This page explains how to use key features on Trail Hiking Australia to help you find hikes, plan trips, and make safer decisions in the outdoors.
Find a hike – Filtered search
Use the Find a hike feature to explore hikes across Australia using an interactive map. Pan and zoom to browse different areas, with hike details updating automatically as you move around the map.
Filters let you refine results by state, park, distance, duration, style, and grade. Available filter options adjust dynamically based on what is visible on the map and your current selections.
Near me – Location-based search
The Near me feature shows hikes within approximately 30 km of your current location. It’s especially useful on mobile devices when you are travelling or exploring an unfamiliar area.
Results are most accurate when location services are enabled. When using Wi-Fi or desktop devices, results may be less precise as your location is estimated from your IP address.
Save hikes to custom lists
On each hike page, you can save hikes using the badges shown at the top of the page.
Use Add to list to create and manage your own private lists, such as hikes you’ve completed or trips you want to plan. Use Favourites to quickly save hikes for easy access later.
All lists and favourites can be viewed and managed from your profile page.
Compare trails
Use the Compare badge to view hikes side by side and quickly compare key details. You can add or remove hikes from the comparison and share the comparison link with others.
Comparisons are saved only for your current browser session. If you want to keep them for later, copy the shareable link.
Use the trip intentions form
Before heading out, it’s important to let someone know your plans. The Trip Intentions Form helps you share key details of your hike with a trusted contact before you go.
If you don’t return as expected, your nominated contact will have clear instructions on how to raise concerns with Police Search and Rescue, along with the information needed to assist responders.
Submit an official trail
If you’re aware of an official trail that isn’t yet listed, you can submit it for inclusion on Trail Hiking Australia.
Provide as much detail as you can, including photos or a GPX file if available. If some information is missing, it can be completed during the verification process. Please check that the trail does not already exist before submitting.
Submit a trip report
Trip reports help others plan hikes and make informed decisions about conditions, timing, and preparation.
If you’d like to share your experience, you can submit a trip report for review. Contributors are acknowledged for published material.
Add a GPX file
If a hike is missing a route map or GPX file, you can upload one directly from the hike detail page.
Scroll to the route or GPX section and select Upload GPX file. Submitted files are reviewed and added to the relevant hike, with contributor credit where appropriate.
Add hike photos
You can upload photos from a hike directly from the hike detail page. Scroll to the gallery section and select Upload photos.
Uploading photos does not transfer copyright. Photos are displayed via the site’s gallery feed, contributors are credited, and images can be removed on request.
