10 Best Hikes in Australia - Hiking Trails & Routes 2024
Activity
Activities
Tour
Tours
1574057398 tf 190527052434 013705.jpg?w=60&h=60&dpr=1
Best Selling Australian Attractions

Hiking in Australia

Mount Gower, Lord Howe Island, Kings Canyon Rim Walk, Northern Territory, Cape to Cape Track, Western Australia, Larapinta Trail, Northern Territory, The Maria Island Walk, Tasmania, Bay of Fires Lodge Walk, Tasmania, The Arkaba Walk, South Australia, Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk, Victoria, Wilderness Coast Walk, Victoria To NSW, Thorsborne Trail, Queensland

Hiking in Australia is a great way to explore the country and its natural beauty. There are many hiking trails available, both in the outback and in the more popular national parks of the country.  While most of the hikes in Australia are between easy to moderate difficulty levels, there are some that can be rather difficult and challenging, especially for amateur hikers. Furthermore, hiking is also ingrained into the history of Australia, with its very first inhabitants going on the “walkabout” spiritual journey. 

Perfect for beginners who wish to wander into the wilderness, as well as hardcore adventure junkies and experienced hikers, this country has thousands of walking and hiking trails in all of its corners for everyone. Some of the best hikes in Australia include longer trails like the Twelve Apostles Lodgewalk and the Wilderness Coast walk, which essentially take several days to complete. Alternatively, you can also traverse through shorter trails and hikes in Australia, such as the Mount Gower Trail and the King’s Canyon Rim Walk, wherein you can catch sights of the native flora and fauna species here, or even trace your path to the high peaks such as in the Larapinta Trail, as you head off for hiking in Australia.

Here are some of the Best Places to Hike in Australia:

Image description
Bigger Group? Get special offers upto 50% off!
We create unforgettable adventures, customised for your group.
Connect with a group tour expert
Full Name
Email
Phone number
Travel Date
Traveller Count
Message
Explore All (50)
Explore All (541)
01

Mount Gower, Lord Howe Island

  • When looking for places to enjoy hiking in Australia, head off to Mount Gower, located on the Lord Howe Island
  • Enjoy climbing this 875-metre-high mountain on this World Heritage-listed island, which lies off the northern coasts of New South Wales 
  • Indulge in a 14-kilometre hike here, which takes you through dense mist-laden forests, and offers you some of the most spectacular sights of the island’s wildlife species
  • Get a chance to witness forests of fern trees, rare orchid species as well as views of the Mount Lidgbird and Ball Pyramid during this scenic hike

Location: North Coast of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia 

Opening hours: 08:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. 

Also ReadAustralia in March
Book NowWild Life Sydney Zoo Tickets
02

Kings Canyon Rim Walk, Northern Territory

  • The Kings Canyon Rim Walk is one of the best hikes in Australia, in addition to being amongst the most famous day hikes as well
  • Located in the Watarrka National Park, around the canyon in the Red Centre, the hike is 6 kilometres long, and lasts for up to 4 hours
  • Best undertaken during sunrise, you can witness some of the most scintillating views of the sky’s changing colours, as well as animals like kangaroos, zebras as well as honeyeaters during this hike
  • In addition to climbing around 500 steps, this hike also includes stunning views of the sandstone cliffs, dome-shaped rock formations as well as the Garden of Eden and ancient cycads of the region 

Location: Watarrka National Park, Kings Canyon Access, Petermann NT 0872, Australia

Opening hours: 07:00 a.m. onwards

Also Read: Australia in Winter
Also Checkout and Book: Symbio Wildlife Park
03

Cape to Cape Track, Western Australia

  • The Cape to Cape Track, located in the southwestern corner of Western Australia, is amongst the best coastal hikes in Australia
  • This hiking trail lies around 260 kilometres south of Perth, and is 135 kilometres long, known particularly for meandering alongside surf beaches, karri tree forests as well as coastal cliffs
  • The trail passes between the lighthouses of Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin along the coast of the Margaret River, and takes around a week to complete
  • During this hike, you can also come across beautiful views of the Sugarloaf Rock, gushing waterfalls, sea cliffs, sights of whales in the sea as well as the sandy Contos Beach 

Location:
Western Australia 

Opening hours: 06:00 a.m. onwards

Also ReadMonuments in Australia
Explore All (60)
04

Larapinta Trail, Northern Territory

  • For a wonderful experience of hiking in Australia, you can also explore the Larapinta Trail, which is offbeat, unexplored and follows the steps of the very first inhabitants of the country
  • Known to offer the traditional outback adventure in the wilderness, this trail passes across the age-old desert landscapes and rugged terrains of the West MacDonnell Ranges, for a distance of 223 kilometres, and takes up to 14 days to complete
  • Beginning from the Alice Springs Telegraph Station, the Larapinta Trail passes through the Simpson’s Gap, Ormiston Gorge as well as the Stanley Chasm, among other attractions
  • Upon the completion of the hike, you get to climb the Mount Sonder, which is also the highest point of the hike, and offers 360 degree views of the entire desert region 

Location:
West MacDonnell National Park, Alice Springs NT 0870, Australia

Also ReadAustralia in June
Book Now: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
05

The Maria Island Walk, Tasmania

  • Some of the best places for hikes in Australia is the Maria Island Walk, located in the eastern fringes of Tasmania
  • Complete with a wide array of flora and fauna, and boasting of a rich history, geology as well as an abundance of stunning natural landscapes, this trail also passes through several UNESCO heritage settlement sites, quaint beaches, eucalyptus forests and more
  • Located within the Maria Island National Park, this trail is fairly easy and takes around 3 to 4 days to complete
  • While a majority of the trail is on flat terrains, you can also choose to climb the summit of Mount Maria on this hike

Location:
Maria Island TAS 7000, Australia

Opening hours: 09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. 

Also ReadZoos in Australia
06

Bay of Fires Lodge Walk, Tasmania

  • Stretching over a distance of almost 61 kilometres in length, the Bay of Fires Lodge Walk is another great place for hiking in Australia
  • Located in the north-eastern region of Tasmania, this hiking trail covers a stretch of the coastline, whilst also being flanked by the Mount William National Park on one side
  • Often known as one of the most idyllic and tranquil hikes in the region, you can also come across numerous exotic sceneries and natural landscapes as you hike along the Bay of Fires Lodge Walk
  • The hike also gives you a chance to explore the unexplored caves and white sandy beaches here, in addition to views of some of the most crystal clear waters in the region 

Location: Mt William National Park, Ansons Bay TAS 7216, Australia

Also Read: Australia Road Trip 
07

The Arkaba Walk, South Australia

  • The Arkaba Walk in the southern regions of the country is another place for some of the best hikes in Australia
  • Tucked amidst the famous Flinders Ranges, this hiking trail is a 45 kilometres long moderate hike, which takes around 3 to 4 days to complete
  • The trail also takes you through the ancient areas of southern Australia, and offers you sights of native Australian animals, such as kangaroos, emus as well as wallaroos, among others
  • During the hike, you can also enjoy camping out in the wild, and enjoy gazing at the starry night sky for a memorable experience 

Location:
Arkaba Rd, Flinders Ranges SA 5434, Australia

Opening hours: 09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. 

Also ReadVineyards in Australia
Checkout and Book: Dreamworld Gold Coast
08

Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk, Victoria

  • To enjoy hiking in Australia, you can also go to the Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk, located in Victoria
  • The trail takes you alongside the famous Great Ocean Road in the country, covering a distance of 40 kilometres through the Great Otway as well as the Port Campbell National Parks
  • During this scenic hike, you will also get a chance to explore unexplored landscapes, whilst soaking in views of the coastline that connects the Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles
  • Don’t miss out on heading to the remote beaches on this trail for some time off, and catching up close and personal encounters of native Australian animals like koalas and wallabies 

Location:
70 Stafford Rd, Johanna VIC 3238, Australia

Also ReadAustralia in March
Also Book: Artvo Gold Coast Tickets
09

Wilderness Coast Walk, Victoria To NSW

  • One of the best hikes in Australia is that of the Wilderness Coast Walk, which extends to a distance of 100 kilometres, and takes several days to complete
  • This scenic hiking trail is not for amateur hikers, and takes you from the eastern shores of the Sydenham Inlet in Croajingolong National Park, all the way to Wonboyn in the Nadgee Nature Reserve in New South Wales
  • The track starts at Mallacoota Inlet and winds its way through the coastal heathlands, rainforests and beaches of the Croajingolong National Park, and is complete with a range of different ecosystems
  • There are also plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting, with many different species of birds and animals to be seen
Location: W Wingan Rd, Wingan River VIC 3891, Australia

Opening hours: 07:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.

Also Read: Best Beaches in Australia
10

Thorsborne Trail, Queensland

  • Another one of the best places for hiking in Australia is the Thorsborne Trail, which is a 32 kilometre long hike through the rainforest of Hinchinbrook Island in Queensland
  • The trail takes 3 to 4 days to complete and is considered to be of moderate difficulty, and starts at the George Point and winds its way through dense rainforest, mangroves and eucalypt forests, before finishing at Zoe Bay
  • Along the way, hikers will be rewarded with stunning views of the island, its coastline as well as the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
  • You can also spot a myriad of wildlife species here, from wallabies and possums, to snakes, lizards, birds as well as butterflies 

Location: Queensland, Australia

Also Read: Islands in Australia

People Also Ask About Australia

  1. Where can I go hiking in Australia?

    When looking to go hiking in Australia, some of the best trails include the Larapinta Trail, Bay of Fires Lodge Walk, Scenic Rim Trail, The Arkaba Walk, Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk, and others.
  2. Is Australia good for hiking?

    Australia is great for hiking because it has a variety of terrain that can be hiked, including mountains, forests, deserts, and beaches. Additionally, the climate is temperate, so even in the winter there is usually plenty of sunlight and temperatures that are comfortable to explore the wilderness while hiking in Australia. 
  3. How many hiking trails are there in Australia?

    There are more than 3000 hiking trails in Australia. Some of the top trails for hiking in Australia include:
    • Larapinta Trail, Northern Territory
    • Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk, Victoria
    • The Maria Island Walk, Tasmania
    • Western Arthur Range Traverse, Tasmania
    • Wilderness Coast Walk, Victoria To NSW
    • Australian Alps Walking Track, Victoria/NSW/ACT
    • Thorsborne Trail, Queensland
    • Bay of Fires Lodge Walk, Tasmania
    • Cradle Mountain Huts Walk, Tasmania
    • Scenic Rim Trail, Queensland
    • The Arkaba Walk, South Australia
    • South Coast Track, Tasmania
    • Cape to Cape Track, Western Australia
    • The Heysen Trail, South Australia
    • Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, Kangaroo Island
    • Jatbula Trail, Nitmiluk National Park
    • Bibbulmun Track, Western Australia
    • Overland Track, Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park 
    • Three Capes Track, Tasmania
  4. What is the longest hike in Australia?

    The Heysen Trail is the longest trail for hiking in Australia. This trail starts from Cape Jervis and ends at the Parachilna Gorge, or vice versa, and is located in the southern part of Australia. The Heysen Trail covers a total distance of 1200 kilometres, and also passes through the scenic Barossa Valley. 
  5. What is the hardest mountain to climb in Australia?

    The Federation Peak, located in Tasmania, is the hardest mountain to climb in Australia. The climb to the summit, located at an elevation of 4,016 feet from the sea level is not only very challenging but also quite remote. 
  6. What should you carry while hiking in Australia?

    When hiking in Australia, you must carry a warm jacket, a bottle of water and dry snacks, hiking boots or shoes, torch with extra batteries, warm socks, emergency first aid kit, basic toiletries, power bank as well as a map of the trail. You can also carry a camera, along with a tent or sleeping bag, especially if you are indulging in an overnight hike. 
  7. What are the best activities and attractions in Australia that you can book via Thrillophilia?

    Following are the best activities and attractions in Australia that you can book via Thrillophilia:
    1. Melbourne River Cruise
    2. Melbourne Museum Tickets
    3. Hot Air Balloon Yarra Valley
    4. Luna Park Melbourne Tickets
    5. Hot Air Ballooning In Melbourne
    6. Melbourne Zoo Tickets
Newly Added Australia Experience

Australia Top Attractions

Places To Visit In Australia

More Australia Attractions

Madame Tussauds Sydney Blue Mountains National Park, new south wales Sydney Tower Great Ocean Road, victoria St. Mary's Cathedral, Sydney Australian Outback Spectacular Gold Coast Warner Bros. Movie World, gold coast Chinatown, melbourne Bondi Beach, sydney ArtVo Gold Coast Queen Victoria Building, Sydney Skypoint Observation Deck, gold coast Wheel Of Brisbane Taronga Zoo, sydney Susannah Place Museum, Sydney Kangaroo Island, south australia Royal Botanic Gardens, sydney Sea World Gold Coast Chapel Street, Melbourne Circular Quay, Sydney Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne Melbourne Cricket Ground Yarra Valley, Melbourne Collaroy Beach, sydney WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo Queen Street Mall, brisbane Darling Harbour, Sydney Macquarie Street, Sydney Eureka Tower Melbourne (Melbourne Skydeck) Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, hobart Luna Park Melbourne Carlton Gardens, victoria Royal National Park, Sydney Manly Beach, sydney Australian National Maritime Museum, sydney George Street, sydney Whitsundays Island, queensland Westfield Sydney Hyde Park, sydney Australia Zoo, queensland Airlie Beach, queensland Sydney Fish Market Museum Of Contemporary Art, sydney Puffing Billy Railway, melbourne Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium Healesville Sanctuary , melbourne Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, gold coast Tamborine Mountain, gold coast Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, gold coast Sydney Opera House Dreamworld Gold Coast Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast Warner Bros. Movie World, gold coast Sea World Gold Coast Sydney Harbour Bridge Coolangatta Beach, gold coast Tamborine Mountain, gold coast Surfers Paradise, gold coast Burleigh Heads, gold coast Springbrook National Park, gold coast Dreamworld Gold Coast Currumbin Beach, gold coast Taronga Zoo, sydney Natural Bridge, gold coast White Water World Gold Coast Infinity Attraction Gold Coast Point Danger Gold Coast Darling Harbour, Sydney ArtVo Gold Coast Dracula's Cabaret Gold Coast Wax Museum Gold Coast Australian Outback Spectacular Gold Coast Broadbeach, gold coast Daintree National Park, queensland The Rocks Market, sydney Sydney Tower Sea Life Aquarium, sydney Royal Botanic Gardens, sydney Fraser Island, queensland Bondi Beach, sydney Circular Quay, Sydney Queen Victoria Building, Sydney Shelly Beach, sydney Luna Park, sydney WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo Cockatoo Island, sydney Hard Rock Cafe, sydney Royal National Park, Sydney Coogee Beach, sydney Madame Tussauds Sydney Manly Beach, sydney Australian National Maritime Museum, sydney Darling Quarter, sydney Sydney Harbor National Park Centennial Park, sydney Chinese Garden Of Friendship, sydney Avalon Beach, sydney
Excellent
this experience in Gold Coast was one the most memorable . Driving a jetski gave me goosebumps and being an advance one, we could do so many things. At that moment I could feel the adventure reaching at max level.
Excellent
The ground staff which helped us throughout this package was super friendly and supportive. We enjoyed thoroughly and had a great overall experience. I personally liked parasailing and will recommend to all the travellers.
Chakravartee Butt Gold Coast Water Sports Combo
Excellent
We chose jet ski and flyboarding option on this tour and are very happy with the experience. Flying above the waters and in the middle of beautiful views added a cherry to the cake. Thank you thrillophilia for providing Gold Coast water sports combo ticket at cheap prices
Excellent
60 metres above the ground gave me chills. The instructor was very good and he gave me all the necessary information. After he helped me wear all the safety gears, I was confident. I am glad I was able to do it and I am glad I choose this.
Adventurous zipline and too above most beautiful views, it was a perfect combination. Going above the greenery at a great speed and winds blowing on my face refreshed me. Gold Coast canyon flyer zipline tour was better than perfect.
Excellent
Every aspect of the trip was very smooth. Director provided excellent information on what was upcoming. Local guides were great in sharing personal stories tied in to what was being seen.
The overall arrangement done by Thrillophilia was absolutely wonderful. The trip was very well-planned, well-organized, and perfectly synchronized, The itinerary was very rich and very satisfying too, the team was nice helps us with all documentation, booking, and payment process. Great assistance during the trip and regularly sharing information and tips... from starting the team ensured that planning was flawless and well-executed... And YES, It was exactly as they promised to us... We were extremely delight and enjoyed every moment on this trip... Everything thanks to Thrillophilia and the whole team for their hard work to make our trip successful.
Excellent
Alex took care of me while I was surfing. He was so friendly and knowledgable and helped me learn from scratch. He even showed us his skills which were amazing. I would recommend beginner surf experience in Gold Coast to all.
Excellent
Being a beginner I was worried about availing this tour at first. But Thrillophilia did what it promised. I was so excited when the experience started. I could learn the basics of surfing and show off my moves to all. Thank you Thrillophilia for this package.
Excellent
It was a thrilling time. From booking tickets to availing it everything was very easy. This was my first time and at first I was scared but then I I started to get the hold of it, I enjoyed it throughly.

Popular Nearby Places Around Australia

Popular Related Destinations

Places to Visit in India

Places to Visit in Delhi Places to Visit in Goa Places to Visit in Pune Places to Visit in Bangalore Places to Visit in Mumbai Places to Visit in Hyderabad Places to Visit in Jaipur Places to Visit in Chennai Places to Visit in Kolkata Places to Visit in Ladakh Places to Visit in Spiti Places to Visit in Andaman Places to Visit in Arunachal Pradesh Places to Visit in North East Places to Visit in Sikkim Places to Visit in Darjeeling Places to Visit in Meghalaya Places to Visit in Gangtok Places to Visit in Rajasthan Places to Visit in Uttarakhand Places to Visit in Kerala Places to Visit in Karnataka Places to Visit in Maharashtra Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh Places to Visit in Madhya Pradesh Places to Visit in Kashmir Places to Visit in Manali Places to Visit in Dharamshala Places to Visit in Shimla Places to Visit in Mcleodganj Places to Visit in Nainital Places to Visit in Mussoorie Places to Visit in Dehradun Places to Visit in Rishikesh Places To Visit In Jammu Places to Visit in Srinagar Places to Visit in Chikmagalur Places to Visit in Munnar Places to Visit in Kodaikanal Places to Visit in Ooty Places to Visit in Pondicherry Places to Visit in Wayanad Places to Visit in Coorg Places to Visit in Mysore Places to Visit in Lonavala Places to Visit in Alibaug Places To Visit In Mahabaleshwar Places to Visit in Udaipur Places to Visit in Jodhpur Places to Visit in Jaisalmer Places to Visit in Mount Abu Places to Visit in Agra Places To Visit In South Goa Places To Visit In North Goa
Currency Picker
Commonly Used Currencies
INR -
Indian Rupee
USD - $
United States Dollar
EUR -
Euro
SGD - $
Singapore Dollar
AUD - $
Australian Dollar
GBP - £
British Pound
AED - د.إ
United Arab Emirates Dirham
All Other Currencies
ALL - L
Albanian Lek
AMD - դր.
Armenian Dram
ARS - $
Argentine Peso
AWG - ƒ
Aruban Florin
BBD - $
Barbadian Dollar
BDT -
Bangladeshi Taka
BMD - $
Bermudian Dollar
BND - $
Brunei Dollar
BOB - Bs.
Bolivian Boliviano
BSD - $
Bahamian Dollar
BWP - P
Botswana Pula
BZD - $
Belize Dollar
CAD - $
Canadian Dollar
CHF - CHF
Swiss Franc
CNY - ¥
Chinese Renminbi Yuan
COP - $
Colombian Peso
CRC -
Costa Rican Colón
CZK -
Czech Koruna
DKK - kr.
Danish Krone
DOP - $
Dominican Peso
DZD - د.ج
Algerian Dinar
EGP - ج.م
Egyptian Pound
ETB - Br
Ethiopian Birr
FJD - $
Fijian Dollar
GHS -
Ghanaian Cedi
GIP - £
Gibraltar Pound
GMD - D
Gambian Dalasi
GTQ - Q
Guatemalan Quetzal
GYD - $
Guyanese Dollar
HKD - $
Hong Kong Dollar
HNL - L
Honduran Lempira
HRK - kn
Croatian Kuna
HTG - G
Haitian Gourde
HUF - Ft
Hungarian Forint
IDR - Rp
Indonesian Rupiah
ILS -
Israeli New Sheqel
JMD - $
Jamaican Dollar
KES - KSh
Kenyan Shilling
KGS - som
Kyrgyzstani Som
KHR -
Cambodian Riel
KYD - $
Cayman Islands Dollar
KZT -
Kazakhstani Tenge
LAK -
Lao Kip
LBP - ل.ل
Lebanese Pound
LKR -
Sri Lankan Rupee
LRD - $
Liberian Dollar
LSL - L
Lesotho Loti
MAD - د.م.
Moroccan Dirham
MDL - L
Moldovan Leu
MKD - ден
Macedonian Denar
MMK - K
Myanmar Kyat
MNT -
Mongolian Tögrög
MOP - P
Macanese Pataca
MUR -
Mauritian Rupee
MVR - MVR
Maldivian Rufiyaa
MWK - MK
Malawian Kwacha
MXN - $
Mexican Peso
MYR - RM
Malaysian Ringgit
NAD - $
Namibian Dollar
NIO - C$
Nicaraguan Córdoba
NOK - kr
Norwegian Krone
NPR - Rs.
Nepalese Rupee
NZD - $
New Zealand Dollar
PEN - S/
Peruvian Sol
PGK - K
Papua New Guinean Kina
PHP -
Philippine Peso
PKR -
Pakistani Rupee
QAR - ر.ق
Qatari Riyal
RUB -
Russian Ruble
SAR - ر.س
Saudi Riyal
SCR -
Seychellois Rupee
SEK - kr
Swedish Krona
SLL - Le
Sierra Leonean Leone
SOS - Sh
Somali Shilling
SVC -
Salvadoran Colón
SZL - E
Swazi Lilangeni
THB - ฿
Thai Baht
TTD - $
Trinidad and Tobago Dollar
TZS - Sh
Tanzanian Shilling
UYU - $U
Uruguayan Peso
UZS - so'm
Uzbekistan Som
YER -
Yemeni Rial
ZAR - R
South African Rand
JPY - ¥
Japanese Yen
VND -
Vietnamese dong