Australias Top Hiking Trails

You don’t have to complete the entire trail. You can do it with a group tour or self-guided to enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery. Tasmania’sThree Capes Trackin Australia’s far south-east is the last slice of southern land before you reach Antarctica.

It is obvious that you are in a remote area as you travel along the stunning coastline of clifftops on the Four-Day Three Capes Track. Only the waves below disturb the peaceful silence. The track can be tackled independently or with an expert guide, who will offer a deeper knowledge of the unique landscape.

Tasmania’s weather can change quickly, so it is important to be prepared for both wet and cold. TheCape to Cape Trackoffers an exhilarating mix of coastal cliffs, cave networks, breezy forests and sandy beaches. The 123-kilometre (76-mile) track begins at Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse within the stunningLeeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.

Enjoy the turquoise waters and white sand beaches while walking on Maria Island or hike the best of the Larapinta Trail from Alice Springs to Mount Sonder. The vast landscape of Australia is diverse, ranging from desert to tropical rainforest to alpine mountains to endless coastline. Hiking is the best way to see these landscapes. However, you will need the right gear and food to make it possible. Despite being in the Outback’s dry and desolate Outback region, South Australia’s iconic mountain range offers excellent bushwalking opportunities. Many of these are within national and conservation parks.

You’ll also see ancient Aboriginal rock art, take a refreshing dip in natural waterholes and enjoy the unique beauty of the region. Flora and fauna While many hikers tackle this trail on their own, you can also enlist the help of expert guides. The Jatbula Trail is rated medium to difficult and is recommended for those who have had some bushwalking experience. The Larapinta Trail offers a stunning view of the stark outback scenery. This multi-day hike begins at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station. It weaves west to the stunning beauty of Simpson’s Gap and Ormiston Gorge.

Driving on private roads shouldn’t be an issue as most of Australia’s bushwalking trails and hiking trails are within or near national parks. They are not that well known, but still a great way to experience the Flinders Ranges. The large vast open areas of Australia make it a prime hiking destination, or bushwalking as its known locally. Hardy trekkers will explore remote gorges, waterfalls and escarpments, experience a sunset cruise on the Yellow Water billabong (home to a variety of wildlife!) Enjoy a relaxing soak at Gunlom Falls. The beauty of combining activity with culture allows hikers to delve deep into 40,000 years of Aboriginal cultural heritage with the expertise of knowledgeable wilderness guides.

The trail’s rich rock art sites are a testament to its continuing importance to Jawoyn traditional owners. It is also easy to hike for beginners because it takes only a few days and is flat. These two ski resorts are home to the 10 highest peaks of the Australian mainland. It’s possible to climb all of them in four days during summer. Shorter options range from a 400-metre boardwalk offering expansive views over the rooftop of Australia, to all-day walks through meadows filled with summer flowers and crossed by burbling mountain streams. This gorgeous trail follows a series of waterholes along an old Jawoyn songline on the southern edge of the Arnhem Land escarpment. Because the days are short, and the skies are clear throughout the dry season (the dry season), there is plenty of time for a swim at the end each day.

• It begins in Flinders Chase National Park, and weaves through Cape Bouguer Wilderness Protection Area and Kelly Hill Conservation Park.
• Many curious creatures can be found in the fern-filled forests and turquoise waters of Australia’s southernmost point. But you should visit before school holidays so you can avoid the crowds.
• The entire area is also a haven for indigenous wildlife including platypus, wombats, and, of course, Tasmanian devils.
• Many of the best bushwalks in Australia weave through World Heritage-listed wilderness areas.

In New South Wales hikers regularly climb Australia’s highest peak, the modest Mt Kosciuszko . Further south, the bushwalking favorite of Victoria is the link between the stunning ridgelines at Mt Feathertop and Razorback. It can be done either as a single day walk or linked into an extended multi-day walk. West of Alice Springs in Central Australia is the West MacDonnell Ranges, a series of spectacular mountains poking out of the desert landscape like the exposed spine of a fossilised dinosaur. This 223km Larapinta Trail is one of Australia’s most beautiful walks. It links razor-sharp ridges, dry riverbeds lined by gnarled gums, spectacular chasms and hidden oases of water and ferns – remnants of wetter epochs – all the way west to Mt Sonder.

A few days of alpine hiking can get budding mountaineers to the top of Australia’s highest peak in less time than a day. Highlights include Mount Ossa (5305 feet) which is the highest peak in Tasmania, and exploring Lake St. Clair. The entire area is also a haven for indigenous wildlife including platypus, wombats, and, of course, Tasmanian devils.

Wineglass Bay, a beautiful sandy crescent-shaped beach that has beautiful blue waters, is the main attraction of Freycinet National Park. Hiking through the park, you’ll get to take in the remarkable views of the Bay, along with Great Oyster Bay, Hazards Beach and the surrounding coastal woodland. The walk comes in at just over 11km, with an estimated time of 4-5 hours and a few bursts of steep inclines. This five-day, 61-kilometer track is one of the best multi day hikes in Australia.