Australia's great multi-day walks
Few experiences match the rhythm of a multi-day walk. You carry what you need, wake up in wild places and see a landscape change one step at a time. Australia has some of the world's finest long walks, from Tasmania's alpine moorlands to the red ridgelines of the MacDonnell Ranges. Here are the country's best-known multi-day tracks, with the key facts you need to start planning.
All distances and durations are approximate and taken from official park sources. Check each track's official page for current bookings, closures and conditions.
Overland Track, Tasmania
About 65 km · 6 days · Grade 4 · Booking required 1 Oct–31 May
Australia's most famous alpine walk runs from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair through the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. You cross buttongrass plains, ancient pencil-pine forests and glacial lakes, with side trips to Mount Ossa, Tasmania's highest peak. Public huts and tent platforms are spread along the route, but you must carry a tent. The weather is famously changeable, so prepare for snow in any month.
Three Capes Track, Tasmania
48 km · 4 days · Grade 3 · Fully booked experience
The Three Capes Track on the Tasman Peninsula follows towering dolerite sea cliffs to Cape Pillar and Cape Hauy. The booking covers a boat trip to the start, three nights in comfortable cabins and a bus back. That makes it one of Australia's most accessible multi-day walks, and a great first overnight hike.
Larapinta Trail, Northern Territory
About 223 km · 14–20 days · Grade 4 · Best April–September
The Larapinta Trail follows the spine of the West MacDonnell Ranges (Tjoritja) from Alice Springs to Mount Sonder (Rwetyepme). It's split into 12 sections, with access points that let walkers do it in parts. Highlights include Standley Chasm, Ormiston Gorge, Counts Point and the sunrise from Mount Sonder. Water comes from tanks at trailheads, and many walkers arrange food drops. Summer heat makes the trail dangerous, so walk in the cooler months.
Bibbulmun Track, Western Australia
About 1,000 km · 6–8 weeks end to end · Grade 3–4
One of the world's great long-distance trails runs from Kalamunda in the Perth Hills to Albany on the south coast. It passes through jarrah forest, giant tingle and karri trees, river valleys and wild coastline. There are 49 free campsites with shelters, tanks and toilets, and walkers can resupply in towns along the way. Many people walk it in sections over years.
Cape to Cape Track, Western Australia
130 km · 5–7 days · Grade 4
This track runs between the Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin lighthouses in the south-west. It mixes limestone clifftops, long beach walks, karri forest and whale-watching. Free walk-in campsites, national park campgrounds and nearby Margaret River towns make it flexible.
Great Ocean Walk, Victoria
About 110 km · 8 days · Grade 4
From Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles, the Great Ocean Walk hugs Victoria's rugged south-west coast. You pass through Great Otway National Park, past Cape Otway Lightstation and along remote beaches. Hike-in campsites must be booked. Tides matter for some beach sections, so check before you go.
Grampians Peaks Trail, Victoria
164 km · 13 days · Grade 4
Completed in 2021, the Grampians Peaks Trail runs the length of Gariwerd (Grampians National Park), from Mount Zero (Mura Mura) to Dunkeld. It crosses rugged sandstone ranges and links famous peaks such as the Pinnacle, Mount Rosea and Mount William. Purpose-built hike-in campsites must be booked, and shorter 3-day sections are popular.
Wilsons Promontory Southern Circuit, Victoria
About 60 km · 3–5 days · Grade 4
"The Prom" is mainland Australia's southernmost point. Hikers loop through granite headlands, white beaches and forest, with campsites at Sealers Cove, Refuge Cove, Little Waterloo Bay and Roaring Meg. Bookings and an overnight hiking permit are required.
Six Foot Track, NSW
42 km · 3 days · NPWS grade: Hard
This historic bridle trail from Katoomba to Jenolan Caves drops into the Megalong Valley, crosses the Coxs River on a swing bridge and climbs Black Range to the caves. Campgrounds have toilets and tanks.
The Coast Track, NSW
27 km · 2 days · Grade 4
Through Royal National Park, Australia's oldest national park, this track runs from Bundeena to Otford with clifftop views, beaches and whale-watching in season. North Era campground must be booked. It can also be done as a long single day.
Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk, Queensland
54 km · 3 days · Grade 4
This walk links Lamington and Springbrook National Parks through the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. Expect ancient Antarctic beech forest, waterfalls and views over the Tweed caldera. Camping permits are needed.
Thorsborne Trail, Queensland
32 km · 4 days · Grade 4
On Hinchinbrook Island, this remote trail crosses tropical beaches, mangroves and rainforest with views of granite mountains. Numbers are capped and bookings open months ahead. You reach it by boat from Cardwell or Lucinda.
Jatbula Trail, Northern Territory
62 km · 5 days · Grade 4
From Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge to Leliyn (Edith Falls), the Jatbula follows a traditional Jawoyn songline past waterfalls, swimming holes and rock art. Numbers are capped and bookings are required. The trail is open in the dry season only.
Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, South Australia
61 km · 5 days · Grade 4
Through Flinders Chase National Park, the trail takes in Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch and wild southern beaches. It needs a booking and trail fee, and the campgrounds are purpose-built.
Heysen Trail, South Australia
About 1,200 km · 50–60 days end to end · Grade 3–4
Running from Cape Jervis to Parachilna Gorge in the Flinders Ranges, the Heysen is one of the world's longest dedicated walking trails. Most walkers complete it in sections. Parts close during the fire danger season.
Planning tips for multi-day walks
- Train with a loaded pack. Day hikes with 10–15 kg will prepare your body.
- Test your gear with an overnight trip close to home.
- Plan food carefully. Aim for 3,000–4,000 calories a day in light, compact form.
- Treat water from tanks and creeks.
- Carry a PLB and leave a detailed trip plan.
- Know your exits. Note side tracks and road crossings where you could leave early.
- Respect Country. Many of these tracks cross land of deep cultural significance to Aboriginal people. Follow requests about restricted sites and photography.
Guided or self-guided?
Most of these walks can be done independently. Licensed tour operators also offer guided versions, often with luggage transfers or private lodges. Guided options suit walkers who want company, safety support or less to carry. Aussie Hikers lists some operators separately. We don't endorse any operator, so compare reviews and inclusions yourself.
Information current at time of publishing. Always check the managing park agency for bookings, fees and closures.