List of long-distance hiking tracks in Australia facts for kids
Australia is a huge country with amazing landscapes, from sunny beaches to tall mountains and dry deserts. One of the best ways to explore these incredible places is by walking! Long-distance walking trails are like super-long paths that let you hike for days, weeks, or even months. They are perfect for adventurers who love nature and want to see Australia up close.
These trails let you experience different parts of Australia, from its wild coastlines to its ancient forests and rugged mountains. You can see unique wildlife, learn about the land, and challenge yourself. Many of these trails are well-marked and have places to camp along the way.
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Awesome Long Walks in Australia
Australia has many fantastic long-distance walking trails. Some are short enough for a long weekend, while others can take months to complete! Here is a list of some of the most famous and longest trails across the country.
| Name | State(s) | Distance (km) | Recommended walking time (days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Alps Walking Track | Vic, NSW, ACT | 683 | 40-60 |
| Bellarine Rail Trail | Vic | 32 | 3-5 |
| Bibbulmun Track | WA | 1,003 | 54 |
| Bicentennial National Trail | Vic, NSW, Qld | 5,330 | 365 (1 year) |
| Brisbane Valley Rail Trail | Qld | 161 | 6-8 |
| Cape to Cape Track | WA | 124 | 6-8 |
| Yuraygir Coastal Walk | NSW | 65 | 4 |
| Carnarvon Great Walk | Qld | 86 | |
| Coastal Plains Walk Trail | WA | 55 | 3.5 |
| Cooloola Great Walk | Qld | 102 | 5 |
| East Gippsland Rail Trail | Vic | 96 | |
| Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk | Qld | 54 | 3 |
| Gold Coast Oceanway | Qld | 36 | 2-5 |
| Grampians Peaks Trail | Vic | 160 | 13 |
| Great Dividing Trail | Vic | 304 | 15-20 |
| Great North Walk | NSW | 250 | 14-16 |
| Great Ocean Walk | Vic | 104 | 8 |
| Great South Coast Walk | NSW, Vic | 660 | 22-30 |
| Great South West Walk | Vic | 250 | 14 |
| Heysen Trail | SA | 1,144 | 55-70 |
| Hume and Hovell Track | NSW | 440 | 24-28 |
| Jatbula Trail | NT | 62 | 4-5 |
| Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail | SA | 61 | 5 |
| Katoomba to Mittagong Trail | NSW | 132 | 6-8 |
| K'gari (Fraser Island) Great Walk | Qld | 90 | 6-8 |
| Larapinta Trail | NT | 230 | 15-19 |
| Lavender Federation Trail | SA | 212 | 10 |
| Mackay Highlands Great Walk | Qld | 56 | 5 |
| Mawson Trail | SA | 890 | |
| McMillans Track | Vic | 220 | 12-14 |
| Overland Track | Tas | 73 | 5-8 |
| Penguin Cradle Trail | Tas | 83 | 5-7 |
| Port Davey Track | Tas | 65 | |
| Railway Reserve Heritage Trail | WA | 63 | |
| Six Foot Track | NSW | 45 | 3 |
| Scenic Rim Trail | Qld | 47 | 4 |
| South Coast Track | Tas | 82 | 6-8 |
| Stirling Ridge Walk | WA | 29 | 3 |
| Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk | Qld | 58 | 4-6 |
| Tasmanian Trail | Tas | 477 | 25-30 |
| Thorsborne Trail | Qld | 32 | 4-5 |
| Tops to Myall Heritage Trail | NSW | 220 | 11-12 |
| Wet Tropics Great Walk | Qld | 110 | |
| Wilsons Promontory – Northern Circuit | Vic | 58 | 3-4 |
| Whitsunday Great Walk | Qld | 30 | 2-3 |
| Yurrebilla Trail | SA | 54 | 3-5 |
Exploring Famous Trails
Some of these trails are very well-known for their beauty and the challenges they offer.
The Bibbulmun Track
The Bibbulmun Track in Western Australia is over 1,000 kilometers long! It takes you through forests, across rivers, and past beautiful wildflowers. It's a great way to see the unique plants and animals of Western Australia.
The Larapinta Trail
In the Northern Territory, the Larapinta Trail stretches for 230 kilometers. This trail is famous for its stunning desert landscapes, ancient rock formations, and amazing views of the MacDonnell Ranges. It's a truly unique experience.
The Overland Track
Tasmania's Overland Track is one of Australia's most famous walks. It's 73 kilometers long and takes you through the heart of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. You'll see stunning mountains, deep valleys, and beautiful lakes.
The Bicentennial National Trail
The Bicentennial National Trail is the longest multi-use trail in the world! It's over 5,300 kilometers long and goes through Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. While it's great for walkers, it's also designed for horse riders and mountain bikers. It follows old stock routes and takes you through the Australian bush.
What to Expect on a Long Walk
Walking a long-distance trail is an amazing adventure. You'll spend your days surrounded by nature, breathing fresh air, and seeing incredible sights. You might spot kangaroos, wallabies, or many different kinds of birds. At night, you can camp under the stars, far away from city lights.
It's important to be prepared for these walks. This means having the right gear, like good walking shoes, a backpack, and enough water and food. Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back. These trails offer a fantastic way to connect with nature and create lasting memories.
See also
- List of long-distance trails
- List of people who have walked across Australia
