Want to experience the best of outdoors Australia at a pace where you can appreciate the landscapes, wildlife and that world-famous serenity?
All around the land down under you can find renowned walking trails that take you out into the wilderness, disconnecting you from the world and allowing you to focus on the diverse countryside.
Traveller and avid hiker Nick Redmayne offers suggestions for Australia's best walks.
Bibbulman Track
Western Australia
Western Australia’s signature long-distance bush walk, the Bibbulman stretches over 1,000 kilometres from Perth’s Darling Ranges to Albany on the south coast.
Most usually tackled in stages, the route offers steady walking through varied terrain. Sections are well served by 49 free campsites spaced a day’s walk apart, each with a rainwater tank and basic shelter. Guided walks are available on popular parts of the route.
The path along the Bibbulmun Track crosses the Canning River (image Wikipedia)
Larapinta Trail
Northern Territory
A classic desert hike from Alice Springs to Mount Sonder of 223 kilometres through the Northern Territory’s West McDonnell Ranges.
Sacred sites of the Indigenous Arrernte people are a feature of a route that combines ridges, gorges and plains through 12 defined stages, each with a trailhead camp.
Summer months are best avoided, the ideal season being from May to August when temperatures are lower. Guided tours operate regularly along more popular sections.
Cape Le Grand Coastal Walk
Western Australia
East of Esperance, this straightforward 14-kilometre coastal trail can be covered in a full day and runs from Cape Le Grand Beach to Rossiter Bay.
Pristine sandy beaches and turquoise blue coves are connected via steep and rocky inland hikes providing superlative views, including Australia’s whitest beach – Lucky Bay. Don’t worry if you’ve just one vehicle, hitchhiking back to your start point is common practice.
The Cape Le Grand Walk at Australia's whitest sands (image: Getty)
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Great Ocean Walk
Victoria
Since 2006 there’s been an alternative to the well-known coastal drive, 105 kilometres of walking track from the Victorian town of Apollo Bay to the coastal stacks of the Twelve Apostles (well, eight actually...).
Running through Otway National Park, seven campsites divide the walk into variously taxing 10 to 14-kilometre sections, some of which require a weather eye on tide times. Small group and private guided walks are available.
Overland Track
Tasmania
Tasmania’s best-known hike runs 65 kilometres from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Claire through the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Most travellers take around six days to complete the track, backpacking much of the way above 1,000 metres.
Tasmania’s weather conditions are notoriously unpredictable – snowshoes are recommended in winter. Simple huts punctuate the route but walkers must carry tents and register with park authorities. Guided tours are available through specialist operators.
Cradle Mountain beyond Dove Lake (image: Getty)
Stirling Ridge Walk
Western Australia
This strenuous WA trek covers 30 kilometres over three days and is classified as 'extreme’.
The undefined trail between Ellen Peak and Bluff Knoll combines steep ascents and descents with precipitous scrambles. A rope is recommended for lowering packs in tricky spots.
Hikers must be fit and carry supplies of water, particularly in summer months. Weather is unpredictable and bivi bags should be carried. No guided hikes are offered and walkers should be competent with map, compass or GPS.
Juwun Walk
Queensland
Queensland’s tropical north can seem solely defined by its coastal tourism. However, over four to six days experienced walkers can reacquaint themselves with rainforest reality on a 51-kilometre backpacking trail in Girringun National Park.
Starting at Blencoe Falls, the route follows the river as it cascades into Herbert River Gorge and on to Blanket Creek. Bushcamping is permitted anywhere along the river’s shore. Swimming is best avoided due to the presence of estuarine crocodiles. No commercial tours available.
The Wallaman Falls in Girringun National Park (image: Getty)
Kanangra To Katoomba Walk
New South Wales
For those visiting Sydney, a day-trip to New South Wales’ Blue Mountains is a popular excursion. However, if you’re willing to invest more time and effort a challenging 45-kilometre, three-day backpacking hike has plenty to recommend it.
After bagging four peaks, wading across rivers, scaling cliffs and bivouacking in caves you’ll have more to remember than just a pretty view. Navigational ability together with good general fitness is recommended. Guided small group hikes are available.
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This article was written by Nick Redmayne from The Daily Telegraph and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network.
