Hiking for beginners - your guide to getting started

Embarking on your first hiking journey can be both exciting and a little daunting. Whether you're drawn to the stunning alpine trails of hiking New Zealand or the bushland tracks in Melbourne Australia,  hiking offers a rewarding way to connect with nature, stay active, and clear your mind. Here's a beginner-friendly guide to help you hit the trails with confidence from our Assistant Manager Kris, local hiking expert, pictured here in Kosciuszko National Park, New South Wales Australia.

Know your hiking limits

One of the most important things to remember when starting out with Australia hiking is to know your limits. Not all trails are created equal—some are flat and well-marked, while others may involve steep inclines or rocky terrain. Overestimating your ability can lead to exhaustion or injury, and quickly ruin what could have been a great experience.

Find reasonable walks, and know your limits. Don’t start off with a 20km hike if you’ve only done 5km day walks. Talk to friends about their hikes or join forums!

Start by choosing easy trails with short distances. Many Australian parks, such as the Dandenong Ranges or the hiking new south wales Blue Mountains, offer well-maintained beginner trails. Take note of trail distances, elevation gain, and estimated completion times before setting out. Gradually build up your endurance and experience over time.

Start with Day Hikes and Progress - Hiking Melbourne Australia for Beginners

Start off with longer day walks before getting into overnighters. And if you’re planning to go overnight solo, do some solo day walks first. Ensure you are fit enough to get into multi-day walking e.g. Weight training (weighted pack walks)

If you're just beginning your hiking journey, there's no need to rush into multi-day treks. Start with day trails like the 1000 Steps in Ferntree Gully or the Werribee Gorge Circuit. These provide a taste of hiking without the commitment of carrying heavy packs or camping overnight.

Once you’re comfortable with day hikes, you can move on to longer, more challenging trails like the Great Ocean Walk or even consider exploring New Zealand hiking adventures such as the Abel Tasman Track. Each step forward builds your skills and confidence.

PAST Outdoors founder Dave on his latest NZ 5 night hiking trip (secret location!), May 2025.

Do your research on hiking clothing, tents and accessories

The right gear can make or break your hiking experience. Investing in proper hiking shoes is essential for comfort and safety. Beginners often underestimate the value of good footwear—your feet will thank you after hours on uneven trails. Look for waterproof, breathable, and well-cushioned options suited to the terrain you'll be tackling.

Additionally, research moisture-wicking clothing, lightweight tents, and essential accessories like hydration packs and headlamps. If you're planning an overnight hike, understanding how to pack efficiently can greatly reduce the burden on your back. Here's a sample checklist you can use:

Research the gear you need and work out your priorities (cost, weight etc.). Doing your research first ensures you're getting the right thing for your needs. You want to minimise having to repurchase items that don’t work for you or that might have been cheap and easily broken.

The importance of personalised service when buying hiking products

With so many options available, choosing the right hiking gear can be overwhelming. That's why personalised service matters, especially for beginners. Visiting a specialty hiking store—either in Melbourne, Australia or near your local trails—gives you access to expert advice tailored to your needs, experience level, and future hiking goals.

When it comes to backpacks, try them on and get them fitted here with us at PAST Outdoors. This is another “what are you willing to sacrifice?” scenario. Do you want a long term durable pack that will last many bush bashes? If so, it may be on the heavier side. 

PAST Outdoors Head of MarComms Alli deciding which pack to take on her next hike.

If you’re after a lighter pack, that may mean less comforts like minimised padding. Overall, we still recommend your pack having some sort of frame so it can properly carry the weight for you and keep you on the trails for longer! We hear of so many people struggle with ill-fiting packs!

Whether you need help choosing the best Australia hiking shoes or advice on packing for a New Zealand hiking trip, knowledgeable staff can make all the difference. They’ll help you avoid common beginner mistakes and ensure you're well-prepared for the trail ahead.

Why so many hikers come in store to PAST Outdoors

We get travellers from across the globe coming in to visit us here at PAST Outdoors in Helensburgh, NSW. We  are the only retailer in New South Wales with tents set up for you to try out. We have experienced, passionate staff and pride ourselves on our carefully curated selection of high quality brands. Read more about our founder Dave and why you're in good hands. 

If you're unable to come to the store, head to our online store and feel free to call us on 1800 727 847 if you need to talk through your trip and items you're thinking of. We'd love to hear from you!