Australia is a hiker's country. The scale, the variety, and the sheer wildness of the landscapes on offer — ancient desert, temperate rainforest, alpine plateau, coastal heath — make it one of the world's truly great walking destinations.
The trail network spans every ecosystem imaginable, from the sand-blown ridges of the Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory to the sub-Antarctic heathlands of Tasmania's Overland Track. Many of Australia's best walks require permits and advance bookings — the most popular tracks fill months ahead. The rewards for those who plan accordingly are extraordinary.
Multi-Day Walks
Overland Track — Tasmania (6–8 days)
Widely considered Australia's greatest multi-day walk, the 65km Overland Track traverses the Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park through a UNESCO World Heritage landscape of ancient glacially sculpted peaks, alpine moorland, and prehistoric rainforest. The track runs from Cradle Mountain in the north to Lake St Clair in the south and is strictly managed — hikers must travel north to south, carry all camping equipment, and book in advance. The walking season runs from November to April. Side trips to Mount Ossa (Tasmania's highest peak) and Barn Bluff are highly recommended.
Larapinta Trail — Northern Territory (12–16 days)
The Larapinta Trail follows the ancient West MacDonnell Ranges west of Alice Springs for 223km through one of Australia's most dramatic desert landscapes. Red quartzite ridges, ghost gum-lined gorges, waterholes that have sustained Aboriginal people for tens of thousands of years. The trail is divided into 12 sections that can be walked independently, making it accessible to those without the full two weeks. The best time to walk is April to September — summer temperatures can exceed 50°C in the ranges.
Great Ocean Walk — Victoria (8 days)
The 104km Great Ocean Walk follows the Victorian coastline from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles through temperate rainforest, clifftop heath, and some of the Southern Ocean's most dramatic coastal scenery. Unlike the Overland Track, it can be walked in both directions and in sections. Hiker-only campsites are positioned roughly every 10–15km along the route. The section from Moonlight Head to the Apostles is the most visually spectacular.
Photo Gallery
Best Day Walks by Region
New South Wales: The Grand Canyon walk in the Blue Mountains (5.5km loop, 3 hours) is one of the most dramatic short walks in Australia — through a slot canyon with waterfalls and ferns. The Bondi to Coogee coastal walk (6km, 2 hours) is excellent for those who want sea air and city access.
Victoria: The Pinnacle walk in the Grampians (7km return) and Wilsons Prom's South Coast Track (outstanding coastal scenery). Cathedral Range in the Yarra Ranges delivers serious reward for serious effort.
Queensland: Thorsborne Trail on Hinchinbrook Island (32km, 4 days, permit required) is remote and spectacular. For easier access, the Lamington National Park circuit walks near Binna Burra are beautiful subtropical rainforest.
Western Australia: The Cape to Cape Track (135km, 7–10 days) follows the limestone coast of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park through jarrah forest and coastal scrubland. For a single day, the walk to the Valley of the Giants tree top walk near Walpole is a different kind of walking experience.
South Australia: The Heysen Trail is one of Australia's longest marked walking trails at 1,200km through the Flinders Ranges and the Adelaide Hills. The northern Flinders section — through Brachina Gorge and Wilpena Pound — is the most spectacular.
What to Carry
- Water: 3 litres minimum for full-day walks in warm conditions. More in remote or hot areas. A filter for any walk where refill water isn't guaranteed.
- Navigation: Downloaded offline maps and a paper backup for any walk without signage. Phone signal is non-existent in most of Australia's best walking areas.
- Sun protection: Broad-brimmed hat, SPF 50+ sunscreen, UV-protective clothing. The sun at altitude and in the outback will burn you faster than you expect.
- Emergency: A whistle, a foil emergency blanket, and a PLB for any remote or multi-day walk. Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return.
- Footwear: Proper hiking boots with ankle support for any walk with elevation or uneven terrain. Trail runners are suitable for well-maintained coastal paths.
- Snakebite kit: A pressure immobilisation bandage. Australia has 20 of the world's 25 most venomous snakes. Most are not aggressive but being prepared is sensible.