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Ready to swap the pavement for something more adventurous? We've mapped out Victoria's most incredible trail running destinations that'll challenge your legs, clear your mind, and remind you why you fell in love with running in the first place.
If you're tired of dodging traffic lights and breathing in car fumes on your usual running route, it's time to discover what Victoria's incredible landscape has to offer. From dramatic mountain peaks to stunning coastal paths, our state is absolutely packed with trail running opportunities that'll make your regular suburban loop feel pretty ordinary.
As podiatrists and trail running enthusiasts, we've explored these tracks firsthand and understand exactly what makes each location special – not just for the views, but for how they'll challenge and strengthen your body in all the right ways.
Why Trail Running is a Game-Changer for Your Feet and Body
Before we dive into our favourite spots, let's talk about why trail running is such a winner for your overall foot health. Unlike the repetitive impact of road running, trails offer:
- Varied terrain that strengthens all those little stabilising muscles in your feet and ankles
- Natural shock absorption from softer surfaces that reduce impact stress
- Improved proprioception (your body's awareness of where it is in space) thanks to uneven surfaces
- Reduced overuse injuries because you're constantly adapting your stride
The key? Having the right footwear that can handle the challenge. More on that later!
1. The Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Victoria's Mountain Playground
Distance from Melbourne : 3 hours drive
Best for: Experienced runners seeking a serious challenge
Trail highlight: Halls Gap to Boronia Peak
The Grampians isn't just Victoria's most iconic mountain range – it's also home to some of our most spectacular trail running. The landscape here tells ancient stories through towering rock formations, deep valleys, and ridgelines that'll test your climbing legs.
Our pick: The Halls Gap-Boronia Peak-Fyans Creek trail (13.5km) offers everything that makes Grampians running special. You'll tackle some seriously steep sections on the way to Boronia Peak, but the payoff is massive – panoramic views that stretch for kilometres. The real bonus? Wildlife encounters are almost guaranteed. We're talking kangaroos, emus, wallabies, and colourful parrots that call this rugged landscape home.
ProFeet tip: The rocky, uneven terrain demands excellent grip and ankle support. This is where a quality trail running shoe with aggressive lugs really proves its worth.
2. You Yangs Regional Park - Melbourne's Mountain Escape
Distance from Melbourne: 1 hour drive
Best for: All levels, family-friendly options
Trail highlight: Flinders Peak Loop with 450-step summit challenge
Don't let the relatively short drive fool you – the You Yangs pack serious punch into their granite peaks. Rising dramatically from the surrounding plains, this park offers everything from gentle family loops to lung-busting summit climbs.
Our pick: The Flinders Peak Loop combines the best of everything. Start with 4.5km of varied terrain around the base, then tackle the famous 450 steps to the summit for views that stretch all the way to Melbourne's skyline. It's tough going up, but that feeling of accomplishment at the top? Absolutely worth it.
The park also offers gentler 3km options perfect for building up your trail confidence, plus longer circuits for when you want to really challenge yourself.
ProFeet tip: Those 450 steps are no joke! Make sure you've got shoes with solid heel cushioning for the descent – your knees will thank you.
3. Mount Macedon Regional Park - Elevation Gains and Forest Views
Distance from Melbourne: 1 hour drive
Best for: Weekend warriors and fitness enthusiasts
Trail highlight: Mount Macedon Cross Loop (17km, 800m elevation)
Mount Macedon has quietly become one of Victoria's trail running hotspots, and once you experience it, you'll understand why. The region offers that perfect combination of serious elevation gain, stunning forest scenery, and well-maintained trails that make for an absolutely epic running experience.
Our pick: The Mount Macedon Cross Loop is a rite of passage for Victorian trail runners. At 17km with 800 metres of elevation gain, it's a proper workout that takes you through diverse terrain and rewards you with spectacular views across the Macedon Ranges. The Memorial Cross at the summit is a powerful reminder of the area's history.
For something shorter but equally rewarding, the Camel's Hump trail offers clearly marked paths and entertaining terrain variety that's perfect for newer trail runners.
ProFeet tip: The steady climbs here are perfect for building strength and endurance. Focus on a shoe with good energy return in the midsole to help power you up those hills.
4. Great Ocean Road Coastal Trails - Where Ocean Meets Adventure
Distance from Melbourne: 1.5-2 hours drive
Best for: Runners who love variety and coastal scenery
Trail highlight: Surf Coast Walk sections and Great Ocean Walk
Running along Victoria's dramatic coastline is an experience that'll remind you why our state is so special. The combination of crashing waves, clifftop paths, and that fresh ocean air creates an atmosphere you simply can't get anywhere else.
Our pick: Pick any section of the 46km Surf Coast Walk and you're in for a treat. The terrain constantly changes – one minute you're on firm gravel paths with ocean views, the next you're navigating technical sections over reefs and rocks, then suddenly you're running on hard-packed beach sand.
The Great Ocean Walk offers even more remote experiences where it's often just you and the local wildlife. The 104km trail can be tackled in sections, giving you access to coastal areas you can't reach by car.
ProFeet tip: Coastal running means dealing with sand, salt, and potentially wet conditions. Look for shoes with good drainage and corrosion-resistant hardware.
5. Alpine National Park - Victoria's High Country Challenge
Distance from Melbourne: 2.5 hours drive
Best for: Serious athletes and ultra-distance trainers
Trail highlight: Falls Creek to Mount Hotham traverse (37km)
If you're looking to really test yourself, Victoria's High Country delivers the goods. The Alpine National Park offers everything from short mountain runs to epic multi-day adventures, all set against a backdrop of Australia's highest peaks.
Our pick: The Falls Creek to Mount Hotham traverse is legendary among trail runners. At 37km with serious elevation changes, it's a proper mountain adventure that showcases the best of alpine terrain – from dense forests to exposed ridgelines with 360-degree views.
For something more accessible, the shorter trails around Mount Buffalo offer spectacular views without the ultra-distance commitment. The Horn Lookout track (3km return) provides panoramic Alpine views that'll leave you planning your next mountain adventure.
ProFeet tip: High altitude and technical terrain demand serious foot protection. This is where brands like Brooks, Hoka, and ASICS really show their mountain credentials.
6. Dandenong Ranges - Forest Running Close to Home
Distance from Melbourne: 45 minutes drive
Best for: Beginners and families
Trail highlight: Lysterfield Lake Circuit (4.7km)
Sometimes the best trails are hiding in plain sight. The Dandenong Ranges offer easily accessible forest running that feels a world away from the city, despite being practically on Melbourne's doorstep.
Our pick: Lysterfield Park's Lake Circuit is trail running perfection for building confidence and fitness. The 4.7km loop features distance markers every kilometre, gentle hills, and that beautiful forest atmosphere that makes every run feel like an adventure.
The park also connects to a broader network of trails, so you can easily extend your run as your fitness improves. Plus, it's perfect for parkrun enthusiasts looking to mix up their Saturday morning routine.
ProFeet tip: These softer forest trails are ideal for testing out new shoes or transitioning from road to trail running.
The ProFeet Difference: Why Proper Footwear Matters
Here's the thing about trail running – your feet take an absolute hammering. Uneven surfaces, rocks, roots, steep climbs, technical descents... it's a lot to ask of your feet and legs. That's exactly why we're so passionate about proper trail running footwear.
Our Trail-Tested Recommendations:
New Balance Hierro v9 – Rugged trail shoe with plush cushioning and reliable protection.
Hoka Challenger ATR 8 – Versatile all-terrain shoe with smooth cushioning and grip.
Asics Gel Trabuco 13 – Stable and protective trail runner built for technical terrain.
Each of these shoes undergoes our unique podiatry-based fitting process. We don't just measure your feet – we assess your gait, understand your running goals, and match you with footwear that'll keep you moving pain-free.
What Makes Our Fitting Process Different:
- Barefoot gait assessment on our specialised treadmill with video analysis
- Foot measurement and biomechanical evaluation by qualified podiatrists
- Try-before-you-buy testing on our treadmill with 2-3 different shoes
- Integration with our podiatry services for any foot health concerns
Your Trail Running Journey Starts Here
Victoria's trails are calling, and we're here to make sure you're properly equipped for the adventure. Whether you're a complete beginner looking to try something new or an experienced runner seeking your next challenge, these six destinations offer experiences you'll be talking about for years.
Ready to get started? Book your specialist fitting session and let our team of podiatrists and footwear experts set you up for trail running success. Because the right shoes don't just make you faster – they keep you running injury-free so you can tackle every trail Victoria has to offer.
Have you explored any of these incredible Victorian trail running spots? We'd love to hear about your experiences! Share your trail stories with us on social media or drop by one of our stores to chat with our team about your next adventure.
