This is a big land with a big story that is best experienced by being immersed in its landscape.
Australia is renowned for its magnificent and diverse landscapes, making it a perfect destination for those eager to explore on foot.
From the fiery-hued sands of the outback to the towering heights of mountain peaks, the lushness of tropical forests, the inter-city trails, or the coastal routes – there is no shortage of captivating hiking opportunities for all abilities.
Kings Canyon Rim Walk, Northern Territory
Watarrka National Park is home to one of Australia’s most renowned day hikes. Spanning 6.5km, the trail takes you along breath-taking canyon cliff edges and past red and gold sandstone cliff formations, rock formations, and waterholes. The mild and dry weather in May through August makes it the most popular time to take on the Grade 3 moderate route, which takes an estimated 3-4 hours to complete the loop.
The Great Ocean Walk, Victoria
The powerful Southern Ocean is the backdrop to this iconic Aussie trek that stretches from Apollo Bay in the east to the famous landmark of the Twelve Apostles in the west. The hike takes travellers through forests, empty beaches and across the cliffs of this dramatic landscape.
The one-way, 110km hike will take up to 8-days, with campsites or apartments and lodges dotted along the route offering plenty of options to rest weary legs.
Parks Victoria have a practical guide to understand how to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime trek.
Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
Traversing the 16km of the Cradle Mountain trail, visitors can explore the region’s stunning scenery with icy streams running through forests of native beech and pine. This picturesque landscape has been a popular destination in Tasmania since it was first discovered by hunters and trappers in search of game. The rugged mountains make for an unforgettable experience, and a reminder of the wild beauty of the state.
The Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service is your go-to guide for your entry pass and details on what this ancient landscape provides.
Scenic Rim Trail, Queensland
In 2014, a new adventure was added to Australia’s trekking offerings: a 4-day journey in the Great Dividing Range that takes visitors around Tambourine Mountain and into the ancient Gondwana rainforests that the region is renowned for. This track is easy to follow and provides luxurious glamping sites for an unforgettable overnight stay.
Details on solo or guided tours as well as track notes and safety information are all available from Queensland’s Parks and Forests Service.
Stirling Range National Park, Western Australia
Trekkers in the Stirling Range National Park can choose from six routes to the major peaks, each with varying levels of difficulty and length (1 – 3 days). Appropriate alpine boots and clothing are essential for these treks, as is prior outdoor experience and specialised navigation skills for a safe completion.
Explore Parks WA lists what you need to know for gaining park access and lists the must see highlights for visitors.
Great North Walk, New South Wales
To commemorate Australia’s Bicentenary in 1988, the Great North Walk was constructed – a 250km route connecting Sydney and Newcastle, comprised of a series of day hikes. This trail offers an unparalleled view of the best scenery in New South Wales, and can be done all in one go, or with a series of day trips mixed in with city and town visits.
The Great North Walk guides and safety advice are essential reading for any stages of the journey.
The Spit Bridge to Manly trail, New South Wales
A 10km scenic trail that winds the foreshore of the famous Sydney Harbour takes travellers in and out of coves and through bushland, all within the heart of Australia’s biggest and most populous city. It’s a 3- to 4-hour walk, however most will allow some time for a picnic or a swim along the way.
Fraser Island Great Walk, Queensland
Fraser Island is a World Heritage listed site as the planet’s largest sand island. The 90km trek takes walkers along original logging routes in the subtropical forests and along the shores of the island’s uninterrupted beaches. The walk is flat and easy, though the adventurous might want to tackle some of the giant sand dunes that dominate the areas surrounding Lake Wabby.
The island’s unique biodiversity and fragile ecosystem are constantly under threat, so responsible trekkers are reminded to get educated before embarking on this adventure.
The Heysen Trail, South Australia
If you’ve never thought of Australia’s size, then the challenge to take on South Australia’s most diverse and spectacular landscapes on the 1200km Heysen Trail will immediately waken your sense of scale. The Heysen traverses pine forests, coastal areas, deep gorges, rich farmland, historic towns as well as some of the state’s famous vineyards.
Designed to accommodate backpackers wanting to complete the whole route or the day walker who chooses short sections, the Heysen has the variety of Australian wildlife and natural sights to suit all.
The Heysen has sections where navigational skills are required – Heysen guides also list distances between campsites and water sources: essential for managing long-distance walking.
