About Trail Hiking Australia

The Story Behind Trail Hiking Australia

Trail Hiking Australia started in 2013, born from my passion for exploring Australia’s incredible trails and a desire to share these hidden gems with fellow adventurers. I’m Darren, a designer by trade and an avid hiker at heart. After years of juggling the demands of running a design agency, I turned to hiking as a way to reconnect with nature and find balance. Surrounded by towering eucalypts and open skies, I rediscovered a sense of freedom I hadn’t felt in years.

That same year, I joined a hiking group and quickly realised that while Australia boasts endless trails waiting to be explored, finding reliable information about hiking in Australia was a challenge. Many Australian hiking trails remained unknown or lacked trustworthy descriptions, making planning difficult. That’s when I decided to put my skills to work and create Trail Hiking Australia—a platform that blends my love for hiking with my design expertise.

Why I Created Trail Hiking Australia

This website isn’t just a project; it’s my way of opening up Australia’s trails to everyone. I wanted to provide fellow adventurers with accurate trail information, tips, maps, and tools to make each hike memorable and safe. Every track has its own story, and my aim is to help you discover them—from rugged mountain treks to peaceful forest walks.

Trail Hiking Australia now features 3,632 trails, each carefully mapped and graded according to the Australian Walking Track Grading System (AWTGS), so you know exactly what to expect before you set out on your next adventure.

What You’ll Find Here

1. Comprehensive Trail Database

Discover hiking trails across Australia, each packed with detailed information on difficulty, distance, hike type, trailhead, and more. Every trail page offers fast facts—including length, estimated duration, local weather forecasts, and insights about the region—to help you plan your next adventure. You’ll also find recommendations for similar hikes nearby and a community comments section where fellow hikers share feedback and reviews. Many trails feature downloadable GPX files for hiking GPS devices and route maps, and I’m continually working to add more so that every route is as accessible as possible.

2. Online Planning Tools

I’ve created handy tools to simplify your planning, including a Walking Track Grading Calculator and a Hiking Duration Calculator. These tools help you estimate hike times and find trails that suit your fitness level and experience. Plus, check out the interactive map showcasing 3,632 trails across Australia. You can filter by state, grade, and park to quickly discover your perfect hike.

3. Online Route Planner and GPX File Editor

Take advantage of the online GPX file editor to view, edit, and create GPX files with detailed maps and data visualisations. This feature enhances your hiking preparations and helps ensure a smooth adventure!

4. Online Trip Intentions Form

Stay safe out there! Complete the trip intentions form to share your hiking plans with a trusted contact. This information could be crucial for search and rescue teams if you encounter any issues during your adventure.

5. Safety Resources

As a search and rescue volunteer, safety is my top priority. I want you to feel prepared and confident every time you hit the trails. You’ll find a variety of resources here, from beginner tips to advanced skills, all aimed at keeping you safe and well-prepared for hiking in Australia.

6. Comprehensive Blog

Dive into my blog, where you’ll find a wealth of information to enhance your hiking experience, with 451 blog posts covering a variety of topics. I explore everything from the benefits of hiking and preparation tips to first aid, hygiene, safety, navigation skills, food tips, gear reviews, and inspiring trip reports. My goal is to equip you with knowledge and insights for every step of your hiking journey.

7. Passionate Community

Trail Hiking Australia is more than just a resource; it’s a space where hikers can connect, share stories, and swap tips. You’re part of a vibrant community of 55,311 outdoor enthusiasts who share a love for exploring Australia’s beautiful wild places.

8. Free Event Management Tool

Driven by my passion for connecting people with nature, I developed the Trail Hiking Australia Event Management Tool. This free, user-friendly platform simplifies organising and joining hikes, making it easy for everyone from seasoned explorers to hiking novices. Discover new trails, connect with like-minded adventurers, and embark on your next outdoor adventure with ease.

Committed to Accuracy and Safety

With 3,632 trails listed, I believe that accuracy is crucial for a great hiking experience. The information you’ll find here isn’t simply user-generated; it’s carefully curated to provide you with reliable insights tailored specifically for Australian hikers. Each trail goes through a thorough verification process, so you can trust the details, including route maps and GPX files that work seamlessly with your hiking GPS. Additionally, the grades assigned to each trail follow the Australian Walking Track Grading System (AWTGS), giving you clear and locally recognised difficulty ratings to help you choose the right hike for your skill level. I’m continually working to include GPX files for every trail and keep all the details up to date, so you can explore with confidence, knowing you have the best resources at your fingertips.

Why Choose Trail Hiking Australia?

With decades of experience exploring Australia’s landscapes, I’m committed to providing you with reliable, up-to-date information to make every adventure unforgettable. Trail Hiking Australia is more than a trail directory—it’s your guide to explore responsibly, stay safe, and enjoy every step of the journey.

Australia has some of the most diverse and beautiful landscapes in the world, and I believe that hiking these trails is one of the best ways to experience them. Whether you’re here to find a new trail, brush up on your hiking skills, or connect with a like-minded community, I hope Trail Hiking Australia becomes a resource you can count on.

See you out there,

Darren Edwards
Founder, Trail Hiking Australia
[email protected]

Contact me