Melbourne and Victoria are full of stunning outdoor locations, perfect for exploring on foot. It’s no great surprise then that the latest campaign by Visit Victoria delivers the message that when travelling through the state, embarking on long, pleasurable walks with friends is a great way to relax and take in the wonders of the natural environment.

The ‘Wandering Victoria’ campaign takes us on a journey with two mates who decide to walk back to their accommodation after enjoying a lunch with their partners at a winery. But this is no ordinary post-lunch stroll. Taking in some of Victoria’s most scenic locations, some of which are over a 1000 kilometres apart, we can only presume the men needed to walk off a lunch so big that it made one of Henry VIII feast’s look like an afternoon snack in comparison.

You can watch the entertaining advertisement and find out more information about Victoria’s spectacular outdoors at the Visit Victoria website.

However, if you’re looking do some walks a little closer to Melbourne, here’s a few to consider.

1000 Steps (Kokoda Walk)

Located in the Dandenong Ranges, 40 kilometres east of Melbourne, the 1000 Steps is a great way to get your heart rate up while taking in the scenery of beautiful forest and bushland areas. There are many great vantage points to stop and admire the surrounds, catch your breath, and take a moment to reflect on the physical effort experienced by the Australian soldiers who walked the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea during 1942.
image: Visit Victoria

Capital City Trail

The Capital City Trail is a 29 kilometre loop that encircles the CBD and takes in some of Melbourne’s inner eastern and northern suburbs. The trail starts in Southbank and winds its way around the picturesque surrounds of the Yarra River past the Victorian Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, the MCG, Melbourne Park and the historic mansion Como House. It also passes Melbourne’s Zoo and ventures through the Docklands precinct. The trail is used by both cyclists and pedestrians.

Mornington Peninsula Walk

The Mornington Peninsula is a place of spectacular outdoor scenery and there are a great many walks to do along its coastline and its hinterland. However, the biggest of the lot is the 100km walk, which combines four shorter walks that take in Dromana, Cape Schanck, Portsea and Point Nepean. This obviously isn’t a leisurely stroll, so you will need to come well prepared.
From Cape Schanck you’ll look out onto the gloriously rough seas of Bass Strait.
image: visitmorningtonpeninsula.org

Melbourne Heritage Walk

The Melbourne Heritage Walk is a short two kilometre stroll that takes you through a labyrinth of lanes and through some of Melbourne’s historic shopping areas including the Block Arcade (1891) and Royal Arcade (1869). Once you cross Elizabeth Street you’ll stroll up the beautiful McKillop Street, a renovated avenue of bluestone and bricks.
The Melbourne Heritage Walk takes you past some of the city’s great landmarks, like Flinders Street Station.
Image: visitvictoria.com

Albert Park Lake

Only three kilometres from the city centre is the hugely popular Albert Park Lake. The five kilometre path that winds around the lake is a magnet for Melbourne’s runners, strollers and dog walkers. Apart from the track, Albert Park has other attractions include sporting facilities, ovals, playgrounds, which makes it a great spot for a picnic on a sunny day.
Walkers enjoying Albert Park.
Image: blog.grayline.com.au