Table of Contents
1 Introduction
Victoria Peak, also known as Mount Austin, is the highest point on Hong Kong Island, and the hike to its summit offers spectacular views of the city’s skyline and harbour. Chances are that you’ve already seen the view from the peak on a postcard or tourism ad, but I assure you that the view is worth the hike whether you’re a local or visiting Hong Kong for the first time!Â
The Victoria Peak hike is moderately challenging, with a few steep sections. However, the trail is well-marked and well-maintained, making it accessible to hikers of all skill levels. Along the way, you’ll pass through various landscapes, from dense forests to open ridges and rocky outcroppings.
One of the highlights of the Victoria Peak hike is the vantage points that offer sweeping views of Hong Kong Island and beyond. From the summit, you’ll have unobstructed views of the city’s skyline and the surrounding mountains and ocean. It’s a perfect spot for taking photos, having a picnic, or simply taking in the breathtaking scenery.
2 Hiking Summary
| Difficulty Level | Moderate |
| Road Conditions | Fully paved |
| Elevation Gain | 410m | 1,348 ft |
| Peak Elevation | 552 Meters | 1,811 ft |
| Total Distance | 3.4km | 2.1 miles |
| Total Time | 1 to 1.5 hrs |
Hiking Directions
3 Central Station to Old Peak Road Hike
There are a few ways to get to the peak, but more often than not, people start their journey at Central. The best way to get there is by MTR – Take the train to Central Station and head to Peddar Street (Exit D1), where we’ll make our way.
The trailhead for the Victoria Peak hike is located on Old Peak Road. It’ll take 20 to 30 mins before we reach this point, but taking the Glenealy Bridge route should make the journey more interesting. You’ll see! Start by heading up Wyndham Street till you reach the junction.Â
Once there, cross the road to the side where St. Paul’s Church is located and continue heading along Glenealy Street until it merges with Albany Road.Â
Walk up the spiral ramp on Albany Road to Upper Albert Road and head towards Caritas House.
Keep walking up the ramp here along Glenealy. The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens should be on your left now.
Head up the ramp in this car park – This takes you to the Glenealy Bridge. Unfortunately, this is where Google’s directions go completely haywire since they don’t have the bridge mapped out. This is the reason why not many people take this route! However, my friend showed this to me, and it has since been my go-to way to get to the Old Peak Road hike.
Once you’ve walked through the route, you should be at the start of Glenealy Bridge. This is the point where most people take the Old Peak Road hike path. However, taking the Robinson Road path towards the bridge offers a better view, in my opinion.
Here we are, on the bridge!
Once you get off the bridge, walk up Conduit Road until you see the crossing. At this point, head over to Hornsey Road to continue the journey.
Walk along this path till you go past ESF Glenealy School. You’ll merge onto Old Peak Road at the end of the road. Make sure to take the stairs on the right instead of walking up the road. There’s no walking path on the road, and there’re cars coming down at a steep angle so it can be quite dangerous if you take the wrong path!
At this point, things start to get pretty steep. Keep walking up past the Queen’s Garden residential complex. Pro tip: taking the stairs is easier, so feel free to use it!
Once you’ve hiked all the way up, congratulations! You’ve now made it to the start of the Victoria Peak Hike trail! If this was too much effort, feel free to take a break and sit down at the seating area provided at the trailhead.
4 Old Peak Road to the Peak Hike
Now that you’re well-rested let’s start the second part of the journey. Follow the pink arrow and head up the path on the right of the road.
This path is a popular exercise route amongst locals, so you should see plenty of people going for morning hikes and others taking their dogs for a walk. Additionally, you’ll see plenty of foliage along the path. I noticed a tiny gap above me, so decided to take a couple of top-down shots from my drone and thought it looked pretty cool.
After a while or so, you’ll notice a bathroom stall area. The next bathroom is at the peak so go now if you have to.
Continue hiking up around this corner when you’re near the top. You’ll be at the peak in no time. You should be able to see the Peak Tower as you make your way up.
Take the Findlay Road path to the Lions Club of Tai Ping Shan Pavilion. This point offers sweeping views of Hong Kong.
5 The 3 Best Vantage Points
1. The Peak Tower
From the Peak Tower, you can get unobstructed views of Hong Kong Island, Victoria Harbour, and even as far back as Kowloon.
2. Lions Club of Tai Ping Shan Pavillion
Don’t want to pay to get up to the Peak Tower? No problem. Head to the Lions Club of Tai Ping Shan Pavillion, just a short walk away from The Peak Tower, to get a similar view!
3. Lugard Road Lookout
The Lugard Road Lookout point is a great spot to get a view of the city both day and night. The lookout is on the Victoria Peak Circle Walk, a 45-minute loop that’s on the Peak.
Victoria Peak Circle Walk Ultimate Guide
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Read more4. Mount High West Hike
If you’re willing to hike for 25 minutes, I personally think that the High West Hike from The Peak offers the best vantage point of Hong Kong. After you complete the peak hike, simply make your way to the pavilion where Lugard Road and Harlech Road meet – This is the starting point of the hike.
High West detailed hiking instructions:
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Read more6 Victoria Peak Tram and Sky Terrace 428
To get unobstructed views of the city, you can get a Sky Terrace ticket to go further up. The Sky Terrace 428 is 428 metres above sea level, and is the highest viewing platform in Hong Kong that offers 360-degree panoramic views across the city! The Sky Terrace is open daily till 9 pm, so you can make a visit during the morning, afternoon, or night. There’s also the option to purchase a combo ticket, which will include a single-trip ride on the Peak Tram to take you back to Central after your hike. See below for further details.
The Peak Tram is one of the world’s oldest and most famous funicular railways. The tram rises to 396 metres (about 1,300 feet) above sea level. It is so steep that the buildings you pass look like they are leaning at a gradient of between 4 and 26 degrees! Taking the tram is a must to fully experience the illusion.
7 Conclusion
The Central to Victoria Peak hike typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on your pace and the number of stops you make along the way. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities or shops along the trail. However, there are plenty of restaurants at the top if you want to grab some food. Wear sturdy shoes with good grip, as some sections of the trail may be slippery, especially after rain.Â
Once you reach the summit, you can either take the Peak Tram or hike down to the city. If you choose to hike down, there are several options, including the Old Peak Road hike, which offers stunning views of the city and leads to the charming neighbourhood of Mid-Levels.
Overall, the Victoria Peak hike in Hong Kong is a must-do experience for anyone visiting Hong Kong who enjoys hiking and stunning views. It’s a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in Hong Kong’s natural beauty.
8 FAQs
How long is the Central to Victoria Peak hike?
The Central to Victoria Peak Hike is approximately 3.5 kilometres (2.2 miles) in length.
How much time does it take to complete the hike?
On average, it takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to complete the hike from Central to Victoria Peak. However, the duration may vary depending on your pace and the time you spend at viewpoints along the way.
Is the hike suitable for beginners?
Yes, the hike is suitable for beginners who are reasonably fit and have some hiking experience. It is a great way to start exploring Hong Kong’s trails.
Can I bring my dog on the Central to Victoria Peak hike?
Yes, dogs are allowed on the hiking trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. It’s important to clean up after your dog and be considerate of other hikers.
How crowded does the trail get, especially during weekends or holidays?
The trail can get quite crowded, especially on weekends and public holidays, as it is a popular route for both locals and tourists. It’s advisable to start the hike early in the morning or consider weekdays for a less crowded experience.
Central to the Peak Hike
Hiking Checklist
- Wear sturdy hiking or sports shoes
- Towel to wipe away the sweat
- Power bank
- Headlamp or a powerful flashlight if hiking at night
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Camera or your smartphone to capture the stunning views
- Pack plenty of water and snacks to keep your energy levels up
- Bring a hiking backpack to store all your stuff
