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Three of Australia's top five trending hikes for 2025 are right here in Victoria

AllTrails has revealed Australia’s hiking trails that have seen a surge in popularity over the past year

Melissa Woodley
Written by
Melissa Woodley
Travel & News Editor, Time Out Australia
Bushland along the Plenty River in South Morang, Melbourne
Photograph: Philip Mallis via Wikimedia Commons | Plenty Gorge
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Hiking holidays are on the rise in Australia. While bush bashing for hours might sound like a nightmare to some, for others, it’s the sole reason to explore new destinations. Luckily, Melbourne is full of incredible hikes to get your blood pumping, with three of our very best named among the top five trending trails in Australia for 2025 by AllTrails.

Overall, Victoria is Australia’s hiking hotspot for 2025, claiming more of the top five spots than any other state or territory. The number one trending trail in Victoria is the gorgeous 11.6-kilometre Sherbrooke Forest Circuit in the Dandenong Ranges National Park, which ranked second in Australia overall. Surrounded by lush ferns and towering trees, this trail offers a chance to experience the cool rainforest climate and spot the occasional kookaburra – all without breaking too much of a sweat.

Another pleasant circuit trail on the outskirts of Melbourne, the Plenty Gorge Loop via Blue Lake, recorded the third biggest increase in popularity across Australia over the past year. The track offers a good mix of challenging ascents and descents, with the ultimate reward – a refreshing swim in the stunning blue dam. 

Meanwhile, the family-friendly Mount Lofty Loop in Melbourne’s Warrandyte State Park ranked fifth. This 4.8-kilometre circuit, boasting stunning views of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, was also named Australia’s third most popular trail in 2024 – so you can trust it’s a winner.

The final two trending trails in Australia for 2025 include the breathtaking 19-kilometre Grand Cliff Top Walk in NSW’s Blue Mountains and the four-kilometre Purling Brook Falls in Queensland’s Lamington National Park.

Here are the top 5 trending trails in Australia for 2025:

  1. Grand Cliff Top Walk, Blue Mountains, NSW
  2. Sherbrooke Forest Circuit, Melbourne, VIC
  3. Plenty Gorge Loop via Blue Lake, Melbourne, VIC
  4. Purling Brook Falls, Springbrook, QLD
  5. Mount Lofty Loop, Melbourne, VIC

Feeling inspired to lace up and get moving? Here are our favourite hikes in Victoria right now. 

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