The 7 best multi-day hikes in Australia
December 19, 2025The 7 best multi-day hikes in Australia
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Australia is often imagined as a land of vast deserts, endless coastlines, and unique wildlife, but for hikers it is also one of the most diverse long-distance trekking destinations on Earth. From mist-shrouded alpine ridges to red-rock gorges carved over millions of years, the country offers multi-day hikes that rival the world’s most famous trails in both beauty and challenge. These journeys are not just physical undertakings; they are immersive experiences that reveal Australia’s geological history, ecological richness, and deep Indigenous heritage.
What makes multi-day hiking in Australia particularly special is the contrast packed into a single continent. Within a few weeks, a hiker can traverse cool temperate rainforests, sun-bleached coastal cliffs, tropical savannahs, and remote outback ranges. Many of these trails are carefully managed, with established campsites and clear wayfinding, while others demand strong navigation skills and self-sufficiency. This range allows both seasoned trekkers and ambitious newcomers to find routes that suit their abilities and interests.
Equally compelling is the sense of isolation and scale. Australia’s population is concentrated in cities, leaving vast wilderness areas largely untouched. On a multi-day hike, it is entirely possible to walk for days without seeing another person, accompanied only by the sounds of wind, birds, and flowing water. The following guide explores the best multi-day hikes in Australia, highlighting what makes each trail unique, what to expect on the journey, and why these routes deserve a place on any serious hiker’s bucket list.
The Overland Track (Tasmania)
The Overland Track is Australia’s most iconic multi-day hike and for good reason. Located in the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, this 65-kilometre trail runs from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair, weaving through glacial valleys, button grass plains, and ancient rainforests. Typically completed in five to seven days, it offers a carefully curated introduction to Tasmania’s rugged beauty.
The trail is well-maintained, with designated huts and campsites, making it accessible to hikers with moderate experience. However, Tasmanian weather is notoriously unpredictable. Snow, rain, and strong winds can occur at any time of year, even in summer, adding an element of seriousness to the journey. Side trips to peaks such as Mount Ossa, Tasmania’s highest mountain, reward hikers with sweeping views across the island’s wild interior.
Beyond scenery, the Overland Track offers a sense of continuity and history. It has been walked for decades and is tightly regulated to preserve its fragile ecosystems. For those seeking a classic, well-supported multi-day hike that still feels remote and awe-inspiring, the Overland Track remains unmatched.
Larapinta Trail (Northern Territory)
Stretching 223 kilometres along the spine of the West MacDonnell Ranges near Alice Springs, the Larapinta Trail is one of Australia’s great long-distance desert hikes. Unlike lush coastal or alpine trails, Larapinta’s beauty lies in its starkness: rust-red ridgelines, deep gorges, ghost gums, and vast open skies that seem to stretch endlessly in every direction.
The trail is traditionally divided into 12 sections, allowing hikers to tackle it in stages or as a continuous two- to three-week expedition. Water availability is a critical consideration, and careful planning is essential, particularly in the hotter months. Daytime temperatures can be extreme, while nights often drop sharply, creating dramatic contrasts within a single day.
Walking the Larapinta Trail is also a cultural journey. The land is of immense significance to the Arrernte people, and many features along the route are connected to Dreaming stories. For hikers who value solitude, challenge, and a profound sense of place, Larapinta delivers an unforgettable outback experience.
Great Ocean Walk (Victoria)
The Great Ocean Walk combines dramatic coastal scenery with relative accessibility, making it one of the best multi-day hikes for those new to extended trekking. Running approximately 110 kilometres from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles, this trail traces cliffs, beaches, and forested headlands along Victoria’s famous coastline.
Typically completed in seven to eight days, the walk offers a mix of clifftop panoramas and secluded beaches where the Southern Ocean crashes below. The trail passes through Great Otway National Park, home to tall eucalyptus forests and abundant wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, and diverse bird species.
While the Great Ocean Walk is less remote than many Australian trails, it still provides moments of isolation, particularly on less-frequented sections. Campsites are well-spaced, and the infrastructure is excellent. This hike is ideal for those seeking a balance between comfort, scenery, and the satisfaction of completing a substantial multi-day journey.
Australian Alps Walking Track (Victoria, NSW, ACT)
The Australian Alps Walking Track is a long-distance trail of epic proportions, stretching over 650 kilometres through Victoria, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory. It links a series of alpine and subalpine environments, passing through Kosciuszko National Park and other protected areas.
Most hikers complete the trail in sections rather than in one continuous journey, as a full end-to-end hike can take six to eight weeks. The terrain varies from rolling alpine meadows to steep ridgelines, with frequent river crossings and exposed sections. Snow can linger well into spring, and weather conditions can change rapidly.
What sets this trail apart is its sense of scale and continuity. It is a journey through Australia’s highest landscapes, offering expansive views and a rare opportunity to experience the country’s alpine ecosystems in depth. For experienced hikers seeking a long-term challenge, the Australian Alps Walking Track represents a true test of endurance and planning.
Cape to Cape Track (Western Australia)
The Cape to Cape Track runs for approximately 135 kilometres between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin in Western Australia’s Margaret River region. This coastal trail blends dramatic limestone cliffs, white-sand beaches, coastal heath, and patches of forest, all set against the turquoise waters of the Indian and Southern Oceans.
Usually completed in five to seven days, the hike can be tailored to different levels of difficulty, with multiple access points and accommodation options. While it is possible to camp, many hikers choose to stay in nearby towns or arrange food drops, making the journey more flexible and comfortable.
The Cape to Cape Track stands out for its variety. One day might involve walking along a windswept clifftop, the next descending to a calm bay perfect for a midday swim. Combined with the region’s renowned food and wine, this hike offers a uniquely Australian blend of wilderness and lifestyle.
Bibbulmun Track (Western Australia)
At nearly 1,000 kilometres long, the Bibbulmun Track is one of the world’s great long-distance walks. Extending from Kalamunda near Perth to Albany on the south coast, it passes through forests, farmland, river valleys, and coastal heath. While few hikers complete the entire track in one go, many sections are perfect for multi-day hikes.
The track is exceptionally well-marked and supported by a network of shelters and campsites, making it accessible to a wide range of hikers. Despite this, it retains a strong sense of remoteness, particularly in its southern sections, where long stretches pass through untouched forest.
The Bibbulmun Track is as much about the journey as the destination. Its length encourages a slow, immersive experience, allowing hikers to develop a deep connection with the landscape over time. It is an ideal choice for those seeking flexibility, community, and a long-term hiking goal.
Thorsborne Trail (Queensland)
Located on Hinchinbrook Island, the Thorsborne Trail is a short but intense multi-day hike that showcases tropical wilderness at its finest. Spanning just 32 kilometres, it typically takes four days to complete, but the challenges of tides, weather, and terrain demand respect.
The trail winds through mangroves, rainforests, and secluded beaches, with frequent creek crossings and rocky headlands. There is no constructed track in many sections, requiring careful navigation and tide planning. Crocodiles inhabit the surrounding waters, adding an extra layer of awareness to the journey.
What the Thorsborne Trail lacks in length, it more than makes up for in atmosphere. The sense of isolation, combined with the raw beauty of tropical landscapes, makes it one of Australia’s most memorable short multi-day hikes.
Planning and Preparation for Australian Multi-Day Hikes
Successful multi-day hiking in Australia depends heavily on preparation. Distances, water availability, weather conditions, and remoteness vary widely between trails. Researching seasonal conditions is essential, as some hikes are best attempted only during specific months to avoid extreme heat, snow, or cyclone risk.
Navigation skills remain important even on well-marked trails, and carrying appropriate safety equipment is non-negotiable. This includes reliable maps, a personal locator beacon in remote areas, and sufficient food and water. Respect for the environment and for Indigenous cultural sites is also a critical part of responsible hiking.
Physical preparation should match the demands of the chosen trail. While some routes are suitable for fit beginners, others require extensive experience and resilience. Gradual training, realistic expectations, and a willingness to adapt plans are key to enjoying the journey safely.
Conclusion
Australia’s best multi-day hikes offer far more than scenic exercise; they are immersive journeys through landscapes that are ancient, varied, and deeply meaningful. Each trail tells a different story, shaped by climate, geology, and culture, and each challenges hikers in unique ways. Whether walking through alpine wilderness, desert ranges, or along wild coastlines, these routes reveal sides of Australia that cannot be understood from a car or a single-day walk.
For those willing to invest the time and effort, multi-day hiking in Australia is profoundly rewarding. It fosters resilience, humility, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Choosing the right trail, preparing carefully, and walking with respect ensures that these experiences remain available for future generations. In a country defined by space and contrast, there is no better way to understand Australia than by walking through it, one day at a time.