Blog home / 4 Australian Walks for a Winter Escape
You may have noticed a new seasonal chill in the air... it's no secret: winter is just around the corner
If you’re not a fan of crisp temperatures, you’ll be relieved to know there's somewhere warm and breezy to escape to. We’ve narrowed down the top 5 walks for a winter escape, each in warmer climes and brimming with beautiful scenery, flora and fauna.
Best of all? You don’t have to leave Australia to visit them!
Spread across the Northern Territory, where temperatures hover in the mid-twenties during the day; Western Australia, where clear blue skies day-after-day are pretty much guaranteed; and Queensland, where mild weather and sunshine provide optimal trekking conditions, these Top 5 Australian Walks for Winter Escapes will bond you with some of our most inspiring landscapes where you can embark on a walking holiday and an unforgettable week-long experience.
Click here to reveal the top 5 Australian Walks for a Winter Escape!
1. Larapinta Trail – Red Centre, Northern Territory
The Larapinta Trail has been named one of the world’s greatest desert treks and extends for 223 kms over the dramatic peaks of the West MacDonnell Ranges in Australia's Red Centre. Starting at the Telegraph Station in Alice Springs, the trail winds along exposed ridgelines, deep, sheltered gorges before finishing at the foot of Mount Sonder. Days are spent enjoying a variety of highlights such as the narrow Standley Chasm, admiring the vivid colours of the mineral Ochre Pits, walking past cycads inside the Inhalanga Pass, and taking in the scenery at the spectacular Ormiston Gorge.
The full trail is split into 12 stages that vary in difficulty - so whether you are a hardcore trekker and want to complete the entire 223 kms, or would prefer a more relaxing experience that includes a taste of the highlights on a 3 or 6-day walk, the Larapinta Trail caters for all.
You will walk with an expert guide and find out about the history, geology, flora and fauna of the area, and you can choose your trip to be 3,6,9 or 12 days. Best of all, travellers keen on the ultimate outback experience can stay in our award-winning eco campsites, designed to blend in with the surrounding environment providing a back to nature experience with many creature comforts. Or, if you're embarking on the 9 or 14 day walks, stay at our wilderness campsites in true camping style!
When? Walks depart from May-September.
2. Kakadu Walking Adventure – Top End, Northern Territory
The World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park covers almost 20,000 square kilometres in Australia’s Top End and is recognised as a national treasure. Walking through Kakadu is arguably one of the best ways to experience the immense bird and animal life, with around 280 different bird species and 2,000 types of plants - a surefire way to satisfy your nature lover within!
Picture walking to remote gorges and taking a dip after a long day of walking or feeling the spray of fresh water from waterfalls that tumble from red cliffs... not a bad way to spend winter! With 40,000 years of Aboriginal cultural heritage on display, you can also view ancient rock art which is seen by very few visitors. Walking through Kakadu is a magical way to experience this spectacular region, where you will escape the crowds for a truly unique and special adventure.
On our guided 5-day Kakadu Walking Adventure you will enjoy a collection of 5 spectacular day walks and stay in our upgraded semi-permanent campsites where you can relax in the tropical surrounds.
When? Walks depart from May-September.
3. Jatbula Trail – Top End, Northern Territory
Want to visit one of Australia's best kept secrets? The Jatbula Trail is situated in the beautiful ancient landscapes of the Nitmiluk National Park in the Top End of Australia’s Northern Territory. Winding from Katherine Gorge to Edith Falls, the Jatbula Trail is the perfect rugged tropical wilderness adventure. With crystal-clear creeks and warm waters, wedges of sandy beaches and waterfalls throughout the trail, there are an abundance of opportunities for swimming and relaxation along the way for a truly remote escape!
Make time to visit during the dry season between May and August and you'll enjoy perfect blue sky days, cool nights and plenty of water for our afternoon swims. But to explore this magnificent gem, you'll have to get in quick - a limited number of permits are available each day, meaning spots are highly sought and very limited. Lucky for you, we have put some aside for our guided walks so you don't have to worry about missing out!
Our 6-day Jatbula Trail walk will take you to magnificent waterfalls and shady monsoon forests and to see stunning Jawoyn Aboriginal rock art that adorns the caves and overhangs. You will sleep under the bright outback stars and swim in water that's fresh enough to drink. Who wouldn't rather spend their winter here?!
When? Walks depart from May-September.
4. Scenic Rim Walk – Queensland
The Scenic Rim region is a thriving rural paradise set in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range in South East Queensland. Surrounded by World Heritage National Parks, the area is a thriving natural paradise with an abundance of unique Australian plants, native animals and a biological diversity of plant communities and vegetation types. It’s the combination of varied landscapes including rainforests, ancient volcanic plateaus, mountains, ridges, escarpments, forests and scenic wining and dining options that has made Scenic Rim one of our choices for the perfect winter getaway.
Trekking in the Scenic Rim can have a mild yet pleasant temperature, with clear skies that make exploring the rugged escarpments, hidden passes and spectacular peaks an enjoyable and unforgettable way to spend your winter.
When? Walks depart Saturdays between March and November.
Make sure you book your winter walking escape before it's too late! Now the hard part is choosing!
Australian Walking Holidays with World Expeditions
For over two decades World Expeditions has been exploring the wild country of Australia and we pride ourselves in being the industry specialists in creating unique expeditions, travelling to the heart of the wilderness, far beyond tourist trails. With expert guides, wholesome and delicious foods, quality camp craft and equipment and strong focus on safety practices, as well as responsible travel, you will be sure to have a highest quality experience during your tour.
View Our Australian Walks