top Hiking Trails in Australia for Nature Lovers

Ever wondered which route can make you forget the clock and feel like you’ve stepped into another world? I asked that same question before I started this list, and the answer surprised me.

I’m kicking off with a handpicked mix of classic routes and lesser-known gems that deliver big views and varied scenery. From long multi-day epics to short summit walks, this list covers the best of the country for every time and skill level.

I favor paths that feel immersive — red-rock ridgelines, mossy rainforest, and coastal cliffs that drop to turquoise water. You’ll find distances, seasons, and logistics ahead so you can plan without guesswork.

Whether you want solitude under starry skies or a coastal walk with wild views, I’ve picked routes that earn their spot for one clear reason: the scenery does the talking.

Why I Picked These Trails for Nature Lovers

I picked routes that return steady rewards across every mile, not just at a single high point. That principle guided my choices from the lengthy Bibbulmun Track to shorter options like Rockholes Loop.

Balance mattered. I mixed coastal drama, outback ridgelines, alpine panoramas, and forest valleys so the list shows a true cross-section of landscapes. Each pick gives long stretches of great views and real wilderness, not just a summit photo op.

I also weighed practical factors: distance and time options, national park services, campsites or huts, and public-transport access where possible. That makes it easier to plan a short walk or an extended multi-day hike without guesswork.

Finally, I leaned on recent lists and first-hand reports to keep details current. I prioritized safety, clear sections to aim for when time is tight, and routes that welcome both new and seasoned hikers.

hiking trails Australia: What You’ll Find Across the Country

The country’s routes compress a huge variety of landscapes into walkable sections you can mix and match. I love that a single trip can include rainforest gullies, red-rock spines, coastal headlands, and alpine plateaus.

Signature long routes show the range: the Bibbulmun Track runs about 1005 km, the Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory covers 223 km from Alice Springs Telegraph Station to Redbank Gorge, Tasmania’s Overland Track is roughly 65–80 km, and Bondi to Manly totals about 80 km.

Shorter options pack punch too — Gibraltar Peak is 8.2 km and Rockholes Loop in Mutawintji National Park is 6.6 km. Many national park track sections are waymarked, so you can tailor distance and time to fit your schedule.

On multi-day hikes, expect changing surfaces and weather, so plan gear with flexibility. This list points out which walks are best solo and which link into longer routes, helping you pick the right length and pace for your next adventure.

Outback Wonders: Northern Territory and the West MacDonnell Ranges

The red-dirt silence of the outback hits differently when you stand on a West MacDonnell ridge at dawn. I remember the sweep of serrated spines and the quiet that makes every sunrise feel private.

The Larapinta Trail runs 223 km through Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges in the northern territory, usually walked end to end from Alice Springs Telegraph Station to Redbank Gorge. You can thru-hike the full distance or cherry-pick a section for a shorter walk.

What surprised me was the mix: arid ridge walking, sudden wildflower displays after rain, and abundant birdlife between long, silent stretches. The macdonnell ranges’ geology creates natural balconies and knife-edge spurs that reward early starts with spectacular views.

Trailheads are reachable from Alice Springs, which makes shuttles and short visits easy. But the wilderness feel is real—long gaps between water and services mean careful planning and sensible gear choices.

If you’re short on time, focus on marquee gaps and gorges for maximum payoff. Campsites vary from exposed saddles to sheltered creek beds, so match each section to your comfort with wind and nights under star-packed skies.

Coastal and Island Classics with World-Class Views

Salt spray, soaring sea stacks and wide ocean horizons make coastal routes unforgettable. I picked a few that deliver constant water-centered scenery and easy navigation whether you have a morning or a multi-day trip.

The Thorsborne Trail on Hinchinbrook Island is 32 km of waterfalls, swimming holes, and abundant wildlife. Permits are essential and peak season runs April to October. You also need to book transport to and from the island well in advance.

Tasmania’s Three Capes Track is a 48 km coastal track that frames epic dolerite cliffs and sculpted headlands. In New South Wales, the Bondi to Manly walk strings beaches, headlands, and heritage sites into about 80 km of shoreline culture and scenery.

You can tackle these as full hikes or break them into short sections to suit your time and fitness. Expect sandy coves, timber steps, and boardwalk-style walking track underfoot. Water is both a highlight and a planning variable, so I pack extra fluids and plan swim stops when it’s safe.

Book boat transfers early for island routes and leave buffer time for weather delays. For new hikers, these coastal options offer clear landmarks, generous camps, and big reward for relatively straightforward navigation.

Alpine and High Country Epics for Big-View Days

Alpine days deliver a rare clarity—thin air, wide light, and a sense that the world stretches on forever.

I chase these routes for the summit payoff and the clean horizon line. The Alpine Crossing (37 km) runs from Falls Creek to Mount Hotham and suits a two- to three-day walk. Tent platforms are bookable through Parks Victoria and the season usually runs October to May.

In New South Wales, Kosciuszko National Park has excellent options. The Main Range Walk is about 22.4 km for a strong day. The Aussie 10 route links the highest peaks over roughly 44.7 km and is best as a three-day trip.

The Jagungal Circuit is a 42 km loop with backcountry huts. No booking is required, but self-sufficiency matters—carry food, shelter, and a map.

Down in Tasmania, the Overland Track spans 65 or 80 km depending on the ferry at Lake St Clair. Bookings and permits run from October 31 to May 1.

My practical approach: start early, pace your days, carry layers for sudden weather, and keep a GPX and map handy. Many of these paths can be done end to end or sampled as part of a longer trip—choose the way that matches your time and energy.

Western Australia’s Long-Distance Icon

For steady rhythm and changing scenery, I always steer people toward the Bibbulmun Track when they ask for a memorable long walk.

The track runs 1005 km across the state’s south and is built for flexible section or end-to-end plans.

Well-placed shelters and clear waymarks let you pick the length you want — a weekend sampler, week-long hikes, or the full-distance season on trail.

The route hops between karri forest, coastal heath, and open plains, so the views change daily.

If you have limited days, choose a part near Perth or Albany to spend more time on foot and less in transit.

I like starting on gentler coastal sections before moving inland. It builds confidence and variety.

Practical tip: plan around heat and fire season, check track updates, and use local shuttles for easy point-to-point moves.

The Bibbulmun sets the bar for what a well-supported long trail can feel like — calm, meditative, and richly varied at every step.

Short-but-Rewarding Day Hikes to Add to Your Trip

Short walks can pack the same wow factor as longer trips if you pick the right route. When time is tight, I pick options that give big views for modest effort. These are the ones I recommend to people again and again.

Gibraltar Peak (ACT, 8.2 km) is a classic walk with quick elevation gain and a real summit feel. It’s perfect at sunrise or for a cooler late-afternoon lap.

Mount Gingera’s longer day option (15–22 km) gives a near-wilderness sensation without straying far from Canberra’s comforts. I like this when I want solitude but need to be back same day.

In far western New South Wales, the Rockholes Loop walking track (6.6 km) shows desert hues and nearby rock art sites. It’s a compact dose of remote scenery inside a national park.

The Spit Bridge to Manly walk (9.6 km) threads bushland and harbor coves with swim spots and cafes. It’s a great urban-to-coast option that people love for easy logistics.

Quick tips: start early to beat heat and crowds, carry extra water on exposed days, and plan transport—many short routes are point-to-point. Lightweight shoes with good grip make the day smoother, and checking local park alerts keeps plans safe and simple.

Planning Your Hike: Seasons, Permits, and Practical Tips (Present Day)

Good planning turns a great route into a safe, unforgettable trip. Start by checking booking windows: the Overland Track requires permits from October 31 to May 1 and can be 65 or 80 km depending on the Lake St Clair ferry. The Thorsborne Trail also needs permits and fills fast in its April–October peak season.

For the Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory, most hikers prefer April to September to avoid dangerous heat. Decide if you’ll go end-to-end (start at Alice Springs Telegraph Station, finish at Redbank Gorge) or walk a single section.

Alpine windows matter: the Alpine Crossing runs generally October–May and has tent platforms bookable through Parks Victoria. Some NSW routes like the Main Range Walk or the Aussie 10 need careful daylight and weather checks to size your days and distance.

Carry more water than you think, learn reliable sources on your track, and pack a filter. Check parks alerts for fire, flood, or closures, confirm ferries and shuttles, and always leave a trip plan with a friend listing your sections and expected end time.

Conclusion

To wrap up, mix a bold outback section with a coastal day and a hut-based multi-day for the most complete experience. If I had two weeks, I’d start with a Larapinta Trail segment in the Northern Territory, then fly to Tasmania for an Overland-style hut trip, and finish with a short New South Wales walk to unwind.

With more time, add a Bibbulmun section and an alpine day in Kosciuszko National Park to balance sea-level views with high-country panoramas. People often ask for the single best hike, but the country’s strength is variety—so build your own list.

Book permits early, watch season windows, and keep a simple backup plan for weather. Close your trip with an easy day walk to savor the views and leave room for the next visit.