Australia’s best hiking trails

Australia has soul. And to experience that – you need to go by foot – breathe the air and feel the surrounds. Home to a myriad of day walks, trails and extended hikes – there is something for everyone, no matter your age or level of fitness.

Here are just a few of what we think are Australia’s best hiking trails, showcasing the diverse natural landscape we are lucky enough to call home.

Larapinta Trail, Northern Territory

Experience the beauty of Standley Chasm, Simpson’s Gap, Ormiston Gorge and Mount Sonder whilst meandering through an ancient landscape of rugged untouched beauty. The entire trek is approximately 220 km and takes (on average) 14 days to complete.

The Great Ocean Walk, Victoria

A walk that offers great diversity; the 104 kilometre coastal route weaves it way through Eucalyptus rich forests, deserted beaches, vibrant marine sanctuaries and boasts exceptional ocean views as well as historical shipwreck sites.

Overland Track, Tasmania

Arguably one of Australia’s best hiking trails, the 65km track (that runs from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair) attracts more that 8000 travellers every year. Rugged mountainous terrain, lush rainforests, flowing rivers and alpine plains are all part of the remote and untouched beauty witnessed on this 5-6 day trek.

Cape to Cape Walk, Western Australia

From the tip of Cape Naturaliste to that of Cape Leeuwin – this 7-day walk (located 250 km south of Perth) spans 135 kilometres, past pristine beaches; flourishing forests, vineyards and stunning coastal outlooks.

Fraser Island Great Walk, Queensland

Traversing woodland, tropical rainforest, mangroves and coastal shrubland the trek is varied, considered easy to moderate and showcases spectacular crystal clear lakes and dramatic sand dunes. The island is accessed by boat and the trail by car. The 84km walk takes approximately 6days to complete.

The Canyon Walk, Kings Canyon, Northern Territory

A pleasant (yet challenging) day walk for visitors to Watarrka National Park; watering holes, pockets of lush vegetation, ancient sandstone cliffs surrounded by vast desert lands – the walk is unquestionably beautiful and hugely popular amongst travellers to the region. The walk is 6km and takes, on average, 3 hours to complete.

The Heysen Trail, South Australia

Celebrating the best of what South Australia has to offer. Foodies will find great appeal in this trail with highlights including world famous Barossa Valley and the historic German village of Hahndorf (think sausages and sauerkraut) and for those who find freedom and peace in the great outdoors; the magnificent crater of Wilpena Pound will take your breath away. Other highlights include the Flinders Ranges that are home to ancient fossils and Indigenous rock art.