9 of the best hikes in Australia for the adventurous traveller

Australia is a haven for hiking. The country’s national parks, remote Outback, and coastal areas offer hikers all kinds of hiking trails, spectacular scenery that’s hard to find anywhere else in the world, and various terrain types to suit any hiking skill level. Find our list below with the best hikes in Australia that you will love, no matter what your experience is.

Nine adventurous hikes in Australia

Each of these Australian mountains gives you a glimpse of unforgettable views and some of the most beautiful landscapes Mother Nature has to offer. If you’re planning to go on an adventure, here are 9 of the best hikes in Australia you should try.

1. National Pass

If you love waterfalls, canyons, valleys, and picnics, you will enjoy the National Pass in the Blue Mountains. It’s just an hour and a half away from Sydney, making it accessible. Despite being close to the city, the Blue Mountains National Pass offers a taste of the Australian wilderness. It has a popular walking trail that will have you trekking down next to a cliff, so it’s not for the faint of heart. The National Pass offers one of the most beautiful and adventurous treks you can experience in Australia.

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2. The Heysen Trail

The Heysen Trail is excellent for hikers of different skill levels. The 1,200-kilometer trail offers long treks of varying difficulties. However, some parts of the path are closed during the summer due to bushfire threats. But if all areas are open, you can expect to see some of Australia’s most remarkable views. The Heysen Trail is about nine hours away from Melbourne. But if you are coming from Adelaide, it is just an hour and a half away. The hiking trail is said to take about 60 days to tour. If this interests you, end-to-end tours are being offered in the area.

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3. Scenic Rim

Scenic Rim is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Queensland and a favourite among those who love camp. You can find six national parks here, a rainforest and three dams. If you are coming from Brisbane, Scenic Rim is just over an hour away and perfect for a day hike. The trip is even quicker if you’re travelling from the Gold Coast. The best thing about Scenic Rim is that it is also home to other great attractions. Aside from hiking, you can also visit its art galleries, country pubs, and favourite wineries.

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4. Uluru Base Walk

The 11-kilometre Uluru Base Walk should be one of your top picks if you’re looking for a picture-perfect landscape. Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park boasts a red monolithic mountain that houses some of the most unusual plants, animals, and geological treasures. Get there before noon to avoid the intense heat. You can also visit nearby Kata Tjuta hiking trails, which is just 50 kilometres away from Uluru. Kata Tjuta has 36 steep domes perfectly designed by Mother Nature.

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5. Glow Worm Tunnel

You should try the Glow Worm Tunnel for a more family-friendly walk in NSW. Just three kilometres long, the tunnel offers a fun and easy trekking experience for the whole family. The tunnel’s glow-in-the-dark walls will be a sure hit with the kids. Located in Wollemi National Park, the Glow Worm Tunnel isn’t the only thing your family can enjoy. There is also a variety of wildlife, plant life, and rocks for your kids to check out.

6. The Overland Track

Expert hikers will love the Overland Track in Tasmania. It is a scenic 65-kilometre trail surrounded by forests, waterfalls, valleys, and alpine meadows. You can book your trip and choose a four-, six-, or eight-day stay. The Overland Track is a challenging trail not recommended for amateurs and beginners. Even experts need to prepare if they want to complete their hike without a guide. Whether trekking alone or with a guide, you must book your walk with the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service.

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If you get a paid tour, you can get a guide and comfortable accommodation. But if you choose to hike it alone, make sure that you are an experienced hiker and that you are ready with all your camping needs, from tents and sleeping bags to food and everything else. A few more side notes for an Overland Track hike: visitors must acquire permits from November to May before entering the park. Walks are also completed from north to south at this time of the year.

7. Bluff Knoll

For a more easy climb, Bluff Knoll is an easy hike. It is a beautiful mountain with excellent views from its base to its peak. Its slopes are showered with a brilliant display of wildflowers, making the trek enjoyable and a little less tiring. Bluff Knoll is the highest point of the Stirling Range that you can add to your list when exploring South Western Australia. It provides an accessible path for intermediate hikers.

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8. Frenchmans Cap

The alluring combination of white and green makes the Frenchmans Cap a top choice for hikers and photographers. However, this mountain is more famous for its 300-meter cliffs, making hiking even more challenging. If you have a brave heart and a strong pair of legs, Frenchmans Cap in Tasmania is perfect for you. There are various walks in Tasmania that you will love.

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9. Mount Gower

Mount Gower is another challenging mountain hike of Australia, 875 meters tall with forested terrain; this mountain is not that easy. Climbing Mount Gower requires a local guide. Ropes are installed through the steepest parts of the peak of Lord Howe Island. It’s safe to say that if steep trails scare you, Mount Gower might be too challenging.

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Overall, Australia is one of the most beautiful places in the world, rich with natural wonders. Its vast mountain ranges make it a top choice for hikers worldwide, and the country also has a warm, sunny climate.

If you’re looking to hike in one of Australia’s beautiful mountains, consider your experience level. There are perfect trekking trails for beginners, intermediate, and advanced hikers all over the country.

Contributed by Cal Bailey of Mountain Leon

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More Australian Walks for active travellers

Check out these blog posts if you are interested in a walking holiday in Australia:

My Picks for the best Wilsons Prom Walks

Photo Credits of this guest post:
1. The Blue Mountains N.P. via Shutterstock
2. Heysel Trail via Flickr
3. Lake Moogerah on the Scenic Rim via Shutterstock
4. Uluru Base Walk via Rocky Travel
6. View from Mt. Ossa The Overland Track Tasmania via Shutterstock
7. Bluff Knoll via Flickr
8. Frenchmans Cap Tasmania Via Flickr
9. Mount Gower via Flickr

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