On the way to Frenchmans Cap, Tasmania
Australia presents one of the most remote environments globally for you to plan a safe and invigorating outdoor multi-day hiking experience. The Australian wilderness is open to everyone and provides a variety of hikes and hiking destinations to choose from for different degrees of fitness and spirit of adventure.
The following list provides Melbourne Bushwalkers' suggestions for overseas visitors as well as for Australian bushwalkers and hikers. All of the suggested hikes are over multiple days and can be self-organised backpack walks. Many of the hikes can also be undertaken with commercial guides - check the internet for tour operators.
Please note that the information provided is subject to changes in local conditions and all walkers are advised to check with the regional Park Rangers' office to obtain the latest updates. Park access fees may apply. Exposure to strong sunlight and limited access to water present a challenge on most of the walks.
Hike 1: Southern Prom Circuit, Victoria
What to expect:
The Southern Prom is one of the highlights of Wilsons Promontory National Park. The Southern Prom Circuit is a loop starting and finishing at Telegraph Saddle Carpark and includes overnight camps at Sealers Cove and Waterloo Bay on the secluded eastern coast of the Prom. The circuit passes through warm temperate rainforest to the sublime eastern shores of Wilsons Promontory where you can enjoy the white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters of Sealers Cove and Waterloo Bay. A longer circuit can take in the lighthouse.
Best time to hike:
Suitable all year.
How to access:
Private transport to Tidal River. During peak summer months and on weekends from Melbourne Cup to Easter long weekend, a free shuttle bus takes visitors to Telegraph Saddle from Tidal River and the Overnight Hikers car park.
How many nights:
2-3 nights. Bookings required.
Degree of difficulty:
Graded Level 4 under the Australian Walking Track Grading system, based on the most difficult sections. Bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited.
Additional hiking information:
Hike 2: Overland Track, Tasmania
What to expect:
The Overland Track is one of Australia's premier alpine hiking routes. The Overland Track is a serious undertaking, for well–prepared walkers, with a good level of fitness and who understand the risks of hiking in a remote alpine area. Weather can change rapidly and deaths have occurred, even in summer, when people have been caught underprepared in cold, wet and windy weather.
Best time to hike:
October - May;
How to access:
Private transport or charter bus service.
How many nights:
5 nights. Bookings required.
Degree of difficulty:
Graded Level 4 under the Australian Walking Track Grading system, based on the most difficult sections. Bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited.
Additional hiking information:
Hike 3: Larapinta Trail, Northern Territory
What to expect:
The Larapinta Trail, in the heart of Central Australia, runs over 230km along the spine of the West MacDonnell Ranges. The Larapinta Trail is a serious undertaking, for well–prepared walkers, with a good level of fitness and who understand the risks of hiking in a remote dry moutainous area.The trail has many highlights including Simpsons Gap, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge, Glen Helen and Mount Sonder. The trail starts at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station and crosses the range to end at the summit of Mt Sonder, the highest point of the trail.
Best time to hike:
The best months to hike Larapinta are between May and September when average daytime temperatures are 20 to 27 degrees (Celsius) and at night they come down to 6 to 10 degrees. Some campgrounds in the Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park have campsite fees.
How to access:
Private transport or charter bus service. Each section has vehicle access, though some need a four-wheel drive with high clearance, so you can join or leave the trail at any of the trailheads. The track may be underrtaken in either direction.
How many nights:
This long distance hiking track is divided into 12 sections that each take one or two days to walk. You should allow 20 days for this remote and difficult walk. Some campgrounds in the Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park have campsite fees.
Degree of difficulty:
Graded Level 5 under the Australian Walking Track Grading system, based on the most difficult sections. Very experienced bushwalkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20km.
Additional hiking information:
Hike 4: Bibbulmun Track, Western Australia
What to expect:
The Bibbulmun Track is one of the world’s great long distance hiking trails, stretching 1000km from Kalamunda in the Perth Hills, to Albany on the south coast, winding through the heart of the scenic South West of Western Australia. The track consists of 58 sections and is marked at regular intervals with triangular signs. The Bibbulmun Track is almost all through State Forest, National Parks and other reserves, with only a few small sections of farmland. There are 49 campsites along this track and they are all three sided shelters with one exception, Mt Wells, which is an enclosed hut.
Best time to hike:
The cooler months are always better, so any time between April and early November. September-October is popular to coincide with the peak wildflower season. Travelling over summer (late November-February/March) is not advised (due to bushfires and heat).
How to access:
Public transport access available for the start and end points. Some intermediate access points require private transport or taxi services.
How many nights:
Most people choose to walk sections of the track for one or a few days at a time. Hardy walkers who walk the track from beginning to end typically do so in 6 to 8 weeks.
Degree of difficulty:
Graded Level 4 under the Australian Walking Track Grading system, based on the most difficult sections. Bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited. Degree of difficulty varies depending on section and length of Track chosen
Additional hiking information:
Hike 5: Frenchmans Cap, Tasmania
What to expect:
Frenchmans Cap is the most prominent peak in the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. The hike into Frenchmans Cap is one of Tasmania's most challenging multi-day walks. Hikers should be fit, experienced and well-prepared. The track passes through multiple ecosystems including buttongrass plains, stands of rare Huon Pine, deep glacial valleys and alpine lakes. There are two unstaffed and well-equipped huts along the track.
Best time to hike:
The summer months from December to April feature the longest daylight hours and the most comfortable temperatures. Weather in the alpine environment can change rapidly and hikers should be prepared for all types of weather at any time of the year.
How to access:
Private transport with parking at the trailhead. There is also an infrequent shuttle/bus service that stops at the trailhead.
How many nights:
Allow 3 nights. The walk to the peak along the well marked track typically takes two days. Bookings required.
Degree of difficulty:
Graded Level 5 under the Australian Walking Track Grading system, based on the most difficult sections. Very experienced bushwalkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20km.
Additional hiking information:
Hike 6: Main Range Circuit, New South Wales
What to expect:
Intrepid hikers can tackle the challenging Main Range, which takes in glacial lakes, historic huts, and the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, across alpine high country in Kosciuszko National Park. The area is high elevation, mostly above 1800m and up to 2228m at Mt Kosciusko. There are few trees and the area is exposed to the elements.
Best time to hike:
The summer months from December to April feature the longest daylight hours and the most comfortable temperatures. Weather in the alpine environment can change rapidly and hikers should be prepared for all types of weather at any time of the year.
How to access:
Access from Charlotte's Pass.
How many nights:
Suggested 2 nights. Side trips optional.
Degree of difficulty:
Graded Level 4/5 under the Australian Walking Track Grading system, based on the most difficult sections. Very experienced bushwalkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20km. Degree of difficulty varies depending on section and length of optional side trips chosen.
Additional hiking information:
Hike 7: Great South West Walk, Victoria
What to expect:
This unforgettable hike winds around three National Parks, hardwood forests, the pristine Glenelg River, the picturesque township of Nelson, aboriginal heritage sites, the mighty Southern Ocean and vast sand dunes, sandy bays and beaches, rugged cliffs, freshwater lakes, the Cape Nelson Lighthouse, the stunning Bridgewater Bay and amongst a diversity of natural fauna and flora including Blue and Southern Right Whales, a mainland Fur Seal colony and Australia's only mainland Australasian Gannet rookery and much more.
Best time to hike:
Suitable all year.
How to access:
Public transport available to trailhead at Portland.
How many nights:
Suggested 13 nights for full circuit. Bookings required.
Degree of difficulty:
Graded Level 4 under the Australian Walking Track Grading system, based on the most difficult sections. Bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited.
Additional hiking information:
Hike 8: Six Foot Track, New South Wales
What to expect:
This classic one-way walk passing through Blue Mountains National Park and state forests takes you from Katoomba to Jenolan Caves via a historic horse route. The walk travels mainly along well-maintained service tracks and explores Nellie’s Glen, Megalong Valley, Cox’s River, Black Range, and Jenolan. There are well established and popular campsites along the way. Some areas of this park were affected by fire in 2019/2020.
Best time to hike:
Open all year. Recommended to avoid Summer (December - February) as it is hot and the risk of fire danger and dehydration is high.
How to access:
Public Transport to Katoomba and return from Jenolan Caves.
How many nights:
2 nights.
Degree of difficulty:
Graded Level 4 under the Australian Walking Track Grading system, based on the most difficult sections. Bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited.
Additional hiking information:
Hike 9: Jatbula Trail, Northern Territory
What to expect:
Best time to hike:
How to access:
How many nights:
Degree of difficulty:
Additional hiking information:
Hike 10: Grampians Peaks Trail, Victoria
What to expect:
The Grampians Peaks Trail is a hike through the rugged interior of the Grampians National Park. Experience dramatic mountain peaks, rugged rocky outcrops, unforgettable panoramas and the ancient Aboriginal heritage of Gariwerd. The Grampians Peaks Trail is well signposted, but includes very steep sections and many obstacles. Only experienced and well-prepared walkers should attempt it. When the 160km track is fully opened in early 2021 the Grampians Peaks Trail will be a once-in-a-lifetime 13-day hike through the backbone of a mountain range famed for its dramatic scenery and Aboriginal heritage.
Best time to hike:
Can be walked all year. Spring offers the best time for wildflowers.
How to access:
Private transport or taxis from Halls Gap.
How many nights:
12-13 nights. Campsite bookings required.
Degree of difficulty:
The Grampians Peaks Trail aims to cater for a wide range of walkers with a diversity of walk preferences and varying capabilities. Most of the trail will be Grade 4 walk with steep climbs and descents, while some sections of walk may be slightly flatter and easier at around a Grade 3 walk.
Grade 4 under the Australian Walking Track Grading system recommends: Bushwalking experience; Tracks may be long, rough and very steep; Directional signage may be limited.
Additional hiking information:
Hike 11: Cape to Cape Track, Western Australia
What to expect:
Total distance is 125 km from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin. The track runs mostly along the coast. It makes use of old 4WD vehicle tracks, constructed paths and natural beach sections which are mostly sand. There are easy sections, which make excellent short walks, but some beach sections are long, and hard going if you are carrying a full pack. The full walk is well within the capability of anyone who is moderately fit, but walkers should be aware that the full walk is quite a challenge.
Best time to hike:
The track can be walked in any season. Be prepared to experience all four seasons during the course of your walk! Because the walk is mostly along the coast, it is exposed. Summers are mostly hot and dry, while winters are wet and cool.
How to access:
There is no public transport right to the Track. There are scheduled daily coach services from Perth to nearby townships, and taxis can be arranged from these to the Track.
How many nights:
5-6 nights. Fees do apply to some, but not all, camp sites.
Degree of difficulty:
Graded Level 4 under the Australian Walking Track Grading system, based on the most difficult sections. Bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited.
Additional hiking information:
Hike 12: Australian Alps Walking Track, Victoria, NSW, ACT
What to expect:
The 650 kilometre Australian Alps Walking Track winds through the high country of Victoria, New South Wales and the ACT. It traverses rugged remote alpine country and bushwalkers must always be experienced, self reliant and have good navigation skills. On the Australian Alps Walking Track you will visit some of Australia’s finest alpine national parks. The track climbs Austraslia's highest mountains and crosses exposed high plains. It passes through magnificent tall forests and stunted snow gum woodlands, and discovers sites rich in history.
Best time to hike:
Mid-spring (October) to late-autumn (May) is the ideal climate for hiking the track.
How to access:
There are many access points to the track. Most require private transport.
How many nights:
You can walk the track in 5-8 weeks, but many people choose to walk shorter sections. Camping and fire permits are required for some locations. Some camping restrictions apply.
Degree of difficulty:
Graded Level 4/5 under the Australian Walking Track Grading system, based on the most difficult sections. Very experienced bushwalkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20km. Degree of difficulty varies depending on section and length of optional side trips chosen.
Additional hiking information:
Hike 13: Western Arthurs Range, Tasmania
What to expect:
The 70-kilometre Western Arthurs Traverse is one of Australia’s most spectacular and challenging tracks. Situated in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, it is a circuit route with an access / exit leg from Scotts Peak Dam campsite. The track traverses the western section of the famously rugged and inclement Arthur Range. As with other parts of Tasmania's south-west, the trails can be extremely muddy. The mud does not dissipate with altitude up the mountain range either, except where there is bare rock.
Best time to hike:
December to March. Snow, high winds and heavy rain are possible at any time of year.
How to access:
Private transport access to Scotts Peak Dam.
How many nights:
8 nights. A general entry permit to a Tasmanian National Park is required.
Degree of difficulty:
Graded Level 5 under the Australian Walking Track Grading system, based on the most difficult sections. Very experienced bushwalkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20km.
Additional hiking information:
Hike 14: Karijini National Park, Western Australia
What to expect:
Best time to hike:
How to access:
How many nights:
Degree of difficulty:
Additional hiking information:
Hike 15: Wilderness Coast Walk, Victoria, New South Wales
What to expect:
This fabulous walk takes in the remote coastline between Bemm River in Victoria and Wonboyn in NSW, passing through Croajingolong National Park and Nadgee Wilderness Area. It features lots of beaches, lagoons and shifting sand dunes, mainly in Victoria and also rugged cliffs and rock platforms, mainly in NSW, with coastal heaths and woodlands. You need to be an experienced backpack camper to explore the entirety of this walk. It is a bird watcher’s delight, especially for seabirds.
Best time to hike:
Can be walked all year. Water availability is seasonal and cannot be guaranteed. No water is available in the Rame Head Zone any time of year.
How to access:
Private transport required.
How many nights:
8-9 nights. Advance bookings are required for camping along the walk.
Degree of difficulty:
Graded Level 3-4 under the Australian Walking Track Grading system, based on the most difficult sections. Bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited.
Additional hiking information:
