Melbourne Walking Paths

Albert Park Lake - Albert Park

Where: Start & finish at The Point Restaurant.
Distance: Approximately 5kms (round trip).
Surface: Gravel path plus paved sections.
Toilets: Yes.
Water Fountains: Yes.

Comments: One of the most popular exercise spots in Melbourne for walkers and joggers alike, Albert Park lake is just shy of a perfect 5kms around. There are always plenty of other people here and there are exercise stations strategically placed around the lake for those who want to do some "circuit" training.

Station to St Kilda Pier - Port Melbourne

Where: Start and finish at Station Pier.
Distance: Approximately 8kms (round trip).
Surface: Fully paved path.
Toilets: Yes.
Water Fountains: Yes.

Comments: Magnificent bay views with plenty of walkers, joggers, strollers, cyclists and rollerbladers to keep you company and keep you motivated. Plenty of rest stops along the route and you can reward yourself for a job well done with a juice or light meal at one of the many eateries around station pier.

The Tan Track - Royal Botanical Gardens

Where: Start & finish at The Shrine.
Distance: Approximately 4kms (round trip).
Surface: Gravel path with paved section.
Toilets: Yes.
Water Fountains: Yes.

Comments: This walk is extremely popular despite the parking situation. The track is very well shaded in most parts by trees so can be walked or jogged year round. The most challenging aspect of this path is the notorious "hill" on Anderson Street which provides extra stimulation for the calves and glutes.

Princes to Hoddle Bridge - Southbank

Where: Start & finish at the Princes Bridge.
Distance: 4km.
Surface: Fully paved.
Toilets: Yes.
Water Fountains: Yes.

Comments: Taking in some of the best views of Melbourne and the Yarra River this route is ideal for a scenic walk or run. Starting close to Flinders Street train station this track is easily accessible by public transport or is within walking distance for those living or staying in the Melbourne CBD.

Princes Park - Carlton

Where: Start & finish wherever you can park.
Distance: Approximately 3kms (round trip).
Surface: Mostly paved with some gravel.
Toilets: Yes.
Water Fountains: Yes.

Comments: Well shaded, pleasant views and a track only a little over 3kms long makes the track around Princes Park ideal for those of us starting to build our fitness. Fitter people do 2 laps which provides a great workout. Popular with commuters, this track gets very busy after work during the week.

Brighton Baths to Green Point - Brighton

Where: Start & finish at Brighton Sea Baths.
Distance: Approximately 4kms (round trip).
Surface: Fully paved path.
Toilets: Yes.
Water Fountains: Yes.

Comments: Choose between a shared bike and walk path along the road edge or a walking path along the beach for half the journey. Where the two paths meet you'll need to continue on the shared path. Nice views on the beach path of the bay and surrounding shore line.

Mentone to Beaumaris Life Saving Club

Where: Start & finish at the Mentone LSC.
Distance: Approximately 6kms (round trip).
Surface: Paved / Sandy path.
Toilets: Yes.
Water Fountains: Yes.

Comments: This walking/jogging track is characterised by magnificent cliff-top views, hill and stair climbs and lots of side-tracks and lookouts to explore (these are usually where the taps and toilets are). This is probably the best kept 'secret walk' in Melbourne which the locals are keen to keep to themselves.

Cherry Lake - Altona

Where: Start & finish in the Millers Rd carpark.
Distance: Approximately 3.5kms (round trip).
Surface: Fully paved path.
Toilets: Yes.
Water Fountains: Yes.

Comments: The walking track around Cherry Lake can be quite picturesque and is perfect for a brisk walk, jog or short bike ride. With a nice wide path the whole way around, it is a great place to walk with children or friends, or with your dog. Not too long, this track is also perfect for beginning walkers and joggers.

Cyril Curtain Reserve to Jawbone Reserve - Williamstown

Where: Start & Finish at Cyril Curtain Reserve.
Distance: Approximately 4kms (return trip).
Surface: Fully paved path.
Toilets: Yes.
Water Fountains: Yes.

Comments: Follow the path around the back of the Williamstown Cricket Ground towards Williamstown beach and beyond into the Jawbone Conservation Reserve. This popular walk or jog can be easily extended beyond 4kms by going further into the Jawbone Reserve before returning to the start.

Wildlife Lake - Jells Park - Wheelers Hill

Where: Start & finish at the Tea House.
Distance: Approximately 2.5kms (return trip).
Surface: Paved and gravel path (around lake).
Toilets: Yes.
Water Fountains: Yes.

Comments: This walk/jogging track combines open parkland with Australian bush settings. Walk through the gate to the lake and you enter another world filled with native Australian flora and fauna which is very inspiring. This walk can easily be extended by walking past the lake into Jells Park South.

VUT to Shepard Bridge - Maribyrnong Trial

Where: Start & finish at Doug Mills Reserve.
Distance: Approximately 5kms (return trip).
Surface: Fully paved path.
Toilets: Yes.
Water Fountains: Yes.

Comments: Scenically, this is a track of two halves. Between the Boat Club and Lynchs Bridge on Ballarat Road you have magnificent views of the Melbourne city skyline, Footscray Park and Flemington Racecourse. After that you have the rustic charm of Newells Paddock Wetlands and an array of industrial sites.

River Trail - Brimbank Park - Keilor

Where: Start & Finish at Leaping Lizard Cafe.

Distance: Approximately 3.5kms (round trip).
Surface: Fully paved.
Toilets: Yes.
Water Fountains: Yes.

Comments: This walking track is almost perfect! It is easy to find, has ample free parking, has a wide, fully paved track, good toilets and drinking water access, a challenging uphill section, magnificent hill and valley views and can easily be extended by taking one of the multiple intersecting tracks.

Edwardes Lake Park - Reservoir

Where: Start & Finish at the Locomotive.
Walking Paths - Edwardes Lake Park - Melbourne
Distance: Approximately 1.5kms (round trip).
Surface: Fully Paved track.
Toilets: Yes.
Water Fountains: Yes.

Comments: This is a very short walking track but is also quite a scenic one.. Great for those making the transition from walking to jogging, you can always extend your walk or jog by doing multiple laps as you get fitter. Alternatively make your walk or jog longer using the close by Merri Creek path.