Great Australian walks

Nothing combines a sense of adventure, physical fitness and getting back to nature quiet like the great Aussie bushwalk.

It can be anything from an easy stroll through a suburban bush reserve up to an epic multi-day hike through some of Australia’s most spectacular landscapes.

These itineraries are the latter kind; great Aussie walks in every sense of that phrase. Whether it’s a trek past classic landmarks like the 12 Apostles in Victoria or through the rugged red backdrop of the Flinders Ranges in South Australia, these walks will leave lasting memories and a sense of achievement.

12 Apostles Signature Walk | Victoria

Remarkable rock formations are dotted all along Victoria’s south-western coastline and without question the most famous is the 12 Apostles, located between Princetown and Port Campbell. A carpark is provided and it’s a short stroll along a paved footpath to the main vantage point, accessed via a timber boardwalk. Nearby Saddle Lookout provides an alternative view of these slowly eroding marvels. If you’re down for more exploring, Great Walks of Australia provides a four-day hike which covers the last 44km of the Great Ocean Road. It provides spectacular views and plenty of native flora and fauna, from koalas and wallabies to fur seals.

Cradle Mountain Signature Walk | Tasmania

Few places feel as ancient or as breathtaking as Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. This seven-day, six-night guided walk along the legendary Overland Track distils the best of Tasmania’s wilderness into one unforgettable experience. Spanning 65km and capped at just 12 walkers, it delivers ever-changing alpine scenery, abundant wildlife (think wombats, echidnas and pademelons) and even a boat crossing on Lake St Clair. The difference here is comfort: nights are spent in private eco-lodges, with hot showers, hearty three-course dinners and roaring fires. It’s wild, immersive and runs October to May.

Scenic Rim Trail | Queensland

The Scenic Rim’s epic wilderness sits on Brisbane’s doorstep and its 60km of walking tracks are an experience hikers won’t soon forget. The extended trail only opened in 2020 and it offers guided walking tours of two to six days, traversing the Great Dividing Range and plunging through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest. Encounter koalas, rock wallabies, goannas and over 330 bird species that call the region home. Scale a ladder up a 30-metre rockface, stay in modern eco-cabins, and indulge in hot showers, gourmet dinners and refreshing tipples at the end of each day.

Murray River Walk | South Australia

Blending gentle hiking with relaxed river cruising, this four-day Murray River experience is ideal for walkers of all levels. Covering around 40km of mostly flat terrain, each day reveals a new side of the mighty Murray River. From quiet backwaters to wildlife-rich riverbanks, daily distances of 10-15km are balanced by nights aboard a comfortable houseboat, complete with private ensuites. With access to private land and conservation areas, the route is exclusive to guests, while guided insights bring the region’s Aboriginal heritage and river history to life. It’s an easygoing yet enriching way to experience one of Australia’s most iconic waterways.

Arkaba Walk | South Australia

Described as “one of Australia’s bucket list walking experiences”, the Arkaba Walk is a three-day journey through the ruggedly scenic Flinders Ranges in South Australia. Operating between April and October (average summer temperatures are 32-35°C), this walk covers 10-15km per day and is set against the backdrop of the iconic Wilpena Pound and Elder Range. Experienced guides provide information on the region’s wildlife and cultural heritage, while evenings are given over to luxury bush camps with chef-prepared meals matched to tipples from South Australia’s famous wine regions.

Seven Peaks Walk | Lord Howe Island

A 586km beeline east from Port Macquarie over vast ocean culminates in an island paradise. Imposing rocky peaks jut out from sub-tropical palm forests and nestle in a turquoise, coral-filled bay – looking every bit like it was ripped from the pages of a pirate novel. The best way to see it all is on the five-day guided Seven Peaks Walk. Graded moderate to hard, it includes some off-track sections and nerve-testing heights, plus a day of snorkelling and kayak adventures. Evenings are then spent in the luxurious surrounds of Pinetrees Lodge, feasting on four-course dinners and relaxing with spa treatments.

Cape to Cape Walk | Western Australia

This marathon trek runs between the Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin lighthouses on Western Australia’s south-eastern tip and encompasses about 130km of trails. Depending on your fitness and intensity, the hike can take anywhere between five and eight days (although there are multiple access points along the way if you want to shorten it). Expect every kind of terrain, from paved pathways to 4WD tracks and soft-sand beaches. Your efforts are rewarded with spectacular clifftop views and pristine karri forest along the way.

Classic Larapinta Trek | Northern Territory

For experienced walkers keen to step things up, this six-day, 72km trek along the Larapinta Trail delivers a true outback adventure, without sacrificing comfort. Beginning at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station, it winds through dramatic landscapes, including Simpsons Gap, en route to Mount Sonder. Days are long and rewarding, but evenings are a welcome retreat: semi-permanent camps featuring hot showers, a heated dining shelter and spacious safari-style tents with proper beds.