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Research shows that hiking is great for both mind and body. It’s a powerful cardio workout that can build muscle, improve balance and aid in weight loss. It’s also proven to significantly reduce stress and anxiety.
Here in Australia, we are lucky enough to have a beautiful and diverse landscape right on our doorstep. Take a trip to one of these top 10 hiking spots, get out in nature this weekend!
1. NSW - Manly to the Spit Bridge
This hike, 10 kilometers in distance each way, takes just three hours to complete and allows you to experience some of the most amazing lookout points near Sydney. No guide is needed – once you exit a ferry at Manly Wharf, you just need to head west and cross Forty Baskets Beach. Over the course of this hike, you’ll enter serene natural spots and approach the Spit Bridge, where you can catch a ferry crossing or two.
2. Tasmania - Dove Lake Circuit
If short yet beautiful hikes are your desire, you’ll enjoy the six kilometre Dove Lake Circuit in Tasmania. Located in Cradle Mountain National Park, this hike is an easy one that offers spectacular views of the lake itself as well as countless other landmarks: the famed and oft-photographed 1940 boat shed, Cradle Mountain and even the remains of Ice Age glaciers.
3. Gold Coast - Hinterland Great Walk
Head to Queensland for this incredible hiking trail, and you’ll spend days traversing its path around the rim of an ancient volcano and through the lush rainforest. The Great Walk covers a trail that’s been used since the years of dinosaurs and will introduce you to the great history of the area as you visit Egg and Turtle Rocks, the Tweed Volcano and even beautiful waterfalls enjoyed by those of ancient eras.
4. NSW - Great Coastal Walk
Want to see all of Sydney in just one week? Well, with this hike you may not be able to immerse yourself in the city, but you will be able to see incredible views of its coastline. The Great Coastal Walk takes you on a weeklong adventure that begins in Barrenjoey and ends in Cronulla – you’ll cover Sydney’s impressive and unique sights as you encounter the headlands, cliffs, beaches, coves, lagoons and even native bush land, all just outside the city itself.
5. Northern Territory - Larapinta Trail
Love long hikes? If so, you won’t want to miss Australia’s most impressive trek, the 223 kilometre Larapinta Trail. Considered one of the country’s best bushwalking experiences, the trail is divided into 12 long walks that wind through stunning gorges and rugged landscapes. Along the way, you’ll also want to be sure to stop and capture the sprawling views of Australia’s natural photogenic points.
6. Victoria - Wilsons Promontory
In Victoria, you’ll find a hike unlike any other: the Wilsons Promontory, which takes hikers through the wilderness hiding at Australia’s most southern point. No guides are necessary as you wander past quiet beaches, through serene eucalyptus forests, into swamps, and to the tops of mountains. For an even more impressive experience, you’ll want to stop and camp along the way so you can get up close to the beauty in these many different kinds of natural environments.
7. NSW - Six Foot Track
Animal lovers of all kinds adore the Six Foot Track hiking trail in New South Wales. Located in the stunning Blue Mountains, there are countless opportunities to spot natural wonders of all kinds along the way – whether it’s a butterfly, wombat, cave, or waterfall, there’s so much to see as you traverse this path. Take your time to soak up the incredible scenery, and you’ll find your way to some history too, as you follow 200 years of history along the original 1884 horse track that once existed on the trail.
8. Queensland - Thorsborne Trail
In Australia, even beautiful island hikes are possible – just head to Hinchinbrook Island, where you’ll find the 32 kilometre Thorsborne Trail that takes you through a true tropical paradise. This four-day hike is a wilderness hike like none other, as it walks along the island’s pure white beaches, the jungle of the rainforest and even a few swamps that may feature a croc or two. If you’re looking to get off the beaten path, Thorsborne Trail is the perfect solution: the trail heads right into the wilderness, with no paved or graded path to follow.
9. South Australia - Heysen Trail
Gorgeous scenery makes a long, tough hike worth all of the effort, and that’s exactly what Heysen Trail offers. You’ll see all that makes South Australia worth visiting as you hike to the waterfalls of Deep Creek Conservation Park, visit historic villages and discover fossils in Finders Ranges. Continue even further along the path, and the trail will take you to the rim of Wilpena Pound, an incredible crater that’s sure to astound every hiker.
10. Western Australia - Bibbulmun Track
In Western Australia, you won’t want to skip the hike offered by Bibbulmun Track. This track is certainly notable – it’s even won awards – and it allows you to build your own hike, however you’d like. Whether you want to adventure through different sections one day at a time, or create a multi-day hiking trip, the trail is divided to help you see the scenery you seek. Along the way, you can stop at a vineyard, rest among some wildflowers and even stare upwards at the immensely tall karri trees.