Wineglass Bay Panoramic View

Great Walks of Australia

We have handpicked not only the great walks of all of Australia but along with it a dash of eco-luxury comfort so you can fully immerse yourself in Australia's most iconic and quintessential wild places in style. With Australia’ greatest multi-day guided walking experiences; we list the top 11 great walks to give you more than just a walk but an ultimate wilderness experience. 

 


 

wineglass-bay-freycinet-national-park-east-coast-tasmania-australia-lookout-beach

Photo credit: Jason Charles Hill, Toursim Tasmania

 

Freycinet Experience Walk

Freycinet National Park is perhaps the most recognisable natural landmark in all of Tasmania, thanks to its famous Wineglass Bay. The Freycinet Experience Walk is a four-day immersion into one of the most stunning coastal wilderness areas on earth. It is the original guided walk on Tasmania’s east coast, taking you through the pink granite Hazard Mountains and rich coastal forests, and the purest of white-sand beaches including the world-renowned Wineglass Bay. Follow the ancient footsteps of the Oyster Bay tribe with moments with abundant wildlife including kangaroos and wombats and marine life where you and your fellow walkers feel like the only souls on earth. A boat ride takes you into the remote and rarely explored corners of the Freycinet National Park before continuing on foot for a day of blissful hiking carrying only a day pack. Tailored to suite your fitness levels, chose between challenging mountain climbs or more leisurely coastal routes.

 

What makes this one special aside from the stunning scenery is the lodge-based experience with your own private beach only metres away! Retreat each noght to one of Australia’s award-winning eco lodges where you’ll be wined and dined by fresh Tasmanian produce, soak in hot showers, deep baths and comfortable beds

 

Location: Hobart, TAS

Duration: 4 days/ 3 nights

Distance: 37km

Grade: Moderate

Accommodation: Friendly Beaches Lodge

Read more: Freycinet & Wineglass Bay Luxury Walk

 

 

arkaba-homestead-ikara-flinders-ranges-south-australia

Photo credit: Arkaba Homestead

 

The Arkaba Walk

Traversing the ancient Ikara-Flinders Ranges and the private 60,000 acres of Arkaba Nature Conservancy in South Australia, The Arkaba Walk is an experience that immerses you in the story of the land. A journey through 600-million years of geological history, the walk is coupled with an endless educational experience, stopping to learn about the earth and its geological history, Australian wildlife and a general overview of the flora and fauna in the area. This amazing story echoes through the stratified layers of Wilpena Pound and the Elder Range, providing spectacular backdrops throughout the walk. Craggy sandstone bluffs and dry creek beds lined with River Red Gums offer a quintessential outback landscape. Large numbers of Red and Western Grey kangaroos, wallaroos and emus are regular sightings along the walk, and the country is littered with the stories, and often heroic failures, of early pioneers who tried to make a living from the harsh but beautiful country. Over the four-day experience, all of your meals are provided as well as unlimited beer, wine and spirits. The highlight of the walk is Arkaba’s signature ‘star beds’, an experience to sleep out under a thousands of stars with spectacular panoramas of Wilpena Pound and the Elder Range at the first two nights. Enjoy canapes and three course campfire meals with the final two nights at the beautifully restored 1850s Arkaba Homestead, a luxury country farmhouse.

 

Location: Adelaide, South Australia

Duration: 5 days/ 4 nights

Distance: 45km

Grade: Moderate

Accommodation: Arkaba signature 'star beds' camp,  Arkaba Homestead

Read more: Flinders Ranges Arkaba Outback Luxury Walk

 

 

bay-of-fires-east-coast-tasmania-australia-beach-hiker-on-orange-lichen-boulders

Photo credit: Paul Fleming, Tourism Tasmania

 

Bay of Fires Lodge Walk

This unique trip encompasses a superb series of short walks along the edge of Mt. William National Park on Tasmania's pristine East Coast. It's an awe-inspiring Tasmanian escape as you traverse this wonderfully remote and dramatic landscape. The signature orange lichen-licked boulders, powdered white sand and turquoise waters are somehting else! Spend your days exploring the deserted beaches, coves, sand dunes and kayak the serene Ansons River as well as the rich diversity of the nearby woodlands. Be greeted by an array of native birds and the fortunate souls may even spot a whale or pod of dolphins. 

The natural highlights experienced each day in this spectacular wilderness are superbly complimented each evening when you enjoy the solitude and comfort of uncomplicated luxury accommodation in the environmentally friendly Forester Beach permanent camp. The last two nights retreat at the award-winning Bay of Fires Lodge where you are welcomed with an open living area complete with fireplace; the perfect place to unwind at the end of each day. For those looking for that little bit extra indulgence, a treatment massage is offered at the its exclusive day spa.

 

Location: Launceston, Tasmania

Duration: 4 days/ 3 nights

Distance: 33km

Grade: Moderate

Accommodation: Forester Beach Camp, Bay of Fires Lodge

Read more: Bay of Fires Lodge Luxury Walk

 

 

three-capes-tasmania-australia

Photo credit: Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service, Tourism Tasmania 

 

Three Capes Lodge Walk

Experience the Three Capes in all ist glory that only a few get to witness on this 4 days Three Capes Lodge Walk. The only experience that offers to stay wihtin the national park each night so that you get the most out of your walk. The Three Capes Lodge Walk is a journey along Tasmania’s dramatic Tasman Peninsula with the wild Southern Ocean as your constant. It explores the natural beauty of the Tasman Peninsula and is famed for its three spectacular capes- Cape Raoul, Cape Huay and Cape Pillar. Begin with a boat voyage, dolerite spires and 37,000 years of history form part of the journey. The walk see’s you trekking amongst 190-million-year-old sea cliffs boasting some of the highest dolerite columns in the Southern Hemisphere and a dramatic coastline of caves and towering sea stacks. You’ll be challenged yet rewarded conquering peaks including scaling The Blade at Cape Pillar! Rest assured, you will be treated in luxury at the end of a day’s trek in architecturally-designed in-park lodges only to indulge on canapés before devouring into Tasmania’s finest food and wine to revive and refresh each night on this 46-kilometer walking adventure over 4 days. Add to that, be treated to hot showers generous lounge areas and plush pillows on comfy beds amongst the only private accommodation within the Tasman National Park. A unique wilderness experience indeed!

 

Location: Hobart, Tasmania

Duration: 4 days/ 3 nights

Distance: 48km

Grade: Moderate

Accommodation: Three Capes Lodges

Read more: Three Capes Track Lodge To Lodge Walk

 

 

mariai-island-convict-settlement-east-coast-tasmnania-australia

Photo credit: Flow Mountain Bike, Tourism Tasmania

 

The Maria Island Walk

The ideal combination of nature and history rewards those who seek to explore Maria Island, off Tasmania’s East Coast. The award-winning Maria Island Walk combines 4 days of walking through a world-heritage listed national park with comfortable eco accommodation where a typical day ends with a three-course meal under the stars with premium Tasmanian wines. The Maria Island Walk is a fascinating blend of abundant rare wildlife, UNESCO heritage convict settlement sites, pristine beaches, old eucalyptus forests and incredible geology, all on an island national park. The journey boasts easy to moderate walks with optional side trips to scale the impressive 700 metre summits of Mount Maria or Bishop and Clerk. The Maria Island Walk is an active, but relaxing, holiday experience. It is designed to let you experience the remoteness and tranquility of a wilderness experience in comfort. This is a soft adventure, where the packs are light, the food is gourmet, the wine is Tasmania’s best, and a comfortable bed awaits you each night. Retreat for the evening in one of two secluded wilderness camps, both a stone’s throw from empty, white-sand beaches. On the final night, you’ll stay in a heritage house in Darlington, a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled on the northern tip of the island that was once a bustling penal settlement with over 600 convicts. Enjoy hot showers, get cozy amongst the roaring fire with a glass of Tasmanian wine.

 

Location: Hobart, Tasmania

Duration: 4 days/ 3 nights

Distance: 25km-43km

Grade: Easy to moderate

Accommodation: Wilderness Camp, Bernacchi House

Read more: The Maria Island Walk

 

 

murray-river-houseboat-south-australia

Photo credit: Pixabay

 

Murray River Walk

Fall in love with Australia’s greatest river, The Murray, within the internationally recognised Riverland Ramsaw Wetland in South Australia. Immerse in an ancient landscape rich in Aboriginal culture, wetlands , riverine forests and the wildlife that depend on this ecosystem. Each day new topics build on the themes from the previous day, encompassing ‘pioneers and paddle steamers’, ‘locks and weirs’, ‘plants and animals’, ‘geology’, ‘the Murray Darling Basin Plan’, ‘the Chowilla Dam project’, ‘droughts and floods’, and ‘environmental watering’. Murray River Walk is an easy 40km walk over primarily flat ground, ranging from 10-15km per day. This walk offers a unique opportunity for a mix of walking and river cruising, making it the perfect choice for people who are new to multiday walk style holidays. A memorable experience where enjoying a pre-breakfast sunrise hike along the cliffs to a celebratory lunch at the award winning Wilkadene Woolshed Brewery are just one of many highlights. The daily walking routes are on private property and conservancy areas with exclusive access for walk guests only. Spend each night onboard a modern lodge style houseboat which features hot showers, a top deck hot spa and nightly 3 course meals showcasing the produce of the Riverland food bowl. Walking and sleeping alongside a mighty river, savouring local produce, encountering diverse flora and fauna, and learning from knowledgeable guides, make this a unique experience.

 

Location: Adelaide, South Australia

Duration: 4 days/ 3 nights

Distance: 40km + 70km boat cruising

Grade: Easy

Accommodation: House Boat

Read more: The Murray River Luxury Cruise and Walk

 

 

overland-track-hikers-tasmania-australia

Photo credit: Tayla Gentle, Tourism Tasmania

 

Cradle Mountain Huts Walk

This 6 day hut-based walk discovers one of Australia’s most spectacular World Heritage Areas while hiking the world-famous Overland Track. Set in the peaceful and exquisite terrain of Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania. Each day, you’ll walk between 7-12km (excluding side trips), extending from Cradle Valley to Lake St. Clair through a variety of spectacular landscapes and features a huge diversity of flora and fauna; glacial lakes, rainforests and craggy peaks which sit side by side with wombats, echidnas, wallabies and Tasmanian devils, who all make this region their home. Cap off a rewarding and magical journey with a spectacular 17km boat trip across Lake St Clair before returning to Launceston by private transfer. Expert guides take the lead across this ancient landscape, converting to chefs come evening. They’ll also take the heavy load, leaving you with a lightweight pack. Unwind and relax in comfort of the only private accommodation along the trail.

Each ecologically sustainable hut is a haven featuring hot showers, pot belly heater and comfortable beds. Add to that, hearty three-course dinners prepared by your lovingly guides, accompanied by fine Tasmanian wine, offers the perfect end to each day.

 

Location: Launceston, Tasmania

Duration: 6 days/ 5 nights

Distance: 60km

Grade: Moderate to hard

Accommodation: Cradle Huts

Read more:  Cradle Mountain Huts Overland Track

 

 

cape-to-cape-western-australia-hikers

Photo credit: Tourism Western Australia

 

Cape To Cape Walk

In the south-west corner of Western Australia lies the famous Margaret River wine region and the spectacular Cape to Cape walk. The Cape to Cape track covers a massive 135 kilometres, stretching from the lighthouses of Cape Naturaliste in the north to Cape Leeuwin in the south. This 4-day pack free walk combines the best walking on the Cape to Cape track with once in a lifetime food and wine experiences and deluxe accommodation. Discover the best walking sections of this coastline, wandering along high limestone cliffs for magnificent views as well as meandering through pretty coastal heathland, pristine beaches and idyllic Karri forests. Grand highlights on this premier walk features lunch with matched wines at an award-winning winery, private chef dinner showcasing local produce with a local wine maker on hand, sunset clifftop drinks and an exclusive didgeridoo performance with one of the traditional owners. Stay at an exclusive beachfront property, Injidup Spa Retreat, an intimate coastal sanctuary cocooned in your oceanfront private plunge pool villas. Treat yourself a little extra with a spa retreat offered onsite.

 

Location: Margaret River, Western Australia 

Duration: 4 days/ 3 nights 

Distance: 41km 

Grade: Moderate 

Accommodation: Injidup Spa Retreat 

Read more: Cape To Cape Luxury Taster Walk

 

 

twelve-apostles-victoria-australia

 

Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk

The Great Ocean Walk is Victoria’s premier one-way, long-distance walk extending just over 110km that shadows the iconic Great Ocean Road. Weave through tall forests, coastal heathlands and beside rocky shore platforms. Cross creeks and rivers and pass above wild-rocky shores and deserted beaches with panoramic views from windswept cliff-tops. Across 4 days, traverse a variety of contrasting habitats, historical interest points, wildlife from koalas to fur seals and beautiful remote beaches to explore – bounded by the wild Great Southern Ocean. Learn about the land through the eyes of the first Australians and the British convicts transported here on ships over 200 years ago. The coast is littered with shipwrecks from this time – the tales of survival and loss are part of the fabric of the walk. Explore the Great Otway National Park and the Port Campbell National Park. Celebrate the end of your journey with an unforgettable helicopter flight over the coast you just conquered. You’ll enjoy the comfort of carrying just a day pack as you experience the best coastlines of the world. Unique to Great Ocean Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk is the exclusive hiking lodge. Unwind in eco-luxe villas with ensuite bathrooms, flushing toilets and hot showers. Deliberately purpose-built for hikers, be treated to many hiker-friendly features such as drying room, foots spas and gear hire. If you are short on time, The Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk can be completed in 3 days.

 

Location: Melbourne, Victoria

Duration: 4 days/ 3 nights

Distance: 46km

Grade: Moderate

Accommodation: Twelve Apostle Lodge

Read more: 4 Day Twelve Apostles Lodge Luxury Walk & Heli3 Day Twelve Apostles Lodge Luxury Walk & Heli

 

 

Scenic Rim Trail

The four day Scenic Rim Trail is a journey along the Great Dividing Range through World Heritage Listed Gondwana Rainforest and into its native flora and fauna in all its glory. The adventure starts in the foothills of South East Queensland’s Main Range National Park, where you’ll ascend dramatic peaks, ridges, escarpments, ancient rainforest from Mount Mistake Mountains in the north to Cunningham’s Gap in the south. From here, experienced guides lead you through a region that contains more than 30,000 hectares of nature refuges, states forests and national parks. Challenge yourself to take on ‘The Ladder,’ see incredible sunrises and sunsets, and experience Queensland’s UNESCO World Heritage List Gondwana Rainforest – an unforgettable experience and opportunity to connect with one of the oldest rainforests on the planet. A trail for the wildlife lovers, collide with koalas, kangaroos and goannas, and an abundant array of birdlife. Spend each night in four unique luxury eco cabins and at the end of each day be welcomed with a cool beverage and hot shower, all while experiencing the relaxed luxury service Spicers is renowned for.

 

If you are new to multi-day walking or are short on time, a 3 day glamping experience is another great way to experience the Scenic Rim in true wilderness style. Hike remote areas of the Main Range National Park to conquering the climb of Mt Mathieson. You’ll enjoy exploring the unique Australian landscape and will have a rare opportunity to stand among World Heritage Listed Gondwana Rainforest.

 

5 Day Eco Cabins

Location: Brisbane, Queensland

Duration: 5 days/ 4 nights

Distance: 60km

Grade: Moderate to hard

Accommodation: Spicers Mt Mistake, Spicers Amphitheatre Eco Cabin, Spicers Timber Getter Eco Cabin, Spicers Hidden Peak Cabin

Read more: Scenic Rim Trail Luxury Cabin To Cabin Walk

 

3 Day Glamping

Location: Brisbane, Queensland

Duration: 3 days/ 2 nights

Distance: 27km

Grade: Moderate

Accommodation: Scenic Rim Glamping

Read more: Scenic Rim Trail Luxury Walk (Glamping)

 

 

Classic Larapinta Trek

The Classic Larapinta Trek is a desert walk on one of Australia’s most spectacular long distance trails following the footsteps of the land’s traditional owners , early explorers and modern adventurers. An unforgettable hike in Australia's Red Centre, The Larapinta Trail will delight the wilderness lover and challenge the seasoned hiker. Ideal for the more ambitious walker, this walk has some challenging stages, passing over remote ridges and canyons. Be prepared walking up to 72km over six days as you navigate through the high ridgelines of the West MacDonnell Ranges, the Ormiston and Serpentine Gorges, and hike Mount Sonder at sunrise. Be captivated by the dramatic colour changes in the rock formations at Glen Helen Gorge and Standley Chasm; some of the truly unmissable spectacles on this walk! The diversity in the West MacDonnell Ranges offers an exceptional chance to experience Australia's outback wilderness, home to nearly 600 species of flora, as well as birds, native wildlife and fascinating geological formations. Spend your days meandering through spacious gaps and sheltered gorges, rugged ranges, swimming in cool waterholes and sleeping under the stars. The Larapinta Trek is enhanced with stylish award winning and architect designed semi-permanent campsites, complete with hot showers, a large kitchen and a heated dining tent. A fully supported camping expedition where luggage is transferred from campsites so that you enjoy the trail with the comfort of just a day pack. Your guides will prepare all the meals, using quality Australian produce, and will run the camp with small elements of guest participation to add to your hands-on experience. A true outback experience!

 

Location: Alice Springs, Northern Territory

Duration: 6 days/ 5 nights

Distance: 72km

Grade: Moderate to hard

Accommodation: Nick Murcutt’s Camp, Charlie’s Camp, Camps Fearless & Sonder (exclusive wilderness campsites)

Read more: The Classic Larapinta Trail Walk

 

Discover Australia Walking Holidays Here