Must-Do Hiking Trails in Australia

Australia Capital Territory, Gibraltar Peak 

This 8.2 km hiking trail in the ACT offers panoramic views of the Tidbinbilla Range and beyond. It is well-maintained and marked, but it will definitely get your heart pumping. 

New South Wales, Gibraltar-Washpool World Heritage walk

We’re upping the stakes here with one of NSW’s Great Walks. This three-day, 45 km loop winds through rainforests, wetlands, and granite tors in the Northern Tablelands.

Queensland, Carnarvon Gorge Great Walk

This is one of Queensland’s best multi-day hikes. An 87 km loop, it takes about six days to complete and showcases towering cliffs, lush rainforests, and ancient Aboriginal rock art. 

South Australia, Mt Lofty summit hike

You’ll find Mt Lofty in the Adelaide Hills, and there’s not one, not two, but nine ways to reach the summit. The most popular is the short but steep Waterfall Gully. 

Tasmania, Painted Cliffs Loop

Head to Maria Island for this two-hour short walk. We love it for one reason: the wombats! But we also love the swirling patterns of the cliffs, the island’s fascinating convict history, and the ocean views for miles. 

Victoria, Grampians Peak Trail

Spanning 164 km through the Grampians National Park, hikers can do the full 13-day trek or opt for shorter hikes. It’s the ultimate choose-your-own adventure with forests, waterfalls, and mountain peaks guaranteed. 

Western Australia, Bluff Knoll Summit Trail

Bluff Knoll is the highest peak in the Stirling Range National Park, at 1,099 metres tall. The 6 km summit trail is a strenuous climb that will blow you away with its endless views.

Northern Territory, Valley of the Winds

This mind-blowing 7.4 km trail is located in Kata Tjuta National Park. It may not be long, but it’s still challenging. Think desert views and raw beauty.

Must-Do Hiking Trails in New Zealand

Tongariro Alpine Crossing, North Island

This 19.4 km trail is one of New Zealand's most famous day hikes, offering stunning volcanic landscapes, emerald lakes, and panoramic views.

St James Walkway

Located in the Lewis Pass Scenic Reserve, this 66 km track is ideal for those wanting a multi-day hike without the crowds. Think stunning alpine scenery and diverse landscapes.

Milford Track, South Island

Perhaps the most iconic of New Zealand’s Great Walks, this 54 km track in Fiordland National Park takes around days to complete and takes you through the best of the areas glaciers, fjords and mountains. 

Must-Visit National Parks In Australia

Australia Capital Territory, Namadgi National Park

Namadgi National Park offers serious wilderness and is dotted with historic huts, winding trails, and plenty of steep terrain. It’s perfect for those seeking solitude.

New South Wales, Myall Lakes National Park

Myall Lakes’ stunning network of lakes, rivers, and beaches is heaven for water lovers. There is kayaking, fishing, swimming, lake-side camping and plenty of hiking trails through the forests that line the shores.

Queensland, Lamington National Park

Lamington National Park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests, one of Australia's World Heritage Areas. The ancient rainforests, dramatic waterfalls, and extensive walking tracks have definitely earned their world-class reputation.

South Australia, Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park

Believe it or not, the Ikara-Flinders Ranges have been used to test the Mars Rovers, thanks to the ‘Mars’ '-like terrain. This outback location is perfect if you feel like an out-of-space experience for your next national park visit. 

Tasmania, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

As the gateway to the famous Overland Track, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is probably one of the most famous in Tassie. With rugged peaks and clear glacial lakes, it’s easy to see what all the fuss is about. 

Victoria, Alpine National Park

Alpine National Park features the highest peaks in Victoria and is an absolute must-visit if you like to ski, snowboard, or simply want to admire the winter season in all its glory. But even in summer, the wildflower-filled meadows are well worth a visit. 

Western Australia, Nambung National Park

Any national park in WA is bound to make an impression, but the Nambung National Park is unlike anything else. It’s home to the Pinnacles Desert, where thousands of limestone pillars rise from the sand.

Northern Territory, Litchfield National Park

Northern Territory national parks just hit different. A short drive from Darwin, Litchfield National Park offers crystal-clear waterfalls, swimming holes, and magnetic termite mounds. If you’re not sure what they are; Google it and be impressed. 

Must-Visit National Parks In New Zealand

Nelson Lakes National Park, North Island

One for the water lovers. This park is known for its alpine lakes, such as Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotoroa. The Travers-Sabine Circuit is a great alternative to more famous tracks, if you feel like hiking too.

Westland Tai Poutini National Park, South Island

Known as ‘glacier country,’ this park is home to the iconic Fox and Franz Josef glaciers. For a true experience of a lifetime, why not try heli-hiking?

Fiordland National Park, South Island

Known for its dramatic fjords, including Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, this park offers hiking, kayaking, and boat tours through some of New Zealand's most famous landscapes.

Must-Visit Waterfalls in Australia

New South Wales, Dangar Falls

Located near Dorrigo in northern NSW, Dangar Falls offers a spectacular 30-metre drop into one of the biggest swimming pools we’ve ever seen. There’s easy access and jaw-dropping views from the lookout.

Queensland, Wallaman Falls

Located in Girringun National Park near Townsville, Wallaman Falls is the tallest single-drop waterfall in Australia. It drops an unbelievable 268 metres into a rainforest gorge. 

Victoria, MacKenzie Falls

One of the largest and most impressive waterfalls in Victoria, MacKenzie Falls in the Grampians National Park guarantees that sought-after waterfall ‘wow’. 

South Australia, First Falls

First Falls is located within Morialta Conservation Park in the Adelaide Hills. Think plunging cascade into a deep, swim-worthy pool, and you’re on the money.

Tasmania, Horseshoe Falls

Located in Mount Field National Park, this tiered waterfall is part of the popular Three Falls Circuit, including the well-known Russell Falls and Lady Barron Falls. Why not enjoy them all?

Western Australia, Mitchell Falls

Four tiers of waterfall goodness, located in the remote Kimberley region, Mitchell Falls is only accessible by a challenging hike or scenic helicopter flight. The only downside is that you might not ever want to leave.

Northern Territory, Jim Jim Falls

Found in Kakadu National Park, Jim Jim Falls is a dramatic 200-metre waterfall best viewed during the wet season. In the dry season, the falls reduce to a trickle, revealing a beautiful plunge pool below.

Must-Visit Waterfalls in New Zealand

Huka Falls, North Island

Located near Taupo, this powerful waterfall on the Waikato River is renowned for its impressive flow and jaw-dropping turquoise waters.

Sutherland Falls, South Island

One of New Zealand's highest waterfalls, it drops 580 metres in three cascades, located near the Milford Track.

Bridal Veil Falls, North Island

This 55-metre waterfall near Raglan offers a beautiful forest walk and epic views from the top and bottom of the falls.

Must-Do Coastal Walks in Australia

New South Wales, Tomaree Head Summit Walk

NSW is home to so many famous coastal trails, so we thought we’d share one that gets a little less attention. This challenging 2.2 km hike in Port Stephens offers sweeping views of the North Coast. 

Queensland, Cooloola Great Walk

Stretching 102 km from Noosa North Shore to Rainbow Beach, this multi-day walk takes you through sandy beaches, coastal woodlands, hidden lakes, and ancient dunes. It's paradise.

Victoria, Great Ocean Walk

You can’t write a list of Australia’s best coastal walks without mentioning Victoria’s 100 km Great Ocean Walk from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles. Forget the hordes of tourists from the famous Great Ocean Road; on this hike, you’ll have plenty of places to yourself.

South Australia, Wild South Coast Trail (part of the Heysen Trail)

This 74 km adventure explores the best of SA’s coastline. Don’t have time for the full hike? No worries. Enjoy short walks or the full five-day trek.

Tasmania, Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach Circuit

The now-iconic curve of Wineglass Bay has become synonymous with Tasmanian hiking. This 11 km circuit, looping through the bay and then around to Hazards Beach, is the best way to see it. 

Western Australia, Cape to Cape Track

This 123 km track goes from Cape Naturaliste lighthouse to Cape Leeuwin lighthouse in the Margaret River region of WA. You'll walk along pristine beaches, limestone cliffs, and coastal heathlands. 

Northern Territory, Dhimurru Coastal Walking Trail

This trail offers a glimpse into Yolŋu culture. Enjoy white sandy beaches, eucalypt woodlands, and paperbark swamps, with interpretive materials provided by the Traditional Owners. 

Must-Do Coastal Walks in New Zealand

Abel Tasman Coast Track, South Island

This 60 km track is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks with the perfect blend of golden beaches, green forests, and crystal-clear waters. It’ll take 3-5 days to complete.

Omanawanui Track to Signal House Track, North Island

Although it is less than 5km long, that doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on anything. If you love coastal views, you’ll love this trail.

Cape Brett Track, North Island

This challenging 30 km track offers all the typical coastal views you’d expect, topped off with the iconic Cape Brett Lighthouse.

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