Australia is one of the great hiking destinations on earth. From the humid jungle ridges of Papua New Guinea's doorstep to the windswept granite coast of the Southern Ocean, this country has trails to suit every fitness level, every season and every adventure appetite. Whether you're typing "trails near me" into your phone on a Friday afternoon or planning the trip of a lifetime, this is our guide to the best the continent has to offer — state by state, track by track.

Finding the best trails near me: where to start in Australia

The hardest part of hiking in Australia isn't usually the terrain — it's choosing where to go. With millions of hectares of national park spread across every state and territory, the options are genuinely overwhelming. Our advice is to start with what's accessible and build from there. A solid day hike is the best way to calibrate your fitness, break in your hiking boots, and figure out what kind of terrain you enjoy before committing to multi-day trips. Our guide to our favourite hikes from Sydney to Melbourne is a great starting point if you're in the southeast and want a regional breakdown.

Australia's iconic trails: a state by state guide

The Overland Track, Tasmania — the benchmark

Difficulty: Hard | Best time: October to May | Duration: 6–8 days | Distance: 65 km

If there's one walk on Australian soil that defines what backcountry hiking looks like, it's the Overland Track. Running through the heart of Tasmania's Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park, it covers 65 kilometres of alpine moorland, glacial lakes, ancient pencil pine forest and some of the most remote terrain accessible on foot in the country.

This is not a beginners' track. Daily distances aren't exceptional, but the weather is unpredictable and often severe — snow is possible in any month, and horizontal rain is a rite of passage. You'll need a full multi-day kit including a four-season sleeping bag, proper waterproof layers and the confidence to navigate in poor visibility. Bookings are required between October and May, and the track runs south to north only during peak season. Plan your nutrition carefully — it's a long way between resupply points, and our guide to hiking and camping meals including our 24-hour meal packs will help you get this right before you go.

The Grand Canyon Track, Blue Mountains NSW — sydney hikes at their wildest

Difficulty: Moderate–Hard | Best time: Year-round (avoid summer heat) | Duration: Half to full day | Distance: 6.5 km loop

For sydney hikes that feel genuinely remote despite being a 90-minute drive from the CBD, the Grand Canyon Track in the Blue Mountains is hard to beat. Despite the name, this is a lush, green descent into a slot canyon carved by centuries of water erosion through sandstone — nothing like its American namesake, and arguably more beautiful for it.

The loop descends steeply into fern-filled gorges, passes beneath waterfalls, and follows creek lines before climbing back up through cliffline caves to Evans Lookout. It's classified as moderate to hard due to the rocky terrain and uneven steps, but the distance keeps it achievable for most fit hikers. Spring and autumn are the sweet spots — summer can bring heat, and the trail is extremely popular on weekends year-round. Good ankle support matters here — our hiking boots collection includes options suited to this kind of mixed terrain.

The Uluru Base Walk, Northern Territory — an unmissable Australian experience

Difficulty: Easy | Best time: May to September | Duration: 3–4 hours | Distance: 10.6 km circuit

The Uluru Base Walk is one of those experiences that is genuinely difficult to describe in advance. At 10.6 kilometres around the base of one of Australia's most sacred and geologically significant landmarks, it's the most accessible trail on this list — but also one of the most extraordinary. The route hugs the rock's surface, passing ancient caves, water holes, cultural paintings and geological features that change colour dramatically as the light shifts throughout the day.

The Northern Territory's red centre is extreme country. Carry a minimum of three litres of water per person, start early to avoid the midday heat, and ensure you have mandatory safety equipment including a PLB if you're heading into more remote sections of the territory. The walk is permanently closed out of respect for Anangu people during specific cultural ceremonies — check current access conditions before you plan. Best visited between May and September, when temperatures are manageable and the mornings are genuinely cold enough to warrant a base layer.

The Larapinta Trail, Northern Territory — for serious outback hikers

Difficulty: Hard | Best time: May to September | Duration: 10–21 days | Distance: 223 km

If the Uluru Base Walk leaves you wanting more of the Territory, the Larapinta Trail is the full immersion. Running 223 kilometres through the West MacDonnell Ranges west of Alice Springs, it is one of Australia's premier long-distance treks — challenging, remote, and strikingly beautiful in a way that is unlike anything in the southeastern states. The ranges rise dramatically from the desert floor, and the colour contrasts between red rock, blue sky and sparse green spinifex are extraordinary.

The track is broken into 12 sections of varying difficulty, which means it can be completed in parts over several trips or end-to-end with resupply drops. Water is the critical planning factor: sources are spaced and not always reliable, so carrying enough for 20 to 30 kilometres is standard practice. Nutrition planning matters too — pack Radix Nutrition meals and trail food that are calorie-dense, lightweight and designed to fuel long days in demanding conditions.

The Cape to Cape Track, Western Australia — coastal hiking at its best

Difficulty: Moderate | Best time: September to November | Duration: 5–8 days | Distance: 135 km

Western Australia's Cape to Cape Track runs 135 kilometres along the Margaret River coastline between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin, passing sea cliffs, white-sand beaches, karri forest and wildflower heath. It's one of Australia's most visually diverse coastal walks — the kind of trail that rewards you with a dramatically different scene every day.

Moderate in difficulty, it suits fit intermediate hikers with multi-day experience. The route is well-signposted and can be split across sections if you prefer. September to November brings wildflower season and milder temperatures — conditions are significantly better than the hot, dry summer months. Make sure your hiking boots are properly broken in before you start, as daily distances average around 20 kilometres.

Wilsons Promontory, Victoria — hiking Melbourne Australia is proud of

Difficulty: Moderate–Hard | Best time: September to May | Duration: 2–5 days | Distance: varies**

For hiking Melbourne Australia locals have been doing for generations, Wilsons Promontory remains the benchmark. Located on the southernmost tip of mainland Australia, "The Prom" delivers dramatic granite peaks, remote beaches, crystal-clear bays and some of the best wildlife viewing in Victoria. Circuit routes through the southern section of the park can be combined for two to five-day trips depending on how far south you push toward Roaring Meg and South Point.

It's popular — particularly in school holidays — so book hut accommodation well in advance. Conditions can change quickly, especially on exposed ridgeline sections like Mount Oberon and the Tongue. A well-fitted pack and reliable footwear are non-negotiable for the descent from Sealer's Cove on rocky, root-laced trails. Check our guide to choosing trekking poles if you're new to multi-day hiking — the right poles make a significant difference on knee-intensive descents.

Dave Parker, our CEO at PAST Outdoors on a recent trip to Cantebury Plains, New Zealand.

Gear up before you go: PAST Outdoors has you covered

Whether you're tackling the Overland Track or looking for trails near me for a weekend escape, having the right gear makes every kilometre better — and every emergency less likely. PAST Outdoors is a family-owned Australian retailer based in Helensburgh, NSW, trusted by hikers, military personnel, emergency services and outdoor education groups across the country. We're rated 4.9 stars from over 2,000 reviews, and our team walks the trails we stock gear for.

Browse our hiking boots collection for footwear suited to Australian terrain, stock up on Radix Nutrition and trail food designed for multi-day performance, and ensure you're carrying the mandatory safety equipment every remote hiker should have. Whether you're just starting out or preparing for one of Australia's most demanding multi-day tracks, we'll help you get there properly.