Discover Australia: 10 Must-Explore Hiking Trails

Australia, with its diverse landscapes and breathtaking vistas, offers some of the world's finest hiking experiences. From coastal paths to rugged mountains, there’s a trail for every adventurer. Here’s a look at ten of the most popular hiking routes across the country, each providing unique scenery and unforgettable moments.

1. Overland Track (Tasmania)

• Length: 65 km (40 mi)
• Duration: 6-7 days
• Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

The Overland Track, Tasmania Although starting at Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, the popular track known for its stunning natural beauty. One will wind from ancient rainforests to glacial lakes and the other is around Cradle Mountain itself. Watch some of the wildlife from this World Heritage area.

2. Northern Territory — Larapinta Trail

• Length: 223 km (138 mi)
• Duration: 12-14 days
• Difficulty: Hard

Larapinta Trail, Australian Outback WALK THE LARAPINTA TRAILDrawn like a string of pearls along the spine of central Australia, the West MacDonnell Ranges provide enduring beauty around every corner (f/iii). This demanding hike winds through rich red desert and vast treacherous ridgelines en route to ancient gorges with jaw-dropping views all along. The highlights are Standley Chasm and Simpsons Gap, which will mesmerise serious hikers.

3. Three Capes Track (Tasmania)

• Length: 46 km (29 mi)
• Duration: 4 days
• Difficulty: Moderate

Heavily visited on the Grand Tour, this trail winding along Tasmania's coast features some stunning sea cliffs and verdant forests. Hiking the Three Capes Track offers well-maintained walking tracks and new modern hut accommodation in a journey of ease while taking regular time to admire oceanic vistas with wildlife interactions.

4. Great Ocean Walk (Victoria)

• Length: 100 km (62 mi)
• Duration: 6-8 days
• Difficulty: Moderate

This track runs along the iconic Great Ocean Road and showcases some of Australia's most recognisable coastal scenery. Hikers can enjoy breathing the fresh, salty air as they take in towering limestone cliffs, kaleidoscopic landscapes and view points of dramatic The Twelve Apostles — with a rich history of explorative culture that includes ancient ship wrecking.

5. Kosciuszko Walk (New South Wales)

• Length: 9 km (5.6 mi)
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

The Kosciuszko Walk is a relatively short hike that goes to the top of Mount Kosciuszko which is Australia's tallest peak. This loop provides stunning views of the Snowy Mountains without needing to sit on your bike for hours and really is a great 45-minute tour through the alpine.

6. Kings Canyon Rim Walk (Northern Territory)

• Length: 6 km (3.7 mi)
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate

Not to be left out is the Kings Canyon Rim Walk which navigates around towering sheer cliffs and beautiful oasis calling itself The Garden of Eden – a lake you can actually swim in! The contrasting dramatic topography and diverse plant species is a drawcard for hikers seeking every corner of the Red Centre.

7. Bibbulmun Track The Bibbulmun Track (Western Australia)

• Length: 1,000 km (621 mi)
• Timeframe: 6-8 weeks (more likely smaller chunks)
• Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

The Bibbulmun Track: One of the Best Long Distance Hikes in The World A 1,000km hiking trail that traverses forest lands and swamp, from Perth to Albany. The terrain is very diverse, with relatively high mountains in places and swathes of towering forest along the east coast around Mount Success that give way to gravel flats.The hiker who takes on this track can expect to traverse coastal heathlands, granite outcrops (which are fantastic for views) and seasonal wet areas.

8. Queensland — Fraser Island Great Walk

 

• Length: 90 km (56 mi)
• Duration: 6-8 days
• Difficulty: Moderate

Get a taste of the largest sand island in the world along this epic trail. With its accessible, crystal-clear lakes and stunningly beautiful rainforests along with the undulating sand dune landscape it is a very special place to visit – (highlights include Lake McKenzie & Central Station) that engages everyone wanting to connect further in this UNESCO World Heritage listed area.

9. Wilsons Promontory Circuit, Victoria

 

• Length: 40 km (25 mi)
• Duration: 3 days
• Difficulty: Moderate

Australia's southernmost point, the Wilsons Promontory Circuit is a series of pristine beaches and lush rainforests dotted with granite peaks. The thing is, for the nature enthusiasts or wildlife lovers among us… this is one of THE best walks.

10. Western Australia, Cape to Cape Track

 

• Length: 135 km (84 mi)
• Duration: 5-8 days
• Difficulty: Moderate

Between Cape Naturaliste and Cap Leeuwin, this coastal track lets wildflower-lovers pass limestone cliffs, hidden caves and fields of every colour: crimson grevillea pollen like a kaleidoscope; poison bottle-blue blowing in the cold sea breeze. The Margaret River just next door also gives you loads of options for surfing and wine tasting, making it a solid all-around outdoor escape.

Conclusion

All of these trails tell a different part of this vast nation and offer unique adventures to newbie trailblazers or seasoned bushwhackers. Remember to always verify the weather conditions before you venture and make sure your are fully prepared in addition, having all necessary permits for an enjoyable ride. Happy hiking!