By Getting out and hammering the sidewalk and mixing up your surroundings is a pretty damn good way to refresh body and soul. While we’re still limited as to where we can venture out, there are plenty of trails and ripper trails across town that will give you a bit of a break from the same four walls.
Here are some of the best walks in Melbourne city center:
Merri creek
Northern suburbs
The Northside Highway, Merri Creek Trail provides respite from the native bush of the densely populated downtown suburbs. The long, quiet section of the trail stretches from Yarra Bend in Collingwood to Reservoir. Along the trail you will come across several beautiful pockets and landmarks including wetlands, contemplative gardens, the Thornbury Suspension Bridge and more. It’s a magical escape from your usual haunts.
Ruisseau des Gardiners
SOUTH-EAST SUBURBAN
A former favorite of commuters now adorned with weekend strollers, Gardiners Creek winds through the southeastern suburbs. Starting at Blackburn, the trail leads to Burnley where it connects with the Yarra Trail and the Town Road. Although this trail passes through the suburbs, there are still many delicious pockets of dense foliage and areas where the stream swells, requiring crossing picturesque wooden bridges.
Maribyrnong River Heritage Trail
WEST SUBURB
One with a lot of heritage, the Maribyrnong River Trail is a tour through some of Melbourne’s oldest suburbs. The Heritage Trail traverses sections of Yarraville and Footscray and looks like an outdoor exhibit with historic landmarks including the original Footscray Community Arts Center and the original Rowing Club. Along with the historical visit, there are plenty of natural plants to see as well as the river itself serving as a permanent backdrop.
The tan
DOWNTOWN
What else do you need to explain about tanning? One of the best walks in Melbourne and the city’s unofficial sportswear and sports community track. Sporting prowess aside, it’s a delightful circumnavigation of the magnificent Royal Botanic Gardens with stunning views of the city and is located right next to the Yarra River. The 3.8 km track also has its own timer so you can even measure your walking time.
Yarra Bend and Studley Park
NORTHERN SUBURBS
Making its way from Fairfield to Collingwood and the Kew Borders, the Yarra Bend promenade is the closest to you promenade you’ll find in Melbourne. Linking across the lush tree-lined oasis of Yarra Bend and Studley Park, this vast native region appears completely untouched, but is only a few miles from the CBD. Stroll along the meandering Yarra River, admiring the sites, including the local community of fruit bats, which reside in the trees.
Scotchmans Creek
SOUTH-EAST SUBURBAN
Usually teeming with all-terrain mountain bikes and doggos of all shapes and sizes, Scotchmans Creek is an absolute trail-walking haven. The entire trail stretches eight miles from East Malvern to Jells Park, providing a lush green paradise at the end of the trail. There are also expanses of open plains, underground tunnels, and numerous branching streams to explore.
The bay trail
SUBURBAN ON THE BAY
Walk up the trail within your radius and bring the sea air into your lungs. The main bay trail stretches from Brighton to Port Melbourne, a 7.5 mile oceanfront promenade with plenty of pockets and beach foreshore to explore. The trail stretches from Brighton to Elwood, St Kilda and to Port Melbourne. This is arguably Melbourne’s most iconic inland beach and is usually bustling around all hours of the day.
Do you prefer to approach things indoors? Find out some tips to keep you busy during lockdown.
Image credit: VisitVic