Best hikes in each state and territory: our picks from around Australia
Last updated: 1 November 2026
Australia is a big place to choose a hike in. This guide picks a handful of standout walks from each state and territory in the Aussie Hikers directory, with a mix of short walks, big day hikes and multi-day tracks. Every walk below has a full listing with distance, grade, access and a link to the official park page.
Conditions change, so always check the official alerts before you go.
New South Wales
NSW packs in coast, mountains and alpine country.
- Grand Canyon Track, Blue Mountains: a classic loop through a deep, ferny canyon below the cliffs.
- Wentworth Falls track: big views of one of the mountains' best-known waterfalls.
- Spit Bridge to Manly: a Sydney Harbour favourite with beaches and bushland, reachable by public transport.
- Figure Eight Pools via Burning Palms: famous rock pools in the Royal National Park. Only visit at low tide and in calm seas.
- Mount Kosciuszko Summit walk: the walk to the top of the mainland.
Browse more on the New South Wales page.
Victoria
- The Pinnacle walk, Grampians (Gariwerd): a short climb to one of Victoria's most photographed lookouts.
- Mount Oberon Summit walk, Wilsons Promontory: a steady climb to sweeping views of the Prom's beaches.
- Squeaky Beach Walk: an easy coastal walk to a beach with famously squeaky sand.
- Great Ocean Walk: a multi-day coastal journey ending near the Twelve Apostles.
- Grampians Peaks Trail: a long-distance walk along the length of the ranges.
See all walks on the Victoria page.
Queensland
- Twin Falls circuit, Springbrook: a rainforest loop that passes behind waterfalls.
- Kondalilla Falls circuit: a Sunshine Coast hinterland favourite with rockpools and rainforest.
- Noosa Coastal Walk: headlands, beaches and frequent koala and dolphin sightings.
- Carnarvon Gorge main track to Big Bend: towering sandstone cliffs and side gorges.
- Thorsborne Trail, Hinchinbrook Island: a remote island walk with limited permits.
More on the Queensland page.
South Australia
- Wilpena Pound – St Mary Peak: a demanding climb in the Flinders Ranges.
- Morialta Third Falls Hike: waterfalls and gorge views close to Adelaide.
- Hallett Cove Glacier Hike: a short coastal walk through rare glacial geology.
- Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail: a multi-day walk through Flinders Chase and the island's wild coast.
See the South Australia page.
Western Australia
- Bluff Knoll Summit Trail: the highest peak in the Stirling Range.
- Castle Rock Trail and Granite Skywalk: a lookout perched on huge granite boulders in Porongurup National Park.
- Cape to Cape Track: a multi-day coastal walk in the Margaret River region.
- Ngirribungunha (Dales Gorge) Trail, Karijini: red gorges and permanent pools in the Pilbara.
- Bibbulmun Track: one of the world's great long-distance walks, from Perth Hills to Albany.
See the Western Australia page.
Tasmania
- Wineglass Bay Lookout: a short, popular climb to one of Australia's most famous views.
- Cape Hauy: dramatic sea cliffs and dolerite columns on the Tasman Peninsula.
- Dove Lake: a lakeside circuit below Cradle Mountain.
- Russell Falls: an easy, family-friendly rainforest walk in Mount Field.
- Overland Track: Tasmania's best-known multi-day walk, with a booking system in peak season.
More on the Tasmania page.
Australian Capital Territory
- Mount Ainslie Summit walk: city views from right on Canberra's doorstep.
- Gibraltar Peak, Tidbinbilla: granite tors and wide views.
- Booroomba Rocks, Namadgi: a short, steep walk to huge granite slabs.
- Yankee Hat rock art walk: an easy walk to an Aboriginal rock art site. Please look but don't touch.
See the ACT page.
Northern Territory
- Uluru Base Walk: a flat loop around Uluṟu, with cultural sites to respect along the way.
- Valley of the Winds, Kata Tjuta: domes and valleys, with closures on hot days.
- Kings Canyon Rim Walk: a dramatic rim loop, best started early.
- Florence Creek walk, Litchfield: a creekside walk near popular swimming spots.
- Larapinta Trail and Jatbula Trail: two of the Territory's great multi-day walks.
See the Northern Territory page.
How we chose
We picked walks that show off each region, cover a range of lengths and difficulty, and have clear official information. That doesn't mean other walks aren't as good. Use the filters on our home page to search by time, grade, family suitability and more.
Before you go
- Check the official grade on each listing, and read our guide to track grades.
- Some walks need permits or bookings. See our guide to permits and park fees.
- Check weather, fire danger and park alerts on the day.
Frequently asked questions
Which of these walks are good for beginners? Short, well-formed walks such as Russell Falls, Dove Lake, Squeaky Beach and the Uluru Base Walk are great places to start. See our beginner hikes guide for more ideas.
Do I need to book any of these? Some multi-day walks, including the Overland Track, Thorsborne Trail and Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, need bookings or permits. Many parks also charge entry or parking fees. Each listing links to the official booking details.
When is the best time to visit? It depends on the region. Northern and central walks are best in the cooler months, while Tasmania and the alps shine in summer. Our seasons guide has a month-by-month summary.
Can I suggest a walk? Yes. Send us the walk name and its official page through our Contact page.
Sources
Each walk's facts come from its managing agency, linked on its listing. Key agencies: