Discovering the beauty of Australia on foot is a challenging experience, but if you want to try your hand as an adventurer, these challenges will be fulfilling. Several days in the wilderness with nothing, but your thoughts and the things you need to survive is a totally different experience from driving a car and sleeping in a hotel. You will unlock parts of Australia’s wilderness often accessible by no other means than hiking. From the rugged Outback, seaside trails and expansive desert plains to towering mountain ranges and green open spaces – let’s see which places might inspire you to put your boots on and go hiking!

Larapinta Trail, Northern Territory

Larapinta Trail, Australia

Just near Alice Springs, you can experience the beauty of Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ormiston Gorge and the gorgeous Mount Sonder at the end. There are 12 individual sections with 41 campsites along the way so you can choose how long you want to trek each day. Some say that this is the best track in the world; there are even support vehicles that reduce the total walk. This trail will lead you to many historical and sacred indigenous sites. The medium difficulty rating means that these high mountains may not be for beginners – some surfaces are very rugged and hard. Nevertheless, you will definitely be excited when you see the beautiful Finke River and the abundant wildlife in Simpsons Gap. So, decide what your goal is and challenge yourself with this wild adventure.

Great Ocean Walk

Great Ocean Walk, Australia

During these 8 to 10 days, you will be able to see a number of cultural, natural and historical sights. Quaint fishing towns and coastal cliffs will make you stop for a moment and enjoy the view. This 104-kilometer walk includes a visit to the impressive Twelve Apostles rock formation and features many accommodation options and guided tours, but you may have to book in advance to secure a sleeping spot. By following the Great Ocean Road, you will see wild biodiversity – wallabies, koalas, fur seals and a diverse species of birds.

However, it’s smart to have good Go Travel accessories with you, considering that the ascent to the cliffs is steep. Carry good shoes and pack a pocket poncho in case it rains, but also keep a power bank near you in case you get lost.

Bay of Fires Lodge Walk

Bay of Fires, Australia

Even though it’s for those who look for a more luxurious, laid-back hike, people who choose this track will have an opportunity to see stunning coves, rivers, white sandy beaches and undisturbed wilderness. You will travel across the bay on the north-eastern coast of Tasmania from Mount William National Park to Launceston. This is a four-day trek split into stretches of about 10 km each day. It’s a fully-guided walk made for beginners that includes transfers from the city, accommodation, as well as food and drinks.

Thorsborne Trail, Queensland

Thorsborne Trail, Australia

This trail is isolated and serene, with unique wildlife that includes endangered butterflies and orchids. From Nina Bay in the north to George Point in the south, The Thorsborne trail is 32km long and can be completed in either direction. Some areas may be challenging, but beautiful beaches, roaring waterfalls and lush rainforests are worth your effort. For those who are looking for an exclusive, isolated island getaway with astonishing views, there are seven campsites on the trail. They are a 40-minute boat ride from Cardwell, halfway between Cairns and Townsville.

Australian Alps Walking Track

Australia Alps

If you are a fan of long-distance walks, this 655 kilometer-long hiking trail might be great for you. It begins at Walhalla and goes all the way to Tharwa in the Australian Capital Territory near Canberra. This trip can take up to eight weeks, so make sure that you’re really ready for this. You will be passing through a series of National Parks, such as Baw Baw, Alpine and Kosciuszko National Park that includes the Jagungal Wilderness Area. This is a challenging track that requires hikers to have highly developed navigation skills in wilderness areas. So, if you are a pro hiker excited about challenges, just go for it!

Whichever track you choose, you will see numerous beautiful places and meet many interesting people, but don’t go on a long-distance walk if you are a beginner. Start small and let yourself fall in love with nature. Experienced hikers can always find another challenge since there are so many inspiring tracks. So, pack the most important stuff and let’s hike!