Take a hike: Five top treks in West Vic

Western Victoria is home to some of the state’s most diverse bushwalking, with routes ranging from steep Grampians climbs to multi-day coastal and wilderness treks. 

Here are some of the region’s standout hikes.

Signal Peak walk

The Signal Peak walk is a steady climb in the Grampians National Park through forest and landslip areas to the 780m summit of Signal Peak, finishing on exposed western slopes with wide views. Includes rocky terrain and steep sections.

Length: 7.8km return (3-4 hrs)
Difficulty: Hard

Lake Wartook Lookout to Halls Gap

The Lake Wartook Lookout to Halls Gap trail is a descending section of the Grampians Peaks Trail that passes forest, Clematis Falls and Chatauqua Peak saddle before finishing near the botanic gardens in Halls Gap.

Length: 10.9km one-way (3-4 hrs) or 20.7km return
Difficulty: Hard 

Great Ocean Walk

The Great Ocean Walk features a long-distance coastal track running through the Otways from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles. The route combines cliff-top paths, beach walking, forest sections and river crossings, with purpose-built hike-in camps along the way. Shorter day sections can be done with multiple access points.

Length: 110km total (typically 6-8 days; shorter sections possible)
Difficulty: Moderate

Little Desert Discovery Walk

Stretching over 70 kilometres, the Little Desert Discovery Walk involves a four-day route through heathlands, salt lakes, dry woodland and river country, with two hike-in camps.

Length: 74km (multi-day)
Difficulty: Hard

Great South West Walk

The Great South West Walk is a long circuit starting at Portland combining forest, Glenelg River sections, remote beaches and coastal cliffs. Commonly walked in 14 days or shorter self-guided sections.

Length: about 250–262km total
Difficulty: Moderate–hard

Header image: Visit Great Ocean Road