trails that take you from wild coastlines to alpine ridges. If you’re ready to go beyond a day trip, these multi-day hikes offer immersive adventures in some of the state’s most spectacular landscapes. Below is everything you need to know—distance, duration, difficulty, best time to go, and what makes each trail unforgettable.
1. Great Ocean Walk
Length: 104–110 km (one-way)
Duration: 7–8 days
Difficulty: Moderate – graded track, some long days
Start/Finish: Apollo Bay → Twelve Apostles
Best Time: Year-round (spring for wildflowers, winter for whale sightings)
Campsites: 7 hike-in campsites (must be booked)
Why Do It:
Stretching along Victoria’s famous Shipwreck Coast, this coastal trail takes you through Great Otway National Park, past eucalypt forests, remote beaches, towering cliffs, and ends at the awe-inspiring Twelve Apostles. Expect diverse landscapes and possible sightings of koalas, wallabies, and migrating whales.
2. Wilsons Prom Southern Circuit
Length: 50–68 km (loop with variations)
Duration: 3–5 days
Difficulty: Moderate – well-marked, some sandy stretches
Start/Finish: Telegraph Saddle → Tidal River
Best Time: March–October (cooler, fewer crowds)
Campsites: Little Waterloo Bay, Roaring Meg, Oberon Bay (bookings required)
Why Do It:
Known for its pristine beaches and granite headlands, this coastal trek covers turquoise bays, sheltered coves, and even offers a side trip to South Point—the southernmost tip of mainland Australia. Wildlife encounters are common, with wombats and wallabies often spotted around campsites.
3. Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing
Length: 37–39 km (point-to-point)
Duration: 3 days
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging – steep climbs and descents
Start/Finish: Falls Creek → Mount Hotham
Best Time: November–April (avoid snow unless experienced in alpine conditions)
Campsites: Cope Hut, Dibbins Hut (platform bookings required)
Why Do It:
Part of the Australian Alps Walking Track, this route takes you across the Bogong High Plains, past historic huts, alpine meadows, and wildflower-filled ridges. The final climb to Hotham is tough but rewards you with sweeping high country views.
4. Great South West Walk
Length: 254 km (loop)
Duration: 12–14 days
Difficulty: Moderate – mostly flat, long distances
Start/Finish: Portland → Portland
Best Time: March–October (milder conditions)
Campsites: 14 hike-in campsites (bookings required)
Why Do It:
This lesser-known epic is divided into four unique sections—forest, river, beach, and cliff. It takes you through Cobboboonee National Park’s towering forests, along the Glenelg River, across remote beaches, and past dramatic coastal cliffs. Campsites have water tanks and basic facilities, making logistics easier.
5. Grampians Peaks Trail
Length: 164 km (end-to-end)
Duration: 13 days / 12 nights
Difficulty: Challenging – steep climbs, rugged terrain
Start/Finish: Mount Zero → Dunkeld
Best Time: Autumn or spring (avoid extreme summer heat)
Campsites: 11 purpose-built hike-in campsites (bookings essential)
Why Do It:
This long-distance trail traverses the entire length of the Grampians, passing over summits like Mount William, Major Mitchell Plateau, and Mount Sturgeon. Expect rocky ridgelines, panoramic views, and rich Aboriginal cultural sites. Shorter section hikes are also possible if you can’t commit to the full traverse.
Tips for Planning Your Multi-Day Hike in Victoria
- Book Campsites Early: Popular trails fill quickly during peak seasons.
- Check Weather & Conditions: High country and coastal weather can change rapidly.
- Carry the Right Gear: A sturdy pack, good boots, navigation tools, and layered clothing are essential.
- Leave No Trace: Protect these landscapes by carrying out all rubbish and staying on marked tracks.