Top 5 Hikes in Australia

Top 5 Hikes in Australia

Australia’s wild landscapes are a hiker’s playground, with trails that weave through jaw-dropping scenery and end with perfect spots to crash under the stars. From desert gorges to tropical waterfalls, these five hikes deliver adventure and beauty in spades. Here’s our top picks.

1. Overland Track, TAS

The Overland Track in Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is a bucket-list trek. This 65km journey takes you through ancient rainforests, past glacial lakes, and over alpine plains—every view a stunner.

What sets this hike apart is its raw diversity. You’ll dodge mud in mossy forests, climb past Cradle Mountain’s jagged peaks, and spot wombats shuffling through the heath. Each day feels like a new chapter, with campsites like Windermere or Pelion Plains offering serene lakeside or mountain-framed rest stops. The real payoff? That unbeatable rush of finishing one of Australia’s toughest trails.

Even in summer, Tasmania’s unpredictable weather demands cold weather gear—think insulated layers, gloves, and a windproof jacket—because snow can hit the high country without warning, and nights drop below freezing. The optional side trip to Mt. Ossa, Tasmania’s tallest peak at 1,617m, adds a steep, rocky challenge with panoramic rewards, making it a must for fit hikers chasing bragging rights.

Need to Know

Distance: 65km one way
Time: 5–6 days
Best Time: December to April (summer to early autumn)
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

2. Fraser Island Great Walk, QLD

Fraser Island (K’gari), the world’s largest sand island, offers a 90km trek through towering forests, past bubbling creeks, and along windswept dunes. It’s a wild, unforgettable journey.

This hike is a sensory overload—think the rustle of satinay trees, the salty tang of ocean air, and the thrill of spotting dingoes prowling the dunes. The island’s Indigenous name, K’gari, means “paradise,” - a pretty apt description! One of (many) highlights is reaching Lake McKenzie’s white sands and crystal waters, a perfect spot to camp and swim after a long day. Another is the Champagne Pools, natural rock tubs where waves 'fizz' like champagne.

You’ll need to snag a walking permit and book campsites in advance, thanks to strict visitor caps that keep K’gari pristine. The island's sand tracks are infamous for being soft and relentless, and they'll definitely put your legs to the test. It’s the kind of place that lingers in your memory - but there's no reward without effort!

Need to Know

Distance: 90km one way
Time: 5–7 days
Best Time: May to October (winter to spring)
Difficulty: Moderate

3. Larapinta Trail, NT

The Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory is an outback odyssey. Spanning 223km through the West MacDonnell Ranges, it’s a rugged trek past red-rock ridges, sprawling desert vistas, and hidden gorges.

This trail plunges you into Australia’s ancient heart. You’ll walk beneath 300-meter-high quartzite cliffs, stumble across fossil beds millions of years old, and feel the silence of a land that’s been around forever. Pitching a tent at Ormiston Gorge, with its swim-worthy waterhole and star-drenched skies, caps off days of tough, soul-stirring hiking. It’s the outback at its rawest.

Water’s a rare commodity here, so you’ll either pre-drop supplies or pray the trail’s sporadic tanks aren’t dry—plan on carrying at least 4 litres a day. For a surreal twist, Standley Chasm glows fiery red at midday when the sun hits just right, a narrow slot canyon that’s a short detour and a photographer’s dream.

Need to Know

Distance: 223km (full trail) or 25km to Ormiston Gorge
Time: 12–16 days (full) or 1–2 days (section)
Best Time: April to September (cooler months)
Difficulty: Challenging

4. Cape to Cape Track, WA

Western Australia’s Cape to Cape Track stretches 123km along a coastline of dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and turquoise waves. It’s a front-row seat to some of the country’s most breathtaking ocean views.

The trail’s a rollercoaster of coastal scenery—think limestone caves, whale-watching (June to December), and wildflowers exploding in spring. The Indian Ocean’s roar is your soundtrack, and crashing out at Contos Campsite, tucked among karri trees near a rugged beach, feels like the perfect way to unwind after soaking in those endless horizons. This section of Western Australia is exceptional.

The trail’s exposed cliffs mean zero shade, so pack a wide-brim hat and sunscreen—burns sneak up fast with the ocean breeze tricking you. Keep an eye out for Redgate Beach’s hidden shipwreck, the Georgette, poking from the surf—a haunting relic from 1876 that adds a dash of history to your coastal slog.

Need to Know

Distance: 123km one way
Time: 5–7 days
Best Time: March to May or September to November
Difficulty: Moderate

5. Thorsborne Trail, QLD

Tucked away on Hinchinbrook Island, the 32km Thorsborne Trail is a tropical gem. Think dense rainforests, rocky peaks, and deserted beaches—all off the beaten path between Cairns and Townsville.

This hike feels like stepping into Jurassic Park. You’ll trek past giant strangler figs, dodge saltwater crocs near the estuaries, and hear curlews calling at night. The trail’s limited permits keep it gloriously quiet, and camping near Zoe Bay’s waterfall—complete with a natural infinity pool—adds a dreamy finish to a wild, untamed adventure.

Only 40 hikers are allowed on the trail at once, so book permits months ahead to secure your spot in this exclusive wilderness. Crossing Mulligan Creek can mean thigh-deep wades depending on tides, but the real treat is Nina Peak, a sweaty scramble with 360-degree views of untouched rainforest and the Coral Sea.

Need to Know

Distance: 32km one way
Time: 3–4 days
Best Time: May to September (dry season)
Difficulty: Moderate

From coastal cliffs to desert outback, these five hikes showcase Australia’s raw beauty and throw in some killer spots to pitch a tent. Pack your boots, grab your gear, and hit the trail—adventure’s calling!

Oh yep, if you're in need of any camping gear, we have quite a lot ;) check it out here

3rd Apr 2025

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