Hiking in Australia is good for your health
Key Takeaways
Top 5 hikes in Australia: Cape to Cape Track (WA, 135 km), Larapinta Trail (NT, 223 km), Bibbulmun Track (WA, 1,000 km), Great Ocean Walk (VIC, 100 km), Overland Track (TAS, 65 km). The landscapes range from red desert to wild coastline.
This morning, I woke up and looked in the mirror, and I thought to myself, you’ve gained weight, mate. I immediately thought back to the time when I was hiking in Australia, ranging from several 2-hour hikes to full-day hikes!
I’m going to share with you the 5 best places where I went hiking (fond memories of that distant backpacking era) in Australia!
  ;With Australia’s climate, you need to pay attention to several details:
– Always wear sunscreen, ideally with at least SPF 30
– Carry at least 1 liter of water for every hour or two hours of hiking because with the heat, dehydration can happen quickly!
Did you know?
The Overland Track in Tasmania is limited to 60 people per day (8 per group) from November to April to preserve the ecosystem. Booking is mandatory 12 months in advance through the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service.
– Wear appropriate hiking shoes, it can make all the difference and reduces strain on your feet!
– Don’t forget a hat or cap, the sun’s rays hit your head quickly 😀
– Take breaks every 2 hours, you shouldn’t overexert your body!
– For day hikes or longer, inform your loved ones or friends about your itinerary if you’re hiking alone.
  ;My personal top 5 hikes in Australia
| Hike | State | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Cape to Cape Track | WA | 135 km |
| Larapinta Trail | NT | 223 km |
| Bibbulmun Track | WA | 1,000 km |
| Great Ocean Walk | VIC | 100 km |
| Overland Track | TAS | 65 km |
Most are day hikes:
My experience
I did 3 days of the Great Ocean Walk: limestone cliffs, empty beaches, koalas in the eucalyptus trees, kangaroos in the morning. Hard to believe you’re just 2 hours’ drive from Melbourne. One of the most beautiful coastal hikes in the world.
– Karijini National Park :
Located in Western Australia, in the middle of nowhere between Broome and Perth, this national park is a wonder and in my opinion the most beautiful I have seen. In terms of hiking, most of the hikes offered are quite short, up to 4 hours for the brave, there is not much difficulty but even the paths are very rocky.
Almost every hike ends at a small natural pool called a ‘Waterhole’, very pleasant after 1-2 hours of walking, in a magnificent setting!
In the photo, a Norwegian, one of my travel companions, doing a somersault! Be careful, I do not recommend doing it, pay attention to the water depth and the surroundings!
Advantages
- Unmatched diversity of landscapes
- Unique observable wildlife
- Well-equipped refuges and campsites
- Well-documented maps and routes
- High overall safety
Weaknesses
- Long distances between sections
- Very changeable weather (Tasmania)
- Water not always drinkable
- Cost of transport to starting points
- Short dry seasons in the north
– King Canyon
Located in the Northern Territory, as its name indicates it is a canyon, the goal of this hike is to go around the canyon, it lasts 5 hours for the fastest or 6 hours for the slowest! Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit, because in the middle of nowhere, there is a Water hole where you can swim!
In the photo with my Austrian companions, a little swim in the middle of the hike, this water point is called Hidden garden, very surprising to find a water point in the middle of this huge canyon!
  ;– Freycinet National Park
Located in Tasmania and easier to access than the previous two, this national park offers short hikes and also a longer one of several days! During this multi-day hike (4 days), after 3-4 hours of hiking you arrive at a viewpoint with a magnificent view of a beach called “wine glass bay”, the translation might be a bit off :D. This bay, as its name indicates, has water as clear as you might see in a glass of wine!
The classic trap to avoid
Never start a long hike in Australia without informing the national park of your itinerary. Rescue can take 24-48 hours in isolated areas. Use a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) on very remote routes.
  ;
– Cradle Mountain National Park
Also located in Tasmania, it must be said that the landscape of Tasmania is magnificent, as described in another article, Tasmania has the best rocky landscapes in Australia! Famous for its “OVERLAND track,” a hike from Lake St Clair to the other end of the national park at Cradle Mountain, it is undoubtedly the best hike in Australia! It is also possible for the less experienced to reach the summit of Cradle Mountain in 7 hours of walking! Don’t forget the water bottles! This national park also has beautiful lakes!
Some additional resources if this topic interests you: young and me to lay the foundations, cost of living for practical aspects, and northern Australia to go further.
– Flinders Ranges National Park
Located in South Australia, it is a must-see if you pass through Adelaide or near Alice Springs, it resembles the Grampians NP in Victoria but is more beautiful with fewer people and longer hikes! One of the main hikes is to reach the summit of the ‘Range Mountain’ mountain range with a view of the park! Allow 5 hours to reach this view! You feel the fresh air and freedom!
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Some additional resources if this topic interests you: a year ago to lay the foundations, anecdotes in Australia for practical aspects, and young and me to go further.
What is the most beautiful hike in Australia?
Very subjective. Overland Track (Tasmania), Larapinta Trail (Outback), and Great Ocean Walk (Victoria) are often in the top.
Is experience required for long hikes?
Yes for Larapinta (desert, distances). No for Great Ocean Walk or Cape to Cape (well maintained).
What is the best season?
North (Larapinta) in June-September. South (Tasmania, Victoria) in November-March.
