Australia is one of the most beautiful countries to explore. With vast open land, mountains, and bush, it is also home to countless incredible hiking trails. Here are a few of the best ones you need to experience.
Overland Track & Cradle Mountain Mountain
The Overland track is widely regarded as one of, if not the best, in Australia. Spanning over 60km, this moderate path is ideal for newbies and experienced hikers, and you can walk for up to 7 hours in a day.
While the “vape ban Australia” news may dampen your spirits, this hike will give you a true sense of happiness and tranquility. The moment you lay your eyes on some of the incredible views, it will instantly become a personal favorite.
Jatbula Trail
Found in the Northern Territories, Jatbula Trail is a 60km bushwalker’s dream. Located on the edge of the Arnhem Land escarpment, this trail is one of the best-kept secrets in all of Australia.
With a moderate grade, Jatbula is perfect for both novice and experienced hikers. Beware, though, the Northern Territories can get incredibly warm, meaning an early, early morning hike is best if you only want to hike for a few hours, and not the entire trail.
Heysen Trail
Found in South Australia, the Heysen Trail is the definition of untouched and wild. The 70km+ trail runs through some of the world’s oldest landscapes, and you can pass by the 800-million-year-old Wilpena Pound.
The best thing about this trail is that it is not only one of the most beautiful you will ever see but also ideal for beginner hikers. Don’t let the length and landscape fool you; even if you have never hiked before, you can still conquer this exquisite trail.
Larapinta Trail
Larapinta is the trail for you if you are looking for gorgeous views and landscapes mixed with the rich history and culture of the local Aboriginal tribes. The trail is filled with gorges and mountains and is regarded as the best place in Australia to watch the sunrise.
The trail is a jaw-dropping 223km long, and hikers can take short, 3-day treks or test their mettle with a 14-day trek that will take them from one end of Larapinta to the other.
K2K Trail
The Kanangra to Katoomba trail, or the K2K trail, is located in New South Wales. It takes you across two national parks in the Southern Blue Mountains and is lined with incredible mountains and forests.
It is one of the shorter trails on this list, coming in at just over 40km long, but it is also one of the most challenging. It is best suited to those with hiking experience who are also quite fit, as you most certainly will need to work hard for the views that await you.
What to Remember When Hiking in Australia
If you have never hiked in Australia before, or you are hiking in an unfamiliar area, here are a few things you need to remember before you head out on the trail.
Choose the Right Path
The first thing you need to do is choose the right path. Many hiking trails in Australia are vast and isolated, and can be life-threatening for inexperienced hikers if they get lost. Instead, research the trails you want to take and ensure you have the ability to cross them before getting too far and potentially out of reach.
Plan Ahead
Once you have chosen a trail, plan your trip. This should include rest stops, as well as points where you will contact someone to ensure they know you are safe. It is also important to note important landmarks, in the event that you need help, as you will be able to provide a more accurate location to potential rescuers or emergency services.
Dress/Pack Appropriately
It is also best to wear long pants when hiking in Australia, or at the very least, long, thick socks. There are plenty of critters and plants around that can cause harm, and the last thing you need is to deal with a bite or scratch when you’re hours away from civilization.
You also need to pack much more water and food than you may need, in the event that you get lost or take longer than you expected. Another must is a satellite phone, as phone signal will be very hard, if not impossible to come by as you get further into your hike.
Look Out for Dangers
Finally, you always need to be aware of the dangers you may face. Australia is full of deadly snakes and spiders, as well as wild animals that can cause serious harm. Beyond that, not all water in streams is safe to drink, and the weather can change on a dime. Be prepared for all eventualities, no matter how unlikely they may seem.
In conclusion, Australia has plenty of world-class hiking trails for you to experience, no matter your skill level. Whether you are looking for a short and relaxed hike, or a multi-day challenge that will put all your hiking experience to the test, Australia has a trail for you.
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