Hiking in Australia: 10 Greatest Hikes

Australia is home to some of the most unspoilt landscapes and remote hiking trails where you can completely immerse yourself in your surroundings. Here’s our list of Australia’s ten greatest hikes to get you closer than ever to this incredible country.

1: Bay of Fires Lodge Walk - Tasmania

Photo credit: www.taswalkingco.com.au

If you've been to Tasmania you know it’s an island made for hiking and if it’s your first visit you need to complete at least one. We recommend hiking the Bay of Fires Lodge Walk to wander past rocky coastlines, pristine ocean and raw untouched beauty. This hike is best completed from October to May for better weather conditions.

Grade: Easy

Length: 4 days

2: Cradle Mountain Huts Walk - Tasmania

Cradle Mountain is one of Australia’s most spectacular World Heritage Areas and offers two hiking options – a challenging six day hike or an easier four day hike for those who have less time on their hands. During both of these options, you will have the opportunity to wander through ancient rainforests that seem frozen in time and past crystal clear waterfalls.

Grade: Moderate

Length: 6 days

3: Cape to Cape Track - Western Australia

There is something spectacular about Western Australia - maybe it’s the remote, arid landscapes unique to this part of the world. This hike was designed to follow closely alongside the coast, and it takes you past ever-changing scenery including lighthouses, coastal cliffs, caves and sheltered woodland areas.

Grade: Hard

Length: 6-8 days

4: The Larapinta Trail - Northern Territory

This track is constantly mentioned and for good reason, it's Australia’s number one favourite trek. Hikers will wander through chasms, gorges and mountains on this rugged, and extremely remote trail through indigenous land. It’s definitely one for the bucket list! There are twelve different sections of the Larapinta Trail which are all graded according to difficulty.

5: Uluru Base Walk - Northern Territory

A natural masterpiece fused with cultural significance, Uluru is a different kind of magic. You feel it as soon as you step out of your vehicle - it’s magnetic. There are a few different walks but we recommend starting with the Base Walk to get you up close and personal with the big rock! If you can, stay for the sunset as the vibrant hues of Uluru changing will be the cherry on top of your incredible day.

Grade: Moderate

Length: 3.5 hours

6: National Pass - New South Wales

Set in the Katoomba region of Blue Mountains National Park, you’ll encounter flowing rivers, stunning waterfalls and plenty of plunging cliff drops on this hike. It’s hard and steep, but if you’re an experienced hiker then you’re in for constant moments of having your breath taken away.

Grade: Hard

Length: 3-4 hours to complete

7: Great Ocean Walk, Victoria

This walk is basically ‘World Famous’ so it’s making our list. You’ll get to see The Twelve Apostles (those cool limestone sea stacks) as well as sand dunes, shipwrecks and eucalyptus forests. The ocean is always close by and the refreshing salty air will help to carry you along the way.

Grade: Easy

Length: 8-10 days

8: Binna Burra to Green Mountains (O'Reilly's), Queensland

We’ve added this hike because it’s lesser known, and it includes the rainforest (we love getting amongst the greenery!). This is a great hike for beginners, however, it can be a bit steep so be extra careful. This hike can be taken in either direction but starting in the Green Mountains is the easier route.

Grade: Moderate/Hard

Length: 6-8 hours

9: Six Foot Track, New South Wales

We love history, and this hike in the Blue Mountains allows you to wander along a heritage horse track from 1884, eventually ending up in Katoomba (hello, famous ‘Three Sisters’ rock formations). The trail will then take you to the famous Jenolan Caves: a geological wonderland which is a must-see, and the perfect way to finish your adventure. This hike is tough, but if you’re ready to challenge your body and mind then grab your hiking boots and get started.

Grade: Moderate/Hard

Length: 3 days

10: Conway Circuit (Whitsunday Great Walk), Queensland

Not all great hikes are on the mainland! If you really feel like getting away from it all, we recommend the Whitsundays, a national park just off the Australian coast. You’ll find the main island’s Conway Circuit gives you plenty of time and space to escape and reset while guiding you past waterfalls, tropical rainforest and pristine freshwater creeks. You’ll have your fair share of lush greenery on this amazing hike.

Grade: Moderate

Length: 3 days

As with any off the beaten track - safety is paramount. Always tell others where you’re going to be and where necessary book/sign in with local services or operators so there is a record of where you are. Always check the Australian Walking Track Grades before you make any decisions so you can pick which hike is right for you.

We’re all about taking the road less travelled, and there really is no better way to explore than with a scenic hike through the wilderness. Pack your gear, book your Australian motorhome rental, choose a hike and start exploring this epic country on a deeper level. Where is your next adventure? With Motorhome Republic, expect only the top campervan hire deals in Darwin or Alice Springs (NT), in Perth or Broome (WA), in Gold Coast or Townsville (QLD), and all of Australia and even around the world.