Australia’s varied landscape will make you fall in love with the outdoors. Thousands of hiking trails, from steep mountain ascents to calm bushwalks, line the continent. And whether you’re a passionate expert or an eager beginner, there are trails just for you!
To get you started, we’ve made a list of the best hikes in Australia ranging from easy to difficult!
1. Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk - New South Wales
Take a leisurely walk along Sydney’s coastline
Let’s start with an easy one! The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is one of the best walks in Sydney, popular among locals and tourists alike.
It takes 2 to 3 hours depending on how much you stop. And who wouldn’t want to do just that when you’re passing by beaches, cliffs, and cafes? Take a dip or a sip, it’s a leisurely walk either way.
You’ll also pass by Aboriginal carvings and seaside parks. So if you want to learn more about them, take this Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk & a la carte lunch where a guide will tell you all about these landmarks. There’ll be refreshments along the way and a well-deserved lunch at the Coogee Bay Hotel to end your journey.
2. Mt. Field - Tasmania
Uncover majestic falls throughout your trek
Tall Trees Walk: Grade 2 (Easy)
Three Falls Circuit: Grade 3 (Moderate)
Next is Mt. Field, located within Mount Field National Park, one of the oldest national parks in Australia. This Mt. Field guided day tour will take you along its trails.
The Tall Trees Walk is a 1 km loop that will take you on a peaceful stroll beside gigantic, centuries-old trees! Meanwhile, the Three Falls Circuit is a 6 km circuit trail that will give you a scenic view of 3 falls around the mountain. It takes over 2 hours but the sights are worth the effort!
You can choose to take either of the trails or both, it’s all connected! The tour will also take you to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary to meet some wallabies, and to Mt. Wellington for more sightseeing.
3. Wineglass Bay Lookout - Tasmania
Appreciate the beauty of Tasmania’s landscape
Wingelass Bay Lookout: Grade 3 (Moderate)
This Wineglass Bay day tour will take you to a gorgeous hike with a beach view in Freycinet National Park.
It’s a steady 2.6 km return trip (1 hour) to Wineglass Bay Lookout, where you’ll see the gorgeous crescent shape of the bay. Plus, there are resting seats along the way. It’s one of the best hikes in Australia you can easily take as a beginner and tourist.
You also have the option to go down to the beach and visit the Cape Tourville Lighthouse. Then, end your day with wine at the Devil’s Corner winery.
4. Great Ocean Walk - Victoria
Immerse yourself in Victoria’s ocean view
Great Ocean Walk: Grade 3 (Moderate)
The Great Ocean Road is a popular tourist spot that most people enjoy from the comfort of their vehicles. But did you know it has a walking trail?
The Great Ocean Walk stretches for 110 km starting from Apollo Bay, passing through 2 national parks, and ending at the world-famous Twelve Apostles. It takes around 8 days to complete, but you have the option to go through only sections of it. It’s more immersive than bus tours!
It’s also very convenient, as there are lots of dedicated campsites and off-walk accommodations nearby. It may not be grueling but it’s one of the great walks of Australia, especially with the ocean view.
5. Kings Canyon - Northern Territory
See the wonders of a great canyon | Photo by Zoharby on Wikimedia Commons
Creek Walk: Grade 2 (Easy)
Rim Walk: Grade 4 (Moderate)
Now, let’s step up. You’ll find one of the best hikes in Australia in Kings Canyon. It’s one of the Central Australia must-see sights found in Watarrka National Park, with its red rocks, sharp cliffs, and deep gorges.
This Kings Canyon tour can take you on two trails: The Creek Walk (1 hour) is an easy 2 km return trail that leads you to the canyon floor where you’ll find an oasis.Those looking for a more challenging route can take the Rim Walk (3 to 4 hours), a 6 km loop around the canyon’s cliffs.
The Kings Canyon trails are regarded as some of the best hikes in Australia for its breathtaking views.
6. Overland Track - Tasmania
Cradle Mountain from Lake St. Claire | Photo by Robst56 on Wikimedia Commons
Overland Track: Grade 4 (Difficult)
Tasmania is known to be a playground for hikers because of its diverse landscape, which is why you see it thrice on this list. And it’s home to one of the best hikes in Australia, if not THE best. The Overland Track is an essential trail for hikers.
It’s a famous multi-day hike that takes you through the beautiful Cradle Mountain and ends at Lake St. Claire. The alpine landscape is stunning as you pass through forests, moorlands, and meadows.
You do need experience for this because of steep elevations, rugged paths, and fluctuating weather. If you’re a regular trekker, you’re gonna love this!
Let’s go on an adventure!
Discover what lies beyond journey’s end | Photo by Line Knipst on Pexels
And those are some of the best hikes in Australia. Remember that whether it’s a mountain hike or a distant walk, it requires preparation! Aside from trekking gear and meals, make sure to get an Australia eSIM for navigation.
It’s time to start your journey!
FAQs for the best hikes in Australia
What is the best hike in Australia?
The Overland Track is what many argue to be the best hike in Australia for its beautiful alpine views and test of skill. Some even say that hiking there is a rite of passage.
What are some popular Auswalk destinations?
The Bibbilum Track is one of the most iconic walking trails from Perth to Albany, stretching for a whopping 1,000 km! You can also admire the great Uluru from the Uluru Base Walk trail.
What is Australia's hardest hike?
The Western Arthur Traverse is 66 km long and is arguably the toughest hike. The trail faces harsh weather conditions, unmarked paths, and steep ascents. It’s a Grade 5 hike, meaning you need a lot of experience to handle this.
What do Australians call hiking?
“Hiking” is “Bushwalking” in Australia, no matter the terrain as long as there is a goal (a path towards a destination). The term comes from Australia’s common bushy landscape.
What is the best multi-day hike in Australia?
Again, Overland Track in Tasmania is the crowd-favorite for its beauty. But you should also check out the Larapinta Trail and the Three Capes Track, which both have beautiful landscapes you’ll want to traverse as well.
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