Author Bio: Sam Ross runs the blog thehammockhombre.com – a travel blog focused around the digital nomad lifestyle. Over the past 3 years, he’s travelled to every continent, so writes on a broad range of countries, cities and destinations.
If there is anywhere in the world inspiring enough to embark on multi-day hikes across the land, it’s Australia. The diverse landscapes here are beyond description at times, and you could never run out of stunningly beautiful places to hike. In Australia you can you experience some of the best hikes in the world, from short walks to epic treks, bush walks and exploration of the many amazing World Heritage-listed national parks.
Who wouldn’t want to feast their eyes upon lush green rainforests, gaze over mountain ridges, trek through open plains, and dip into cool lakes along the way? The hardest part is choosing your trek. Adventure lovers will probably want a little challenge in the mix, but don’t worry – there’s no fear of missing out on that… exhilaration is guaranteed.
Below you can find a synopsis of some of Australia’s most adventurous hikes:
Cape to Cape Walk, Western Australia
Serious hikers should put the Cape to Cape Track on their list. Found in the southwestern corner of Western Australia, it rolls for 135 kilometers through the epic Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, and between the Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin lighthouses. Lighthouse staff will offer guided tours for those who are inquisitive.
You’ll find yourself wandering mainly along coast, and along the way you’ll hike on cliff-top paths; sometimes you’ll find yourself on other-worldly beaches, and various inland loops wind through areas of karri forest. This hike will take you seven days, and you can go it alone or sign up to a guided group, which will include transport and accommodation.
The Arkaba Walk, South Australia
In Southern Australia, the Arkaba Walk is an unmissable hike for serious adventurers. Allocate four days for this hike through Australia’s outback and prepare to exert some energy. The terrain can be a little challenging at times but for some, that’s the whole point.
Along the Arkaba Walk, you’ll be immersed in the history of this fascinating land, which dates back 600 million years. Part of the appeal is the phenomenal Flinders Ranges and Elder Range, and the same goes for the Arkaba Conservancy and views of Wilpena Pound. If you’re a fan of wildlife, you won’t be disappointed with this hike; you’re probably going to come across a range of creatures, from rare bird species to kangaroos, wallabies and emus.
Kosciuszko Walk, New South Wales
This walk is a lot shorter, but still totally worth your time. In total you’ll hike there and back in around five hours, crossing approximately 14 kilometres. Starting out at the Kosciuszko Express chairlift at Thredbo, you’ll eventually find yourself at the summit of Mount Kosciuszko. At 2,228 metres in height, this is the highest peak in Australia. Reaching this peak technically puts you at the ‘top’ of Australia!
If you’re a fan of the poem by Banjo Paterson, “The Man from Snowy River”, this hike has something special for you; the poem refers to the stream close to this trail (which becomes a waterway), and it’s certainly poem-worthy!
The landscape here is quite impressive, with its rocky granite outcrops, glacially carved Lake Cootapatamba, and the abundance of pretty wildflowers.
Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk, Victoria
The Twelve Apostles trail is the one for you if you’re looking for scenery to take your breath away. It stretches over 40km of diverse landscapes, through the stunning Great Otway and Port Campbell National Parks. You’ll hike along the Apollo Bay coastline and past the Twelve Apostles, a collection of limestone stacks off the shore of the 1,750-hectare Port Campbell National Park.
This hike will probably take you several days, dependent on your pace; you’ll see the best of Australia’s wetlands, gorgeous deserted beaches, deep valleys thick with trees, cool rainforests, cliff tops, and postcard-worthy rocky headlands. This is native bush land at its finest.
Wildlife fans won’t be disappointed either; this land is home to fur seals, koalas, and wallabies and fur seals, some of which are indigenous and can’t be found elsewhere.
Binna Burra to Green Mountains, Queensland
The full Binna Burra hike is another that will require a few days of your time and energy. This hike is part of the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk. If you prefer to opt for a shorter hike, you can just walk the section from Binna Burra to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. Found in the Green Mountains section of Lamington National Park, you’ll only need a day to complete it – you’re looking at 23 kilometres, which you can do in seven hours.
The Border Track winds through Atlantic Beech forest, as well as both cool and subtropical rainforests. It heads along the rim of the Tweed Valley volcanic erosion caldera. When you reach the Wanungara Lookout, you will be treated to sublime views of the Limpwood Valley and Mount Warning… dependent on the weather, you may even be able to spot Byron Bay.
Kings Canyon Rim Walk, Northern Territory
The Kings Canyon Rim Walk may not be the most taxing hike ever at 6 km, but it is still worth your time. It isn’t known as ‘the spellbinding Rim Walk’ for no reason! You can reach the far end within four hours, provided your fitness levels are up to scratch. If you don’t like the idea of climbing 500 steps, it may not be the one for you! If that doesn’t faze you, you’ll be rewarded with amazing views.
Following the scenic trail, you’ll head along the rim of Kings Canyon, which forms the shape of a horseshoe. Along the way you’ll see sheer cliffs dropping down 100 metres; keep an eye out for the waterholes of the Garden of Eden, and the Lost City, made up of structures resembling domes. These have been subject to all kinds of weather, so they’re a real sight to behold.
