It might be the flattest, lowest and smallest continent on earth, but Australia is still home to numerous world class walking experiences.

The diversity of hikes on offer is thanks to Australia’s climatic zones, which range from the tropical rainforests in the north of the country, to deserts (nearly 20% of the country is desert) as well as cool temperate forests and even snow-covered mountains. 

Being an island, Australia's flora and fauna have evolved in isolation, making much of what you’ll experience when hiking in Australia unique to the rest of the world.

For many travellers to Australia, and even many locals, a walking tour in Sydney is as far as they'll stretch their legs. We encourage you to look much further, whether its one of the Great Walks of Australia, which are renowned for their extra comfort, or one of these classic guided Australian hikes which showcase what the country is famous for, pristine natural landscapes.

Stretching 223km west of Alice Springs is Australia’s most celebrated desert walking experience, the Larapinta Trail. Larapinta is the Arrernte people’s name for the Finke River, and the trail follows the ancient songlines of the West MacDonnell ranges which is packed with a variety of natural features which makes the walking so interesting. Encounter gorges, chasms, panoramic ridges, waterholes, ochre pits and top it all off with a dawn ascent of one of the state’s highest peaks, Mt Sonder.

OVERLAND TRACK

State: Tasmania

Snaking its way from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair in the celebrated Tasmanian World Heritage wilderness is a 65km graded track that is consistently mentioned when outdoor magazines name their top walks of the world. Before the arrival of the Larapinta Trail, this was easily Australia’s most famous walk and once you experience the changing landscapes, numerous side-trips, history and sheer pristine beauty along the trail, it’s easy to understand why.

HEYSEN TRAIL

State: South Australia

The official Heysen Trail spans over 1,200 kms and takes between 50-60 days. Few of us have the luxury of taking two months off for a walk so we devised a walk that explores the best sections of this spectacular walk in the Flinders Ranges. Home to some of the most classic Australian landscapes, expect rolling ranges of majestic peaks and rugged ridges, when combined with exceptional vistas offer a wonderful day out on the trail.

SOUTH COAST TRACK

State: Tasmania

This is hands down the most sought-after trek to lead with our guides. It’s remote. Wild. Often very wet. And you haul your own stuff. All of it. Discover unspoilt landscapes, remote untouched beaches, the wild and rugged Ironbound mountain range, pristine rivers, and towering rainforests - this is the sort of untamed wilderness fit and experienced walkers dream of testing themselves on.

JATBULA TRAIL

State: Northern Territory

This Top-End secret spot in Nitmiluk National Park is a favourite for walkers who like to shed the shoes for a swim when hiking. Tracking the high sandstone escarpments and Stone Country alone Arnhem Land there’s numerous waterholes and waterfalls to refresh you from the tropical climate. There’s also a stunning display of Jawoyn Aboriginal rock art adorning various caves and overhangs. This walk has Australia written all over it.

WALLS OF JERUSALEM CIRCUIT

State: Tasmania

Australia’s only true alpine national park is only accessible by foot. Which is a good thing, as the highland tarns, dolerite peaks, and alpine lakes and meadows are so fragile that mass tourism would change the allure that the ‘Walls’ offer for walkers. You’ll find Tasmania's last remaining stands of ancient pencil pine forests here as well as abundant wildlife and endemic flowers. Make sure you pack for all seasons, whichever time of year you visit.

Cape to Cape Walk

State: Western Australia 

Australia is renowned for its rugged coastline and one of the ideal places to enjoy the magical ocean vistas is in South Western Australia.  With the famous Margaret river wine region close by, here the scenery is as diverse as is it is magnificent. From giant Karri forests to windswept limestone cliffs, pristine white sandy beaches, coastal heath as well as ancient dunes and granite cliff lines, the diversity of landscapes makes this one of Australia's most delightful coastal walks.