Top 10 Iconic Walks in Australia

Australia is a vast and diverse country, home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world. From rugged coastlines to towering mountains, there is a walk to suit everyone in Australia. Naming the top 10 will no doubt raise discussion, as everyone will have their favourites. So here are 10 iconic walks in Australia that are sure to take your breath away.

1. Overland Track, Tasmania

The Overland Track is a world-renowned 65 kilometer trek that traverses the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, nestled within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. For six days, hikers are immersed in breathtaking alpine landscapes, passing through ancient rainforests, towering mountains, and vast glacial valleys. From the iconic Cradle Mountain to Australia’s deepest lake, Lake St Clair, the Overland Track unveils the raw beauty of Tasmania’s wilderness. Along the way, hikers encounter cascading waterfalls, pristine lakes, and diverse flora and fauna. The challenge of conquering the track’s rugged terrain is rewarded with unforgettable vistas and a sense of accomplishment that lingers long after the journey’s end.

2. Larapinta Trail, Northern Territory

The Larapinta Trail is a 223 kilometre trek through the West MacDonnell Ranges in the Northern Territory. The trail passes through gorges, over mountains, and along ancient riverbeds, offering stunning views of the desert landscape. Hikers can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including red kangaroos, wallabies, and dingoes. The Larapinta Trail is a challenging hike, but the rewards are immense. The trail is divided into 12 sections, each of which can be hiked in a day. Hikers can choose to carry their own food and camping gear, or stay in shelters along the way. The Larapinta Trail is best hiked during the dry season (April to October), when the weather is cooler and the waterholes are full.

3. Tomaree Costal Walk, New South Wales

The Tomaree Coastal Walk is a 27-kilometer trek that hugs the coastline of Tomaree National Park in Port Stephens, New South Wales. The walk is divided into several sections, each offering its own unique challenges and rewards. Hikers on the Tomaree Coastal Walk will pass through a variety of landscapes, including secluded beaches, rocky headlands, and lush forests. They will also have the opportunity to see a wide range of wildlife, such as dolphins, whales, and koalas. The walk is a challenging but rewarding experience that offers a truly immersive way to experience the natural beauty of Port Stephens. With its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, the Tomaree Coastal Walk is a must-do for any nature lover.

4. Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, South Australia

The Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail is a 61 kilometer trek that takes hikers through the rugged interior of Kangaroo Island, South Australia. The trail is divided into five sections, each offering its own unique challenges and rewards. Hikers on the trail will pass through a variety of landscapes, including towering cliffs, pristine beaches, and lush forests. They will also have the opportunity to see a wide range of wildlife, such as koalas, echidnas, and goannas. The trail is a challenging but rewarding experience that offers a truly immersive way to experience the natural beauty of Kangaroo Island. With its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail is a must-do for any nature lover.

5. Cape to Cape Track, Western Australia

The Cape to Cape Track is a 135 kilometre hike along the rugged coastline of the Margaret River Region in Western Australia. The track takes in towering cliffs, secluded beaches, and lush forests. Hikers can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including whales, dolphins, and wildflowers. The Cape to Cape Track is a challenging hike, but the rewards are immense. The track is divided into 13 sections, each of which can be hiked in a day. Hikers can choose to carry their own food and camping gear, or stay in shelters or commercial accommodation along the way. The Cape to Cape Track is best hiked during the spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May), when the weather is mild and the wildflowers are in bloom.

6. Freycinet Peninsula Circuit, Tasmania

The Freycinet Peninsula Circuit is a 30 kilometer trek that takes hikers through some of the most iconic scenery in Tasmania, Australia. The circuit begins and ends at the Freycinet National Park Visitor Centre, and takes hikers past pristine beaches, towering cliffs, and through lush rainforests. Highlights of the circuit include the Wineglass Bay lookout, the Hazards Mountains, and the secluded coves of Friendly Beaches. Hikers can also take a side trip to the summit of Mount Freycinet, which offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline. The Freycinet Peninsula Circuit is a challenging but rewarding hike that offers a truly immersive way to experience the natural beauty of Tasmania. With its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, the Freycinet Peninsula Circuit is a must-do for any nature lover.

7. Great South West Walk, Victoria

The Great South West Walk is a 250 kilometer loop that takes hikers through some of the most stunning scenery in Victoria, Australia. The walk begins in the historic town of Portland and winds its way through towering forests, along rugged coastlines, and past pristine lakes. Along the way, hikers can experience the diverse landscapes of the Lower Glenelg National Park, Discovery Bay Coastal Park, Cobboboonee National Park, and Cape Nelson State Park. Highlights of the walk include the dramatic cliffs of the Glenelg River, the secluded beaches of Discovery Bay, and the ancient forests of the Cobboboonee. The Great South West Walk is a challenging but rewarding experience that offers a truly immersive way to explore the natural beauty of Victoria. With its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, the Great South West Walk is a must-do for any nature lover.

8. Jatbula Trail, Northern Territory

The Jatbula Trail is a 62 kilometer one-way trek that winds through the stunning Nitmiluk National Park in the Northern Territory of Australia. Following the western edge of the Arnhem Land escarpment, the trail traverses sandstone plateau scrub, woodlands, open forest, monsoon forest, and riverine landscapes. Hikers on the Jatbula Trail walk in the footsteps of generations of Jawoyn people who traditionally traveled this land. The trail is named after Peter Jatbula, a Jawoyn Traditional Owner who was instrumental in securing land rights for his people. Along the way, hikers can experience the rich cultural heritage of the Jawoyn people, as well as the breathtaking natural beauty of Nitmiluk National Park. The Jatbula Trail is a challenging but rewarding hike that offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the Outback landscape. With its diverse scenery and rich cultural history, the Jatbula Trail is a must-do for any adventurous traveler.

9. K’gari Great Walk, Queensland

The K’gari Great Walk is a 90 kilometer journey that takes hikers through the heart of K’gari (Fraser Island), the world’s largest sand island. Over the course of 6-8 days, walkers traverse a diverse range of landscapes, from towering rainforests and pristine lakes to windswept dunes and secluded beaches. Along the way, hikers can experience the unique beauty of K’gari’s natural wonders, such as the crystal-clear waters of Lake McKenzie, the towering sand cliffs of the Pinnacles, and the lush greenery of the Central Station rainforest. The walk also offers opportunities to learn about the island’s rich cultural heritage, with the Butchulla people having inhabited K’gari for thousands of years. The K’gari Great Walk is a challenging but rewarding experience that offers a truly immersive way to explore this remarkable island. With its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural history, the K’gari Great Walk is a must-do for any nature lover.

10. Bibbulmun Track, Western Australia

The Bibbulmun Track is a 1,000 kilometer long-distance walk trail that winds its way through the heart of the scenic South West of Western Australia. From Kalamunda in the Perth Hills to Albany on the south coast, the track passes through a diverse range of landscapes, including towering karri forests, pristine beaches, and rugged granite ranges. Hikers on the Bibbulmun Track can experience the unique beauty of the South West’s flora and fauna, with opportunities to spot wildflowers, koalas, kangaroos, and even the occasional emu. The track is also home to a rich Aboriginal history, with many sites of cultural significance along the way. The Bibbulmun Track is a challenging but rewarding hike that offers a truly immersive way to experience the wonders of the South West. With its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, the Bibbulmun Track is a must-do for any adventurous traveler.

These are just a few of the many iconic walks in Australia. With its diverse landscapes and rich natural beauty, Australia is a hiker’s paradise. From the rugged peaks of the Australian Alps to the pristine beaches of the coastline, there is a walk to suit every level of experience and fitness. The trails listed here are just a starting point for exploring the vast network of hiking trails that crisscross the country. Whether you’re looking for a challenging multi-day trek or a leisurely stroll through the bush, you’re sure to find the perfect walk to suit your needs. So lace up your boots and hit the trail! Australia is waiting to be explored.