When you think of grand hikes and walks around the world you often hear of Nepal, Tibet, South America or other continents outside our own Terra Australis.
With our country so vast and picturesque, and relatively unexplored looking at our own backyard might be a good place to start.
Multi-day hiking opens up a world of adventure opportunities, unlocking parts of Australia’s wilderness often accessible by no other means.
So lace up your boots, strap on your pack and don’t forget to pack the bandaids – here’s a list of 10 of Australia’s best long-distance hiking trails.
Before you head off, make sure you do your research and be at a fitness level appropriate to the hike or better so you will maximise the enjoyment of your expedition.
1. Larapinta Trail, NT
Image: Tourism NT
Location: West MacDonnell Range, Northern Territory
Length: 16–20 days (including rest days)
Distance: 223 km
Difficulty: Hard
Access: One-way walk; good road access along track, including at ends
Info: Walking during the cooler months, from April–September, is recommended. Food drops required.
2. Thorsborne Trail, QLD
Image: Tourism Queensland
Location: Hinchinbrook Island, Far North Queensland
Length: 4–5 days
Distance: 32 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Access: One-way; boat transport required at both ends
Info: Walking during the cooler months, from April–September, recommended Permits required; need to be booked well in advance
3. Australian Alps walking track, VIC/NSW/ACT
Location: High Country of ACT, NSW and Victoria
Length: 45–60 days (including rest days)
Distance: 655 km
Difficulty: Hard
Access: One-way; road access at both ends.
Info: Best done in the warmer months. Food drops required.
4. Fraser Island Great Walk, QLD
Lake McKenzie (Boorangoora). One of Fraser’s most popular drawcards. (Image: Andrew Gregory)
Location: Queensland
Length: 5–7 days
Distance: 84 km
Difficulty: Easy
Access: One-way; boat transport required to island; both ends of the walk accessible by vehicle
Info: Walking during the cooler months, from April–September is recommended. Campsite bookings and permits required.
5. Wilderness Coast Walk, VIC/NSW
Image: Joanna Egan
Location: South coast of NSW and Victoria
Length: 4–5 days
Distance: 61 km
Difficulty: Medium
Access: One-way; boat transport required at one end, road access at other
Info: Permit required, book in advance
6. Overland Track, TAS
Location: Tasmanian highlands
Length: 5–8 days
Distance: 74 km, plus many side trips
Difficulty: Medium
Access: One-way; road access and public transport links at both ends
Info: Permits required from November to May; walk must be completed north to south during this time
7. Eastern Arthur Range, TAS
Location: Southwest Tasmania
Length: 7–9 days
Distance: 89 km
Difficulty: Hard
Access: Return walk; Trackhead accessible by road, with public transport links in summer
Info: Steep and dangerous climbing required; summer walking recommended
8. Western Arthur Range Traverse, TAS
Image: Dave Cauldwell
Location: Southwest Tasmania
Length: 8–11 days
Distance: 75 km
Difficulty: Hard
Access: Circuit walk; road access and public transport links in summer
Info: Follows a steep and tricky skyline traverse; summer walking recommended
9. Cape to Cape Track, WA
Location: Southwest Western Australia
Length: 6–8 days
Distance: 135 km
Difficulty: Easy
Access: One-way; road access at both ends
Info: Spring wildflowers are a highlight; water may be hard to find
10. South Coast Track, TAS
Location: Southwest Tasmania
Length: 6–9 days
Distance: 85 km
Difficulty: Medium
Access: One-way; charter flight or extra 70 km walk to one end, road access with public transport links at other
Info: Walking in the warmer months is recommended