Short forest walks under 2 hours from Melbourne

Rubicon Heritage Walk

Distance from Melbourne: 2 hours, north-east

Location: Rubicon State Forest on Taungurung Country

Distance: 3.9km return

Walk difficulty: Grade 3 - Bushwalking experience recommended

Enjoy a glorious mix of heritage and nature on this 3.9km walk through Rubicon State Forest in the valley’s historic area. You’ll wind through lush mountain ash and cool temperate rainforest in the setting of what was the location of the timber harvesting industry in the early 1900s, and which once housed 8 sawmills.

Werribee River Walk

Distance from Melbourne: About 1.2 hours north-west

Location: Wombat State Forest on Wadawurrung and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country

Distance: 4.5km return

Walk difficulty: Grade 3 - Bushwalking experience required

Breathe in the fresh earthy scents of the eucalypt forest as you walk alongside the Werribee River on this 4.5km loop. Sitting at the northern end of the Werribee River in the Wombat State Forest, it’s located 110km north-east from its namesake suburb.

Begin this walk from the Werribee River Picnic Area that is equipped with picnic tables and wood fired barbeques or Carrolls Spring to the north.

Seven Acre Rock

Distance from Melbourne: About 2 hours east of Melbourne

Location: Yarra State Forest on Bunurong Country

Distance: 1.3km return

Walk difficulty: Grade 3 - No bushwalking experience required

What’s not to love about a hike that rewards with awe inspiring views? Winding through diverse forest landscape, from towering Mountain Ash to smaller woodland of Silver Wattle, this easy 1.3km walk through Yarra State Forest leads to the rocky granite outcrop of Seven Acre Rock.

Enjoy a sweeping panorama of Bunyip State Park, and on clear days, you’ll be able to see all the way across to Western Port and Port Phillip Bays!

Make sure you pack your picnic to enjoy at the spacious picnic area among the Mountain Ash.

Strath Creek Falls Walk

Distance from Melbourne: 1.5 hours north

Location: Mt Disappointment State Forest on Taungurung Country

Walk distance: 1km return

Walk difficulty: Grade 3 - No bushwalking experience required

Strath Creek Falls Walk has been popular with forest users for over 150 years. Starting from Strath Creek Picnic Area, this short, but steep walk will award you with waterfall views overlooking the stunning Strath Creek Valley below.

Although these waterfalls are best viewed after heavy rain, this walk is well worth the journey at any time of the year.

Junction Walking Track

Distance from Melbourne: 1.5 hours north

Location: Fryers Range State Forest on Dja Dja Wurrung Country

Distance: 2.4km return

Walk difficulty: Grade 3 - Bushwalking experience required.

Nestled in the heart of the Victorian Goldfields Junction Walking Track is just 7km out of Castlemaine. Once a busy route, used by Traditional Owners and later by European settlers traveling to Castlemaine from Melbourne, it is full of historical remnants like remainders of old buildings and the footings of the old bridge on the original road to Fryerstown.

Walk past beautiful forest of Red Stringybark, Red Box and Long-leaf Box trees, with sparse colourful shrub species including native orchids.

This part of the forest is also home to many native animals, including kangaroos and wallabies, rich birdlife (including owls, parrots, honeyeaters and more), reptiles and frogs.

Pack a picnic to set up at Railway Dam before or after your walk.

Staying for the weekend?

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Before you go

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Page last updated: 25/02/25