Night hikes are an incredible way to experience outdoor adventure in a whole new light (pun intended). Whether you’re looking for a unique date night or simply want to escape the crowds during busy daylight hours, overnight hiking in Victoria provides the opportunity to experience the stars above your head, the silence around you and the peacefulness of nature.
But before embarking on any hike, it's important to ensure that you have appropriate gear, especially a headlamp. A headlamp is a handy tool that illuminates the path ahead and allows you to see where you’re going.
Not only does it provide safety in the dark, but it also helps preserve your night vision while hiking. So, now that we’ve got the essentials covered, let’s delve into the top five overnight hikes in Victoria.
1. Werribee Gorge Circuit Overnight Hike
Photo credit: Take Shape Adventures
Location: Werribee Gorge State Park
Distance: 10km loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 4.5 hours
This night hike offers an incredible experience of the Werribee Gorge State Park. Along the way, you’ll navigate through rugged terrain, climb steep inclines, and cross rivers. The highlight of the hike is the Werribee Gorge Lookout, which offers breathtaking views of the gorge below. With a moderate difficulty, this hike is suitable for active hikers who are up for a challenge.
Complete the experience, find a campsite nearby.
Read more about this hike here.
2. Wilsons Prom Overnight Hike
Photo credit: Kgrahamjourneys
Location: Wilsons Promontory National Park
Distance: 12.5km (one way)
Difficulty: Moderate to hard
Duration: 4 hours
If you're looking for an unforgettable overnight hike in Victoria, Wilsons Promontory National Park is the perfect destination. Wilsons Prom boasts some of the most stunning landscapes in the country.
The overnight hike will take you on a 12.5-kilometer trek from Tidal River to Sealers Cove. The trail is graded as moderate to difficult and takes approximately four hours to complete. You'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the coastline, forests, and mountains along the way.
The trail starts off easy, but as you approach Sealers Cove, the path becomes steep and rocky. The hike requires some physical effort, but the reward is well worth it. Once you reach Sealers Cove, you'll be rewarded with a secluded beach where you can set up camp for the night. The site has basic facilities, including toilets, picnic tables, and BBQs.
If you're lucky, you might even spot some wildlife, such as wallabies, wombats, and echidnas.
Complete the experience, find a campsite nearby.
Read more about this hike here.
3. Cathedral Ranges South Circuit Track Overnight Hike
Photo credit: Reddit
Location: Cathedral Ranges State Park
Distance: 11km loop
Difficulty: Moderate to hard
Duration: 3-4 hours
For those seeking a more challenging overnight hike with stunning views, the Cathedral Ranges South Circuit Track has it all. This route winds through the steep and rocky terrain of the Cathedral Ranges State Park. As you make your way up, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This hike is definitely on the difficult side, so proper preparation and experience are necessary.
Complete the experience, find a campsite nearby.
Read more about this hike here.
4. Mount Dandenong Loop Overnight Hike
Photo credit: Weekend Notes
Location: Dandenong Ranges National Park
Distance: 15.7km loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 4.5 hours
The Mount Dandenong Loop hike is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of the Dandenong Ranges National Park by night. This hike takes you through a variety of terrains, including lush fern gullies, tall mountain ash forests, and open grassy plains. The highlight is undoubtedly the stunning views of Melbourne city from SkyHigh Observatory. This hike is graded moderate due to its long distance and elevations.
Complete the experience, find a campsite nearby.
Read more about this hike here.
5. Great Ocean Walk Overnight Hike
Photo credit: Great Ocean Road Guide
Location: Apollo Bay Foreshore Reserve
Distance: 110km
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 8 days
The Great Ocean Walk is one of the most iconic walking trails in Victoria. The trail stretches along the stunning coastline, passing through rainforests, beaches, and coastal cliffs. While this hike is quite long, you can break it down into several sections and enjoy a shorter overnight hike. We recommend starting in Apollo Bay and hiking through the Otway Ranges where you’ll witness the glow worms illuminating the way.
Complete the experience, find a campsite nearby.
Read more about this hike here.
In Conclusion..
While these are just a few recommendations for the best overnight hikes in Victoria, there are plenty more to discover. Regardless of which hike you choose, make sure to bring the right equipment including a map (on a device or a hard copy), warm clothes, lots of water and a headlamp. It's also a good idea to let someone know your intended route.
In addition to providing light, a headlamp can save lives in an emergency. If you become lost, injured or unable to continue, a headlamp can signal for help, and make you far easier to find. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
In summary, overnight hikes in Victoria are an excellent way to experience the outdoors in a whole new light. Whether you’re seeking a challenging hike, a casual stroll, or an adrenaline rush, Victoria has something to offer for everyone. Just remember to pack the essentials, and enjoy the journey.