Australian bushwalks are more than just trails through nature—they’re windows into the continent’s soul. From the tropical rainforests of Queensland to the arid ridges of the Northern Territory, these walks offer encounters with untouched wilderness, rare wildlife, and deep cultural heritage. Whether you’re an avid hiker or a curious first-timer, Australia’s network of over 600 national parks and reserves offers something for every fitness level and every season. According to Parks Australia, more than 15 million visits are made to national parks annually, underscoring the nation’s passion for walking in nature.
While iconic routes like Tasmania’s Overland Track and Victoria’s Great Ocean Walk attract global acclaim, countless lesser-known trails are equally captivating. For example, the 160 km Grampians Peaks Trail recently opened new sections that give hikers access to remote escarpments and Indigenous cultural sites, with state tourism figures noting a 70,000-person increase in regional walking tours in 2023. Beyond the scenery, these trails foster community engagement, boost eco-tourism, and serve as a vital space for wildlife conservation efforts. The increasing popularity of eco-tourism in Australia reflects a growing desire to explore these untouched places responsibly.
Not all bushwalks are about extreme adventure. Many are designed for families, beginners, or urban walkers, such as those in Kings Park in Perth or Royal National Park near Sydney, which is easily accessible by train and visited by more than 5 million people annually. These easier trails feature paved paths, boardwalks, interpretive signs, and rest areas that make nature accessible for people of all ages. According to Tourism Australia, the demand for outdoor experiences has surged since 2020, with walking holidays among the top choices for both domestic and international tourists.
Bushwalkers also have the unique privilege of encountering Australia’s diverse wildlife up close. Along tracks in Lamington National Park, visitors may spot lyrebirds, pademelons, or even glowworms. In the deserts of the Northern Territory, the famous Larapinta Trail offers sightings of rock wallabies and ancient ghost gums. These ecological interactions are not only awe-inspiring but also educational—every step becomes a lesson in biodiversity and respect for country. Environmental organizations such as Bushwalking Australia and local conservation groups advocate for preserving these areas by encouraging Leave No Trace principles and community-driven track maintenance.
Most significantly, bushwalking can be a deeply personal experience. As you ascend misty peaks in Cradle Mountain or walk barefoot across a white-sand beach in Cape Le Grand, you’re not only navigating the landscape but also your own inner journey. These are paths of serenity, challenge, and discovery that define what it means to connect with land in Australia. With trails crisscrossing every state and territory, there’s never been a better time to lace up your boots and rediscover the magic of Australian bushwalks.
### Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Bushwalks Worth Exploring
Warrumbungle National Park: A Volcanic Surprise in NSW
Tucked away in central New South Wales, Warrumbungle National Park offers an extraordinary geological landscape shaped by ancient volcanic activity. With over 30 walking tracks, its Grand High Tops trail is a highlight, providing panoramic views of the Breadknife rock formation. Despite its remoteness, the park attracted 45,000 visitors in 2023, showing a growing interest in off-the-beaten-path bushwalks. These numbers highlight how regional tourism and Australian bushwalks are gaining popularity.
The Grampians Peaks Trail: A Rising Star in Victoria
The Grampians Peaks Trail, completed in 2021, stretches 160 km and is quickly becoming a hiker’s favourite. With 36 new campsites and improved facilities, the trail welcomed over 70,000 hikers in its first full year. While it doesn’t yet rival the numbers of more famous routes like the Overland Track, it has become a cornerstone of Victoria’s regional hiking appeal. Australian bushwalks like this one offer a perfect blend of solitude and natural beauty.
Bungonia National Park: NSW’s Hidden Gorge Country
Near Goulburn, Bungonia National Park has deep gorges and limestone caves. Its Red Track, while only 6.7 km, is rated as one of the toughest hikes in New South Wales. The park saw a 15% increase in visits from 2021 to 2023, largely due to growing social media exposure and hiking forums. Yet, it remains under-visited compared to the Blue Mountains.
Mt Field National Park: Tasmania’s Waterfall Wonderland
Often overshadowed by Cradle Mountain, Mt Field offers lush rainforest, cascading waterfalls, and diverse alpine ecosystems. The 6 km Tarn Shelf circuit gives hikers access to alpine lakes and stunning wildflowers during summer. With Tasmania’s park visitor numbers exceeding 1.5 million in 2023, Mt Field accounted for just 6%, suggesting it’s still a hidden treasure.
Booloumba Falls Walk: A Scenic Trail in Queensland’s Hinterland
Part of the Conondale National Park, this 4 km return walk rewards bushwalkers with views of Booloumba Falls and unique rock formations. The park is home to 120 species of birds and saw an increase of 20% in foot traffic between 2022 and 2023. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services now includes this trail in its priority list for eco-tourism promotion.
Cape Arid Coastal Walk: The Remote South Coast of WA
Cape Arid National Park near Esperance is among Western Australia’s least visited, with just over 30,000 visitors annually. Its 15 km Len Otte Nature Trail showcases white beaches, granite outcrops, and rare flora like the fan-leaf hakea. Despite its remoteness, it offers some of the most pristine Australian bushwalks in the country.
Mt Kaputar Summit Walk: An Overlooked Inland Adventure
Located in northern NSW, Mt Kaputar National Park is known for its summit walk, offering 360-degree views across the inland plains. With only 20,000 annual visitors, it remains a quiet but rewarding destination. The area also hosts the unique pink slug species found nowhere else on Earth.
### Wildlife Encounters on the Trail
Koalas in the You Yangs: A Conservation Success Story
The You Yangs Regional Park in Victoria is one of the best places to spot wild koalas, especially along the 3 km Big Rock Walk. The Koala Clancy Foundation reports a 12% annual increase in local koala populations thanks to habitat restoration efforts. Bushwalkers here often spot koalas sleeping in the eucalyptus trees during early mornings.
Wallabies and Wombats on the Overland Track
Tasmania’s Overland Track is a hotspot for wildlife sightings. Spanning 65 km, this iconic trail offers frequent encounters with Bennett’s wallabies and common wombats. A Parks Tasmania survey in 2023 found that 78% of hikers reported at least one wombat sighting. This trail is a classic example of how Australian bushwalks double as wildlife experiences.
Birdwatching in Lamington National Park
Located in Queensland, Lamington boasts over 160 km of walking tracks and is home to more than 190 species of birds. The Border Track is particularly rich in birdlife, with lyrebirds and bowerbirds among the highlights. The park recorded 210,000 visitors in 2023, a 9% increase over the previous year, driven partly by its wildlife appeal.
Kangaroo Island’s Flinders Chase Encounters
Flinders Chase National Park is famous for its Remarkable Rocks and Admiral’s Arch, but its wildlife is equally remarkable. Visitors on the 1.5 km Platypus Waterholes Walk often see kangaroos, echidnas, and even elusive platypuses. In 2023, over 140,000 people visited the park, with guided wildlife walks in high demand.
Crocodile Awareness in Kakadu
While the 12 km Barrk Sandstone Walk in Kakadu National Park is rich in Indigenous rock art and birdlife, walkers must be aware of saltwater crocodiles. Parks Australia recommends checking water levels and croc sightings before setting out. Despite the danger, over 170,000 visitors explored Kakadu’s bushwalks in 2023.
Reptiles and Rock Wallabies in the MacDonnell Ranges
Central Australia’s MacDonnell Ranges, especially the Ormiston Gorge Walk, is home to rock wallabies and reptiles like the Centralian blue-tongue lizard. The Northern Territory reported a 14% increase in nature-based tourism in 2023, with bushwalkers often drawn by the chance to see unique desert fauna.
Dingoes of Fraser Island (K’gari)
K’gari’s 90 km Great Walk offers encounters with its infamous dingoes. Hikers are advised not to feed or approach them. According to Queensland Parks, there were 43 recorded dingo encounters on hiking trails in 2023. Awareness programs have helped reduce incidents, making the trail safer for both walkers and animals.
### Coastal vs. Inland Tracks: A Tale of Two Landscapes
The Rugged Charm of the Great Ocean Walk
Spanning 104 km along Victoria’s southern coast, the Great Ocean Walk offers dramatic seascapes, limestone cliffs, and shipwreck history. It attracted 47,000 hikers in 2023, many drawn by the Twelve Apostles’ proximity. The trail highlights how Australian bushwalks on the coast can rival inland routes for natural beauty and scale.
Inland Majesty: The Larapinta Trail
In stark contrast, the Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory covers 223 km across the West MacDonnell Ranges. It’s known for its red gorges and remote desert views. Despite harsh conditions, it welcomed over 16,000 walkers in 2023. Hikers spend an average of 12 days completing the full route, showcasing its challenging inland nature.
Weather Differences and Hiking Seasons
Coastal tracks benefit from temperate climates and ocean breezes, making them suitable year-round. Inland trails, especially in the outback, are best tackled in winter. For example, the Bibbulmun Track in WA sees peak traffic from April to November, with 65,000 visitors in 2023. Inland tracks often face summer closures due to fire risk.
Flora Variations Along the Way
Coastal routes like Bouddi Coastal Walk boast wildflowers, banksia, and tea trees, while inland tracks like Bunya Mountains showcase hoop pine rainforests and grass trees. Australia’s unique geography means that coastal and inland bushwalks provide distinct botanical experiences. The Australian bushwalks ecosystem varies significantly based on elevation and proximity to the sea.
Accessibility and Infrastructure
Coastal tracks tend to have better access to towns, water, and amenities. For instance, the Royal National Park’s Coast Track is reachable by public transport and sees over 150,000 hikers annually. Inland walks, though rewarding, often require 4WDs or guided tours, limiting their reach to more prepared adventurers.
### Best Bushwalks for Families and Beginners
Blue Mountains’ Leura Cascades Walk
This 2.4 km loop is one of the most family-friendly trails in NSW. With well-maintained paths, railings, and signage, it saw over 60,000 visitors in 2023. Parents often choose it for its short length, moderate gradient, and nearby amenities, making it a great introduction to Australian bushwalks.
Botanic Gardens Mount Annan: A Nature Walk with a Twist
Located southwest of Sydney, these gardens offer over 20 km of easy trails with interactive educational signs and picnic areas. In 2023, over 450,000 people visited, many with young children. The Connections Garden walk is especially popular for school groups learning about native flora.
Centennial Parklands Circuit in Sydney
This 3.5 km loop offers shaded paths, duck ponds, and wide open spaces, ideal for strollers and wheelchairs. As one of the most visited parks in Australia, with 10 million annual visitors, it provides a city-based introduction to bushwalking.
Melbourne’s Dandenong Ranges: 1000 Steps Kokoda Walk
Though challenging due to elevation, this 2.5 km walk is short and steep, making it a good option for teens and energetic families. The Kokoda Track Memorial Walk saw 600,000 visitors in 2023, showing its popularity as a beginner-friendly fitness hike.
South Australia’s Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty Trail
This 7.8 km return walk offers consistent gradients and plenty of rest points. It’s considered a great way for families to experience nature with city views. Over 200,000 people took the walk in 2023, many tracking their steps via mobile apps and fitness challenges.
Brisbane’s Boondall Wetlands Boardwalk
With 2.5 km of flat, elevated paths through mangroves and paperbark forest, this walk includes interpretive signs and bird hides. Its gentle terrain attracted 90,000 visitors in 2023. It’s ideal for wildlife spotting and educational outings.
Perth’s Kings Park Lotterywest Federation Walkway
The 620 m tree-top walk gives families sweeping views of the Swan River and native bushland. As part of the Kings Park precinct, which hosted over 5 million visitors last year, it serves as a perfect entry point to Australian bushwalks for urban dwellers.
