Five Top Australian Hike Destinations

Hiking in Australia truly is like walking on a dream - a dream of sweeping alpine views, lush archaic rainforests, sparkling tranquil seascapes, majestic grandiose mountains, and vast red-hued deserts. Australia truly is the great southern land. Join us as we run you through five of the very best hiking destinations in the land down under.

The Fraser Island Great Walk, QLD

Where: K’Gari (Fraser Island)

Duration: 6 – 8 days

Distance: 90 kilometres point to point

Difficulty: Moderate

The Fraser Island Great Walk takes hikers on a 90 kilometre, 6-to-8-day trek through some of the finest natural, cultural, and historical landmarks on the largest sand island in the world. As the land of the traditional Butchulla people, this world heritage-listed walk trail offers hikers an amazing opportunity to reconnect with Mother Nature as you transcend into another world. 

Soak up the scenery as you meander through the towering lush subtropical rainforest of the valley of the giants, bathe in the tranquil waters of Lake McKenzie, unlock the mysteries surrounding Central Stations’ old forestry camp, and marvel at the towering golden sand dunes that engulf Lake Wabby. 

Experience an array of native wildlife in the form of birds, dingoes, dolphins, turtles, swamp wallabies and so much more. With several accommodation options along the way, you have the flexibility to view the island at your own pace, as you see fit.   

Scenic Rim Trail, QLD

Where: Main Range National Park

Duration: 4 days

Distance: 47 kilometres

Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

Queensland’s only hiking trail to feature in the great walks of Australia and relatively new to the scene, this 47 kilometre 4-day hike takes travellers on a journey through the centre of Main Range National Park. Featuring a sensational blend of stunning mountain ranges, ancient rainforests, vast escarpments, ridges, and volcanic plateaus, be sure to unearth a treasure trove of native wildlife and topography in this diverse natural playground. 

Begin this pulsating hike at the Thornton View Nature Refuge before setting off on a 4-day adventure through the Great Dividing Range and one of the oldest rainforests in the world, the Gondwana Rainforest. Hit the ground walking by tackling Mistake Mountain and the 16-metre famous rock ladder in the north, before sifting through the Gondwana Rainforest up to Bare Rock for panoramic views of the Ethereal countryside. Venture through more than 30,000 hectares of incredible forests and parkland before winding down at Cunningham’s Gap.

A moderate to hard walking trail due to a range of mountainous ascents and steep narrow ridges, it’s advised to travel in groups with glamping options and stylish eco camps available.

The Kosciuszko Walk, NSW

Where: Kosciuszko National Park

Duration: 4 – 5 hours

Distance: 13 kilometres

Difficulty: Moderate

Explore Australia’s rooftop as you hike your way up the country’s highest point – Mount Kosciuszko. Once accessible by car up until the late 1970s, this colossal 2,228-metre mountain has become a tourism hotspot with over 100,000 people hiking the Kosciuszko trail every summer. 

Start your journey with a scenic ride aboard Thredbo’s Kosciuszko Express chairlift to the foot of the Kosciuszko walk trail. From there venture along the boardwalk past the rocky outcrops of the Rams Head Range and cross over the sparkling headwaters of the iconic Snowy River. Pause at Kosciuszko’s lookout for a few happy snaps and sweeping alpine views of the majestic Snowy Mountains. Before setting off over Australia’s highest lake – Lake Cootapatamba, through Etheridge Range and onto Rawson’s Pass for the final climb to the top of the mountain. 

The Kosciuszko walk is best attempted in the summer months due to heavy snow concealing the trail during winter. A great moderate walk for casual hikers; pack a snack, layer up and bring plenty of water. 

The Overland Track, Tas

Where: Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Duration: 6 days

Distance: 65 kilometres one way

Difficulty: Hard

The Overland Track is one of Australia’s greatest alpine hiking experiences, drawing hikers far and wide to this truly breathtaking iconic walk trail. Starting at the picturesque Cradle Mountain, this exhilarating trail takes hikers on a 65-kilometre, 6-day journey through the heartland of Lake St Clair National Park, before winding up at Narcissus Hut at the head of Australia’s deepest lake – Lake St Clair. 

As one of the most spectacular scenic walk trails in Australia, brave hikers that manage to tough out the unfavourable conditions will be privy to spectacular alpine views of Cradle Mountain, archaic rainforests, glacially sculpted valleys, alpestrine meadows, dazzling skylines views and more. 

Not for the faint-hearted, hikers must be well prepared before tackling this physically demanding and gruelling hike with almost half of the trail exposed to elevations exceeding 1,000 metres, offering very little protection from the elements. It’s important to note that the weather can be unpredictable, even in the summer months so it’s advised to pack wet weather gear on top of the major essentials. 

The Overland The Bibbulmun Track, WA, Tas

Where: WA’s Southwest

Duration: 8 weeks

Distance: 1,000 kilometres

Difficulty: Easy to difficult (each section varies)

Opening in 1979 as a part of WA’s 150^th year celebrations, The Bibbulmun Track has a long and colourful history dating back to the Nyoongar people that once occupied WAs southwest. Split into 9 sub-sections the entire trail starts from Kalamunda in the Perth hills and runs 1,000 kilometres south to the coastal town of Albany at WA’s southern tip. The track crosses through 22 national parks and nature reserves with a total of 49 campsites along the way. With trail markers spread out over a 500-metre radius, it’s easy to navigate your way through this long illustrious walk trail.

Experience WA the right way as you pass through the world’s only Karri, Jarrah, and Tingle forests; uncover pristine deserted beaches, misty valleys, sheltered bays, soaring coastal cliffs, vast heathlands and so much more. 

Highlights include cooling off in the tranquil waters of the Murray River; climbing the famous Gloucester Tree in Pemberton; exploring the treetops at Walpole’s Valley of the Giants and soaking up the sunset down at Elephant Rocks just west of Denmark. 

Whether it’s a leisurely stroll for a day or an 8-week action-packed extravaganza, you can experience the track your way, at your own pace, as you see fit.