Thousands of kilometers of Bushwalking trails are found in Australia and are popular with hikers. Trail markers and relics offer unique insights into Australia's ecology and 65,000 years of human history, and are great for spotting native wildlife.
Hiking in the Australian Alps is a more popular activity during the warmer months of November–March, while the best time to hike in the country is during the cooler months of April– October. Hiking in northern Australia is recommended during the May– October dry season.
These are some of the best hikes in Australia.
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Best multi-day wilderness hike
65km (40 miles), 5-7 days, moderate
There is a five- to seven-day odyssey through the World Heritage listed mountainscapes of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.
The well-marked track threads between mountains rather than grinding over them, making it an achievable independent adventure for hikers with a decent level of fitness. Independent hikers are required to carry a tent, cooking equipment and food for the entire journey in order to get a limited number of dormitory beds. The only private accommodations on the trail are hidden off the main path, which makes it more comfortable.
During the warmer months of October– May, daylight hours are longer, and you can work up enough heat for a dip in one of the cold tarns. You can only walk the track north to south if you have a permit. The trail doesn't feel crowded with the permit system allowing just 35 independent hikers to leave on any given day. It is possible to enjoy the solitude and icy beauty during a hike from either direction in the winter.
The trail is very varied and includes the summit of Mt Ossa and some spectacular waterfalls. Wombats and pademelons are the most common wildlife to be seen.
Best day hike for active families
13km (8 miles), 4-5 hours, easy to moderate
It is possible for anyone to summit Australia's highest peak with at least four hours to spare. Mt Kosciuszko is the smallest of the seven summits, and it is relatively straightforward to climb, with raised walkways meandering up to a superb panorama.
Two routes lead to the top. The more family-friendly Kosciusko Walk begins in Thredbo with a scenic Kosciuszko Express Chairlift ride, followed by an easy 13 km hike to the summit and back. The Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk is a 10.3-mile return hike from the tiny ski town of Charlotte Pass to the summit.
The scenery in the Alpine region is stunning. This wild landscape has had a spiritual connection to the aboriginal groups for more than 20,000 years. You can easily see why this land has long-inspired ceremony and awe when you look at the wildflowers and glaciers.
The best time to hike to the summit is late November and February.
Best multi-day outback hike
230km (143 miles), 14 days, moderate/difficult
Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park is home to the most famous long-distance walk in the Northern Territory. The track goes from Telegraph Station in Alice Springs to the summit of Mt Sonder on the western side of the ranges.
Many of the natural attractions in this awe-inspiring desert landscape are found in the section that takes one to two days to navigate. The most scenic legs are section four and section five. The views from Brinkley Bluff and between Linear Valley and Hugh Gorge, as well as the opportunities to cool off in remote waterholes, are worth the hike.
You can join or leave the trail at a lot of the trailheads. You can fill up the water tanks at each trail. Hikers who are independent will need to carry everything. There is no public transportation out to this area.
Best tent-free multi-day hike
48km (29 miles), 4 days, moderate
The Three Capes Track is a popular track that goes over the top of the clifftops in the national park. The full one-way, three-night experience can only be booked as a package, which includes a boat from the Port Arthur Historic site to the trailhead and a bus back to Port Arthur.
Three hiking huts with cooking facilities are included in the hiking fee. Only 48 hiking permits are available per day in order to ensure everyone gets one of their 48 beds each night. The private operator, Tasmanian Walking Company, also offers a fully catered guided walk, overnighting at only their own separate lodges.
The trail traverses from fragrant eucalypt woodland to coastal heathland with rare flowers, an ancient moss-covered rainforest and cliffs that plunge hundreds of meters into the Southern Ocean below. The wildlife is abundant and the views are wild.
Best coastal hike
104km (64 miles), 7-8 days, easy to moderate
You may have heard of the Great Ocean Road, a scenic drive that takes you on a 663 km journey along Victoria's coastline. Did you know that there is a walking trail between Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles? Slow down and enjoy the scenery on the trail, which takes you through spectacular clifftops, past deserted beaches, and into the dense eucalyst forests of the Great Otway National Park.
You can either stay at a range of accommodations located in coastal villages along the way or you can carry a tent and cooking equipment and stay at a dedicated campsite. The trail can be broken up into short walks. If the local V/Line public bus service isn't compatible with your walking schedule, it's a good idea to pre-arrange pick-up.
Best rainforest day hike
21.4km (13.3 miles), 7 hours, moderate
One of the best parts of the Border Track is the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, which protects the most extensive areas of subtropical rainforest in the world.
The trail leads you through the ancient volcanic landscape of the Tweed Volcano, with dramatic cliffs, thundering waterfalls and relics of Gondwana flora and fauna. The Beereenbano and Merino lookouts are on the side-track that leads to them. Don't forget to look up to see snoozing koalas and listen for the Albert's lyrebird call.
The trail can be hiked in either direction, with lodges at each of the three locations.
The most comfortable weather for this hike can be found in the cooler months of April and October.
Best long-distance hike
1200km (746 miles), 50-60 days, moderate
South Australia's Heysen Trail is Australia's longest walking trail after eastern Australia's epic, multi-use 5330 km/3312 mile Bicentennial National Trail.
The Heysen Trail goes through some of the state's most scenic landscapes, including national parks and key tourist destinations.
Some of the campsites and huts need to be booked in advance. The trail passes through towns where you can stock up on supplies, find a warm bed for the night, or take a shorter walk.
The southern part of the trail is ideal for families. Hikers looking for more challenging terrain and solitude might prefer the more isolated northern section. Some sections are closed in the winter due to fire restrictions.
Best multi-day island hike
32km (19 miles), 3-5 days, difficult
One of Australia's most pristine wilderness areas is the 399-sq-km Hinchinbrook Island, which is located off the north coast of Australia. On the mainland side of the island, there are lush tropical vegetation and long sandy beaches, while on the eastern side, there are mangrove thickets and long sandy beaches. The latter is traced by the THORSBORNE TRAIL. This is not a hike for the faint hearted because of the rough and difficult track. Walkers who persist will be rewarded with an amazing tropical wilderness experience taking in creek crossings, thick rainforest, and lush waterfalls. Remember to be crocwise because the trail is located in croc country.
Most hikers choose to walk from the north to the south in order to keep the sun out. In order to maintain the wilderness setting, permits are issued for a maximum of 40 people at a time.
Best hike for people who love the journey
963km (598 miles), 6-8 weeks, moderate
The Bibbulmun Track spans from west of Perth to Albany on the south coast of Western Australia and is one of Australia's best long-distance hikes. The Bibb is easy to navigate, just long and at times remote, with nine sections connected by nine pleasant towns and an opportunity to replenish food supplies.
There are a lot of highlights in the bush landscape, from towering jarrah and marri forests to wild coastlines that come into close proximity to Northcliffe. There are regular interactions with fellow hikers on the trail and at campsites. You won't need to pitch your tent with the 49 sleeping shelters on the trail.
The best time to visit the trail is in the fall when the wildflowers are in bloom. Hikes between December and January are not recommended because of the high risk of fire.
Best easily accessible overnight hike
26km (16 miles), 2 days, moderate
Both of the Royal National Park's coastlines can be reached by public transport. The moderately challenging trail is usually hiked from north to south and offers the best views from the soaring sandstone cliffs.
During the cooler months from May to November, you can spot migrating whales from clifftop lookout points, while summer hikers can reward themselves with a dip at one of the numerous beaches and rockpools. There is no official water source along the route, so if you need to top up with creek water, carry plenty and pack some purification tablets. Adequate sun protection is a must on this bushwalk.
Best alpine traverse
655km (5-8 weeks), difficult
The Australian Alps Walking Track spans the high country of Victoria, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory and features some of Australia's finest Alpine national parks.
The extension of the Victorian Alpine Walking Track was developed in the 1970s and is designed for experienced hikers. You will need to arrange food drops in advance if you want to go to some ski resorts. Hike for days, even weeks, without seeing anyone else.
You can enjoy the wildflower season after the spring snow has melted. Many people choose to walk shorter sections of the trail in the national parks of Victoria and New South Wales.
Best urban hike
250km (160 miles), 12-18 days, moderate
The Great North Walk was created as part of Australia's bicentennial celebrations in 1988 and links both of the coastal New South Wales cities.
It is possible to walk the inland trail in either direction at any time of the year, with overnight stays at campsites or more luxurious accommodations along the way. The entire trail can be walked in 30 days.
Despite the trail skirting suburbia for most of its length and including some walking along busy roads, it's easy to feel like you're far from civilization on some sections. Powerful owls, swamp wallabies, laughing kookaburras and other animals can be seen on the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park section.
Before you head to Australia's trails, make sure you walk in a region that is familiar to you. The walking experience can be altered by weather and seasonal changes, so be aware and check with local authorities. You should always tell someone where you are going and when you will come back.
The ecology and beauty of Australia has been carefully managed for thousands of years by its traditional custodians.
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