Australians are absolutely spoiled for choice when it comes to beautiful walks. And thanks to social media, we’re stumbling upon hidden gems and swooning over jaw-dropping views before we even lace up our boots.
Ironically, fresh data from AllTrails reveals that more than half of Gen Z (51 per cent) are swapping scrolling for strolling, turning to hiking to combat 'feed fatigue' – the weariness that comes from doomscrolling. To inspire Aussies to get off their phones and into the great outdoors, the global hiking app has compiled a list of the ten most scenic hikes in Australia. The list was determined by member feedback, drawing from trail reviews and the number of photos submitted – since let's be honest, the prettier the trail, the more pics we take.
Taking the crown as the most beautiful hike in Australia right now is the breathtaking 19-kilometre Grand Cliff Top Walk in NSW’s Blue Mountains. Having opened in March 2024, this next-level, two-day walk has already become the country’s top-trending trail of the year. The trek winds along a spectacular cliff-edge track from Wentworth Falls to Gordon Falls to Katoomba, offering elevated views of the Three Sisters and Jamison Valley along the way. It's on our bucket list, and it should be on yours too!
Coming in second is Sydney’s iconic Manly Beach to The Rocks trail, a gorgeous 27.7-kilometre point-to-point walk that shows off the beauty of the harbour and city, passing many famous landmarks along the way. Two more Sydney coastal stunners also cracked the top ten, including the ten-kilometre Manly to Spit Bridge Coastal Walk in fourth place and the ever-iconic Bondi to Coogee Walk in sixth.
Along with the world-famous walks, the list also featured more hidden gems, including the 12.4-kilometre Warrie Circuit in the Gold Coast Hinterland. Ranked as Australia’s third-most scenic hike by AllTrails, this lush rainforest trail winds past cascading waterfalls and a natural bridge, with plenty of creeks and pools where you can stop for a refreshing swim along the way.
Wherever you’re travelling in Australia, chances are you’re only a drive away from a spectacular hike. AllTrails’ other top picks include the Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk in Victoria’s Pentland Hills (ranked fifth), the Cradle Mountain Summit Hike in Tasmania (seventh) and Perth’s Whistlepipe Gully and Lesmurdie Falls Loop (tenth). Check out the full list below. You can see the full list below.
These are the 10 most scenic hikes in Australia
- Grand Canyon Track, Blue Mountains, NSW
- Manly to The Rocks, Sydney, NSW
- Warrie Circuit, Springbrook, QLD
- Spit Bridge to Manly Walk, Sydney, NSW
- Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk, Pentland Hills, VIC
- Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach Walk, Sydney, NSW
- Cradle Mountain Summit Hike, Cradle Mountain, TAS
- Halls Gap to The Pinnacle Loop, Halls Gap, VIC
- Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach, Freycinet, TAS
- Whistlepipe Gully and Lesmurdie Falls Loop, Perth, WA