Best walks, hikes and trails near RACV Resorts

Best walks near RACV Resorts

RACV Cape Schanck Resort

When it comes to the Mornington Peninsula, you’ll never go wanting for a good brush with nature on a scenic trail. From spectacular seaside tracks to dense bushland trails, there’s a walk to suit every fitness level, duration, and scenery request out there.

Millionaire's Walk

• Length: 1 km
• Ability: Easy
• Dogs: Yes (on leash)

A part of the Sorrento Portsea Artists' Trail, this gentle walk takes you along a picturesque route of water views, coastal mansions, and paintings by local artists.

Notes: There are plenty of shops, boutiques, restaurants and galleries to stop at along the end of this journey. 

Cape Schanck and Pebble Bay Loop

• Length: 1.6 km
• Ability: Easy
• Dogs: No

This popular walk takes you through the Mornington Peninsula National Park. Here, you can take your time as you wander along the coast.

Notes: Be sure to stop at the several lookouts along the way for the perfect photo opportunity by the lighthouse.

Bushranger Bay Walk

• Length: 6.1 km
• Ability: Intermediate
• Dogs: No

For more varied views, take a hike along Bushrangers Bay. Start from the Boneo Road car park and wander through shady banksia groves, surrounding farmland and lush valleys before arriving at the bay itself, a long sandy beach with basalt cliffs.

Notes: Stop for a snack or dip your toes in the shimmering waves before returning via the same track.

Two Bays Walking Track (via Cape Schanck)

• Length: 26 km
• Ability: Advanced
• Dogs: No

For those looking for a longer trek, the full Two Bays Walking Track is the longest continuous walking track on the Mornington Peninsula.

Spanning almost 26 kilometres, the trail traverses the diverse range of landscapes that make the region famous, and can be completed in a day or broken into smaller walks.

Notes: Start in McCrae on Point Nepean Road and pass through Arthurs Seat State Park, the Mornington Peninsula National Park, and finish at Cape Schanck.

RACV Torquay Resort

Best known for its surfing culture, Torquay is home to Bells Beach and Jan Juc Beach. See for yourself how the Surf Coast got its name on these scenic coastal trails.

Surf Coast Walk

• Length: 44 km
• Ability: Intermediate to Advanced
• Dogs: Yes (on leash)

The Surf Coast Walk follows the famous Great Ocean Road along one of Victoria’s most popular coastlines. Conveniently broken into 12 distinctive trails, each walk allows you to choose your own adventure across one day or many.

Notes: Beginners can look at the 1.6 kilometre Torquay Promenade trail, while more experienced hikers might enjoy exploring the Sunnymead – Urquart Bluff and Sunnymead Trail (3 kilometres), featuring a rougher track with rugged terrain.

Surf Coasting and The Bells Track

• Length: 6.5 km  
• Ability: Easy – Intermediate
• Dogs: Yes (on leash)

Follow in the footsteps of daring pioneer surfers by combining two famous walks, Surf Coasting – Point Danger to Bird Rock (3.3 kilometres) and The Bells Track (3.2 kilometres). Hike along clifftop trails overlooking famous surf breaks and through coastal scrub, and finish at the famed Bells Beach.

Notes: This is a busy track, so keep an eye out for cyclists and other hikers.

Anglesea Heath Walk

• Length: 6.42 km 
• Ability: Intermediate
• Dogs: Yes (on leash)

Venture further out towards Anglesea and witness the vivid colours of the coast, with ochre cliffs, a brilliant blue ocean, and dappled green heathlands along the Anglesea Heath Walk.

Notes: Combine this with Anglesea Riverbanks, an easy stroll along the river that conveniently passes barbecues, playgrounds, and cafes. 

RACV Goldfields Resort

Steeped in history and full of vibrant culture, Creswick has plenty to offer the avid explorer, including some of regional Victoria's best historical experiences, along with some amazing walks.

Lindsay Arts Trail

• Length: 7.6 km
• Ability: Easy - Intermediate
• Dogs: Yes (on leash)

The Lindsay Arts Trail is a self-guided walk that celebrates the famous and fascinating family that lived in Creswick between 1890 and 1960.

Notes: The stroll includes stops at parks, buildings and memorials. Start at the Visitor Information Centre and grab a map to get the best out of your journey.

St George’s Lake Loop Walk

• Length: 1.8 km
• Ability: Easy
• Dogs: Yes (on leash)

If you prefer bushland and lakeside views, try cruising the gently undulating track around the shores of St George's Lake. Perfect for nature enthusiasts and families, this picturesque walk offers the opportunity to spot water birds, and potentially even the elusive platypus.

Notes: Although the walk does require a level of fitness, there are wheelchair-accessible ramps to the picnic area and viewing platform.

The Goldfields Track – Creswick Heritage Walk section

• Length: 8.5 kms
• Ability: Intermediate
• Dogs: Yes (on leash)

While the entire Goldfields Track spans 210 kilometres and can take almost 54 hours to complete, you can wander an 8.5 kilometre section of the Goldfields Track to visit Creswick’s beautiful heritage buildings.

Notes: For nature lovers, both Park Lake and Calembeen Park offer native plants, birdlife, large lakes, and soft lush grass just begging for a picnic blanket.

Creswick Miner’s Walk: Ballarat Railway Station - Creswick

• Length: 25.4 km
• Ability: Intermediate - Experienced
• Dogs: Yes (on leash)

This section of the 260 kilometre Great Dividing Trail takes you on a historical journey from Creswick to Ballarat Station and uses quartz stone markers, just as the miners used to do during the gold rush.

Notes: Allow four to five hours one way, and be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

RACV Inverloch Resort

Situated on the Bass Coast a few hours southeast of Melbourne, Inverloch is a breath of fresh air sandwiched between picturesque countryside and popular beaches.

Perfect for exploring, the walks surrounding Inverloch hold a variety of treasures waiting to be discovered.

Ayr Creek Walk

• Length: 3.4 km
• Ability: Easy
• Dogs: Yes (on leash)

For avid birdwatchers, you can’t go past Ayr Creek Walk, an easy return trail that meanders through native bush and wetlands, affording you the opportunity to spot the likes of honeyeaters and black shouldered kites.

Notes: The walk is both pram and wheelchair friendly for 2 kilometres return between Nesci Court and Royal Parade.

Inverloch Foreshore Walking Track

• Length: 5 km
• Ability: Easy
• Dogs: Yes (on leash)

If you’re heading out with the family, try the Inverloch Foreshore Walking Track and enjoy beautiful views of Anderson Inlet and Point Smythe, with stops along the way for picnic areas, exercise stations and Rainbow Park playground.

Notes: This track is pram and wheelchair friendly.

Screw Creek Townsend Bluff Estuary Walk

• Length: 2 km
• Ability: Easy
• Dogs: Yes (on leash)

The Screw Creek Townsend Bluff Estuary Walk is a partially board-walked track traversing the saltmarshes and mangroves of Screw Creek, offering scenic views over Anderson Inlet from the Townsend Bluff lookout.

Notes: The South Gippsland Conservation Society provides pamphlets at the local Visitor Information Centre on local flora and fauna you’ll encounter along the way.

RACV Cobram Resort

Slightly further afield, Cobram sits on the Murray River, the border between Victoria and New South Wales.

Situated in the centre of what’s known as ‘the food bowl of Australia’, the area is known for its magnificent climate, fresh produce, and picturesque scenery.

Cactus Country 

• Length: NA
• Ability: Easy
• Dogs: Yes (on leash)

One of the most unique walks on the list, Cactus Country at Strathmerton is not a single end to end hike, but rather a 12-hectare garden.

It runs over eight separate trails featuring over 1000 species of cactus, with plants from North American, South America and Africa that are up to 50 years old.

Notes: Don’t forget to grab a slice of cactus cake at the in-house restaurant while you’re there!

Broken Creek Track at Barmah National Park

• Length: 4 km
• Ability: Easy
• Dogs: No

For another walk unique to the Murray Region, check out Barmah National Park, featuring 60,000-hectares that are home to the largest river red gum forest in the world.

With both short and long trails available, there are walks for all abilities, with Broken Creek Track a loop that takes just under an hour to complete.

Notes: Broken Creek is also an area widely known for its great fishing.

Young Red Gum Trail Link, Kinnaird’s Wetlands

• Length: 1 km
• Ability: Easy
• Dogs: No

For a uniformly easy trail, Kinnaird’s Wetlands is a great walk with a range of constructed trails, boardwalks, bird hides and picnic areas that run through river red gum regeneration forest.

Notes: Keep a look out for a variety of bird species and natural wildlife.

RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort 

While many people correlate Healesville with the Yarra Valley’s boutique wineries, breweries and distilleries, this stunning area is filled with scenic routes, peaking valleys and mountains of lush greenery – that can be rewarded with a tipple at the end.

Maroondah Reservoir Park walk

• Length: 3.02 km
• Ability: Easy
• Dogs: Yes (on leash, but not in picnic areas, lookout or dam wall)

Offering scenic views of the Maroondah Reservoir, waterfall and 41-metre-high dam wall, take the family for a day walking along the stone-paved Rose Stairway, past the 1920s sundial and in autumn, the fabulous autumn leaves.

Keep an eye out for cockatoos, kookaburras, kangaroos and the elusive King parrot.

Notes: The Park is also home to a picnic area, a playground, and a café.

Badger Weir Loop Walk

• Length: 2.7 km
• Ability: Easy
• Dogs: No

Taking just under an hour, the Badger Weir Loop Walk offers stunning views of the surrounding forests and Yarra Valley, including Mountain Ash trees, Coranderrk Creek, and local flora.

Notes: The hike also passes by the Badger Weir Picnic Ground, which has BBQ facilities and a children's playground.

Yarra Glen Trail - Lilydale to Yering

• Length:  7.5 km
• Ability: Intermediate
• Dogs: Yes (on leash)

The 40 kilometre Healesville - Yarra Glen Rail Trail follows the old railway line and offers splendid scenic views of rollicking vineyards, bushland farms, and picturesque forests.

This section of the trail passes through the towns of Healesville and Yarra Glen, where there are plenty of places to stop for food or drinks.

Notes: Construction is underway along parts of the Yarra Glen Trail, so keep aware before planning your route. 

RACV Noosa Resort, Sunshine Coast

As a beloved Australian tourist hotspot on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Noosa is known for its sunny climate, beautiful beaches, fabulous eateries and coastal scenery.

The area is home to many hiking trails for different interests and abilities, from strolls with the dog on the beach to three-day trails for a coast waiting to be explored.

Great Noosa Trail Walk 

• Length: 5 km – 56 km (varies)
• Ability: Varies
• Dogs: Varies

The Great Noosa Trail Network consists of eight separate trails of varying degrees of length and difficulty. While the entire trail is a 56 kilometre hike, walkers of varying abilities can choose to take any one of the trails for a daytime activity.

The walks run from five to 26 kilometres, including easy strolls, waterfall walks, challenging climbs and scenic lookouts.

Notes: Each trail has differing information on ability, pets, areas covered and journey time.

Coastal walk, Noosa National Park Walk

• Length: 10 km
• Ability: Intermediate
• Dogs: In certain sections

This glorious coastal walk showcases the best of Noosa – glittering beaches, stunning coastal scenery, sandy bays, and excellent opportunities to spot local wildlife such as koalas and dolphins.

Notes: The Noosa National Park is just off Hastings St, which has a free shuttle to and from the RACV Noosa Resort.

Hell's Gate Walk

• Length: 5.8 km
• Ability: Easy - Intermediate
• Dogs: No

Following the back trail of Sunshine Beach, the popular trail takes approximately 80 minutes to complete.

While it can be of moderate difficulty for the unencumbered, the stunning views of the ocean are well worth the trek, including an iconic lookout point.

Notes: Keep an eye out for turtles, dolphins, and whales across the shorelines.

Gyndier Drive, Tewantin National Park Walk

• Length: 6.3 km
• Ability: Easy
• Dogs: Yes

A good one for families, this trail is a loop from Cooroy-Noosa Road, featuring extraordinary views of the beach and mountains in the Sunshine Coast’s breathtaking forest landscape.

Notes: Wheelchair and pram friendly. 

RACV Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast

Burleigh Headland Oceanview and Rainforest Circuit

• Length: 2.4 km
• Ability:  Easy
• Dogs: No

Offering stunning views of the coastline and the hinterland, Burleigh Headland National Park is home to several Australian native animals, including local birds, koalas and echidnas.

The Park is also home to a rainforest, mangroves, creeks, beaches, and a variety of flora and fauna.

Notes: Look out for sea eagles flying above water, and frolicking whales in the springtime. 

Springbrook Twin Falls Circuit

• Length: 4.3 km
• Ability:  Intermediate
• Dogs: No

A popular walk inside the Springbrook National Park, this trail takes you on a journey along a unique palm-lined path, past breathtaking waterfalls, luscious rainforest, and mesmerising views of the Gold Coast.

Notes: The Groom's Cottage, located near the start of the track, was built in the early 1900s.

Tallebudgera Creek via Burleigh Head

• Length: 4 km
• Ability: Intermediate - Advanced
• Dogs: No

Taking in the sights of Burleigh Head National Park, this scenic coastal walk takes you along Tallebudgera Creek, hidden beaches, and local coastal lookouts.

Notes: At Echo Beach, you can see the remains of the Wasp Creek Aqueduct erected in 1939.

Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area - Koala Track

• Length: 8.7 km
• Ability:  Easy
• Dogs: No

This secluded oasis boasts a range of habitats, including saltwater and freshwater wetlands, bushland and eucalypt forest.

Notes: Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area is home to several endangered species of wildlife, including the koala, black-necked stork, and the ground parrot.