Melbourne is a city that loves to get outdoors, and spring is the perfect time to explore all that the city has to offer. With its mild weather and blooming flowers, spring is the ideal time to lace up your walking shoes and discover some of Melbourne's hidden gems.

Imagine strolling along a scenic trail that winds past a sparkling river and soaring skyscrapers, offering breathtaking views at every turn. Or perhaps you'd prefer to meander through a lush park, surrounded by native plants and wildlife. Whatever your preference, Melbourne has a walking trail to suit you.

In this blog post, we'll share some of the best Melbourne walking trails to explore this spring. We'll also offer a few tips for making the most of your spring walks.

Maribyrnong River Trail: The Maribyrnong River Trail is a shared-use trail that follows the meandering Maribyrnong River, carved into the Keilor East landscape at Brimbank Park, and across a floodplain to its finish on the banks of the Yarra River at Docklands. The trail offers stunning views of the river and the city skyline, as well as plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife.

Stop at one of the many parks and recreation areas along the Maribyrnong River.

Merri Creek Trail: Join the bike riders in the fun and take a leisurely walk along Merri Creek Trail for a taste of bush life in the heart of the city. Winding your way along the ambling creek path, you’ll encounter ancient gums and native plants aplenty. Measuring an impressive 21km, the beauty of this trail is that you can hop on and off as you please.

Yarra Trail: The Yarra Trail is a scenic walking and cycling trail that follows the Yarra River from its mouth in Williamstown to Templestowe. The trail offers stunning views of the river and the city skyline, as well as plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife.

Tan Track: The Tan Track is a popular running and walking track that loops around the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. The track is well-maintained and offers a variety of terrain, from flat paths to gentle hills. Capital City Trail: The Capital City Trail is a 29km (loop) shared-use trail that circumnavigates the Melbourne CBD. The trail passes by many of the city's iconic landmarks, including the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the Royal Exhibition Building, and the Queen Victoria Market.

Enjoy a coffee from The Terrace and take in the beautiful surroundings of the Royal Botanic Gardens after your walk.

Bay Trail: There’s nothing like an ocean view with your morning walk and the Bayside Coastal Trail offers up endless blue for as far as the eye can see. Stretching 17km from Brighton to Beaumaris, you can join the path for as long as you desire, taking in the beachfront mansions and palm-tree-lined promenades. Just don’t forget to stop for ice cream.

Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk: The Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk is a 6-kilometer loop walk that takes you through the Werribee Gorge State Park. The walk offers stunning views of the gorge and the Werribee River, as well as a chance to spot wildlife such as kangaroos and koalas.

In addition to these well-known trails, there are also many other hidden gems to be discovered in Melbourne's bushlands and parks. Here are a few more suggestions:

Darebin Parklands: Darebin Parklands is a large parkland in the northeastern suburbs of Melbourne. The park features a variety of walking trails, as well as picnic areas, playgrounds, and barbecue facilities.

Galatea Point: Galatea Point is a park in Kew that offers stunning views of the Yarra River and the city skyline. The park also features a walking trail that loops around the point.

Bay Trail Park: Bay Trail Park is a park in Port Melbourne that offers stunning views of Port Phillip Bay and the city skyline. The park also features a walking trail that connects to the Bay Trail.

Here are a few tips for making the most of your spring walks in Melbourne:

• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and be sure to bring a hat and sunscreen.
• Bring plenty of water, especially if you are going on a longer walk.
• Be aware of your surroundings and watch out for wildlife.
• Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back.

Embark on an unforgettable journey and explore captivating Melbourne walking trails, discovering the suburbs you pass along the way.