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The weather might be cooling down, but Australia’s love for hiking is seriously heating up. According to AllTrails, winter is officially peak trekking season, with Aussies recording their highest number of navigations during the cooler months. So, where’s everyone walking? The hike-mapping app has analysed the data and revealed the top ten most popular hikes in Australia this winter. See you on the tracks…
1. Grand Canyon Track, Blue Mountains, NSW
Australia’s most popular winter hike also claimed the crown as our nation’s favourite hike of 2024. This 6.3-kilometre circuit takes hikers on a magical journey through the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park, passing gently cascading waterfalls, giant ferns and moss-covered rocky overhangs that look straight out of a fairy tale.
2. Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk, Pentland Hills, VIC
This 7.6-kilometre loop features a hiking trifecta: gorgeous views, rock scrambling and, for the brave, a post-hike swimming hole. Our favourite photo spot is the Eastern Lookout at the gorge, which offers panoramic views of the park’s coolest natural wonders.
3. Yarra Bend Park Loop, Melbourne, VIC
Just a short drive from Melbourne’s CBD, this relaxed 9.2-kilometre track on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people weaves through the city’s largest natural bushland park. Look out for rainbow lorikeets, red-rumped parrots, yellow-tailed black cockatoos and possums.
4. Whistlepipe Gully and Lesmurdie Falls Loop, Perth, WA
You’ll need around two hours to conquer this mostly easygoing hiking route in Western Australia’s popular Mundy Regional Park. The circuit combines Whistlepipe Gully and Lesmurdie Falls in a nice, approachable package to suit most fitness levels, and yes, dogs are welcome too.
5. Spit Bridge to Manly Walk, Sydney, NSW
This gorgeous coastal trail hugs the northern edge of Sydney Harbour for ten beautiful kilometres. Though it’s a popular summer hike (the route takes you to some of Sydney’s most stunning harbour beaches), it’s almost as popular in winter, with plenty of cafés to refuel in Manly.
6. Mount Lofty Loop, Wonga Park, VIC
This five-kilometre mountain climb has a lot going for it – there are plenty of uphills to get the blood pumping, but you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Yarra Valley stretching all the way to the Dandenong Ranges.
7. Enoggera Reservoir Circuit, Brisbane, QLD
Just a 20-minute drive from Brisbane’s CBD, this 10.9-kilometre lakeside loop is the most popular winter hike in Queensland. While it’s quite hilly, the track is broken up into three sections for you to tackle at your own pace.
8. Pages Pinnacle, Numinbah Valley, QLD
Winter is prime time to take on this six-kilometre out-and-back trail as you’ll dodge the sweltering summer heat. While it’s relatively steep, hikers will be rewarded with spectacular views overlooking Hinze Dam and the Gold Coast from the summit.
9. Lyrebird Walk, Neuman, Paddy and Coles Ridge Loop, Melbourne, VIC
Hidden in the Dandenong Ranges, this 6.6-kilometre loop offers a chance to spot the trail's namesake bird. Locals recommend walking anticlockwise to make it a little less strenuous.
10. Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach Walk, Sydney, NSW
Another Sydney classic is the six-kilometre Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, which is easily accessible from the CBD and takes in some of Sydney’s most famous beaches. A winter swim is optional, but highly recommended.