Best Hikes Near Melbourne by Public Transport (No Car Needed!)

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Australia , Best Walks Australia , Hiking Australia , Melbourne Hikes , Public Transport Adventures , Victoria Outdoors

Best Hikes Near Melbourne by Public Transport (No Car Needed!)

Exploring Victoria’s outdoors doesn’t mean you need a car. Whether you’re an international student in Melbourne or a local who just hasn’t bothered with a set of wheels, there are plenty of hikes and overnight camping trips you can reach straight from the Melbourne CBD by train, bus, or even ferry.

Below, I’ve pulled together some of the best hikes and camping spots you can do with nothing but your Myki, a backpack, and a bit of adventurous spirit.

🚉 1. Great Dividing Trail – Bendigo to Castlemaine (or Castlemaine to Daylesford)

Getting there: Train from Melbourne Southern Cross to Bendigo or Castlemaine.

Why go: This section of the Goldfields Track offers a mix of bushland, old gold mining sites and historic towns. You can plan a 1–2 night trip camping along the trail, or just do a day section.

What to pack: If you’re hiking overnight, you’ll want a lightweight tent like the 3F UL Lanshan 1 - easy to carry, sets up fast, and perfect when you’re relying on public transport.

🐨 2. French Island National Park – Beachside Camping & Koalas

Getting there: Train to Stony Point, ferry to French Island. Short 5km hike to the campground.

Why go: It feels way more remote than it actually is, and chances are you’ll spot a wild koala. The beachside campsite is free (just book ahead).

Gear tip: Bring a CW400 Duck Down Sleeping Bag - ultralight, super warm and packs down small. Perfect for when you’re carrying everything in a 50L Waterproof Hiking Backpack (comes with a free rain cover 👌).

🌊 3. Great Ocean Walk (Sections) – Apollo Bay to Cape Otway

Getting there: Train to Geelong, then V/Line coach to Apollo Bay.

Why go: If you’ve got a few days off, this is one of Victoria’s most iconic long-distance hikes. Even if you just do a section (Apollo Bay to Cape Otway Lighthouse), you’ll get epic ocean views and coastal campsites.

Essentials: A portable camping light (USB-C 230h runtime + power bank) is a lifesaver here. You’ll also thank yourself for packing quick-dry water shoes when the track gets muddy.

🏞 4. The Grampians / Gariwerd – Halls Gap & Beyond

Getting there: V/Line train to Ararat, then bus to Halls Gap.

Why go: Base yourself at Halls Gap and head out on day hikes. The Pinnacle Lookout is a must, and if you’re more experienced, you can tackle a section of the Grampians Peaks Trail.

Extra comfort: After long hikes, nothing beats chilling on a lightweight folding camping chair or stringing up a camping hammock for sunset views.

🥾 5. Lerderderg Gorge – Rugged Bush Camping Close to Melbourne

Getting there: Train to Bacchus Marsh, then short Uber or taxi to Lohs Lane or Mackenzie Flat.

Why go: It’s a real bushwalk experience close to Melbourne. You can do it as a loop day hike or bring your tent and camp by the river.

Gear you’ll appreciate: A Nitecore NB10000 Gen2 ultralight power bank keeps your phone and GPS charged. Add a set of LED camping string lights and your riverside camp will look magic.

🌿 6. The Dandenong Ranges – Easy Day Hikes from Belgrave

Getting there: Train to Belgrave (around 1hr from the CBD).

Why go: Plenty of well-marked tracks through lush forest. You can link Belgrave Station to Upper Ferntree Gully on foot (about 25km) or do smaller loops.

Pro tip: Since it’s just a day trip, a 4Monster foldable backpack is perfect – tiny to pack, but opens up for snacks, water and a jacket.

🏕 Why Hiking Without a Car is Actually Awesome

Saves money (no petrol, no parking).
More sustainable – lower your carbon footprint.
You finish a hike, hop on a train, and nap all the way back to Melbourne. Bliss.
Encourages you to explore places you might never drive to.

🚍 Tips for Hiking by Public Transport in Victoria

Use the PTV app: Covers all metro + V/Line trains, buses and ferries.
Plan for delays: Some regional buses only run a few times a day.
Pack light: Hiking without a car means you’ll appreciate compact backpacks and ultralight gear (find them all at 👉 About Camping).
Book campsites early: Especially for French Island and Great Ocean Walk.

Final Thoughts

Exploring Victoria without a car is easier than most people think – and honestly, it makes the whole adventure feel even more rewarding. With just your Myki, a lightweight pack, and a bit of planning, you can wake up in Melbourne and fall asleep under the stars the very same night.

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