Pull on those hiking boots, take a wander and discover the wilderness, white sands and wholesome tranquillity that lies at your fingertips in Australia’s spectacular backyard. When you’re craving a taste of the great outdoors, take inspiration from our five top treks to explore.
This article is presented by Three Capes Track
Three Capes Track
Three Capes Track
Tasmania’s newest tourism drawcard – a 46km track stretching across Tasman National Park – is an explorer’s dream. Throwing open its gates in 2015, the Three Capes Track is more than just your average hiking track – it’s designed as a three-night, four-day escape complete with stylish hiking huts that include welcome home comforts like mattresses, cooking facilities and toilets. As you’d expect, there’s no shortage of spectacular cliffside views, but with just 48 people permitted to start the walk each day, this track manages to avoid the overcrowding that can dilute the magic of stumbling upon a moment of solitude in a remote landscape. Just don’t forget your bathers; it’s near sacrilege not to celebrate the end of your hike with a dip in the crystal clear waters of Fortescue Bay.
From $495 per person, threecapestrack.com.au
The Larapinta Trail
The Larapinta Trail
Looking for a quintessential Australian experience? Head to NT’s Larapinta Trail. The 223km trail weaves through the striking terrain of the WestMacDonnell Ranges and is a popular pick for both independent walkers and guided tours. Split into 12 sections of varying difficulty, it’s designed so hikers can take a series of day or part-day walks or undergo the whole spectacular (albeit gruelling) trek from Alice Springs to Mount Sonder over a couple of weeks. As you’d expect given the terrain, the walk can be brutally tough at times, and experts recommend you attempt it only during walking season (April to October). Key attractions not to be missed include Simpsons Gap, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen.
Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk
Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk
At 40km long, the Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk makes for a luxurious long weekend wander. A forest-enclosed eco lodge – with all the mod-cons and a live-in chef – will serve as base camp during your relaxing retreat. On day one, you’ll ease yourself in with a four-hour walk from Castle Cove to Johanna Beach. Cool water, lemonade and lunch are provided by your charming hosts. The next day’s hike is more rugged and remote, kicking off at Milanesia Gate and making your way through deep gullies to Ryans Den, where you can admire the breathtaking views across to Cape Volney and Cape Otway. You’ll continue on towards Port Campbell National Park on day three, before sneaking your first full view of the impressive limestone Apostles on the final day. The perfect balance of exertion and escapism.
From $2,095 per person, twelveapostleslodgewalk.com.au
Cape to Cape Track
Cape to Cape Track
When in the west, there’s one walk simply everyone must do. Spanning 135km of undisturbed Indian Ocean coastline, to walk the Cape to Cape Track is a celebration everything beautiful about the Australian coast. Undulating along the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, from Cape Naturaliste down to Cape Leeuwin lighthouse, this week-long walk (with a pace of 20-25km a day) in Western Australia’s far south west has to be seen to be believed. Four dedicated campsites can be found along the track at Mt. Duckworth, Moses Rock, Ellensbrook and Deepdene, though if you’re new to the area it’s worth joining a guided tour to familiarise yourself with the local geology, flora, fauna and history. Should you feel like a break half way, surrender to a chilled chardonnay since you’re in the heart of the Margaret River region. It’s safe to say you’ve earned it.
Scenic Rim Trail
Scenic Rim Trail
Just under two hours outside of Brisbane, you’ll find one of Queensland’s new luxury walking ventures and arguably natural treasures. The 33km Scenic Rim Trail operates as a guided hike through World Heritage-listed highlands incorporating the Great Dividing Range, the Border Range and Tamborine Mountain. During the three-night, four-day tour you’ll see mountains, ridges, escarpments, forests, ancient volcanic plateaus and extensive areas of subtropical rainforest in the Gondwana Rainforests. Don’t expect to go home with any room on your camera. When you’re not exploring, you’ll be hitting the hay in a glamorous tent complete with steaming hot water or spending your last night savouring a degustation menu in a luxury mountain lodge. Not a bad way to sample the great outdoors.
From $1,899 per person, scenicrimtrail.com.au
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