Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 0m
Min elevation: 0m
Total Ascent: 0m
Hike overview
The Bicentennial National Trail (BNT), formerly known as the National Horse Trail, is one of the longest multi-use, non-motorised trails in the world, stretching 5,330 kilometres from Cooktown in Queensland to Healesville in Victoria, just north-east of Melbourne. Following the spine of the Great Dividing Range, the trail winds through national parks, private properties, and remote wilderness areas, linking landscapes that range from tropical rainforests to alpine meadows, rugged mountains to expansive dry plains. The route incorporates old coach roads, stock routes, brumby tracks, riverbanks, and fire trails, offering a rich and varied journey through Australia’s diverse terrain.
Originally conceived as a long-distance route for horse trekkers, the BNT has since gained popularity among walkers and cyclists, though some sections remain challenging for these activities. Where possible, the trail follows the paths once travelled by pioneers, mail couriers, and stockmen, providing a tangible link to Australia’s past. Along its course, it passes through historic townships, past heritage sites, and alongside relics of Australia’s pastoral and gold rush eras. More than just a physical journey, the BNT offers a deep connection to the country’s history and natural beauty.
The landscapes along the trail are as varied as they are spectacular. In the north, the BNT meanders through lush tropical rainforests teeming with birdlife before heading south into the drier, more remote inland regions. Further along, the track skirts dramatic escarpments, crosses high-country grazing lands, and dips into deep river valleys before climbing into the snow-capped peaks of the Australian Alps. This diversity not only makes for an ever-changing backdrop but also ensures that each section of the trail offers a unique experience.
Few travellers attempt the entire length in one continuous journey, and most choose to explore shorter sections suited to their interests and abilities. The trail is divided into 12 segments, each spanning 400 to 500 kilometres, with a corresponding guidebook that provides essential information. These guides include sketch maps for general reference, though more detailed topographic maps are recommended for accurate navigation. While the guidebooks contain practical advice, much of it remains tailored to horse riders, with limited detail for walkers or cyclists.
The Bicentennial National Trail was first envisioned by the Australian Trail Horse Riders Association, which spent years planning and negotiating access. The vision faced numerous hurdles, particularly due to restrictions on horses within wilderness areas and certain national parks. Progress remained uncertain until 1985, when the project gained official recognition as part of Australia’s Bicentennial celebrations. With funding and approval secured, the trail became a reality in 1988, opening up new opportunities for long-distance travel through some of Australia’s most remote and beautiful regions. Since then, it has become a treasured resource for horse riders while gradually attracting more walkers and cyclists keen to explore its length.
Access points are numerous, with much of the trail intersecting public roads. Where the route crosses major highways, public transport options may be available, though long-distance walkers generally arrange food drops at one- to two-week intervals using private transport. Planning is essential, particularly for those venturing into the more remote sections where resupply points are sparse and conditions can be harsh.
The trail passes through 18 national parks and more than 50 state forests, offering unparalleled opportunities to experience Australia’s wild landscapes. However, certain restrictions apply—motorised vehicles and trail bikes are prohibited, and pets are not permitted. While permits are not required to travel the BNT, local camping and fire regulations must be observed, particularly during bushfire season. Those setting out should be well-prepared and self-sufficient, ready to navigate the challenges of terrain, weather, and isolation.
For those seeking adventure, solitude, and a deeper understanding of Australia’s landscapes and history, the Bicentennial National Trail remains one of the most rewarding long-distance routes in the world. Whether on horseback, foot, or bike, it offers an ever-changing journey through some of the country’s most spectacular and remote regions, providing an unforgettable experience for those willing to take on the challenge.
Gallery
Got some great shots from this hike? Upload your photos here to inspire others and show off the beauty of the trail!
Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You can be credited for your contributions, and you can request removal at any time.
Content use
Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Walk map and GPX file
It looks like I don’t have a GPX file for this trail yet. If you have one to share, please email it to me! I’ll verify it against official maps before adding it to help other hikers have a safer, easier experience. Thanks for contributing to a better hiking resource.
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: East Coast Australia.
The track stretches from Healesville, on the outskirts of Melbourne in Victoria, through the mountain ranges along the eastern side of Australia, and ends in Cooktown in northern Queensland. While the original plan had trekkers starting in Cooktown and heading south, many now prefer to start in Healesville and travel north. This direction allows hikers to gradually acclimatise to the heat while benefiting from the cooling southeast winds at their backs, making it an increasingly popular choice.
Closest towns to this walk: Coldstream, Healesville, Lilydale, Mooroolbark, Yarra Glen
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near East Coast Australia? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
Track grade
Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
Packing checklists
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Let someone know
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
Suggest an edit
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.
9 Reviews on “Bicentennial National Trail Walk (5,330km)”
Laura Vining Kirsty Sims
Is this the next big challenge???? Gran xxx
Geoff Murray ????
Anne Kirby-Fahey your next challenge?
Anyone want to do a section of this trail starting from either end for a month or so in 2020/21?
Darcy Crudeli do this track instead?
Being a member of the BNT ensures that prrivate property owners are covered for insurance when you travel through. Everyone that ever stayed with me was a member of the BNT as it should be.
Derek Forbes?? For your next adventure!!
Show this to Barry Kelsey Campbell ?
Tammy Shields Jovana Cvetković
Ali wanna come for a walk ?
Libby Mc now there’s a good walk
Gabby Griggs
Brooke Louisa Nolan
Charlie Ward
Taryn Bilbija ?
Karlee Bator Cherie Norwell Lewis
Jake Thomas yeah or nah?
Awesome
Lots of road walking?
Janet Farr Mary Claire Firns there are some others I would prefer to do first.
Kate Southall fundraising hike ? ???
Keith Iseppi, this would count as a ‘retreat’
No phone, no business worry for a whole year!
Louise Iseppi? ?
Steven Laden here’s 1 for you
Jeremy Cameron next weekend?
Lauren Hodson
Nick Jacomas
Bicentennial National Trail also have a Facebook page that share updates of people currently on the ‘the trail’
Linda Gleave adding this one to the list?
For more information:
https://www.bicentennialnationaltrail.com.au
Bev – ha ha
Andrew Corbett !
Lucy Kelly Rachel Lucas shall we talk a year off and give it a crack?
Michelle Taylor
Wait, hold my beer.. Rima Gayatri Sudrajat
Has someone ridden the whole track by mtb?
Marion Morrison
If I only had a spare year to do nothing else but wander ?
Sure…I’ll check when is my next RDO and I’ll get back to you…
James Quinton I’m sure you already know about this, but here’s another trail to add to your list ?
Maree Griffin we could take a year off ?
Short one boys Josh Apfel Cameron Balcombe
Here’s a hike you haven’t done before Shane Mervin
Zavra Bryant let’s do this peace from the boys ?
Kylie South here’s one for us buddy ?
Jess Robertson?
It starts just up the road from me. I’ve walked the first 15km a few times. I’d love to do the rest ! ?
Hayley Maxfield
Faye one for the bucket list perhaps? ?
Krista Nieuwenhuizen, got a year to walk and talk? Xx
Tracy Corcoran how about this as a challenge?
Jackie Flaim …. here we go. Leave next week ?
Hamish year off!??
Anna Drummond
Bec Roberts
Shane Johnstone, James Roberts, here’s your next FKT ?
See you next year dear Kara
Shaun Kaesler ? not a chance, I’ll leave that one for Shane ?
Sharon Picking done ?
Ricky Kelf now we are talking. One year to complete haha
Shaun Kaesler it’s more of a horse trail than a hiking trail, I don’t think many if anyone has hiked the length, only a handful have done it on horseback. up until recently it was the longest trail in the world.
Sally Hammond lol retirement activity maybe
Shane in under 24 hours?
Phil Ryan on my bucket list. Just need to mimic your retirement plan
Permits are needed. To buy the guidebooks you need to be a member and often you have to ring a property owner to gain access. Also most of the guidebooks don’t have sketch maps but topographic maps with detailed instructions
Sandy Petersen you love a challenge
Sally Crispe interesting ?
Are you thinking what I’m thinking? Oliver
Liam Anderson do you have a spare year?
Barbara Bryant here’s an adventure for you!
Barbara Bryant here’s an adventure for you!
Jim Pollock Lucy Pollock closer to home
Natalie Webb
Karen Malloch ?