The best walks in Australia
Busting to get out? Whether guided or free-range, these are some of our favourite Australian treks...
Mount Donaldson, Tas
The township of Corinna, two hours’ drive from Burnie, sits on the Pieman River at the edge of Tasmania’s Tarkine wilderness. Deep green rainforest lush with myrtle beech and Huon pines lines the misty riverbank, with sea eagles overhead, and in the evening rustic former mining cottages glow like candles. To reach little-known Mount Donaldson, follow the track from Corinna to Savage River, passing the semi-submerged wreck of the steamship Croydon, before zigzagging up through buttongrass moorland. Alpine wildflowers colour the hillside and a fallen marker heralds the 420m summit. Chances are you’ll be the only one there.
discovertasmania.com.au
Three Capes Track, Tas
The Tasman Peninsula on the island’s remote south-east tip, near Port Arthur, has long been a bushwalker’s dream. When it opened in 2015, the 48km Three Capes Track brought this remote region within reach of the masses, with comfortable accommodation in eco-sensitive lodges linked by a well-graded track that blends into the stunning environment. The highlight of the walk is undoubtedly the jaw-dropping view of Cape Pillar, with its jagged columns of dolerite rearing 300m from the frothing sea.
threecapestrack.com.au
Bungle Bungles, WA
The beehive-like domes of the Bungle Bungle Range in the East Kimberley are one of the country’s most striking landforms. Myriad bushwalks at the southern end of Purnululu National Park (a World Heritage Site) meander between the sandstone domes, skirting the bases on the easy Domes Trail (1km), or gazing across their rounded peaks from Piccaninny Creek Lookout (2.8km return). Head to the northern end of the park to squeeze through the narrow gorge of Echidna Chasm (2km return), which puts on a spellbinding colour-changing routine depending on the time of day. parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/purnululu
Scenic Rim Trail, Qld
This four-day, three-night hike through the volcanic and rainforest wonderland of Main Range National Park, 85km south-west of Brisbane, opened in 2020 after years in the planning. Built in collaboration with Spicers Retreat (which offers a five-night all-inclusive experience staying in luxury farmhouses and eco-cabins), the trail is Queensland’s first Great Walks of Australia. Follow the tracks of early pioneers and learn about the region’s enduring indigenous connection to land. Good fitness is required, but the effort is well worth it. spicersretreats.com/scenic-rim-trail
Hinchinbrook Island, Qld
Nestled between Cairns and Townsville, Hinchinbrook Island is a bushwalker’s version of a tropical resort holiday. Australia’s largest island national park is home to the four-day Thorsborne Trail, taking in mountains that tower 1100m directly out of the ocean, empty beaches fronting the Coral Sea, and waterfalls that pour into cooling swim holes. Spread over four days, with campsites behind beaches, the trek covers just 32km and is one of the country’s most gentle and rewarding multi-day walks. The trail is accessed by ferry from Cardwell, with Hinchinbrook Island Cruises servicing both ends of the walk. (hinchinbrookislandcruises.com.au) des.qld.gov.au/parks/Hinchinbrook
Murray River Walk, SA
Starting and finishing in Renmark, this three-night guided walk is an immersion in indigenous history, red-gum forests, and the lessons of river stewardship. The track and the conversation both follow the Murray River, one of Australia’s most hotly contested natural resources, with knowledgeable interpretation from passionate guides. Expect to walk about 12-14km each day on flat trails, punctuated by boat excursions along the river and an unforgettable climb to a clifftop sunrise. Accommodation is on a houseboat complete with a top deck spa pool, and fine local produce and wine awaits at every bend of the river. murrayrivertrails.com.au
Eyre Peninsula, SA
This triangular peninsula is where the Outback meets the sea. It’s wild, windswept and delightfully crowd-free, despite having some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the country. Lincoln National Park, just a short drive from the town of Port Lincoln on the peninsula’s southern tip, has dozens of walking trails, ranging from easy coastal rambles to more demanding hikes, including the 89km Investigator Trail. The walk takes about four or five days, but you can pick and choose sections along the coast and clifftops for as long or as little as you please, calling into restaurants, pubs and bistros for sensational seafood, including the world’s best oysters, straight from the farm at nearby Coffin Bay. eyrepeninsula.com
Litchfield National Park, NT
The Tabletop Track is a 39km circuit that showcases this remote Top End national park, 115km southwest of Darwin. The park also boasts short walks spectacularly punctuated by swimming holes, such as Florence Falls. Locals say the plunge pool, reached via 160 metal steps or an amble along the Shady Creek Walk, can be busy but you might score the jackpot and have it to yourself. Florence Creek Walk connects the falls to Buley Rockhole, where you can find your own pocket of serenity within the terraced cascades. nt.gov.au/leisure/parks-reserves
Razorback Track, Vic
One of Victoria’s most iconic High Country walks, the Razorback Track follows a prominent ridgeline for 22km from the ski resort of Mount Hotham to the steep peak of Mount Feathertop, the state’s second highest mountain. Expect magnificent views as you traverse above the bush line through the twisted snow gum woodlands and tussocky plains of the Alpine National Park. On a fine day it’s an easy amble, but care should always be taken if the weather threatens, as temperatures can plummet. You can return the same way or walk down via Federation Hut to Harrietville. parks.vic.gov.au
The Great Ocean Walk, Vic
Feel free to bite off chunks of this spectacular 104km track that hugs the southern Victorian coast from Apollo Bay to a mighty climax at the Twelve Apostles near Port Campbell. The terrain ranges from wild, windswept beaches to imposing limestone cliffs, musky-scented eucalyptus and fern forests. You might spot endangered hooded plovers skittling along the sand or migrating whales during winter. The Australian Walking Company (auswalkingco.com.au) and Hedonistic Hiking (hedonistichiking.com) both run guided walks that include meals, drinks and comfortable accommodation. greatoceanwalk.com.au
Kosciuszko National Park, NSW
Feeling fit and have a whole day to spare? Steel yourself for the 22km Main Range walk across the “rooftop of Australia”, starting and finishing at Charlotte Pass. After boulder-hopping the Snowy River, you’ll follow a stone path to the tranquil Blue Lake then climb Carruthers Peak, with a view over the highest peaks of the Great Dividing Range. It’s startling to rejoin the torrent of people filing up “Kosci” from the Thredbo chairlift as you approach Rawson Pass (where you’ll find, perhaps with great relief, Australia’s highest public toilets). Pass historic Seamans Hut and cross the Snowy for a second time, then it’s all downhill to home. nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
Warrumbungles, NSW
The Breadknife and Grand High Tops trail in central western NSW is one of the state’s great walks, a 14km loop through an idyllic forest of eucalypts and pines in a dramatic volcanic landscape. The walk initially follows shady Spirey Creek before climbing through increasingly rugged terrain where you might spot a brush-tailed wallaby. Pull up on a boulder at the highest point and drink in the view, keeping an eye out for wedge-tailed eagles riding the thermals. Warrumbungle National Park, Australia’s first Dark Sky Park, is near Coonabarabran, about six hours’ drive from Sydney. nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
Contributors: Lee Atkinson, Andrew Bain, Ricky French, Penny Hunter, Katrina Lobley
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