For the cultured urbanite, it’s easy to appreciate the pull of the antipodes. Australia, after all, has some of the coolest, artsiest, and most culturally diverse cities in the world. There’s the effortless cool of Melbourne which offers a thriving arts scene, and a plethora of super cool cafes to rival Brooklyn (but without the self regarding hipster veneer). Brisbane has gorgeous views from atop Kangaroo Point Cliffs, a koala sanctuary and even an underground theatre. And of course there’s also Canberra is the centre of Australian politics while Sydney has fascinating architecture and more famous landmarks than you can shake a selfie stick at.
But those intimately familiar with the vast and sprawling country of Australia will insist that these cities, while gorgeous and offering something for every kind of traveller, are not where the country’s true heart lies. The true heart of Australia lies in its outback, in its spectacular areas of natural beauty, in its unique indigenous flora and fauna and the humble majesty of its waterfalls. If you want to sample the natural delights of Oz between city stays here are some gorgeous hiking trails which will make for an extremely satisfying part of your holiday well worth a spot on your travel journal. So, whatever cities are an your Australian bucket list, pick up a car from a rental company like Bayswater Car Rental and take to the road to sample a little bit of the true Australia. It may just be the most unique and edifying experiences of your life. The following are ranked from easy through to hard…
Easy
Any of these should be suitable for even the most casual of hikers. But that doesn’t mean that you should attempt them ill prepared. Make sure that all members of your party are well stocked with hiking essentials and you should certainly ensure that you have appropriate footwear. Your Converse all stars might draw some glances on the streets of Melbourne but they won’t be adequate for traversing Australia’s rugged terrain;
The Fraser Island Great Walk- If you’re planning to visit Queensland in the cooler months while the UK faces one of the most blisteringly hot summers in recent memories, the Fraser Island Great Walk is highly recommended and suitable for even novice hikers. The trail takes between 5 to 7 days to traverse and required a one way boat trip to get onto the island itself. When you get there, however, you’ll enjoy a lush paradise that’s rich in all manner of wildlife from island dingoes to red crabs.
The Cape To Cape Track– Another easy one, although this may take a little longer, averaging between 6-8 days to traverse, the Cape To Cape Track is one of the best ways to see the best of Western Australia. Those who love to see a wide range of vegetation on their walks peppered with beautiful flowers are bound to get a kick out of this one.
Moderate
These offer slightly more of a challenge to more seasoned hikers although veterans looking to really push themselves, may yearn for something a little more rugged. Nonetheless, these offer some spectacular views.
The Tasmanian overland track- The Tasmanian highlands have to be seen to be believed and you’ll see so many spectacular vistas, you’ll be glad you packed an extra memory card for your camera. Winding through glaciers and gorges this one is prone to extremes of weather.
Hitchinbrook Island- Right at the top of Queensland you can get a ferry boat to the spectacularly verdant Hitchinbrook Island which offers an intricate network of waterways and creeks surrounded by so much green and such diversity of wildlife that the man made world will feel faraway and alien to you.
Hard
Those looking for a harder trail which tests their mettle and pushes them to their physical limits while rewarding them with views that only the brave can sample will find the following a worthy challenge;
Larapinta Trail- In the Northern territory’s West MacDonnell Range this winding trail can take a long time to fully traverse and should only be attempted by those who have 16-20 days to dedicate to it. You’ll be rewarded with some of the best wilderness views to be found in the entire vast and sprawling country.
The Australian Alps– For those with a head for heights, it really doesn’t get much better than this. It requires a serious time commitment (40-60 days including rest days) but the incredible views will more than make up for it. To make life easier, the trail is dispersed with huts in which weary travellers can rest and find refuge.
If you’re looking for an Australian adventure, any of these will give you what you need.