If you're up for a bit of a challenge and willing to forgo flat earth in favour of some breathtaking views, Werribee Gorge State Park offers a smorgasbord of primo hiking opportunities. 

Putting you up close and personal with melodic lyrebird calls, centuries-old trees and splashing waterfalls, this walk is a must for all nature-lovers. 

Venture northeast of Melbourne to gorgeous Marysville and prepare to soak up some raw nature and unbelievable views on the Keppel Lookout Trail. 

Perhaps Melbourne's ultimate urban walking track, the Capital City Trail delivers a 29-kilometre loop around the CBD and inner-northeast suburbs, linking plenty of other popular routes along the way. 

If you're partial to some stunning coastline, wild bushland and secluded beach, the Bushrangers Bay Trail is sure to impress. Located on the lower tip of the Mornington Peninsula, this 2.6-kilometre jaunt kicks off from the historic Cape Schanck lighthouse.

Standing beside the cascading waters of the majestic Toorongo Falls, you can bet you're in for a serious wow moment. Surrounded by soaring gum trees and rainforest ferns, these two famously photogenic falls tumble spectacularly into the river.

A whopping 3577 hectares of rugged wilderness just begging to be explored? It's safe to say Cathedral Range State Park makes for one heck of a local hiking destination. 

Translating to 'big hill' in local Woiwurrung language, the You Yangs is a famous volcanic rock formation located right in between Melbourne and Geelong, surrounded by walking trails to suit a range of fitness levels. 

For a relaxed trek through the best of inner-north suburbia, get your kicks on the well-trodden Merri Creek Trail. This one stretches 21 kilometres between Dights Falls and the Western Ring Road at Fawkner, with a variety of bush, creek and parkland sights.

If you want to go against popular advice and do go chasing waterfalls (sorry, TLC), Great Otway National Park is the place to do it. Enjoying some of the biggest rainfall in the state, the site is home to loads of stunning natural water features.