Cape to Cape Track, Margaret River Region, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia
Australia’s top hiking trails
Step out onto one of Australia’s top trails, traversing wild islands, past clifftop waterfalls or along sandy coastlines.
- Where: The Australian Alps
- Duration: Five to eight weeks, but smaller sections can be completed
- Distance: 655km (407mi)
- Grade: Difficult
The Australian Alps Walking Track is one of the country’s best long-distance walking trails, weaving through Victoria’s High Country, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. The rugged trail will take you through peaks and troughs, offering gorgeous views of wide open plains and lush green forests. Walkers can take on shorter sections, like those offered within beautiful national parks such as Kosciuszko.
- Where: Nitmiluk National Park
- Duration: Five days
- Distance: 62km (39mi)
- Grade: Moderate to difficult
The Jatbula Trail, which winds through the Northern Territory’s spectacular Nitmiluk National Park, isn’t only a gorgeous nature hike but also an incredible cultural excursion. The trail follows an ancient Songline used by the local Jawoyn people. You’ll trek from Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge to the picturesque Leliyn (Edith Falls), marvelling at thunderous waterfalls as they tumble over sandstone cliffs and flow into forest creeks.
- Where: K'gari (Fraser Island)
- Duration: Eight days
- Distance: 90km (55mi)
- Grade: Moderate to difficult
Stretching across the world’s largest sand island, the K’gari Great Walk takes in tall forests, golden sand dunes and mesmerising blue lakes. It takes about eight days to complete the entire trail, but there are shorter options for those with less time, like the Lake Wabby Walk. Parts of the walk are far from the island’s villages, providing blissful tranquillity and the opportunity to explore lesser-known locations. Be sure to book campsites in advance, stay dingo safe and soak in the serenity.
- Where: Western Australia's south-west corner
- Duration: Eight weeks
- Distance: 1,000km (621mi)
- Grade: Easy to difficult, depending on the section
The Bibbulmun Track reaches across the heart of Western Australia’s stunning south-west corner. Here, you’ll find forests of karri trees (which are found nowhere else in the world) as well as soft sand dunes, coastal lookouts and the wild southern ocean. Hikers can take a day walk from one of several towns along the route, or embark on an incredible eight-week journey to be rewarded with unmatched sunsets, giant granite boulders and misty valleys.
- Where: Tasman Peninsula
- Duration: Four days
- Distance: 48km (30mi)
- Grade: Easy to moderate
Tasmania’s Three Capes Track is the last slice of southern land before you reach Antarctica. The remote location is apparent as you traverse the striking clifftop coastline on the four-day journey, with only the waves below to break the silence. With each step, you will be transported through the time and place of the dramatic landscape. The track can be tackled independently, or you can join an expert on the Three Capes Signature Walk.
- Where: Kangaroo Island
- Duration: Five days
- Distance: 61km (38mi)
- Grade: Moderate
Brimming with native wildlife and circled by windswept coastline, Kangaroo Island is one of Australia’s most intriguing destinations. Along the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, you’ll have the chance to explore the island from the dense eucalypt woodland of Flinders Chase National Park to the beautifully bizarre Remarkable Rocks. This trek is the experience of a lifetime, allowing you to reconnect with nature from the moment the sun rises until the stars come out. Hikers must book their walk prior to departure.
- Where: South Australia
- Duration: 50-60 days
- Distance: 1,200km (745mi)
- Grade: Moderate to difficult
The Heysen Trail is Australia’s longest dedicated walking trail, as well as one of the wildest. It follows vibrant South Australian landscapes, from the wine regions of the Fleurieu Peninsula to the craggy peaks of the Flinders Ranges. Spot kangaroos, rock wallabies and echidnas as you traverse deep gorges and navigate trickling creeks. Most hikers tackle the trail in sections, and there are a variety of shorter walks for adventurers of all abilities.
- Where: The Great Ocean Road
- Duration: Eight to ten days
- Distance: 100km (62mi)
- Grade: Easy to difficult, depending on the section
The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most remarkable road trips, and its on-foot equivalent – the Great Ocean Walk – is equally impressive. Beginning at the charming fishing village of Apollo Bay in Victoria, you’ll trek along coastal cliffs and breezy beaches, spotting landmarks like the famous 12 Apostles along the way. This walk can be done on your own, but if you want to trade carrying your gear for some little luxuries, you can go on a guided group tour.
- Where: The West MacDonnell Ranges
- Duration: 12-20 days
- Distance: 223km (139mi)
- Grade: Moderate to difficult
One of Australia’s most epic outback treks, the Larapinta Trail follows the spine of the rugged West MacDonnell Ranges in the Northern Territory. Expect towering red rock escarpments, refreshing waterholes and steep terrain, as well as the opportunity to visit sacred Aboriginal sites. It can take between 12 and 20 days to complete the entire track, but the views, swims and breathtaking red sunsets will leave you wanting more. If you’d rather tackle a shorter section, embark on a day walk like the Counts Point walk.
- Where: Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
- Duration: Six days
- Distance: 65km (40mi)
- Grade: Difficult
Tasmania is spoiled with incredible walking trails, but few are as iconic as the Overland Track. The trail weaves through mossy woods and past towering bluffs over six thrilling, picture-perfect days. Head off on your own for flexibility, or take on the Overland Track in style with the Cradle Mountain Signature Walk – complete with cosy private huts to retire to at the end of tiring days. The weather in Tasmania can change rapidly, so be prepared for varied conditions to enjoy your time to the fullest.
- Where: Margaret River region
- Duration: Five to seven days
- Distance: 130km (81mi)
- Grade: Moderate
The Cape to Cape Track offers an exhilarating mix of coastal cliffs, cave networks, breezy forests and sandy beaches. Each day will feel like a new adventure as you weave through the breathtaking Margaret River region. One of the best ways to embark on this journey is by joining a tour with Walk into Luxury. Their guided four-day trek combines small-group hiking, villa accommodation and gourmet food and wine.
