Top guided walks in Australia

By Leah Dobihal

Australia is dotted with grassy outback landscapes, ancient rocky peaks and beautiful sandy beaches, and there's no better way to experience the country's raw nature than on foot. On a guided walk, you can traverse across coastal cliffs in Victoria, orange boulders in Tasmania and spectacular red bushland in the Northern Territory.

Discover the most captivating corners of the country with one of Australia's best guided walks.

Near Sydney

Lord Howe Island Seven Peaks Walk

If you love adventure by day and luxury by night the Seven Peaks Walk is one for you. Set among the UNESCO World Heritage ridges and cliffs of Lord Howe Island, the Seven Peaks Walk is based out of Pinetrees Lodge and traverses the volcanic island landscape over five days with an experienced guide. You'll tackle extinct volcanoes, beach hikes and even spend a day snorkelling on the outer reef on an island located just a two-hour flight from Sydney. It's a challenge even for experienced hikers, but you'll be rewarded with aerial ocean views, epic cliff top treks and unforgettable aquatic experiences.

Blue Mountains Grand Traverse

The Blue Mountains, so named for the beautiful blue mist that falls over its forests, offer a million hectares (2.5 million acres) of World Heritage-listed wilderness. On the guided Blue Mountains Grand Traverse walk, you’ll spend three days tackling tracks you might not reach on an average day hike. Feel the cool mist of waterfalls, marvel at epic valley views and pass through impressive gorges. Each day brings a new adventure, like seeing the famous Three Sisters rock formation up close, and each night brings a welcome break in boutique accommodation. En-route lunches are provided, and you’ll enjoy morning and evening meals cooked by in-house chefs.

Near Brisbane

Spicers Scenic Rim Trail

An ancient collection of mountains, escarpments, forests and volcanic plateaus await on Queensland's incredible Spicers Scenic Rim Trail. The two-day and two-night walk is perfect for hikers ready to experience the raw nature of this region of Australia. You'll stay in Spicers Canopy, a private, permanent glamping site complete with timber floors and king-sized beds. Take a dip in the outdoor plunge pool nestled among the lush bushland, before setting out on your guided walk that leads to the twin peaks of Mount Mitchell, along Millar Vale Creek and through the dense Gondwana rainforest. Expect to see a variety of Aussie wildlife as well. After the trek, refuel with a gourmet dinner and local wines before your return to Brisbane.

Carnarvon Gorge Walk

In the heart of Queensland’s outback lies one of Australia’s best-kept secrets: Carnarvon Gorge. This sandstone gorge network encompasses creeks, cliff faces, wildlife and Aboriginal art sites. The four-day guided Carnarvon Gorge Walk with Auswalk makes sure you see the best of the region in the least amount of time. From the first day, you’ll be trekking through ancient canyons and over trickling creeks, stopping to soak up the serenity of rushing waterfalls and quiet cliff top views. You’ll stay in luxury glamping tents and dine on two-course meals prepared by professional chefs, as well as enjoy off-the-trail extras like scenic flights and nighttime wildlife walks. At the end of your journey, you’ll be filled with the unforgettable nature and powerful Aboriginal history that Carnarvon Gorge offers.

Near Adelaide

Arkaba Walk

South Australia is known for its wine regions and festival season, but inland from Adelaide the landscape changes from white sands to red rocks. South Australia's outback holds incredible adventure and profound geological history, and there's no better way to experience it than to hike through its sandstone bluffs and dry creek beds. The Arkaba Walk is a small-group, guided four-day hike that traverses the ancient Flinders Ranges. Your trek will reconnect you with the land, sharing the stories of the ground beneath your boots. Marvel at the massive formation of Wilpena Pound and climb across the quintessential outback countryside before settling in around the campfire and retiring to your deluxe swag.

Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail

Kangaroo Island, located off the coast of South Australia, is often called a natural zoo because of its abundant wildlife, but it’s not only the animals that draw hikers to this stunning destination. On the five-day Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, you’ll find out what makes the nature on this island so unique, from forests and lagoons to white-sand beaches and sea cliffs. This guided experience from Auswalk takes care of all the details, including transport and meals, so that you can focus on the impressive surrounds. Walk among sea lions in Seal Bay, trek to the baffling yet beautiful Remarkable Rocks and hike the island’s wild coastline. End each day in the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Retreat.

Southern Ocean Walk

Pink gum forests, sweeping ocean vistas, picture-perfect beaches and flowing waterfalls; the four-day and three-night Southern Ocean Walk serves up a new and enchanting landscape every day, showcasing the very best of the Fleurieu Peninsula. Following sections of the iconic Heysen Trail (Australia’s longest dedicated walking track), there will be plenty of breathtaking moments as you venture past spectacular waterfalls and rugged white-sand beaches known for wildlife spotting. Come evening, you can rest easy at your cosy homestead nestled in the secluded Deep Creek Conservation Park. Combining premium food and drink from the renowned McLaren Vale, wildlife encounters in abundance, and a true escape to nature, you’ll be sure to feel good after this epic walking trip.

Near Melbourne

Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk

The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia's most memorable road trips, but you'll gain a more intimate experience of this exceptional coastline on the Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk. During the four-day guided walk, you'll pass shipwrecks, walk along sandy beaches and gaze out at impressive limestone stacks in the water. The diverse Victorian coast offers something new each day, with sheer cliffs, grass-tree forests and remote beaches all on offer. The trail is one that's alive with Australian wildlife including fur seals, wallabies and koalas, and after a day's excitement, you'll rest in eco-luxe villas designed specifically for hikers.

Near Alice Springs

Larapinta Trek

It may not have lush forests or ocean views, but Australia's outback is one of the country's most jaw-dropping landscapes. The Larapinta Trail covers 223 kilometres (138 miles) of rugged, red bushland, leaving from the outback town of Alice Springs. On the Larapinta Trek in comfort walk, you'll trace the footsteps of Australia's original inhabitants, who have lived on the land for 50,000 years. It's ideal for the ambitious hiker; you'll pass over remote ridges and canyons along the way. Not only will you immerse yourself in the desert landscape, but you'll also stay in beautifully isolated accommodation. It's the perfect chance to reconnect with the earth beneath your feet.

Near Hobart

wukalina Walk

Australia's island state of Tasmania is known for offering some of the world's best walking. One of the best walks in Tasmania is the wukalina walk. This three-night, four-day Aboriginal-owned and operated trek is as much about Tasmania's magnificent landscape as it is about deepening your understanding of palawa (Tasmanian Aboriginal) culture. Along your journey, you'll follow in the footsteps of your palawa guide, immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of northeast Tasmania and the Bay of Fires and stay in palawa-inspired dome huts. The genuine cultural experience is one you'll carry with you long after you leave.

Three Capes Lodge Walk

The perfect mix of exciting expedition and luxury leisure, the Three Capes Lodge Walk takes in some of Tasmania's most dramatic nature over four days. The Tasman Peninsula's coastline is as rugged as they come, so expect rocky cliff walks, steep descents and patches of dense rainforest. In addition to the region's unforgettable landscape, you'll experience free-roaming wildlife, beautiful meals and incredible lodges. The walking experience is fully guided, ensuring you can safely enjoy the wild Southern Ocean, dolerite spires and sea cliffs that make this wilderness area beautifully unique.

Bruny Island Long Weekend

In Tasmania, it's not difficult to find yourself within still, quiet nature without a city in sight. This is especially true on Bruny Island, located off southeast Tasmania near the Hobart coastline. The island offers spectacular scenery, mouth-watering produce and off-the-grid accommodation, and you can experience it all on the Bruny Island Long Weekend guided walk. Begin at Hobart's waterfront before stepping into a private boat to the island. After you arrive, you'll trek to capes, crystal-clear waters, beaches and cliffs. You'll even wade out into the water to shuck your own Bruny Island oysters. Your journey is completed with beautiful camp accommodation and dinners sourced on the island or from the waters surrounding it.

Cradle Mountain Huts Walk

Few Tasmanian trails are as iconic as the Overland Track. The six-day Cradle Mountain Huts Walk takes in the World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain- Lake St Clair National Park along the Overland Track, offering some of the state's most captivating nature. Each day brings you to new natural wonders, from deep lakes to towering mountain peaks, and each night you'll retreat to private accommodation. Your expert guides will act as chefs come evening, serving up tasty meals and Tasmanian wine. The Cradle Mountain Huts Walk is ideal for cultivating a reconnection with nature. 

Near Perth

Cape to Cape Walk by Walk into Luxury

The perfect combination of fine wines, luxury villas and seaside scenery, the Cape to Cape Walk by Walk into Luxury is a four-day, small-group guided experience along the Western Australia coast. You'll begin in Margaret River, a region known for its wine and wilderness. During your days, you'll trek along the limestone coastline, over sea cliffs and through towering karri forests. As the sun sets, you'll indulge in exclusive accommodation as well as gourmet food and wine. Wake up with the sun in your villa with views over the Indian Ocean, enjoy a chef-crafted dinner with wine tasting and take a dip in your private plunge pool. It's all brought together by the quiet beauty of Australia's west coast.