Best hiking trails in Australia
Bushwalking is highly popular in Australia, with thousands of kilometers of paths criss-crossing the country’s national parks and wilderness regions from coast to desert. Many trails pass through culturally and historically important landscapes, with artefacts and interpretive trail signs providing intriguing insights into Australia’s distinct ecology and 65,000 years of human history. From coastal treks in the east to lush red landscape in the middle and the rugged wilderness of Tasmania and the west, here are some of the best hikes that one can take to enjoy the trails this land has to offer.
- Three Capes Track
The Three Capes Track follows the cliff tops of Tasman National Park, ending high on Cape Pillar on the Blade rock structure in the island state’s southeastern region. The undulating, carefully preserved path, which opened in 2015, passes through habitats varying from aromatic eucalyptus woods to coastal heathland bursting with rare flowers, ancient moss-covered forests, and windswept cliffs hundreds of meters into the Southern Ocean below. There’s plenty of wildlife (including echidnas), and the coastal vistas are as untamed and primal as they come.
- Kosciuszko Walk
Mt Kosciuszko (2228m/7310ft), named after a Polish national hero, by explorer Pawe Strzelecki, is the highest peak in Australia, with elevated pathways winding up to a splendid view of the New South Wales Snowy Mountains. The Kosciuszko Walk starts in the alpine town of Thredbo with a scenic ride on the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift, followed by an easy 13 km walk to the top and return. The mountain landscape is breathtaking regardless of which path you take. For more than 21,000 years, Aboriginal communities, including the local Ngarigo people, who are said to have had a spiritual link to this untamed environment. As you pass through the wildflowers and glacial lakes on your way to Australia’s top, it’s easy to see why this country has long inspired ritual and reverence.
- Coast Track
The famous Coast Track follows the dramatic shoreline of the Royal National Park between Bundeena and Otford. This is a moderately difficult trail typically hiked from north to south, offering the best views from the soaring sandstone cliffs along the coast and keeping the sun out of your eyes. It is typically tackled in two days with an overnight at the basic North Era campground. One can enjoy this epic 26 km trail, with splendid views of the amazing coastline lookouts, take a dip in the swimming areas, and enjoy watching the seasonal flora, and whales that swim by.
4. Bay of Fires Lodge Walk
The Bay of Fires Lodge Walk is the next walk on the schedule for Australia. This one is located on a stretch of shoreline in north-eastern Tasmania, close to Mount William National Park. The path offers a dreamy walk and will undoubtedly lead you through unexplored, exotic, and peaceful landscape that has been present for many years. Keep an eye out for the rocky hills while admiring the spotless expanse of crystal clear water. While on your walk, you cannot reasonably disregard the dramatic background and touch the finest white sand as you explore the caverns and shores.
Be Prepared
Safety and precaution is always something that we must keep in mind when trekking and here are some of the essential to-do’s for your journey down under.
- Keep the essential supplies such as food, water and sunscreens to help in avoiding the harsh side effects of the sun and always be protected.
- Australia has ever changing climate conditions, so make sure to keep the weather conditions in mind, pack accordingly and choose safe locations.
- Due to the lack of phone signals in these hikes, purchase emergency supplies such as beacons to contact people in case of accidents.
- Always keep an eye out for the wildlife you may interact with during your hikes and carry plenty of insect repellent to keep oneself safe.
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