A Hiker’s Paradise: Discover 12 of Australia’s Great Walks

Step into a hiker’s paradise where rugged landscapes meet untamed beauty, where each footfall leads to a new adventure. Australia’s Great Walks beckon, promising unforgettable experiences for the intrepid explorer. From the sun-kissed shores of K’gari to the ancient rainforests of the Gold Coast Hinterland, these hidden trails offer a gateway to the wild soul of Australia.

Imagine yourself amidst the towering dunes of Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island, where crystal-clear lakes and vibrant wildlife await. Hear the whisper of ancient voices through Carnarvon Gorge, feel the cool sea mist against your skin as you traverse the Great Ocean Walk, and breathe in the scent of eucalyptus in Cooloola. Each step is a discovery, each view a natural work of art.

While iconic hikes like the Larapinta Trail, Overland Track, Bibbulmun Track, and Heysen Trail top many bucket lists, these 12 ‘Great Walks’ offer a unique distinction, recognised for their exceptional experiences within National Parks and Wilderness Areas.  Distinct from guided luxury experiences, these self-guided adventures are designed to truly immerse you in the heart of Australia’s lesser-known wild soul.

Whether you’re a seasoned trekker seeking a new challenge or an adventurous spirit yearning for connection with the natural world, there’s a Great Walk calling your name. Pack your sense of adventure, and step foot on a trail that will leave you breathless—in more ways than one.

Ready to take the first step? Explore this guide to 12 amazing Aussie adventures, known as ‘Great Walks’ by name, each offering a unique blend of challenge and reward. Adventure awaits—are you ready to answer the call and experience the breathtaking beauty of Australia’s Great Walks?”

12 Great Walks of Australia

1. K’gari (Fraser Island) Great Walk (Queensland)

Length: 90km
Days: 6-8
Grade: 4
Style: One Way

K’gari Great Walk is an unforgettable journey traverses 90 kilometres across K’gari (Fraser Island), the world’s largest sand island. Hike through towering rainforests perched atop dunes, with a diverse range of towering trees, lush ferns, and vibrant wildflowers. Keep your eyes peeled for native birds and unique reptiles. Escape the heat with a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of Lake McKenzie, a perched lake known for its pure white silica sand.

The coastline boasts dramatic cliffs, vibrant coastal heathlands bursting with wildflowers, and opportunities to spot dolphins or migrating whales. Dingoes, the island’s iconic inhabitants, share the island with wallabies, echidnas, a variety of birdlife, and colourful reptiles. After a day of exploration, set up camp at designated campsites and spend evenings gazing at the stars. This challenging 6–8-day, one-way trek promises breathtaking scenery, diverse ecosystems, and unforgettable memories.

2. Carnarvon Great Walk (Queensland)

Length: 87km
Days: 6-7
Grade: 5
Style: Circuit

The Carnarvon Great Walk links the Carnarvon Gorge and Mount Moffatt sections of Carnarvon National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty and human history set within the highlands of the Central Queensland Sandstone Belt. A range of walking experiences are offered within this Great Walk—from short strolls to a truly challenging six- or seven-day walk. Wander the shaded, cool side-gorges of Carnarvon Creek or ascend ridgelines above and beyond the gorge to the lofty, dry woodland plateaus of central Queensland’s most elevated area. For those up for the challenge, the full circuit walk (87km in length), is destined to become one of Queensland’s great walking experiences—a true adventure to remember.

3. The Great Ocean Walk (Victoria)

Length: 100km
Days: 8
Grade: 4
Style: One Way

Victoria’s iconic Great Ocean Road is renowned for its dramatic coastal scenery, but for those seeking an adventure beyond the car window, the Great Ocean Walk (GOW) beckons. This challenging 100km, one-way trek stretches from Apollo Bay to Glenample Homestead near the Twelve Apostles, taking you on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Great Otway National Park.

The GOW isn’t just about the grand finale; it’s about the immersive experience along the way. Hike past hidden coves and dramatic rock formations, witness koalas basking in the trees, and keep your eyes peeled for whales breaching offshore during winter. Lush rainforests meet rugged cliffs and pristine beaches, offering a diverse landscape teeming with life. The varied terrain caters to a range of abilities, with the initial sections being gentler and progressing to more challenging coastal hikes. Remember, proper planning is crucial, as some sections may be impassable at high tide. Lace up your boots and trade the scenic drive for a truly enriching experience on the Great Ocean Walk.

4. Cooloola Great Walk (Queensland)

Length: 102km
Days: 5
Grade: 4
Style: One Way

Queensland’s Cooloola Great Walk isn’t for the faint of heart. This 102km, one-way trek through Great Sandy National Park is a true test of endurance, but the rewards are unparalleled. Rated as grade 4, it’s ideal for experienced hikers seeking a deep dive into Cooloola’s diverse landscapes over five days. The trail winds its way through a tapestry of ecosystems. Lush rainforests teeming with life give way to towering eucalypt forests offering cool respite. Sun-drenched coastal woodlands and vast heath plains stretch towards the horizon, culminating in the challenge of massive sand dunes. Scramble to the top of them for breathtaking panoramic views and hidden perched lakes nestled amidst the golden expanse. Long stretches of pristine beaches beckon for relaxation, while the Cooloola coastline unfolds majestically below.

5. Wet Tropics Great Walk (Queensland)

Length: 70km
Days: 4-6
Grade: 5
Style: One Way

The Wet Tropics Great Walk offers a true wilderness adventure for experienced hikers. This 70km, one-way trek through Queensland’s Girringun National Park pushes your limits with challenging terrain (grade 5) and rewards you with breathtaking scenery. Spend 4-6 days traversing the ancient landscapes, from Wallaman Falls to Henrietta Gate.

Immerse yourself in the heart of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Hike past cascading waterfalls, delve into plunging gorges, and be awestruck by inspiring vistas. The Wallaman Falls section is a fantastic introduction, perfect for acclimatising to the lush rainforest and dramatic gorges. Seasoned adventurers can tackle the wilderness trails of Juwun and Jambal, venturing into the Herbert River Gorge for an unforgettable challenge. This walk is more than just a hike; it’s a chance to connect with the ongoing cultural connection of the Traditional Aboriginal Custodians to this magnificent land.

6. Conondale Range Great Walk (Queensland)

Length: 56km
Days: 3
Grade: 4
Style: Circuit

Queensland’s Conondale National Park offers a taste of its wonders through the Conondale Range Great Walk. This 56km circuit walk, rated as grade 4, promises a diverse and immersive experience in just three days. Hike through ancient rainforests teeming with life, be mesmerized by cascading waterfalls, and cool off with a dip in crystal-clear creeks. Tall open forests offer glimpses of the expansive views that punctuate this scenic journey. The walk caters to both casual and dedicated hikers. Choose from short strolls to the entire circuit. Regardless of what distance you choose, the Conondale Range Great Walk promises a memorable escape into the heart of a captivating national park.

7. Great Walhalla Alpine Trail (Victoria)

Length: 42km
Days: 3
Grade: 4
Style: One Way

Victoria’s Great Walhalla Alpine Trail , while not officially having ‘Great Walk’ in its name, it well worth a mention. This alpine trail offers a taste of the epic Australian Alps Walking Track in a more manageable 42km, one-way trek. This grade 4 adventure, perfect for a three-day expedition, follows the initial section of the 650km Australian Alps Walking Track, linking the historic gold mining town of Walhalla to the pristine wilderness of Baw Baw National Park.

Hike through a tapestry of alpine landscapes bursting with colourful wildflowers. Traverse meadows adorned with twisted snowgums, towering mountain ash, and the prehistoric wonder of myrtle beech. Pass through the fascinating geological formations of Mushroom Rocks and discover the remnants of Talbot Peak hut, a testament to the area’s rich history. Cross gurgling mountain streams and wild rivers and delve into fern-filled groves as you immerse yourself in the beauty of the Baw Baw National Park plateau. This trail is a perfect blend of historical intrigue and breathtaking alpine scenery, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

8. Great South West Walk (Victoria)

Length: 250km
Days: 12-14
Grade: 4
Style: Circuit

Victoria’s Great South West Walk is a true wilderness adventure, spanning a remarkable 250 kilometres. This 12–14-day circular trek is a feast for the senses, showcasing the state’s most captivating natural landscapes. Hike through eucalyptus forests of the Cobboboonee National Park, and feel the spray of the Southern Ocean as you traverse rugged coastlines. The pristine Glenelg River snakes through the landscape, offering opportunities for refreshing dips and a deep connection with nature. The diverse scenery keeps the adventure exciting. From the towering eucalyptus forests to the dramatic river gorge, and coastal cliffs overlooking Discovery Bay, each bend in the trail reveals a new and exciting wonder. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife encounters – kangaroos, emus, and koalas are common sights. For the truly lucky, a glimpse of an elusive echidna, platypus or seal might be the highlight of your journey. This epic walk is a chance to truly immerse yourself in the raw beauty of Victoria’s wild southwest.

9. Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk (Queensland)

Length: 58km
Days: 4
Grade: 4
Style: One Way

Queensland’s Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk offers a challenging yet rewarding adventure for hikers seeking a taste of paradise. This 58km, one-way trek through the Blackall Range promises stunning scenery and diverse ecosystems over four days. Hike through a tapestry of landscapes, from cascading waterfalls hidden within pockets of subtropical rainforest to scenic ridges boasting breathtaking panoramic views. The beauty of this walk lies not just in the grand finale, but in the immersive journey itself. Designated campsites provide safe havens for rest and stargazing under the night sky. Multiple access points cater to all abilities – choose shorter sections for a day hike or tackle the entire route for a multi-day adventure.

10. Mackay Highlands Great Walk (Queensland)

Length: 58km
Days: 3-5
Grade: 5
Style: One Way

Queensland’s Mackay Highlands Great Walk offers a 58km, one-way adventure perfect for experienced hikers seeking a challenge. This trek through Eungella and Homevale National Parks isn’t for the faint of heart (grade 5) but rewards you with breathtaking scenery and diverse ecosystems over 3-5 days.
For a smoother experience, tackle the walk north to south. This avoids steeper climbs, especially in dry areas, and lets you follow established markers. Hike along relatively flat sections of the Great Dividing Range, rewarded with panoramic vistas of the Pioneer Valley and Mackay’s sugar cane plantations.

As you venture deeper, immerse yourself in cool rainforests with towering trees, dense palm groves, and dramatic peaks. The trail weaves through Homevale National Park and Crediton State Forest, offering a taste of multiple ecosystems. Remember, proper planning is key for this multi-day adventure. Pack appropriately, inform others of your plans, and be prepared to be captivated by the beauty and challenges of the Mackay Highlands.

11. The Great North Walk (New South Wales)

Length: 250km
Days: 15
Grade: 5
Style: One Way

The Great North Walk is a true test of endurance for experienced hikers, offering a 250km one-way trek from Sydney to Newcastle in New South Wales. This 15-day adventure traverses a diverse landscape, from bustling Sydney to the charming harbor city of Newcastle. The well-marked trail boasts a variety of “side tracks” allowing you to connect with nearby towns and cities for supplies or rest. Be prepared for a variety of terrains and ecosystems, with sections ranging from coastal cliffs to lush national parks with abundant wildlife. This challenging walk is an unforgettable way to experience the beauty of New South Wales on foot.

12. Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk (Queensland)

Length: 54km
Days: 3
Grade: 4
Style: One Way

Queensland’s Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk is a 54km, one-way adventure for seasoned hikers (grade 4). This three-day trek promises a journey back in time, traversing the ancient volcanic slopes of the Tweed Volcano. Lush rainforests teeming with Gondwana relics – remnants of a supercontinent from millions of years ago – line your path. Cascading waterfalls and rushing streams carve through the weathered landscape, creating a scene of breathtaking beauty.

The star of the show is the diverse ecosystem. Hike through the world’s most extensive subtropical rainforests, alongside warm temperate rainforests. Keep an eye out for the rare and fascinating Antarctic beech cool temperate rainforest pockets along the way. The Lamington and Springbrook plateaus, connected by the scenic Numinbah Valley, offer a true celebration of plant and animal life. This walk is more than just a hike; it’s a chance to immerse yourself in a natural tapestry woven millions of years ago.

Adventure awaits!

With 12 Great Walks to choose from, Australia calls you to explore its hidden trails, diverse landscapes, and unforgettable wilderness. From island paradises to coastal cliffs and rainforests, there’s a challenge waiting for everyone. Lace up your boots and discover a side of Australia on a multi-day self-guided adventure that will leave you breathless, in more ways than one.