Exploring Australia by Foot: Trekking Through the Heart of the Bush

Australia offers trekking enthusiasts a variety of landscapes, from eucalyptus forests and rainforests to desert terrains and coastal trails. Stepping into the Australian bush provides an immersive journey through natural landscapes filled with wildlife sightings and quiet solitude. Here’s how to experience Australia’s wilderness on foot.

Why Trekking in the Australian Bush Is Unlike Anywhere Else

Australian trails are diverse. Walk beneath gum trees filled with birdsong or explore ancient rainforests with ferns and waterfalls. Desert trails offer vast skies and earthy colors, providing a calm and reflective journey. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot wallabies, kangaroos, wombats, and sometimes even the rare platypus, making trekking in Australia uniquely memorable.

Practical Advice Before You Hit the Trail

Preparation is essential for a safe and enjoyable trek. International visitors must ensure their travel documentation is properly sorted, including obtaining the correct visa. Australia requires most visitors to hold an eVisitor visa, a straightforward electronic visa that can be applied for online. Before packing your hiking boots, don’t forget to apply on time for your eVisitor for Australia. This simple step helps you avoid any entry issues upon arrival.

Navigation and safety essentials include downloading offline maps and having a physical backup, carrying sufficient water and sunscreen, and preparing for changing weather. Australia’s seasons greatly influence trekking conditions—spring and autumn are usually ideal, while summer treks should be carefully planned.

Respect nature and cultural heritage by practicing leave-no-trace principles. Take the opportunity to learn about local indigenous cultures through visitor centres or guided tours.

For detailed local information, checking official resources like Tourism Australia is recommended.

Our Favourite Bushwalks Across Australia

Australia offers many rewarding trails. Here are a few recommended treks:

Larapinta Trail, Northern Territory

Stretching over 223 kilometers through the ridges and valleys of the West MacDonnell Ranges, the Larapinta Trail provides panoramic views, cliffs, and deep gorges. Walkers gain cultural insights into the traditional custodians of the land. Highlights include Simpson’s Gap, Ormiston Gorge, and Mount Sonder, known for impressive sunrise views.
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Duration: 12-16 days

Overland Track, Tasmania

Tasmania’s Overland Track is a six-day hike covering around 65 kilometers through Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Hikers encounter ancient forests, alpine meadows, mountain peaks, and tranquil lakes, home to wildlife such as echidnas, wombats, and Tasmanian devils. The variety of ecosystems and clearly marked trails make it suitable for hikers of different skill levels.
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 6 days

Blue Mountains Trails, New South Wales

Close to Sydney, the Blue Mountains offer numerous trails of varying lengths and difficulties. Popular routes include the Grand Canyon Track, Wentworth Falls Track, and National Pass, each featuring waterfalls, sandstone rock formations, and expansive valley views.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (depending on chosen route)
Duration: Half-day to full-day hikes

Bibbulmun Track, Western Australia

The Bibbulmun Track stretches over 1,000 kilometers from Kalamunda near Perth to Albany on the southern coast. It passes through forests, coastal areas, and rural landscapes, offering a combination of day hikes and extended journeys. Shelters along the route allow for multi-day trips, making this trek accessible to hikers looking for a flexible and extensive adventure.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (sections vary)
Duration: Day hikes to 6-8 weeks for the entire track