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 3,743 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

Explore an extensive collection of hiking trails across Australia, each complete with detailed information on difficulty, distance, type, trailheads, and more. Every trail page provides essential details such as estimated duration, local weather forecasts, and region insights to help you plan your adventure. Many of the tracks and trails also offer downloadable GPX files and route maps, which I’m constantly working to expand for maximum accessibility.

2. Online Planning Tools

Planning your hikes has never been easier with a set of user-friendly tools. These include the Walking Track Grading Calculator and Hiking Duration Calculator, both of which help you estimate times and find trails that align with your fitness level and experience. Additionally, the interactive map allows you to filter walks by state, grade, length, duration, and park to quickly discover your perfect hike.

3. Online Route Planner and GPX File Editor

The online Route Planner allows you to view, edit, and create GPX files with detailed maps and data visualizations, ensuring smooth planning for your hikes. These tools are essential for customizing routes and making the most out of your outdoor adventures.

4. Online Trip Intentions Form

Your safety is my top priority. The Trip Intentions Form lets you share your hiking plans with a trusted contact, providing crucial information that could aid search and rescue teams if needed. It’s a simple but essential step to ensure you stay safe while exploring Australia’s trails.

5. Safety Resources

As a search and rescue volunteer, I know firsthand how important it is to be well-prepared. That’s why I’ve compiled a variety of resources aimed at keeping you safe, from beginner tips to advanced skills. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, these resources will help you confidently tackle your next trail.

6. Comprehensive Blog

My blog is packed with helpful tips, gear reviews, and inspiring trip reports. With over 479 blog posts, I cover a wide range of topics, including hiking safety, navigation skills, first aid, food tips, and much more. It’s a place where you can find valuable information to enhance your hiking experience and stay informed about the latest trends and safety guidelines.

7. Passionate Community

Trail Hiking Australia is more than just a collection of trails; it’s a vibrant community of over 59,372 outdoor enthusiasts who share a love for exploring Australia’s wild places. Connect with like-minded hikers, exchange stories, and get advice to help you make the most of your adventures. Hikers can create a profile to save their favourite trails and manage hikes with others in the community.

8. Free Event Management Tool

Organize your own group hikes or join those organized by others with the Event Management Tool. This free, easy-to-use platform simplifies the process of planning and managing hiking events, helping everyone from beginners to experienced adventurers get outside and explore together.

Committed to Accuracy and Safety

With 3,743 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 diverse landscapes, I’m committed to offering you the most reliable, up-to-date information to ensure every hiking adventure is safe and unforgettable. Trail Hiking Australia is not just a trail directory; it’s a platform designed to support you from the planning stages through to your hike, promoting safety, community, and responsible exploration.

Whether you’re searching for a new trail, improving your hiking skills, or connecting with others in the community, you’ll find everything you need right here. This platform gives you access to detailed trail information, planning tools, safety resources, and a vibrant community of hikers—all curated with the goal of enhancing your outdoor experience.

Australia’s landscapes are some of the most stunning in the world, and I want to help you experience them safely. I hope Trail Hiking Australia becomes the go-to resource you can trust for your hiking adventures.

See you out there,

Darren Edwards
Founder, Trail Hiking Australia
[email protected]

Contact me