The 26 best hikes in Australia

Start: Ormiston Gorge Visitor Centre, Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park, NT
How far: 9km loop
How long: 3 to 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate

Tackling the Larapinta Trail? The Ormiston Pound Walk is an absolute must-do side quest – and one of the best day trips from Alice Springs. You’ll loop around the massive 46.5sqkm natural amphitheatre, traversing ancient red ridges and sandy creek beds, with a potential swim through deep water after rainfall. We recommend walking anti-clockwise to easily follow the trail markers, and packing swimmers for a post-hike dip at the main waterhole near the Ormiston Gorge Visitor Centre.

Start: Alice Springs Telegraph Station, NT
Distance: 231km
Duration: ~16-20 days
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

This one's not for the faint-hearted. Winding through the red desert rocks and valleys in the heart of the Northern Territory, the Larapinta is achingly beautiful – but also achingly challenging. People are drawn to this multi-day trek in Central Australia for its incredible colours,  sacred beauty, ancient landscape and Indigenous history that has to be seen to be believed. You can choose to walk the whole thing, or dip in for segments – whether that be for one day or several nights.

Start: Kings Canyon car park, Watarrka National Park, NT
Distance: 6km loop
Duration: 3-4 hrs
Difficulty: Moderate (hard start)

Kings Canyon is one of the most special places on Earth, and when you're walking around the shockingly crimson rim of this spellbinding desert oasis, you'll agree. Sheer and immense rock faces that are coloured a deep red surround you in this ancient moonscape-like place. You'll walk past plants that have seen dinosaurs, gaze at the huge, rainbow stretches of the desert, and see the Garden of Eden, a secret, sacred waterhole and self-sustaining fertile ecosystem in the heart of the desert.

Start: Nitmiluk Centre, Katherine region, NT
Distance: 62km one-way
Duration: 5-6 days
Difficulty: Moderate to hard

From start (Nitmiluk Gorge) to finish (Leliyn/Edith Falls), this hike has it all: cascading waterfalls, sandstone escarpments and monsoon forests. The Jatbula Trail along the western edge of the Arnhem Land plateau has long been walked by the Jawoyn people, and now it is open to a select number of people (15 a day) during the walking season (June to September). The trail starts at 17 Mile Creek, which can be reached by ferry from Nitmiluk Gorge. The scenic cruise sets the tone for the rest of the picturesque adventure. Expect to see ancient rock art, native red-tailed black cockatoos and crystal-clear waterholes. 

Start: At the end of Lagoon Road, Lord Howe Island, NSW
How far: 14km return
How long: 8 hrs
Difficulty: Hard

Rising high into the clouds at 875m above sea level, Mount Gower is Lord Howe’s tallest mountain – and conquering it is a true badge of honour. The 14km, eight-hour return trek is widely regarded as one of Australia’s best day hikes, but it can only be done with a licensed guide. Be warned: the walk is challenging. Expect rope-assisted climbs, bush-bashing through dense forest and a lot of mountain goat action. Along the way, you’ll spot some of the island’s rarest flora and fauna, including the beloved woodhen. At the summit, surrounded by misty cloud forest, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views stretching across the entire island and all the way to Ball’s Pyramid.

Start: Wilson Park, Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains, NSW
Distance: 19km one-way
Duration: 2 days, 1 night
Difficulty: Moderate

Located on Gundungurra Country, this 19km overnight walk takes hikers along a route that wasn't previously safely accessible to the public. Winding along the escarpment from Wentworth Falls to Katoomba, the route takes in views over the Jamison Valley towards Mount Solitary, with elevated views of the Three Sisters, the Wentworth Falls and Katoomba Cascades, and unique access to hand-built historic and restored sandstone tracks and lookouts. Start with the 11km stretch from Wentworth Falls to Gordon Falls, refuel and rest in the historic village of Leura, then put your hiking boots back on and hike out the final 8km.

Start: At the top of the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift in Thredbo or at the end of Kosciuszko Road at Charlotte Pass, NSW
Distance: 13km return
Duration: 4-5 hrs
Difficulty: Moderate

Measuring 2,228m above sea level, Mount Kosciuszko is the tallest mountain in Australia, and it’s a perfect spot for avid walkers looking for a weekend adventure. The walk to the summit and back from Thredbo takes around four to five hours – a 13km climb that’s easily smashed out in an afternoon if you’ve stocked up on enough snacks. If you’re keen for a longer hike, you can walk all the way from Charlotte Pass – an 18.6km route that takes between six and eight hours to complete. As with most mountains, the main attraction here is the natural beauty – with far-reaching views taking in the spectacular Snowy Mountains region. The area is also a great place for spotting some of Australia’s magnificent creatures in the wild, including threatened species like mountain pygmy-possums and alpine skinks.

Start: Wattamolla Picnic Area, Royal National Park, NSW
Distance: 7.4km return
Duration: 3.5 hrs
Difficulty: Easy

The ridiculously picturesque lagoon, falls and beach at Wattamolla are a pretty big drawcard, as far as the Royal National Park’s natural wonders are concerned. But it also marks the start of a great stretch of the Royal Coast Track that takes you along coastal cliffs, through beautiful salt-blasted heaths and denser bush. You'll emerge at one of the park’s most striking lookouts: Eagle Rock and the neighbouring Curracurrong Falls. Look out for native wildflowers along this hike, such as the ruby-red trumpeted blooms of the prickly fuchsia heath.

Start: Northern end of Spit Bridge, Sydney, NSW
Distance: 10km one-way
Duration: 3-4 hrs
Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Love walking, discovering secret beaches and have a free day in Sydney? Hit up the Spit to Manly walk on the city's gorgeous Northern Beaches. A moderate day walk that you can choose to do as much (or as little) of as you'd like, this hike winds through green coastal rainforests, past ancient Indigenous rock carvings and onto four secret beaches – so make sure you pack your swimmers. Plus, you can reward yourself with some seriously delicious food along the way. 

Start: Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, TAS
Distance: 65km
Duration: 6 days, 5 nights
Difficulty: Hard

If your legs and glutes are crying out for a challenge, appease them by tackling the Overland Track in Tasmania. Book ahead and pack your camping gear for this renowned 65km, six-day trek from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair, which will take you through valleys, meadows, up mountains, and past hidden glacial lakes and waterfalls. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime kind of journey, and by far one of the best things to do in Cradle Mountain.

Start: Port Arthur Historic Site, TAS
Distance: 48km
Duration: 4 days and 3 nights
Difficulty: Moderate

Tasmania’s Three Capes Track is the ultimate introduction to multi-day hiking in Australia, bridging the gap between raw wilderness, comfort and accessibility. The four-day adventure starts at Port Arthur Historic Site, where you’ll board a scenic cruise to Denmans Cove. From there, you’ll navigate a 48km trail of stone steps and timber boardwalks that eventually guide you to the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest sea cliffs, which rise some 300m above the ocean. The best part of the Three Capes Track is that both solo walkers sleeping in the national park's communal cabins and guided guests staying in private lodges can ditch the heavy gear. Just make sure to book through the official Three Capes Track website. 

Start: Freycinet National Park car park, Coles Bay, TAS
Distance: 11km loop
Duration: 4–5 hrs
Difficulty: Moderate

If you’re looking for the most scenic view in all of Tasmania, this 11-kilometre loop is where you’ll find it. The trek starts with a sweat-inducing climb up to the Wineglass Bay lookout, where that perfect arc of white sand and electric-blue water looks like a postcard brought to life. You'll then hike down to the bay for a dip in the crystal-clear waters before crossing the flat, wallaby-speckled Isthmus over to Hazards Beach.

Start: At the end of Hartz Road, Geeveston, TAS
Distance: 7.4km return
Duration: 3–5 hrs
Difficulty: Moderate to hard

One of Tasmania’s 60 Best Short Walks is the Hartz Peak summit hike, just a 1.5-hour drive from Hobart. Located in the Hartz Mountains National Park, this hike is best tackled on a clear day to give you optimum views once you reach the top of this majestic dolerite peak. You’ll climb about 400m in elevation, passing through alpine terrain carved by glaciers, and though most of the trail is well-made boardwalk, there’s a degree of rock scrambling at the end to reach the peak. Worth it though: you’ll be gifted an unforgettable panorama of Hartz Lake, Federation Peak and Precipitous Bluff. Take a jacket, as the weather up here can be wildly different to the weather 1,254m below.

Start: Spicers Hidden Peaks, Scenic Rim, QLD
Distance: 60km
Duration: 4 days, 3 nights
Difficulty: Moderate to hard

If the name didn’t already give it away, the Scenic Rim is truly a spectacular sight. Shaped by ancient volcanic activity and home to the World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest, this region is brimming with natural beauty. You can take in the sights and sounds on the 60km Scenic Rim Trail. The signature four-day trek will see you scale the Mistake Mountain Range, descend rocky boulders and head deep into the lush, misty rainforest. Spicers run exclusive guided walks, including all meals and accommodation in their dreamy treehouse-style cabins.

Start: Ramsay Bay, Hinchinbrook Island, QLD (take a boat transfer from Cardwell or Lucinda)
How far: 32km one-way
How long: 4 days, 3 nights
Difficulty: Challenging

Every year, only 7,000 visitors head to Hinchinbrook Island – the largest island national park on the Great Barrier Reef – for the 32km Thorsborne Trail. As the island's crowning jewel, this challenging yet spectacular wilderness trek permits just 12 walkers to depart each day. Experienced hikers can opt to walk the trail independently, carrying their own tent, sleeping bag, food and fuel stoves. Alternatively, a newly launched experience by World Expeditions offers a fully guided journey including all meals, camping equipment and transfers from Townsville.

Start: Dilli Village or Happy Valley, K'gari
Distance: 90km
Duration: 6-8 days
Difficulty: Moderate to hard

K'gari is a very special place. The world's largest sand island, this astoundingly beautiful place off the Queensland coast is full of all kinds of magic. The K'gari Great Walk is a spectacular multi-day hike that you can choose to tackle in sections if overnight hiking ain't your thing. Walk along sugar-white sand beaches, swim in the crystal-clear lake (but not the sea; it's not the safest), and explore the green serenity of the island. Watch out for dingos, and if you're doing it alone, make sure you're prepared.

Start: Fullertons Road car park, Glass House Mountains, QLD
Distance: 2.8km return
Duration: 1.5 hrs
Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Hiking the Glass House Mountains – picturesque Sunshine Coast volcanic plugs – is a must-do for bushwalkers, but the choice of which mountain to hike up is important. First-timers or those a little unfit would be advised to try Mount Ngungun – it's a moderately easy hour or so walk to the top. You get fabulous views of the other mountains, especially Mount Coonowrin and Mount Beerwah, which are lined up from here. By the time you get back to your car, you may still feel like another easy walk. Luckily, there are lots nearby, so try Wild Horse Mountain (700m up a fully concreted path for more great views) or do the circuit walk around the base of Mount Tibrogargan (3km through forests with mountain views) to fill your day. Those who are more capable could set their sights higher and go up Mount Tibrogargan or Mount Beerwah. 

Start: Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, Dunsborough, WA
Distance: 130km
Duration: 5-7 days
Difficulty: Moderate

For new and old hikers alike, the Cape to Cape is a spectacular walking odyssey that is bound to (at some point) take your breath away. You can do this walk in small segments in a day-walk kinda way (there are several shorter, accessible paved walking tracks available), or you can go for the full week-long walking challenge. You can do this self-guided or with a guided company, like Walk Into Luxury. You'll hike in tune with nature on this intimate and stunning walk on the rugged Western Australian coastline. Expect wild cliffs, remote beaches and sheltered woodlands, all in one. 

Start: Kalamunda (Northern Terminus) or Albany (Southern Terminus), WA
How far: 1,003km end-to-end
How long: 6–8 weeks
Difficulty: Moderate to hard

The legendary Bibbulmun Track spans more than 1,000km from the Perth Hills to Albany, attracting more than 300,000 walkers each year. Only a hundred or so hardcore hikers choose to trek the entire six-to-eight-week journey, with most opting for a smaller distance. But you don't have to go for a long time to have a good time, as there are a variety of short – in comparison, that is – day walks. A great place to start is the Camel Farm to Hewett’s Hill section in the Perth Hills. The trail is bursting with wildlife, making it ideal for those with a taste for birdwatching. Try to time your walk during the wildflower season from August to November.

Start: Jarrahdale Cemetery car park or Serpentine Falls Car Park, Serpentine National Park, WA
Distance: 17km return
Duration: 3–4 hrs
Difficulty: Moderate

Kitty’s Gorge Trail traces the Serpentine River and Gooralong Brook, with remarkable granite outcrops and waterfall views. The trail has loose sections, short steep hills, uneven ground and steps – lots of them, so it does require a degree of fitness. There are two access points: one is from the car park opposite the cemetery in Jarrahdale, and the other is from the Serpentine National Park Falls car park. The Serpentine Falls gates are open between 8.30am and 5pm, so be sure to allow enough time to get back to your car before they close. 

Start: Bluff Knoll Car Park, Stirling Range National Park, WA
Distance: 6.8km return
Duration: 3–4 hrs
Difficulty: Moderate to hard

Bluff Knoll is located in the southwest region and is the most popular trail in the Stirling Range National Park. The trail is well signed and takes you 1,098m above sea level for simply spectacular views at the top of Bluff Knoll. You’ll start from the southern end of the Bluff Knoll car park, where the trail drops down to a creek before venturing across a mountain offering amazing views over the ridge to the south coast. The trail turns left to follow the ridge to the summit, and you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with the 360-degree countryside views. The lower slopes are covered with eucalypt, banksia and grass trees, and more than 1,000 species of flowering plants, including mountain bells and the queen of sheba orchid. There is a $15 entry fee to enter the Stirling Range National Park. 

Start: Halls Gap car park (for the full loop) or Sundial Car Park (for the shorter route), The Grampians, VIC
How far: 4.2km loop (from Wonderland Car Park) or 2.1km return (from Sundial Car Park)
How long: 2 to 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to hard

There’s a reason the Grampians bring bushwalkers back time and time again. Rough and rocky at first glance, it surprises visitors with hidden waterfalls, hollow mountains and incredible natural amphitheatres. The walk towards The Pinnacle starts at the Sundial car park where hikers can climb through fun geological terrain towards a big lump of rock overlooking Fyans Valley. If you’d like to test your fitness, there’s also a harder climb to the same destination that starts at the Wonderland car park.

Start: Princetown, Great Ocean Road, VIC
Distance: 44km
Duration: 4 days, 3 nights
Difficulty: Moderate

Wild, sea-swept and magnificent, this walk is arguably one of the most beautiful things to do in Victoria. Part of the Great Ocean Walk, a 104km trail that winds along its famous road counterpart, the Twelve Apostles is the final stretch – and possibly the prettiest. Walk through cool climate rainforest and along remote beaches, and end at the astounding natural wonders of the Twelve Apostles. You can choose to do the Signature Twelve Apostles trek with a guided group from September to May, or on your own – but you should be making that decision based on your fitness and hiking experience first.

Start: Cape Schanck car park or Boneo Road car park, Mornington Peninsula, VIC
Distance: 2.7km one-way
Duration: 45 mins
Difficulty: Easy to moderate

This coastal clifftop walk in Mornington Peninsula National Park boasts picturesque vistas over the Bass Strait. To begin, set off from the Cape Schanck car park through sandy outcrops, adjacent farmland and banksia forest. Keep an eye out for whales, chatty birds and maybe the occasional kangaroo as it makes its way across the grassy clearings. Top it off with a dip in the cool waves at the trail’s namesake beach. 

Start: Waterfall Gully car park, Adelaide, SA
Distance: 7.8km return
Duration: 2.5 hrs 
Difficulty: Hard

Saying you’ve conquered the Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty summit is kind of an Adelaidean rite of passage. The path on this walk is sealed, but don’t let that trick you into thinking you're in for an easy ride. The very steep hike will have you breaking a sweat, but the views at the top are worth it. To sweeten the deal, there’s also food and drink available at The Summit Café. It's not the city’s most popular hike for nothing. 

Start: Dalsetta car park, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, ACT
Distance: 8.2km return
Duration: 3-4 hrs
Difficulty: Moderate

This neat hike, coming in at just over 8km, is one of Canberra’s gems, and the car park goes to show it. Arrive early to secure your spot. Make sure you have your eyes peeled at the start of the trail, where you need to turn left towards the brown signpost for Gibraltar Peak. When you arrive at the top with extensive panoramas, it'll be pretty easy to see why the walk is so acclaimed.