From mountain peaks to islands to outback tracks, here’s our top 10 list of the best long-distance trails in Australia.
A one-day stroll in the bush is one thing – but committing to several days in the wilderness with everything you need to survive on your back is another experience altogether.
Multi-day hiking opens up a world of adventure opportunities, unlocking parts of Australia’s wilderness sometimes accessible by no other means.
So grab your boots, load up your pack and don’t forget to pack the Blister Wool! – here’s our list of 10 of Australia’s best long-distance hiking trails - in no particular order.
1. Larapinta Trail, 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
The Larapinta Trail is a long-distance hiking trail that spans over 223 kilometers through the West MacDonnell Ranges in the Northern Territory of Australia. The trail is divided into 12 sections, each of which offers breathtaking views of the rugged landscape, deep gorges, and rocky ridges. The trail passes through several important cultural and historical sites, including areas sacred to the Arrernte people, who have lived in the region for tens of thousands of years. Hikers can choose to walk the entire trail, or pick and choose which sections to explore based on their interests and fitness levels. The trail is known for its challenging terrain, including steep ascents and descents, but also for its incredible beauty and unique flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for adventurous hikers from around the world.
2. Thorsborne Trail, QLD
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
The Thorsborne Trail is a remote, multi-day hiking trail that covers approximately 32 kilometers through Hinchinbrook Island National Park in Queensland, Australia. The trail is named after the late Arthur Thorsborne, a conservationist who was instrumental in the establishment of the park. The trail winds its way through a variety of landscapes, including dense rainforest, rugged mountains, and pristine beaches. Hikers must carry all their supplies with them, including food, water, and camping gear, as there are no facilities along the trail. The trail is only accessible by boat, and permits are required to hike the trail, as there is a limit on the number of hikers allowed on the trail at any given time. The Thorsborne Trail is known for its stunning scenery, crystal-clear streams, and diverse wildlife, including several species of rare and endangered animals.
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.
The Australian Alps walking track is a challenging long-distance hiking trail that spans approximately 650 kilometers through the alpine region of southeastern Australia. The trail winds its way through several national parks, including Kosciuszko National Park, Alpine National Park, and Namadgi National Park, offering hikers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, rugged mountain terrain, and pristine alpine forests. The trail is divided into 13 sections, each ranging from one to several days of hiking, with varying levels of difficulty. Hikers must be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions, and must carry all necessary gear, including tents, sleeping bags, and food, as there are no facilities along the trail. The Australian Alps walking track is known for its unique flora and fauna, including several endangered species, and for its rich cultural and historical significance to the Aboriginal people.
4. Fraser Island Great Walk, QLD
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.
The Fraser Island Great Walk is a stunning hiking trail that covers approximately 90 kilometers through the world's largest sand island, Fraser Island, in Queensland, Australia. The trail takes hikers through a variety of landscapes, including dense rainforests, freshwater lakes, and towering sand dunes, providing a unique and breathtaking experience. The trail is divided into several sections, with varying degrees of difficulty, making it accessible for hikers of all levels of experience. Hikers must carry all their supplies with them, including food, water, and camping gear, as there are no facilities along the trail. The Great Walk is known for its diverse wildlife, including several species of rare and endangered animals, such as dingoes, wallabies, and turtles. Hikers can take side trips to explore some of the island's famous landmarks, including the stunning Lake McKenzie and the historic Maheno shipwreck.
5. Wilderness Coast Walk, VIC/NSW
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
The Wilderness Coast Walk is a spectacular long-distance hiking trail that spans approximately 100 kilometers along the remote coastline of Victoria and New South Wales in Australia. The trail starts at the small town of Sydenham Inlet, Victoria and ends at the historic town of Mallacoota, New South Wales. The trail takes hikers through a variety of landscapes, including rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and towering eucalyptus forests. The trail is divided into several sections, with varying levels of difficulty, making it accessible for hikers of all levels of experience. Hikers must carry all their supplies with them, including food, water, and camping gear, as there are no facilities along the trail. The Wilderness Coast Walk is known for its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, including several species of rare and endangered animals, and its rich cultural history, as it passes through areas sacred to the Aboriginal people. The trail is also a popular destination for bird watchers, as it is home to several species of rare and migratory birds.
6. Overland Track, TAS
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.
The Overland Track is a world-renowned hiking trail that covers approximately 65 kilometers through the pristine wilderness of Tasmania's Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. The trail takes hikers through a variety of landscapes, including ancient rainforests, crystal-clear streams, and rugged mountain terrain, providing a unique and unforgettable experience. The trail is divided into several sections, with varying levels of difficulty, making it accessible for hikers of all levels of experience. Hikers must be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions, as the area is known for its unpredictable weather, and must carry all necessary gear, including tents, sleeping bags, and food, as there are no facilities along the trail. The Overland Track is known for its stunning scenery, including breathtaking views of Cradle Mountain and Barn Bluff, and its unique flora and fauna, including several species of rare and endemic animals, such as the Tasmanian devil. The trail is also a popular destination for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
7. Eastern Arthur Range, TAS
Location: Southwest Tasmania
Length: 7–9 days
Distance: 65 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.
The Eastern Arthur Range hike is a challenging and remote trek that covers approximately 65 kilometers through the rugged wilderness of Tasmania's Southwest National Park. The trail takes hikers through a variety of landscapes, including ancient rainforests, alpine meadows, and rocky mountain terrain, offering stunning and unforgettable views. The trail is divided into several sections, each ranging from one to several days of hiking, with varying levels of difficulty, making it accessible for experienced hikers. Hikers must carry all their supplies with them, including food, water, and camping gear, as there are no facilities along the trail. The Eastern Arthur Range hike is known for its unique flora and fauna, including several species of rare and endemic animals, such as the Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle and the Tasmanian pademelon. The trail is also famous for its challenging river crossings, steep climbs, and unpredictable weather conditions.
8. Western Arthur Range Traverse, TAS
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
The Western Arthur Range Traverse is a challenging and remote trek that covers approximately 75 kilometers through the rugged wilderness of Tasmania's Southwest National Park. The trail takes hikers through a variety of landscapes, including ancient rainforests, alpine meadows, and rocky mountain terrain, offering stunning and unforgettable views. The trail is divided into several sections, each ranging from one to several days of hiking, with varying levels of difficulty, making it accessible for experienced hikers. Hikers must carry all their supplies with them, including food, water, and camping gear, as there are no facilities along the trail. The Western Arthur Range Traverse is known for its unique flora and fauna, including several species of rare and endemic animals, such as the Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle and the Tasmanian pademelon. The trail is also famous for its challenging river crossings, steep climbs, and unpredictable weather conditions.
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.
The Cape to Cape Track is a 135-kilometer (84-mile) long-distance hiking trail that stretches along the beautiful coastline of Western Australia's Margaret River region. The trail starts at the lighthouse at Cape Naturaliste and finishes at the lighthouse at Cape Leeuwin, offering hikers stunning views of rugged cliffs, turquoise waters, and white sandy beaches. The trail is divided into several sections, ranging from easy to challenging, making it accessible for hikers of all levels of experience. Hikers can stay at campsites or accommodation along the trail, and there are also several towns and villages to visit, offering opportunities for resupply and relaxation. The Cape to Cape Track is known for its unique flora and fauna, including several species of rare and endemic plants, such as the coastal heathlands and the famous wildflowers. The trail is also famous for its beautiful sunsets, whale watching opportunities, and diverse birdlife.
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
The South Coast Track is a challenging and remote trek that covers approximately 85 kilometers through the pristine wilderness of Tasmania's Southwest National Park. The trail takes hikers through a variety of landscapes, including ancient rainforests, crystal-clear streams, and rugged mountain terrain, offering stunning and unforgettable views. The trail is divided into several sections, ranging from easy to challenging, making it accessible for experienced hikers. Hikers must carry all their supplies with them, including food, water, and camping gear, as there are no facilities along the trail. The South Coast Track is known for its unique flora and fauna, including several species of rare and endemic animals, such as the Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle and the Tasmanian pademelon. The trail is also famous for its challenging river crossings, steep climbs, and unpredictable weather conditions, with hikers encountering strong winds and heavy rain.
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