Top 10 Great Walks in Australia
Not sure where to go hiking in Australia? Below are my top 10 multi-day hikes in Australia. Depending on what you are looking for, each trail has something very unique to offer. From remote wilderness walking to urban landscapes and pristine beaches, I want to walk them all!
Now let’s dive in and look at some of the best long distance hiking trails Australia has to offer. If you want to find out more, just click on the website below the description and it will take you to the official website of the hike.
What is your experience with these trails? Please comment below if you can recommend any of these trails.
If you want to find more trails, check out alltrails.com.
The Bibbulmun Track is one of Australia’s longest hiking trails. It stretches from Perth to Albany and has well maintained facilities. The track takes you across some of Western Australia’s most beautiful regions and beaches. The best time to walk this beautiful hike is in spring, because then all the wildflowers are in bloom, causing an even more spectacular scenery.
Location: WA
Route: Perth to Albany
Distance: 1000 km
Duration: 45-60 days
Website
2. Larapinta Trail - Northern Territory
The Larapinta Trail takes you through the MacDonnell Ranges in the Northern Territory. The 223km track offers spectacular hiking through the desert, along mountains and lets you discover many of the outback’s gorges. It offers hiking to some of the state’s most popular tourist attractions, including the Old Telegraph Station, Simpson’s Gap Gorge, Standley Chasm, Counts Point, Finke River, and many more.
Location: West MacDonnell Range, NT
Route: Alice Springs Telegraph Station to Redbank Gorge Trailhead
Distance: 223 km (139 miles) one way
Duration: 14-20 days
Website
3. Overland Track - Tasmania
Starting at Cradle Mountain, the Overland Track is most definitely one of the most epic hikes in Tasmania. The track takes you through the Tasmanian wilderness, along numerous waterfalls, granite peaks, rainforests and alpine meadows. It is one of the most challenging alpine trails in Australia and needs to be booked in advance. Only 12 people are allowed to start per day! How amazing is that…
Location: TAS
Route: Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair
Distance: 65 km one way
Duration: 5-8 days
Website
4. Six Foot Track - New South Wales
An easier overnight hike in Australia, however the Six Foot Track offers an amazing experience of the Blue Mountains. As the original supply route of the Megalong Valley, the track takes you through the bush, down cliff faces and along farmland. One of the best parts of this hike is also, it is easy to get to and you could even squeeze it into a long weekend!
Location: Blue Mountains, NSW
Route: Katoomba to Jenolan Caves
Distance: 46 km
Duration: 3 days
Website
5. Great North Walk - New South Wales
Starting at Macquarie place in Sydney, the Great North Walk provides a mixture of bush and culture walking, taking you through national parks and urban areas. Some of the highlights are Lane Cove National Park, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, the Hunter region and the Indigenous art sites. Because of the closeness to Sydney, this trail is ideal for section hiking. Also, there are many train stations along the track, which gives you a sense of security should you want to go back.
Route: Sydney to Newcastle
Distance: 250 km (160 miles) one way
Duration: 12-18 days
Website
6. Cape to Cape Track - Western Australia
Between Dunsborough and Port Augusta lies one of Western Australia most famous walks. The Cape to Cape Track takes you along some of the state’s most beautiful beaches and lets you experience WA like you never seen before. Walking mainly on sand, this hike will be a challenge to your calves. But the views are rewarding, and you can often catch a glimpse of surfers catching the world-class waves along the remote surf spots. Spring is the best time to walk this beautiful hike, because all the blooming wildflowers will offer additional beauty to the already spectacular landscapes.
Route: Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin
Distance: 123 km
Duration: 4-8 days
Website
7. Heysen Trail - South Australia
One of Australia’s longest hikes, the Heysen Trail takes you along the south coast of South Australia, over the hills and into the Flinders Ranges. The track passes some of the state’s most popular tourist destinations, such as the Barossa Valley, Wilpena Pound and famous national parks. With lots of accommodation options on the way, this hike definitely offers a mixture of ruggedness and comfort.
Route: Cape Jervis to Parachilna Gorge
Distance: 1200 km (746 miles)
Duration: 60 days
Website
8. Great South West Walk - Victoria
Another easier long distance trail, the Great South West walk takes you to the best that Portland has to offer. The track goes through four national parks and winds along the coast, offering pristine beaches, native bush walking, views of the limestone cliffs and the Glenelg River. Alternatively, you could do one of the 15 section hikes.
Location: Portland Visitor Information Centre
Distance: 250 km (155 miles) loop
Duration: 14 days
Website
9. Australian Alps Walking Track - ACT, NSW, VIC
The Australian Alps Walking track is one of Australia’s most challenging hikes. The track winds through the Australian alpine national parks and travels through three states: the ACT, New South Wales and Victoria. It is one of Australia’s more remote hiking tracks and is recommended for experienced hikers only. Along the way you will climb the highest mountains and cross stunning forests.
Location: ACT, NSW, VIC
Route: Walhalla to Canberra
Distance: 655 km
Duration: 45-60 days
Website
10. Thorsborne Trail - Queensland
Located on the World Heritage Listed Hinchinbrook Island, the Thorsborne Trail offers spectacular scenery and some of Australia’s best hiking. The 32km track takes you along pristine beaches, rainforest, grassy plains and amazing waterfalls. Because of its remote location, this popular hike is only accessible by ferry.
Location: Hinchinbrook Island
Distance: 32 km (20 miles) one way
Duration: 4 days
Website