Explore Australia's Top Hiking Trails
Embark on a spiritual journey through Australia's vast wilderness, tracing the ancient "songlines" of the land's first inhabitants. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced hiker, Australia offers a plethora of trails ranging from easy half-day walks to challenging multi-day treks through World Heritage-listed wilderness areas.
Discover Australia's quirky wildlife, summit the country's highest peak, or slice up the "Great Walks of Australia" into manageable day hikes. Stir your soul with the spectacular scenery that has captivated people for thousands of years, and plan your adventure with a list of the best hikes in Australia.
1. Mount Gower, Lord Howe Island, New South Wales
Experience one of Australia's best day hikes by climbing the 875-meter-high Mount Gower on the World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island. This 14-kilometer round-trip hike offers panoramic views and a chance to explore the island's unique ecology on a moderate to difficult trail.
2. Kings Canyon Rim Walk, Northern Territory
The six-kilometer Kings Canyon Rim Walk in Watarrka National Park is a famous day hike that takes you around a 150-meter-deep canyon. Start before dawn to avoid the heat and enjoy the stunning sunrise views.
3. Cape to Cape Track, Margaret River, Western Australia
One of Australia's finest coastal hikes, the Cape to Cape Track stretches 135 kilometers along the Margaret River coast. This multi-day hike can be broken into shorter sections, offering views of coastal rock formations and opportunities for whale watching.
4. Great Ocean Walk, Victoria
Follow the Great Ocean Road on foot with the 104-kilometer Great Ocean Walk. Witness the power of nature with views of the Twelve Apostles and other natural wonders along this easy to medium difficulty trail.
5. Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, New South Wales
For an easy urban hike, the six-kilometer Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk offers stunning ocean views and a taste of Sydney's beach culture.
6. Larapinta Trail, Northern Territory
The remote Larapinta Trail is a 223-kilometer track that takes you through the desert landscapes of the West MacDonnell Ranges. Suitable for experienced hikers, this trail can be tackled in sections.
7. Fraser Island Great Walk, Queensland
Explore the 90-kilometer Fraser Island Great Walk, tracing the footsteps of the native Butchulla people through rainforests, mangroves, and beaches.
8. Blue Gum Forest, Blue Mountains, New South Wales
The Blue Gum Forest offers a steep hike in the Blue Mountains National Park, with a five-kilometer round-trip track from Perry's Lookdown.
9. Wineglass Bay Circuit, Tasmania
Tasmania's Freycinet National Park is home to the 12-kilometer Wineglass Bay Circuit, offering views of one of Australia's most beautiful beaches.
10. Uluru Base Walk, Northern Territory
The 10-kilometer Uluru Base Walk provides an intimate look at the sacred rock's landscapes and cultural significance.
11. Three Capes Track, Tasmania
Experience the edge of a continent on the 48-kilometer Three Capes Track, offering dramatic coastal views and eco-friendly cabins for rest.
12. Kosciuszko Walk, New South Wales
Summit Australia's highest peak with the Kosciuszko Walk, a 14-kilometer loop that's accessible with the help of a chairlift.
13. Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, South Australia
The 61-kilometer Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail showcases the island's rugged beauty and wildlife, with a need to book in advance.
14. The Overland Track, Tasmania
The Overland Track is a 65-kilometer trail through Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, offering alpine landscapes and diverse ecosystems.
15. The Bibbulmun Track, Western Australia
Western Australia's Bibbulmun Track is a 1,000-kilometer hike through national parks and coastal heathlands, with markers every 500 meters.
16. Heysen Trail, South Australia
The 1,200-kilometer Heysen Trail is Australia's longest, stretching from Cape Jervis to the Flinders Ranges, with seasonal access.
More Aussie Outdoor Adventures: For more outdoor activities in Australia, from climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge to fishing and beach fun, visit Top-Rated Outdoor Adventures in Australia.
