Australians love trekking so much they even have their own word for it: bushwalking. It’s long been a national passion in this country of vast expanses and exotic fauna and flora. With such varied biomes there’s something here to suit every hiker, whether you prefer mountain hikes, desert treks or walking coastal paths.
One of the most popular Australian treks is the famous Larapinta Trail which takes place in the Northern Australian ridges of the West MacDonnell mountain range. The trail is typically done in the Australian winter between June and August. Walking the trail gives you some idea of the skill involved in living in this dry and arid land. The trek involves some amazing natural sights such as red gorges along with Aboriginal sacred sites. At 139 miles long the trek is best done over the course of at least a week, and due to hazards such as snakes and dehydration is best done in a group.
Those looking for a less arid trail should consider Tasmania’s Overland Track in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. At just 40 miles this can be completed in just two or three days although there are many side trips you may wish to explore that will add to the distance. The walk includes waterfalls, forests, mountains and the chance to see much of the unique wildlife of Tasmania such as wombats and Tasmanian devils. A side trip up Cradle Mountain is well recommended although not a technical climb requiring ropes you will need to scramble up and across boulders to reach the summit.
Those looking for a real adventure should consider the 1000km long Bibbulmun Track in Western Australia which can be walked as a whole or in parts. Highlights include the chance to see dolphins and whales along the coast. Given the length of the track there’s significant diversity from forests to farmlands, including the mountains of the Darling Range. Much of the walk is alongside the coast and includes amazing beaches which you’ll often be able to enjoy completely alone.
Although the Australia trekking can be extreme there is plenty of day walks close to many of the cities and every national park has its own network of trails. Most are well maintained and signposted. Some walks not to be missed include the Devis Hole train in the blue Mountains, the walk around Uluru, a trek through Kings Canyon, Wine Glass Bay and Cradle Mountain in Tasmania and many more.
