Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or something more strenuous the following list will have you covered; You won’t even have to travel too far from the Nunnery! Most of the following options are accessible by public transport and all are under 2 hours away!
Shorter Walks: 5kms or Less
Sherbrooke Falls (PT < 2 hrs)
Located in the Dandenong Ranges’ lush Sherbrooke Forest, the falls trail will take you from Sherbrooke Rd, right through the green ferns, sassafras and mountain ash, up to the falls and back again. It’s only 30 mins each way, but you’ll want more time to enjoy the view and take in the fresh forest air.
Albert Park Lake (PT > 30 mins)
With the water, palm trees and a prime view of the city skyline, Albert Park Lake is an ideal place for a walk. A round trip is around 5km, best enjoyed at sunset.
The Tan (PT < 30 mins)
A classic Melbourne activity. No matter what time you decide to hit the 3.8km track around the Botanic Gardens you’re bound to see countless people running, walking or just strolling along.
Organ Pipes (PT > 1 hr)
This round-circuit walk will take you up the Organ Pipes (an impressive pipe-like rock face believed to have been created by lave flow) and gives you some great views of the Keilor Plains. Great if you’ve got a few hours to spare.
Banksia Park to Heide (PT < 1 hr)
Hanging around Heide Museum of Modern Art and its surrounding gardens is a great way to spend a sunny afternoon. Follow the Yarra through the amazing old Red Gums and fruit trees. The trail will take you into the gardens of Heide Park and, of course, the gallery. All up it’s a leisurely 5km and should take between one and two hours.
1000 Steps (PT 1.5 hrs)
This Kokoda Memorial Track is a satisfying climb up through the green Ferntree Gully Forest. Once you reach the top you are rewarded with a killer view!
Pound Bend River (PT < 1.5 hrs)
Head to Warrandyte’s Pound Bend Reserve and follow the 3.5km trail through the Pound Bend Tunnel and upstream along the river. Make note: If it’s a hot day you might want to take a dip when you’re done!
Royal Park (PT 30 mins)
They don’t call Melbourne the most livable city for nothing; where else can you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, but still see the city skyline in the distance? Follow the Capital City Trail through to the oasis of Royal Park and when you hit Flemington Rd head left onto Elliot Ave and back upto where you started. It’s about a 5kms round trip with the occasional animal noises from the zoo.
Dight Falls Trail (PT < 30 mins)
Starting from Kanes Bridge, the Dight Falls Loop trail follows the Yarra along to the falls and then back again. It’s an easy 4kms and great for when you need a break from the city!
Longer Walks: More than 10kms
Foreshore Trail (PT 1hr)
Cover the best of the bay in just a few short hours. This 11km walk will take you from Port Melbourne, through South Melbourne and St Kilda before finishing up at Elwood Park. The most part of this walk runs along the foreshore, meaning there’s plenty opportunities for great photos and food stops along the way.
Bayside Coastal Trail (PT > 1 hr)
Enjoy a few km’s of fresh air with some killer views of the bay. The trail stretches 17kms, but you don’t have to go all the way from Beaumaris to Brighton. The track passes through Sandringham, Hampton and Black Rock along the way. So, you can make the walk as long as you like, but don’t skip a pit stop at Half Moon Bay!
Capital City Trail (PT < 30 mins)
This trail loop is approximately 29kms and is a great walk or cycle around the city. This trail links some of the best cultural, entertainment, sporting and outdoor recreation opportunities that Melbourne has to offer, passing the likes of the Victorian Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, the MCG and Melbourne Park, and the elegant grandeur of historic Como House plus heaps more!
Merri CreekTrail (PT < 30mins)
Starting at Dights Falls and wangling its way across the city to the Western Ring Road, the 21Km Merri Creek trail is a great for walkers and cyclist alike. The trail runs along the creek through Brunswick and CERES environmental park. There are plenty or grassy areas along the way to stop, relax and enjoy the surroundings. Packing a picnic is highly recommended.
Hobson Bay Coastal Trail (PT 1 hr)
The Southwest Has some lovely little beaches. Follow the trail from Williamstown to Altona and discover Melbourne’s less-trodden coastline. It’s 10kms each way and a great trail along the foreshore and through Altona’s coastal Parkland.
Maribyrnong River Trail (PT > 1hr)
Come the weekend, this is a popular spot for the locals and their adorable dogs. The best thing to do here is walk up one side of the river and, when you please, cross over and walk back along the other side. The total length of this trail is 25kms.
If you have a car these few are worth a visit
Werribee Gorge State Park Circuit Walk
Only an hour’s drive from the Nunnery, Werribee Gorge is a real adventurers park, it’s rugged and hilly, and great for bush walking and rock climbing. Take the 10km circuit walk for awesome views of the gorge. But take note; this is only for those up to the challenge. You’ll need to do some steep climbs and a bit of cable walking along the rocks, so make sure you’re prepared!
Macedon Ranges
About an hour out of the city you will find Hanging rock and the Macedon Ranges. To get to the top of Hanging rock it’s a short 3.8km circuit trip. Once at the top you get an uninterrupted view of the Macedon Ranges. Once you’ve taken it all in you can head to the Mount Macedon Hotel where the 18.8km circuit around the ranges begin!
Please note there is a small entry fee for the Hanging Rock Reserve.
Two Bays Walking Trail
Located about an hour and half drive from the Nunnery, down the Mornington Peninsula, this stunning 28km bay-to-bay walking trail will take you from Dromana over to Cape Schank. It will take the better part of a day, but there’s really no better way to spend it! Keep in mind if you’re not keen on completing the entire 28kms in one day there is plenty of circuit track options along the way.
