{"hide_search_input":false,"hide_near_input":false,"show":"","filters_pos":"","input_size":"","bar_flex_wrap":"","bar_flex_wrap_md":"","bar_flex_wrap_lg":"","input_border":"","input_border_opacity":"","input_rounded_size":"","btn_bg":"","btn_rounded_size":"","btn_rounded_size_md":"","btn_rounded_size_lg":"","bg":"","mt":"","mr":"","mb":"3","ml":"","pt":"","pr":"","pb":"","pl":"","border":"","rounded":"","rounded_size":"","rounded_size_md":"","rounded_size_lg":"","shadow":"","css_class":""}

Return hikes and trails

A return hike, also known as an out-and-back hike, is the most straightforward type of hiking trail. Unlike circuit or one-way hikes, it takes you on a single path that starts and finishes at the same location. Think of it like walking down a straight line and then turning back to come home the same way. Find the best return hikes in Australia here.

Walpa Gorge Walk

Walpa Gorge Walk (2.5km)

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Northern Territory
2.5km
1 hr
Return
South Wall Return Walk

South Wall Return Walk (4.8km)

Watarrka National Park
Northern Territory
4.8km
2 hrs
Return
Kings Creek Walk

Kings Creek Walk (2km)

Watarrka National Park
Northern Territory
2km
1 hr
Return
Kathleen Springs Walk

Kathleen Springs Walk (2.5km)

Watarrka National Park
Northern Territory
2.5km
1 hr
Return
Mount Zeil Summit

Mount Zeil Summit Hike (20km)

West MacDonnell National Park
Northern Territory
20km
9 hrs
Return
Eighth Gorge 768x403

Eighth Gorge Hike (34km)

Nitmiluk National Park
Northern Territory
34km
2 days
Return
Smitt Rock 768x404

Smitt Rock Hike (24km)

Nitmiluk National Park
Northern Territory
24km
8.5 hrs
Return
Lily Ponds 768x403

Lily Ponds Hike (21km)

Nitmiluk National Park
Northern Territory
21km
6.5 hrs
Return
Butterfly Gorge 768x403

Butterfly Gorge Hike (12km)

Nitmiluk National Park
Northern Territory
12km
3.5 hrs
Return
Southern Rockhole 768x403

Windolf Walk (10km)

Nitmiluk National Park
Northern Territory
10km
3 hrs
Return
Baruwei Lookout Walk 768x403

Baruwei Lookout Walk (1.8km)

Nitmiluk National Park
Northern Territory
1.8km
1 hr
Return
Counts Point 768x403

Counts Point Hike (15km)

West MacDonnell National Park
Northern Territory
15km
7 hrs
Return
Mount Sonder 768x404

Mount Sonder Hike (16km)

West MacDonnell National Park
Northern Territory
16km
6 hrs
Return
Brinkley Bluff 768x403

Brinkley Bluff Hike (20km)

West MacDonnell National Park
Northern Territory
20km
8 hrs
Return
Ruby Gap Glen Annie Gorge Walk 768x403

Ruby Gap & Glen Annie Gorge Walk (16km)

Ruby Gap Nature Park
Northern Territory
16km
8 hrs
Return
NDhala Gorge Walk 768x403

N’Dhala Gorge Walk (3.5km)

N'Dhala Gorge Nature Park
Northern Territory
3.5km
1.5 hrs
Return
Greenant Creek 768x325

Greenant Creek Walk (2.7km)

Litchfield National Park
Northern Territory
2.7km
1.5 hrs
Return
Tjaynera Sandy Creek 768x325

Tjaynera – Sandy Creek Walk (3.4km)

Litchfield National Park
Northern Territory
3.4km
1.25 hrs
Return
Barrk Sandstone Walk

Barrk Sandstone Walk (12km)

Kakadu National Park
Northern Territory
12km
6 hrs
Return
Yurmikmik Lookout Walk 768x325

Yurmikmik Lookout Walk (5km)

Kakadu National Park
Northern Territory
5km
2 hrs
Return
Showing Return 1-20 of 36

Start your outdoor adventure here

Find a hike
Trail Hiking Australia Logo
Join my mailing list

Trail Hiking Australia is the go-to website for finding your next hike, bushwalk or trail run. It's a site filled with tips and advice to help you get out in nature and return safely. Develop new skills, learn how to prepare for your next hike and remain safe while navigating the trail. Find out more about hiking gear, read the latest blog posts, trip reports and gear reviews, and download my helpful PDF hiking guides. Become an active member of this fun, rewarding and adventurous community.

Tips and advice

Preparing to hike

Health & hygeine

Hike safety

Hiking skills

Navigation

Food for the trail

Tips and hacks

Get involved

Make a donation

Submit a hike

Submit a trip report

Ways to offer support

Work with me

Join my mailing list

About

Darren Edwards

Trail Hiking Australia

In the media

Bushwalking blog

Online route planner

Review me on Google

Can you support me?

I've built this site as a free community service as I'm passionate about the outdoors and getting people out into nature, safely and with confidence. This is a hobby and not a business so I don't have the the financial backing that companies do, so any financial support you can offer is really appreciated.

Donate here

© Copyright 2013-2024 | Darren Edwards | All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Donation Policy | Disclaimer | 0408 006 430

Trail Hiking Australia is a not-for-profit community service initiative. Ads on this site contain affiliate links to help me fund hosting and development.

Leave No Trace
World Trails Network