The State of Victoria in southeast Australia is a true paradise for outdoor junkies and nature lovers. From palm-fringed beaches to wildly romantic mountain ranges and evergreen rainforests, there's something for everyone. Countless hiking routes in the region promise magnificent views and profound insights into the local flora and fauna - whether for professional mountaineers or casual leisure hikers.

Here are five of the most exciting hiking routes that are considered true insider tips.

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1. Great Prom Walk

Animal Delight: With its impressive flora and fauna, Wilsons Promontory National Park is not only the most popular nature reserve in Victoria, but also offers an excellent opportunity to explore the picturesque area on foot, with the Great Prom Walk. Located about 200 kilometres from Melbourne, the national park is scenically diverse. The three- to four-day walking route leads to secluded coves, bizarre rock formations and even a rainforest. In addition to 700 species of plants, the park is also home to many exotic animals such as wombats and emus. By the way, visitors have the best chance of animal encounters at the old airfield, halfway between the park entrance and Tidal River as well as in Tidal River itself, where wombats are seen every evening.

2. Grampians Peaks Trail

Rugged landscapes, ancient Aboriginal culture and plenty of breathtaking views: The Grampians Peaks Trail is located in the national park of the same name in inland Victoria, between the Great Ocean Road and the Murray River, and although not yet fully completed, is already considered one of the most beautiful hiking routes in the state. The section between Halls Gap and Borough Huts has already earned a place in the hearts of visitors with wanderlust. The two-day loop takes you through the heart of Jardwadjali and Djab Wurrung Aboriginal tribal lands, past the bizarre rock formations of the Grand Canyon and the rugged peaks around Mount Rosea.

3. Mount Buller to Mount Stirling Trail

Now it's getting alpine: The foothills of the Snowy Mountains in Victoria offer a variety of hiking opportunities and exciting routes for every level of difficulty. A highlight is certainly the tour between the two sister peaks of Mount Buller and Mount Stirling. The trail leads through fragrant ash and eucalyptus forests and reveals some spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The seven-kilometre walk is easily completed in around two and a half hours - those who wish can also experience the mountainous surroundings in the truest sense of the word, by mountain bike.

4. Wagirra Trail

Greatly leisurely: This route along the banks of the Murray River is the ideal tour for an extended walk in picturesque scenery. The name of the trail comes from the language of the Wiradjuri Aboriginal people, who have lived in the area for thousands of years, and translates as 'treading the ground'. The trail, which is only two metres wide in most places, idyllically meanders through the park-like nature on the banks of the river and offers the opportunity to have a picnic along the way at any time. The route leads past 400-year-old eucalyptus trees and offers a fantastic view of the Murray River throughout. The five-and-a-half-kilometre route takes about two hours of pure walking time.

5. Hanging Rock Trail

A place of mystery: Hanging Rock, an extinct volcano formed millions of years ago, marks the end of this list. The impressive rock formation is best known in Australia for an old novel in which a group of schoolgirls and their teacher disappear without a trace at Hanging Rock, and with its countless small caves and bizarre rocky outcrops it still exudes a mysterious charm today. The tour to the Fire Mountain is approximately two kilometres long and takes one and a half hours. The Hanging Rock is 718 metres high, but from the parking lot there are only 105 metres to climb to the top. Once at the top, a fantastic view of the surrounding landscape beckons.