The best trails for every season, essential gear, and safety tips for exploring Australia's spectacular landscapes.
Shop Trail Guides →Overland Track, TAS — Tasmania's iconic 6-day walk is best in autumn when summer crowds thin and fagus trees turn golden. Grampians Peaks Trail, VIC — Comfortable walking temps and wildflowers. Blue Mountains, NSW — Crisp mornings, clear views, and stunning autumn light on sandstone cliffs.
Larapinta Trail, NT — Central Australia is perfect in winter. Cool days, cold nights, and the Red Centre at its most walkable. Scenic Rim Trail, QLD — South-east Queensland in winter means mild days and no humidity. Wilsons Promontory, VIC — Fewer crowds, whale watching from the headlands, and moody coastal scenery.
Australian Alps Walking Track — Accessible only in summer, this high-country route crosses Victoria, NSW, and the ACT through wildflower meadows. Cape to Cape Track, WA — Wildflower season (Sep-Nov) in WA is extraordinary. Three Capes Track, TAS — Stunning coastal scenery with longer daylight hours.
Good boots change everything. Mid-cut waterproof hiking boots with ankle support for rough terrain, or trail runners for well-maintained paths. Break them in before any multi-day walk.
Shop Hiking Boots →A 25-35L daypack with a rain cover handles most day walks. Look for hip belt support, hydration sleeve, and ventilated back panel. Osprey, Deuter, and Macpac are proven choices.
Shop Daypacks →Always carry a paper map and compass as backup to your phone. A personal locator beacon (PLB) is essential for remote walks. Lightweight, one-off purchase, and could save your life.
Shop PLBs →Lonely Planet's comprehensive guide covering multi-day treks and day walks across every state. Detailed maps, difficulty ratings, and seasonal advice.
View on Amazon →Tyrone Thomas' series for Victoria, Glenn Tempest's NSW guides, and John Chapman's Tasmania walks. Local knowledge that national guides miss.
View on Amazon →1:25,000 topo maps for serious backcountry navigation. Available from state mapping agencies or print-on-demand services. Essential for off-track exploration.
View on Amazon →