Get ready to lace up your hiking boots and embark on an adventure like no other! Australia's hiking scene is booming, and it's time to explore some incredible trails that will leave you breathless (in a good way!).
The Great Australian Hiking Renaissance
Once a domain for seasoned bushwalkers, Australia's hiking trails have evolved to cater to all skill levels. With almost 4 million Aussies hitting the trails each year, it's clear that hiking has become a beloved pastime. And the best part? The country's trail network continues to expand, offering an ever-growing array of options for walkers.
Long-Distance Hikes: The New Trend
The AllTrails app saw a remarkable 300% increase in distance walked by Australian users in 2025, with long-distance hikes leading the charge. This boom in trail construction shows no signs of slowing down, with several exciting projects set to break ground in 2026.
Tasmania's Next Iconic Walk: A Rugged Adventure
Get ready for a three-day hike through the rugged Tyndall Range on Tasmania's wild west coast. This upcoming trail promises an unforgettable journey through nature's raw beauty.
Victoria's Coastal Trail: A Stunning Ocean Odyssey
The 76km Great Ocean Road coastal trail will take you along Victoria's breathtaking Otway coast, from Fairhaven to Grey River. Imagine walking amidst the ocean's roar and taking in the stunning coastal vistas.
Exploring the Hinterland's Magic
While you await these grand projects, here are some of the best new (and soon-to-open) trails to discover this year:
Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk (New South Wales): A Volcanic Adventure
Venture beyond the coast of NSW's northern rivers region, and you'll uncover a hidden gem - a magical world of waterfalls cascading through ancient volcano craters and lush Gondwana rainforest. The Gidjuum Gulganyi walk, launched last year, takes you on a four-day journey along the southern rim of the Tweed volcano, offering a deep dive into this incredibly biodiverse ecosystem. And the best part? You'll also get a glimpse into the rich cultures of the Widjabul Wia-bal and Minjungbal traditional owners, with a cultural experience awaiting at the walk's terminus.
Ngaro Track (Queensland): A Hiker's Paradise
The Whitsunday Islands are known for their aquatic adventures, but the new 32km Ngaro track aims to showcase the region's hiking potential. Accessible by boat, this three-day walk begins at the stunning Whitehaven Beach (recently voted the world's best!) and takes you through a diverse mix of coastal landscapes, open forests, and rocky peaks, offering panoramic views of the island group. Developed in collaboration with the Ngaro traditional owners, the trail features art installations and cultural insights, making it a truly unique experience.
Tidbinbilla Mindjagari Track (ACT): Not for the Faint-Hearted
ACT Minister for City and Government Services, Tara Cheyne, described the new trails added to the Tidbinbilla Mindjagari track network as "not for the faint-hearted." Rated grade 5, these trails are designed for experienced bushwalkers and unlock a range of challenging circuits. One such circuit is the aptly named Short 'n' Brutal loop, leading to the top of the Tidbinbilla Range, where walkers can admire breathtaking views of the Brindabellas and Kosciuszko National Park.
Adelaide 100 (South Australia): A City-to-Nature Adventure
The Adelaide 100, conceived in 2012, is finally nearing completion. Walkers can currently enjoy a continuous section of over 70km that winds through the koala-filled foothills of the Mount Lofty Ranges, along the picturesque River Torrens, and past the coastal dunes of Adelaide's western suburbs. What's unique about this trail is its accessibility - most sections can be reached via public transport, and through-hikers will find essential amenities like toilets, accommodation, and food providers along the way.
Leeuwin Biddi Trail (Western Australia): An Easy Coastal Delight
While the Cape to Cape track in WA's southwest is renowned as one of Australia's top hikes, the recently opened Leeuwin Biddi trail offers an easier option to appreciate this stunning coastline. This 3km trail is an accessible path suitable for all ages and abilities, following the coast and connecting with existing trails to link Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse (mainland Australia's tallest) with Augusta Boat Harbour.
Snowies Alpine Walk (NSW): A High-Altitude Adventure
Meandering across the rooftop of Australia, the 56km Snowies Alpine walk is part of NSW's expanding Great Walks collection. This four-day trail lives up to its name, connecting alpine meadows filled with endemic wildflowers, historic mountain huts, and stands of sinuous snow gums overlooking clear glacial lakes. The icing on the cake? The chance to summit Australia's highest mountain, Mount Kosciuszko, offering breathtaking views all the way to the NSW south coast on a clear day.
Twin Bridges Track (Queensland): A Tropical Hinterland Adventure
After five years of closure due to cyclone damage, the 18km Twin Bridges trail reopened last December. Connecting the communities of Wangetti and Mowbray, this dual-use trail takes walkers and cyclists through the lush hinterland of Queensland's far north, within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. While not officially part of the Wangetti trail, it will serve as an alternate route for walkers and cyclists traveling between Palm Cove and Port Douglas when that project is completed in 2028.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk (Northern Territory): A Luxury Desert Experience
Launching in April, the Uluru-Kata Tjuta signature walk will be the newest addition to the Great Walks of Australia's luxury guided hike portfolio. For the first time, walkers will have the opportunity to stay overnight in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Connecting the iconic red sandstone domes of Kata Tjuta with Australia's most recognizable natural landmark, this 54km walk offers five days of guided hiking through the desert, along with cultural workshops and chef-prepared meals.
International Hikes to Watch
Dongseo Trail, South Korea: A Coast-to-Coast Adventure
Modeled after the famous Camino de Santiago, the Dongseo trail will stretch almost 850km across the Korean peninsula when completed later this year. The finished track promises to connect ancient Buddhist temples, breathtaking mountain scenery, and 90 village "base camps" offering food and accommodation for walkers.
Kawarau Gorge Trail, New Zealand: A Swing Bridge Odyssey
Scheduled to open in late summer, this 32km walking and cycling track will link Queenstown and Cromwell via swing bridges and cantilevered catwalks. It will also connect to a vast 530km network of trails stretching from Queenstown to Dunedin in the South Island.
The Transcaucasian Trail: An Alpine Adventure Across Three Countries
Spanning Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, this ambitious 3,000km trail (split into two sections due to diplomatic complexities) is still under construction. However, the completed sections offer spectacular alpine scenery, fascinating religious sites, and secluded mountain lakes.
So, are you ready to embark on these incredible hiking adventures? Which trail piques your interest the most? Don't forget to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! Let's ignite a conversation about these amazing hiking opportunities!
