Australia, Coastal, 6 to 8 Days.
A wild, uninhabited coast line with majestic forests, cliffs, caves, headlands and rocky formations awaits the Cape to Cape hiker. The white sandy beaches, Karri forests, rocky beach side ledges and thundering surf mean this walk is always fun and interesting! It meanders along the whole length of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, which forms the backbone of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park between the lighthouses of Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin in the far south west of Western Australia. The wildflowers in spring are amazing. You will need to do some preparation as uninhabited means small shops with few supplies.
Australia, 950km (~1000 km including campsites), Mixed Country, 2 months approximately
The Bibbulmun Track – Ancient old growth karri forests, tingle trees, breathtaking wildflowers and stunning coastal scenery. A long distance hike that passes through small country towns and peaceful forests. There are well placed shelters (with water tanks) each night and not too many hills! Tiny birds that sound like bells wake you up each morning. A landscape that meanders along as the mind often does the same on a slow hike. A wonderful place to absorb subtle changes. A journey for the soul not to be missed! Just keep alert to the snakes!
When planning your trip we recommend https://www.bibbulmuntrack.org.au/trip-planner as the track does get impacted by bushfire and civil works. All diversions and re-alignment are listed on this website.
Thanks to End to Ender Julia for photos and track information.
Thanks to Jenny adding the Nyingarn Bidi Loop and Dookanelly Realignment.
1100 km. Easy/Medium, Northern Section is remote and can be very hot and dry.
South Australia’s Heysen Trail extends from Cape Jervis, on the Fleurieu Peninsula, to Parachilna Gorge, in the Flinders Ranges, opening up South Australia like a zipper as it traverses coastal areas, native bushland, rugged gorges, pine forests, vineyards, rich farmland and historic towns.
The Trail passes through some of the most scenic parts of the state including national parks, state forests and internationally acclaimed tourist destinations, including the Barossa Valley and the stunning outback of Wilpena Pound.
Serious Backpacker
It caters for both the serious backpacker hiking the entire trail and for walkers doing day walks along shorter sections.
For planning your trip, food re-supply points and transport options there is excellent information at https://heysentrail.asn.au/heysen-trail/service-directory/
Thank you to Julian and the Friends of the Heysen Trail for the trail route, waypoint information and photos.
For the latest information and planning your trip please refer to:-
Australia, 231 km, Desert/Outback, 13-18 Days.
The Larapinta Trail, in the heart of Central Australia, runs 223km along the spine of the West MacDonnell Ranges covering some of the most spectacular ranges and gorges within the vast Australian outback desert.
The deep red gorges and cool waterholes offer an oasis for a refreshing swim in a very hot and arid land. On the rugged rocky ridges, formed millions of years ago by the rock layers being pushed on edge, you can see forever – to far off ranges without any sign of human development.
Tasmania, Australia, 72 km, 5-6 Days
The Overland Track located in a World Heritage area is Tasmania’s iconic hike. Start out at the beautiful Dove Lake and marvel at Cradle Mountain with its distinctive rock outcrops towering above. The side trip to climb Cradle Mountain rewards you with spectacular views over the glacially formed alpine lakes, tarns and far off mountains. As you hike south, the dominant dolerite peak of Barn Bluff commands your attention from the surrounding alpine plains.
Magnificent Pandani palms with their dark green spiky leaves flourish like an oasis in the shelter of Waterfall Valley. Enjoy a snack on the sandy beach of Lake Will and even a swim in its icy waters.
Like medieval Japanese paintings, the pencil pines with their ancient trunks and spindly foliage reflect into the tranquil Lake Windemere waters.
The views down to the rugged and remote Mersey River Gorge from Pine Forest Moor provide you with a wonderful sense of being in the wilderness.
Mount Ossa
The peaks of West Pelion and the very distinctive East Pelion stand like sentinels.
A side trip to Tasmania’s highest peak Mount Ossa (1617 m) can provide 360 degree views across to Frenchman’s Cap and beyond.
The Du Cane Range has some magnificent forests and views. Following the Narcissus River downstream towards Lake St Clair provides great views of The Acropolis and Mt Geryon. When you arrive at Lake St Clair you can either catch the ferry or meander along beside the lake in a beautiful forest.
Start: Dove Lake, Lake St Clair.
Seasons: Spring, Summer and Autumn. Weather conditions can change quickly and snow, hail and rain can occur any time of the year – even summer!
Queensland, Australia, 49 km
Marvel at the towering trees in this World Heritage listed Gondwana rainforest. The views along the Great Dividing Range are spectacular. No wonder it has been rated in Lonely Planet Top 10 Regions in the world for 2022.
It is close to Brisbane so enjoy getting away from it all in an amazing place.
Tasmania, Australia, 162 km, 11-14 days
The South Coast Track and Port Davey Track is one of the last remaining truly wilderness hikes. There is no phone reception and you need to be self sufficient as there are no access points except the Melaleuca Airstrip. When Toby hiked the Port Davey section he saw no other hikers in 4 days.
The hike takes you over the impressively named Ironbound Mountain Range with its views across rugged bays and headlands. Walk along deserted sandy beach coves.
Paddle across Bathurst Harbour with Mount Rugby dominating the vista.
Tasmania, Australia, 46 km, 3 days
The Tasmanian 3 Capes Track is a cliff hugging hike in the wilds of Tasmania. The amazing, ancient dolerite cliffs of Cape Pillar, Cape Hauy and Cape Raoul drop 300 metres directly to the ocean making them the tallest sea cliffs in the southern hemisphere. This 46km hike is set up as a hut hike and allows only 48 hikers each day. You are required to stop at each hut and stay a night along the way.
You start and finish your journey at the World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site. The first part of the tour is a boat cruise where you will explore coves and see the amazing dolerite cliffs from the water as you head to Denmans Cove. You might be lucky to see migratory whales, dolphins and resident fur seals populations. The hike takes you through Eucalypt woodlands, ferny forests and coastal heaths. At Cape Hauy spot the climbers out on the Totem Pole – a small column of rock that just up from the oceans below.
483 km One Way, Easy, Flat, Quiet Roads/Tracks,
Get away from it all. Walk along long stretches of coast with no one else in sight. Walk on tracks and quiet country roads beside spectacular coastlines and cliffs.
Expect fabulous scenery, not many people and delicious fish and chips. This walk suits the hiker who enjoys peace and just the sound of the sea.
The towns along the coast are small and the grocery shops with limited food options for hiking .
Walk the Yorke starts in the historic copper mining town of Moonta and ends in Port Wakefield.
The hike hugs the coast for almost all the Peninsula. The last 33 km from Clinton to Port Wakefield takes you up a hill to get views of the St Vincent Gulf and then onto the saltbush plains beside the Yorke Highway towards Port Wakefield. Just before Port Wakefield there is a tidal creek to cross.
The Walk the Yorke trail can be impacted by sand drifts and track works. For the latest information and planning your trip please refer to
https://www.visityorkepeninsula.com.au/walk-the-yorke/trail-notes.
Thank you to the Yorke Peninsula Council for creating a wonderful trail and your support in supplying trail information.
Australia, 54 km, coastal walk, 3-4 days.
Hike the Prom, one of the best loved hikes in Australia. Following the coast, with turquoise blue beaches, ferny glades and huge granite boulders covered in orange lichens on your way to the southernmost point of the Australian Mainland.
With 54km of good track hiking, this walk has a lot to offer. The campsites are shady, and most are set close to beautiful sandy beaches. For a unique overnight accommodation, spoil yourself at the historic lighthouse which can only be reached by foot. Enjoy the wildlife as you will see wombats, wallabies, possums and a mix of interesting reptiles.
Australia, 160 km (100 miles), Hilly/Rocky, 10-12 Days
The Grampians Peaks Trail is a new trail highlighting the best the Grampians Range has to offer. Known as Gariwerd by local indigenous people.
Starting at the Northern edge of the range at Mt Zero, the trail passes through the tourist town of Halls Gap and on to the southern town of Dunkeld.
The trail has been well designed, taking advantage of clifftops and mountain peaks to get the best views across the mountain ranges and the wide open plains and valleys surrounding the Grampian Range.
The track is well formed for most of the trail passing through the dry rocky forest with the occasional rock scramble.
Admire the colourful rock cliff faces in an area that was home to the local Djab Wurrung and Jardwardjali people for over 20,000 years.
Grampians Peaks Walking Company offer supported hikes or transport and food drops along the length of the trail. https://grampianspeaks.com.au
New Zealand, 53 km, Alpine, 4 Days
The 53.5 km hike starts at Glade Wharf at the head of Lake Te Anau and finishes in Milford Sound at Sandfly Point. Trampers require boat transport to the start of the track from Te Anau Downs to Glade House and at the other end they must take a boat from Sandfly Point to Milford Sound.
The walk itself is well known for being spectacular and traverses rainforests, wetlands, and the alpine MacKinnons pass which sits stride valleys carved by glaciers and exceptional views of Lake Mintaro and the Clinton Canyon along the way. Sutherland falls are well worth the side trip with water thundering over the 580m drop. The final boat trip gives you views of the world famous Milford Sound.
New Zealand, 60 km, Alpine, 4 Days
The Kepler track is, quite simply, spectacular! Walk along high ridges, covered in tussock grass, and see the planes taking joy flights in the valleys below.
The alpine views across Lake Te Anau to the Murchison Ranges are as stunning as they are expansive.
As you hike through the the ancient, thick, moss covered, Southern Beech forests that flank the high ridges you might expect characters from Lord of the Rings to suddenly start rushing along the path in front of you! The lakes are beautiful and the crystal water of the Waiau River lead to the swing bridge at Rainbow Reach. All of the huts have wonderful views and are a great spots to chat to other trampers.
New Zealand, 32 km, Alpine, 2-3 Days
The Routeburn is a fantastically scenic hike with alpine and lake views, alpine gardens full of delicate alpine plants, tussock meadows and spectacular vistas over the mountain ranges and valleys. There are many waterfalls including the impressive Earland Falls (174 metres), Routeburn Falls cascade and the beautiful Bridal Veil Waterfall. You can connect the Routeburn to the Greenstone Caples Track and enjoy 95km of wonderful alpine hiking.
Greenstone Caples Track New Zealand, 61 km, Alpine, 4 Days
This is a beautiful valley walk, with a subalpine pass, in superb surroundings along crystal creeks with a backdrop of rocky mountains.
The Caples and Greenstone Valleys are linked by McKellar Saddle, a sub-alpine pass, to make a moderately demanding, 4 day loop tramp with some days averaging 6-7 hours of walking. A reasonable degree of fitness is required.
This loop is 61 km and you can add it to the Routeburn Track for a total of 93km.