Hiking in Australia – everything you need to know from popular trails to hiking gear

Posted on September 10, 2024 | Last Updated on November 14, 2024

There are many Australian hiking trails that offer a variety of diverse landscapes to explore, from rocky terrains to walking along flat coastal trails, there are endless amounts of trails to go hiking in Australia, whether this be solo hiking or taking part in hiking tours.

In this article we will outline some of the best Australian hikes to undertake while on your Working Holiday Visa, ranging from multi-day hikes to shorter one-day hikes to suit all levels of fitness for those interested in hiking in Australia.

Hiking, also known as bushwalking, is very popular in Australia. Many people take hiking holidays to Australia, others are locals who may be interested in a hike to take in the scenery on a bright day. Overall, there are many hiking challenges in Australia to undertake.

Check out our top choices on the best places to take on a great Australian hike.

15 Australian hiking trails to add to your list

Kings Canyon Rim Walk, Northern Territory

There are many ways to view the famous Kings Canyon located in Watarrka National Park, and one of the unique ways is through a six-kilometre hike to the top of the Kings Canyon. This is one of the country’s most famous day hikes and it is considered to be moderately difficult.

The walk generally takes three-four hours to complete, depending on how long you choose to stop to take in the panoramic views of the sandstone cliffs of Kings Canyon. With various lookout points such as Princes Point and Cotterill’s Lookout along the Kings Canyon Rim Walk, be sure to bring your camera!

This walk can be challenging, especially during hot weather, so it is advised to start early in the morning and bring plenty of water along to keep hydrated.

Cape to Cape Track, Margaret River, Western Australia

The Cape to Cape Track is a popular hiking trail to add to your list if you are interested in hiking in Western Australia. It is known as one of the best coastal hikes, stretching approximately 135-kilometres along the beautiful coastline of the Margaret River region.

This hiking trail runs between the lighthouses at Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. If you are planning on undertaking the whole hike it will take approximately five to seven days to complete.

Some highlights throughout the Cape to Cape Track include views of pristine beaches and spectacular coastal scenery. You may also get to view coastal rock formations, such as the famous Sugarloaf Rock.

Larapinta Trail, Northern Territory

The 223-kilometre long Larapinta Trail runs along the West MacDonnell Ranges, and it is another opportunity for long distance hiking in Australia. If you are looking to experience an outback, remote hike, then this trail is for you.

To complete the entire track it will take approximately 14 days. There are also options to tackle the trail in 12 different sections for less-experienced hikers. Each section varies in difficulty and length so you can choose the one that suits you best. It is possible to enter or leave the trail at any of the trailheads, which are easily accessed.

Throughout this trail you will get the opportunity to see some key attractions, including Standley Chasm, Simpsons Gap, Ormiston Gorge, and Ellery Creek Big Hole which is a popular spot for swimming to cool down along the route.

Overall, this unique trail will truly be one to remember as you get to take in the beautiful landscape of the Australian outback.

Three Capes Track, Tasmania

Known as one of the top things to do in Tasmania, is the Three Capes Track. At a total distance of 48 kilometres the hike will take approximately four days to complete. To reach the trailhead you will have to take a boat from Port Arthur.

On this hike you can enjoy breathtaking views of the coast, along with the track also taking you through forests. As the name suggests, the track is named after the three capes in the area, Cape Raoul, Cape Pillar and Cape Hauy.

And I’m sure you are wondering about accommodation over the duration of the multi-day hike. There are also purpose-built eco-friendly cabins along the hike.

Heysen Trail, South Australia

Are you interested in hiking trails in South Australia? Do you want to undertake Australia’s longest dedicated hiking track? Then, head to Heysen Trail.

If you want to take on the entire hike, at a distance of 1,200 kilometres it will take approximately 60 days in total to complete. However, it is very common for many people to do this hike in sections.

This trail starts at Cape Jervis and ends at Parachilna Gorge, Flinders Ranges. The trail showcases a range of the most scenic parts of South Australia as it showcases diverse landscapes, including coastal areas, forests and vineyards. Along with a popular tourist destination, Barossa Valley, known for its renowned wineries.

There are many accommodation options to choose from when completing the Heysen Trail. Some options include campsites, huts, caravan parks, hotels and bed & breakfasts.

It is also important to note that parts of this trail are closed from December to April due to the risk of bushfires.

Great Ocean Walk, Victoria

If you would like to go hiking in Victoria to take in the beautiful coastal scenery, the Great Ocean Walk provides the perfect opportunity. It is known as one of the best hiking spots in Victoria. This stunning coastal trail is approximately 110 kilometres and offers a diverse hiking experience over approximately seven to eight days.
On this trail, enjoy stunning scenery, including beaches, rainforests, and coastal towns.

And that is not all!

This trail has a lot to offer as you will encounter various famous landmarks such as the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and the Gibson Steps.

There are many accommodation options that can be accessed by the Great Ocean Road.

Kosciuszko Walk, New South Wales

This trail takes you to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest mountain at 2,228 metres high. For people who aren’t experienced hikers, good news, you can experience the panoramic views from the highest peak with less than a six-hour hike!

Enjoy the view of the snowy mountains as you take the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift to the beginning of the trail. The Chairlift operates from 9am to 4.30pm and it takes 15 minutes.

From there, the walk is approximately 13 kilometres long with countless picturesque views to take in along the way. Throughout this walk, you can expect to see crystal-clear streams, wildlife such as kangaroos and wallabies, and colourful wildflowers during the Summer.

From June to October the track tends to be covered in snow, so it is best to put this hike on your list for a summer day trip.

Bibbulmun Track, Perth

If you are an experienced hiker seeking to go hiking in Perth, Australia, one of the long distance hiking trails you could undertake is Bibbulmun Track.

This trail is one of the world’s longest walking trails, stretching almost 1,000 kilometres it provides a true hiking challenge. The hike runs from Kalamunda in the Perth Hills, to Albany located on the south coast, and is known as one of the best hiking spots in Perth.

It is also possible to undertake sections of this trail if you do not want to endure the 1,000 kilometre walk. There are many sections of the hike near Perth that offer opportunities to take in panoramic views. One of these spots that is popular is the trail from Kalamunda to Hewett’s Hill which is approximately 10 kilometres each way.

If you are travelling to Australia to take on the challenge of Bibbulmun Track during your working holiday – apply for your Australian Working Holiday Visa.

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, Sydney

If you’re visiting or living in Sydney and want to experience one of the best hiking spots in Sydney, you should try out the Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach Walk. This is a very popular track for walking in Australia amongst people living in Sydney and tourists alike, and it is suitable for all fitness levels.

The trail takes you along the eastern coastline of Sydney and offers an abundance of amazing scenery to take in along the way. This trail goes through several beaches, including Bondi Beach, Tamarama Beach, Bronte Beach, Clovelly Beach, and finishes at Coogee Beach.

It is approximately six-kilometres each way and takes less than three hours to complete.
On the route there are many places to stop off to relax and refresh with a bite to eat in many of the great cafes along the way.

If you are adding this trail to your list, you don’t need to worry about it being closed at particular points of the year as it is open all year round.

Capital City Trail, Melbourne

Known as one of the best hiking spots in Melbourne at 30-kilometres long is the Capital City Trail. This trail is easily accessed through the city centre as it begins near Princes Bridge.

The majority of the trail is on a flat surface, making it suitable for various fitness levels.

Throughout this walk, there are many noteworthy views and attractions to see along the way.
Firstly, you can enjoy a view of the Yarra River as the trail follows close to it. The trail also passes through the Royal Botanic Gardens, providing the opportunity to stop and relax for a break amongst nature.

The trail also runs through the Docklands allowing you to take in views of the harbour, perhaps while you stop to dine in one of the many restaurants in this area.

This trail is open all year round and it provides the perfect opportunity to discover more of Melbourne.

Bicentennial National Trail, Queensland

If you are looking for Queensland hiking trails and you are a very experienced hiker, then you might want to challenge yourself to conquer one of the longest hiking trails in Australia.

This trail is 5,330-kilometres in length and it stretches from Cooktown in Queensland, through New South Wales, and finishes in Healesville, Victoria.

Throughout this trail, you will access some of Australia’s wildest countryside with beautiful scenery along with unique flora and fauna.

The trail has a diverse route with a range of different landscapes from mountain ridges to forests and coastal areas.

Uluru Base Walk, Northern Territory

The Uluru Base Walk is a popular trail located in the southern part of the Northern Territory. It is a 10 kilometre trail and it takes approximately three to four hours to complete.
It provides the perfect chance to experience the landmark of Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock.

The sacred rock has great cultural significance to the local Anangu people with various signposts sharing fascinating information to learn more about its cultural significance.

And if you are interested in learning more about this iconic landmark, there are Uluru hiking tours available.

On this walk, you will get to experience the beauty of Uluru up close as the walk circulates around it.

Wildlife is another highlight of the Uluru Base Walk as the area is home to many diverse animal species. Native birds are just some of the wildlife you might meet along the way.

The Overland Track, Tasmania

This 65-kilometre, six day hike attracts walkers from all across the globe as it is renowned as one of the world’s greatest hikes and offers a true wilderness walk.

The trail begins at Cradle Mountain and ends at Lake St. Clair, Australia’s deepest lake. The hike is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

Although it is a challenging hike and it is certainly only suitable for experienced hikers, this trail has so much to offer.

Throughout this hike you will have up-close encounters with native wildlife. You can also expect glorious views of Mount Ossa, Tasmania’s highest peak. There is also an option to summit Mount Ossa on a side trail from the Overland Track.

There are options to take guided tours of this walk, or self-guided tours if you would like to complete the trail and take in its beauty at your own pace.

There are many camping areas and private huts along the track for accommodation.

K’gari (Fraser Island) Great Walk, Queensland

The K’gari Great Walk, also known as the Fraser Island Great Walk, is approximately 90 kilometres long and it usually takes six-eight days to complete. Some say it offers the best hiking in Queensland, along with a great opportunity to explore Fraser Island, which is the largest sand island in the world.

There are also parts of this hike that you can do for a shorter one-day hiking adventure, which vary in length from 12 to 25 kilometres.

On this hike you can expect to see ever-changing landscapes, from rainforests to dunes, it will be an adventure to remember.

There are camping areas located throughout the trail to rest and recuperate.

Grand Canyon Track, Blue Mountains, New South Wales

The Grand Canyon Track is located in the Blackheath area in the Blue Mountains. It is another place to go hiking in Sydney, Australia.

This trail is one of the best hikes in the Blue Mountains. It consists of a 6.3 kilometre loop which is described as a challenging hike.

On this trail, you can expect to see a series of waterfalls along with spectacular views. This includes views of the World Heritage landscapes, as the Blue Mountains region is part of the World Heritage list for its cultural significance.

A key feature of this trail is the stunning views you can enjoy of the Grose Valley from Evans Lookout, so be sure to bring your camera!

The trail takes you through unique rainforest terrain, and you will also get to see impressive rock formations, rock overhangs, and waterfalls along the trail.

It truly will be a scenic trail with various stunning views to remember.

What should people know before going on such hiking trips

Before going on your hiking trip, it is important to plan various things.

One important factor to consider is accommodation options for multi-day hikes. Many hiking trails have accommodation options that range from camping areas for a night under the stars, to private huts. It is important to consider your options and pre-book where possible.

It is also necessary to consider your transportation to the trail. If driving to the trailhead, it is important to consider parking options and rates.

It is strongly advised to double check the latest updates on the hiking trail website to ensure all parts of the trail are open. It is common during certain months of the year for parts of hiking trails to be closed due to the risk of bushfires.

You should also research if there are fees to enter the trailhead. This may be the case for particular trails, especially if they are located within a National Park.

It is essential to be organised and pack sufficiently to last you throughout the duration of your hike.

What hiking gear should people have?

I am sure you may be wondering what to wear hiking in Australia.

When packing to go on a hike, it is important to have the correct hiking gear to ensure comfort. This includes the correct footwear and clothing. It is also important to bring extra clothing layers, hats, and rain jackets.

Here are some hiking equipment and hiking accessories that are important to have for your hiking adventure:

• A map or a navigation tool
• A headlamp
• A first aid kit
• Emergency shelter
• A portable charger
• Bug spray

Aside from this, it is essential to pack plenty of water to keep you hydrated, along with snacks, and suncream. Even when going on a short hike, it is important to have a hiking daypack ready.

And to make sure you get the most out of the stunning views along the many routes that Australia has to offer, be sure to bring binoculars and a camera to capture the memories.

Tips when going on a hiking trip

Overall, our main tips to consider before you begin your hike are:

Plan ahead – check the weather, be familiar with your hiking route, and organise accommodation where possible

• Always have a light with you
• Have comfortable clothing and footwear
• Make sure you have sufficient food and water
• Pack a navigation tool, a portable charger
• Pack suncream and SPF to protect your skin
• Pack a first aid kit
• Inform someone where you are going if you are hiking solo

And lastly, enjoy the experience and the beauty that Australia’s hikes have to offer. Whether you are taking on a multi-day hike or a short day hike, there are many beautiful trails to hike in Australia with unique vistas to enjoy if you are going on a working holiday to Australia.

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