Guest Post by Sam Russel at The Adventure Lab

 

Melbourne is best known for its sport (especially Aussie Rules Footy), magnificent art, and a large cafe and bar culture that gets the local Melburnians socialising at all hours. However, the great city of Melbourne certainly holds its own in terms of adventure, with a diverse range of activities for both the young and old.

Whether you’re looking for an adventure close to the Melbourne CBD or a couple of hours away in the beautiful countryside of Victoria, travellers are spoilt for choices in many facets when looking for outdoor activities, whether it be for individual purposes or group travellers. After all, this is Australia, the land of adventure.

In this article, we look at some of the best adventure activities in Melbourne to inspire you for your next visit.

 

 

 

 

 

An Adventurer’s Guide to Melbourne in Stunning Victoria

If you’re looking for an exciting adventure, you should check out Melbourne in the beautiful state of Victoria. This city offers much, from thrilling activities to stunning natural beauty. There are many options for adrenaline junkies, such as bungee jumping, skydiving, and hot air balloon rides.

If you prefer to stay on the ground, you can explore the city’s many parks and gardens or take a scenic hike in the nearby mountains. Melbourne is also known for its vibrant art and culture scene, with numerous museums and galleries. Whatever your interests, you will find something to satisfy your sense of adventure in Melbourne and its surrounding areas.

 

 

Rock Climbing at great heights

Melbourne is known for hosting some of the best indoor climbing walls in the country, which are perfect for both kids and adults. Hardrock Climbing is one such place in the CBD, offering traditional rope walls that are a whopping 16m in height! Moreover, the numerous bouldering gyms in the inner suburbs provide a wide range of options for those who prefer to climb without harnesses.

For outdoor climbing enthusiasts, The Grampians is your ultimate destination. Although unsuitable for a day trip, planning a night or two in the area is an experience you wouldn’t want to miss. The Grampians is renowned for its world-class sandstone rock climbing, which provides an excellent challenge for climbers of all levels.

Not only that, but it’s also home to some of the most breathtaking walking trails, lookouts, and waterfalls in the country, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.

 

 

 

Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk

The Werribee Gorge State Park is a hidden gem about an hour northwest of Melbourne. It offers two options for walking: a short and a longer loop, which is pretty challenging and provides a range of sights.

One of the walk’s highlights is the beautiful Needles Beach, a popular spot to stop for lunch, especially during the summer months when the cliffs provide shade along the path from the beach to the car park, an old water channel from the 1920s used to irrigate the surrounding area.

Please note that the tracks include cable traverses and rocky sections, so it is essential to wear appropriate footwear. Also, avoiding this area after heavy rainfall is crucial since the river tends to swell, making the trails dangerous or impassable.

Both tracks start at Meikles Point Picnic Area. For more information on these day walks, please visit the adventure lab.

 

 

 

Studley Park

You could spend weeks in Melbourne without realising this fantastic park was on your doorstep. Located about 5km northeast of the CBD, this 260-hectare park includes walking and biking tracks and two golf courses.

Lush Australian bush makes way for the winding Yarra River, which enters the park in the northeastern corner and exits to the south before flowing into the CBD.

The park is also home to the famous Studley Boathouse and cafe, where locals stop for post-walk coffee or rent out row boats to take on the river during summer.

The Abbotsford Convent is another highlight of the park. Located in the southwest corner, the convent is set amongst beautiful gardens and has several cafes and restaurants. Walk from the convent towards the river, and you will come across the Collingwood Children’s Farm, a popular spot for locals and visitors alike to take children. On the weekends, you will also often find farmers’ markets here.

Be sure to take some form of map when you enter the park as the area is much larger than it first seems, and it can easily get lost.

 

 

Surfing the Victorian Coast

If you are a fan of surfing, then a short drive down either side of the bay from Melbourne will take you to some of the world’s best surf breaks. Although surfing is impossible in Melbourne, the surrounding coastal areas offer some of the most exciting and challenging waves that every surfer dreams of riding.

Bells Beach, located in Torquay, is one of this area’s most famous and iconic surf spots. This beach is known for its stunning cliffs and huge waves, reaching up to 10 meters high. It is a popular destination for experienced surfers worldwide to experience the thrill of riding these waves.

Fairhaven Beach, located on the Great Ocean Road, is another excellent spot for surfing in this area. This beach is ideal for surfers of all levels, with waves perfect for beginners and experienced surfers. It is also an excellent spot for families, with plenty of facilities for picnics and barbeques.

Cape Woolamai is another popular surfing spot located in Gippsland. This beach is known for its stunning natural beauty and crystal-clear water. The waves here are ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers, with long and consistent swells that can get up to 6 feet high.

Overall, the coastal areas around Melbourne offer some of the world’s most exciting and challenging surf breaks. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced surfer, there is something for everyone to enjoy along this stunning coastline.

 

 

 

The Dandenong Ranges

Located about an hour’s drive east of Melbourne, the Dandenong ranges offer some of the best hiking tracks in Victoria. A vast range of tracks is available to suit all ability levels.

The 1000 Steps/Kokoda Memorial Walk is the most popular, short, but steep trail featuring historical information commemorating Australian soldiers who fought in Papua New Guinea during World War 2. This track is, however, frequented by both fitness junkies and tourists, so be ready for crowds, especially if visiting at the weekend.

Another great option is to head to Grants Picnic Ground, which is the starting point for the popular Sherbrooke Forest trails and also features a bird sanctuary.

Serious adventurers should check out the Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track. This 17km trail showcases the best the Dandenong Ranges offer, winding through eucalyptus forest and featuring several swing bridges. Starting from the townships of either Sassafras or Emerald, you will need to arrange transport at the other end.

Check out Parks Victoria for more info.

 

 

* The Adventure Lab has provided all photos in this article.