The Tan

Melbourne is known as Australia’s garden city, an epithet earned by its swathes of verdant parks, sun-dappled waterways, secluded reserves, winding trails and blooming gardens. It’s also home to tropical hothouses, wide waterfalls and sandy beaches, all of which are best viewed at the leisurely pace offered by your own two feet. Culture Trip explores seven of the most scenic walks through Melbourne’s abundant green spaces.
Melbourne loves its outdoor activities. The city’s green spaces are overrun each weekend with locals and tourists alike, all walking, cycling and running along the 1,900 kilometres (1,181 miles) of beautiful, well-maintained trails spread across the city’s 14 unique suburbs. Melbourne’s relatively flat elevation, easily navigable layout, excellent public transport and mild climate make it the perfect place to explore on foot. Whether you’re interested in glimpsing Australian wildlife, exploring abandoned military forts, wandering beachside boardwalks, lounging in botanic gardens or gazing at waterfalls, use this Culture Trip guide to explore the best of Greater Melbourne’s walking trails.
For those who want a bit more adventure in their walk (and have access to a car), the views from the cliffs that drop gradually away on either side of Point Nepean in Portsea are breathtaking. This is an easy-to-moderate paved walk with dramatic ocean and beach vistas you won’t find nearer to downtown. World War II-era military tunnels, turrets and forts are open for your exploration, and you can plunge into the clear blue water at Cheviot Beach if you get too hot along the way. Pack a picnic and pick up some water in Portsea before your hike. How to get there: This hike is an hour-and-a-half drive from the CBD. When you’ve parked, begin the walk at the Point Nepean entry gate. Vehicle access to the park is open daily from 10am to 5pm.