14 Epic Walks Across Australia You Need to Experience (Like, Now!)

Jan 15, 2025

Share this article

14 Epic Walks Across Australia You Need to Experience

Ready to swap your couch for a trail? Look no further! Mark Norek, the mastermind behind Life’s an Adventure, has handpicked the best hikes to make you sweat, smile and maybe curse under your breath at least once.

Grab your boots, pack a snack (or five), and get ready for some serious adventure – here are 14 walks that’ll have you questioning your fitness level and your life choices… but in a good way.

Maria-Island-self-guided-walk-Tasmania

1. Maria Island: Bishop & Clerk Summit
Trail: 10 km, 5-6 hours, Medium to Hard
Terrain: Rocky ascent, coastal views
What to Expect: A scenic flight to the island, a hike that’ll leave you gasping for air, and views so epic you’ll forget you’re sweating like a sauna. Bonus: I proposed to my wife here, so you know it’s got good vibes (also, no pressure on your own proposal – but yeah, this is the spot).
Bonus: A hike so unforgettable, you’ll have to sit down and process your feelings afterward.

A serene coastal scene in Western Australia features large, smooth rocks surrounded by clear turquoise water. In the background, the sky is blue with a few scattered clouds, and there is a stretch of green vegetation on the left.

2. Bibbulmun Track: Elephant Rocks to Monkey Rock
Trail: 8 km, 4 hours, Grade 2 (Easy)
Terrain: Rocky, sandy, a bit hilly
What to Expect: Giant granite boulders that look like elephants chilling by the sea. Then, it’s off to Monkey Rock (yes, that’s a thing). End with a sunset and a glass of wine at Lake House Denmark, because obviously.
Bonus: Wine, more wine. Trust me, you’ll need it after hiking.

A group of hikers wearing helmets navigates a narrow trail on a steep, grassy hillside with a rocky cliff, echoing the adventure of a Lord Howe Island walk. The path is secured by a rope fence, while lush greenery and rugged terrain create a dramatic backdrop.

3. Mount Gower: Lord Howe Island
Trail: 10 km, 8.5-9 hours, Grade 5 (Challenging)
Terrain: Steep climbs, ropes, rugged paths
What to Expect: Cloud forests, mossy landscapes, and the most mind-blowing summit views. And the birds? Thousands of Providence Petrels flying around like they’re on a caffeine high.
Warning: If your knees aren’t in great shape, they will be by the end of this hike.

Giles-Track-Kings-Canyon-NT

4. Giles Track: Watarrka National Park, Kings Canyon
Trail: 12 km, Moderate to Hard
Terrain: Rocky, rugged, and “look at that!” views
What to Expect: Beehive-shaped rock formations, ancient gorges, and sunsets that’ll make you feel like you’re in a nature documentary. End the day at Kings Canyon Resort with a sunset drink – you’ve earned it.
Warning: The heat here is savage. Early starts are a must, unless you enjoy the feeling of being roasted.

A group of hikers from Kimberley Walking Tours stroll along a rocky path, surrounded by large, uniquely shaped sandstone formations in a sunny, arid landscape. Sparse vegetation grows amid the rocks and dry grassy area, offering an ideal escape for walking holidays.

5. Bungle Bungles Heli-Hiking Experience
Trail: 10 km, Medium
Terrain: Rocky creek bed
What to Expect: Helicopter ride over the Bungle Bungles – yeah, you heard me. Then land in the heart of the gorge for an epic walk. And the best part? You get to fly back too! Because why wouldn’t you want to?
Bonus: Helicopters. Need I say more?

A group of hikers on the Blue Mountains Traverse Walk crosses a rocky stream, using a rope handrail for support. Surrounded by lush forest vegetation, they navigate large stone steps leading through the scenic woodland. Life’s An Adventure highlights walking experiences that immerse you in nature's beauty.

6. Grand Cliff Walk: Blue Mountains
Trail: 9 km, 5 hours, Medium
Terrain: Gravel, rock, stairs, and views that’ll make your jaw drop
What to Expect: Epic cliffs, waterfalls, and jaw-dropping views that’ll make your Instagram followers ask if you’re a professional photographer. End with a hearty dinner and wine at the Carrington Hotel, because… did we mention wine?
Warning: Hold your breath on some of the cliff-edge paths. Seriously.

Two hikers stand on a rocky trail surrounded by trees, with a scenic view of a green valley and blue sky in the background. Wearing hiking gear and backpacks, they revel in the natural landscape. It's clear that with Gold Coast Walking Tours, life's an adventure waiting to be explored.

7. Coomera Circuit: Lamington National Park, Queensland
Trail: 17 km, Moderate
Terrain: Rainforest, river crossings, waterfalls
What to Expect: A rainforest dream! Waterfalls, wildlife, and the famous Lamington spiny crayfish (not for eating, just for admiring). Finish at Binna Burra Lodge with gourmet food because you deserve it.
Bonus: Rainforests, waterfalls, AND food? Take my money.

Kosciuszko-National-Park-walk-Snowy-Mountains
Photo courtesy of Snowy Mountains Tourism

8. Mount Kosciuszko & Blue Lake: Snowy Mountains
Trail: 23.5 km, 8 hours, Hard
Terrain: Alpine paths with a steady climb
What to Expect: Australia’s tallest peak (no biggie) and Blue Lake, which is basically a swimming pool for mountain goats. The views from the top? Totally worth the sweat.
Warning: Don’t expect a leisurely stroll. This one requires some serious effort.

A group of people stands at the summit of a mountain, gathered around a stone marker. The landscape behind them, part of the Northern Territory Walking Tours, stretches out with rocky terrain and distant hills under a clear blue sky.

9. Larapinta Trail: Mount Sonder
Trail: 16 km, 6 hours, Hard
Terrain: Rocky, rugged, breathtaking
What to Expect: 360° views that’ll make you feel like a boss (or queen) of the outback. Reward yourself with a dip in a waterhole and stargazing after you conquer the summit.
Bonus: It’s not just a hike; it’s an experience.

A person with a backpack hikes down a rocky path surrounded by grassy terrain, overlooking a large lake and mountains in the distance under an overcast sky—a perfect setting for guided walking tours in Tasmania.

10. Mount Murchison: Tarkine, Tasmania
Trail: 4 hours, Easy to Medium
Terrain: Subalpine, rock scrambling
What to Expect: A short but intense hike that rewards you with insane views. Oh, and you’ll also spot more unique plants and wildlife than you ever thought possible.
Warning: Not for those afraid of rocks or heights.

Two people in outdoor gear stand smiling on a rocky cliffside overlooking the ocean. This breathtaking view is part of their self-guided walk, with tall, rugged cliffs extending in the background and waves crashing below under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

11. Cape Hauy: Three Capes, Tasman Peninsula
Trail: 8-10 km, Moderate
Terrain: Cliff edges, steep climbs, sea stacks
What to Expect: Waves that’ll make you wonder if they’re competing in the world’s biggest wave contest. End the day with some of the most stunning coastal views on Earth.
Bonus: Try the Three Capes Walk for a level-up in adventure.

Four people clad in hiking gear stand on a rocky surface by the sea, part of an adventurous Unique Tours Australia experience. The vibrant blue ocean and sky stretch endlessly behind them, with large rocks dotting the shoreline as they smile and savor the sunny day.

12. Bay of Fires Walk: Tasmania
Trail: 16.5 km, 6.5 hours, Medium
Terrain: Beach walks, coastal tracks
What to Expect: Pristine beaches, rocky coves, and, wait for it… gourmet Tasmanian cheese and wine at the end of the day. Trust me, you’ll never look at cheese the same way again.
Bonus: The ultimate coastal escape.

A wooden board with "Paulett Wines" engraved holds five different wine glasses, arranged in a line, complemented by gourmet appetizers beneath each glass. Perfect for indulging after one of their enchanting self-guided walking tours through the vineyard.

13. Clare Valley Walk: Flinders Ranges, South Australia
Trail: 8-10 km, 4 hours, Easy to Moderate
Terrain: Vineyards, riverbanks
What to Expect: Australia’s oldest winery (fancy, right?), a stroll through vineyards, and a gourmet lunch with wine. Yes, wine. More wine.
Bonus: Sip, stroll, and savour your way through the land of wine.

Four people, captivated by the ancient rock art on the cave ceiling, immerse themselves in the intricate figures that may depict mythical creatures or animals. It's a moment of discovery during their Walking Holidays Australia tour, where Life's An Adventure at every turn.

14. Arnhem Land – Rock Art & Sunset Cruise
Trail: 8 km, Medium
Terrain: Paved paths, rocky trails
What to Expect: Walk through the world’s largest collection of rock art (no, really), followed by a stunning sunset cruise through labyrinthine canals. The grand finale? A glass of wine while the sun sets over the wetlands.
Bonus: Historic rock art, scenic beauty, and… wine.

Ready to hit the trails? Whether you’re into beach walks, mountain climbs, or rainforest treks, Australia’s got something that’ll get your heart racing and your camera rolling. Which adventure will you conquer first?

Follow us on Facebook

Leave a Reply