Hikes in Australia

Australia is one of the world’s great hiking destinations, a continent of sandstone canyons, ancient rainforest, alpine ranges and thousands of kilometres of wild coastline. From short waterfall walks to epic multi-day treks, the variety is extraordinary, and the landscapes are like nowhere else on earth.

The Blue Mountains, just west of Sydney, are the classic introduction: a World Heritage landscape of dramatic escarpments, deep eucalyptus valleys and tumbling waterfalls, with everything from gentle lookout strolls to steep canyon descents. Beyond them lie the alpine trails of the Australian Alps, the tarns and peaks of Tasmania, the red gorges of the outback, and coast walks with the sea always in view.

Whatever you are looking for, there is a trail to match and a season to suit it. Below are our favourite hikes in Australia, starting in the Blue Mountains.

What’s New in 2026

• The seasons are flipped. Spring and autumn are the sweet spots in the Blue Mountains, summer brings heat, storms and fire risk, and winter is cool but clear. Save the alpine and Tasmanian trails for the austral summer, and the outback and tropical north for the cooler, drier May to September window.
• Many Blue Mountains tracks are closed or partly closed through 2026 for storm-damage repairs and upgrades, including sections around Wentworth Falls, the National Pass and the Valley of the Waters. Check the NSW National Parks alerts for your specific track before you set out.
• Blue Mountains National Park is free to enter and always open, though it can close at short notice for fire danger or severe weather. Carry plenty of water and sun protection, stay well back from cliff edges, and for long or remote walks fill in a trip intention form and consider carrying a personal locator beacon.
• Guided walking tours are available if you would rather have transport and logistics handled, especially for multi-day trips like the Overland Track in Tasmania or the Larapinta Trail in the Red Centre.

Best Hikes in Australia

• Grand Canyon Track: One of the Blue Mountains’ most popular walks, a lush loop past waterfalls and beneath towering sandstone walls, with a stunning viewpoint over the Grose Valley. Moderate, around 6 km.
• Ruined Castle and Mount Solitary via the Golden Stairs: A challenging out-and-back to a dramatic rock formation deep in the Jamison Valley, with big views and a serious workout. Around 15 km.
• Cliff Top Track and Grand Canyon Walk: A spectacular half-day combining clifftop lookouts with the descent into the Grand Canyon, full of the wow-factor the Blue Mountains are known for.
• Lockleys Pylon Walk: An easier ridge walk to a 360-degree lookout over Mount Hay, Mount Banks and the Grose Valley sprawled far below.
• Wentworth Falls, Fletcher’s and Rocket Point Lookouts: A gentle, family-friendly circuit past the famous Wentworth Falls and a string of five lookouts over the Jamison Valley.
• Three Sisters Track to Lady Game Lookout: A short, rewarding walk to the Blue Mountains’ most iconic view, the Three Sisters, with plenty of scenery for little effort.

Where to Hike in Australia

Every route on this page lies in Blue Mountains National Park, the World Heritage landscape west of Sydney, within the state of New South Wales. It is the heart of hiking in Australia, and where our route guides are focused.

Plan Your Australia Hiking Trip

If you would rather travel with a group and have the logistics handled, browse our guided tours in Oceania, which covers Australia and New Zealand.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking in Australia

When is the best time to hike in Australia?

It depends on the region, and the seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere. Spring and autumn suit the Blue Mountains and the southeast, the austral summer from December to February is best for the Australian Alps and Tasmania, and the cooler, drier months from May to September are best for the tropical north and the Red Centre.

Where are the best hikes in Australia?

Our route guides are focused on Blue Mountains National Park, west of Sydney, a World Heritage area of sandstone escarpments, deep valleys and waterfalls with walks for every level. It is one of the most accessible and rewarding hiking regions in the country.

Is hiking in Australia safe?

With preparation, yes. Carry more water than you think you need, use strong sun protection, check for track closures and fire warnings before you go, and keep well back from cliff edges. For long or remote walks, fill in a trip intention form and consider carrying a personal locator beacon.