If you love to get out in the great outdoors, putting one foot in front of the other and hiking is a great thing to do. And luckily, we live in a hiker’s paradise all year round – you just have to know where and when to walk.
In warmer months it’s best to head to higher altitudes so you can keep cool. Then, in colder months, you’d be better off heading north to the tropics where the weather is more walking-friendly.
So, we decided to help you plan your year of walks with a guide to the best hikes around Australia and when to do them.
January
Cradle Mountain national park, Tasmania
Synonymous with nature, wilderness and everything pristine, Cradle Mountain is the perfect place to have an adventure. With tracks that take 5-6 days or shorter, well-formed tracks you can do in a few hours, there’s lots of hiking to be done on Cradle Mountain.
February
Kosciuszko national park – Snowy Mountains
Home to Thredbo and Perisher, this place is thriving with avid skiers and snowboarders in the winter months. But in the warmer months, it’s perfect for hiking, mountain biking and horse-riding. So pop your hiking shoes in your bag and head to mountains for an adventure.
March
Namadgi national park, ACT
With more than half the tracks back open again after last year’s devastating bushfires, this is a beautiful place vibrating with wildlife and history. You’ll find Ngunnawal rock art throughout the park and keep your eyes out for dingoes, rock wallabies, pygmy possums, and lyrebirds.
April
The Green Gully track, NSW
There’s no need for a tent on this 65km trail because you can stay along the way in refurbished cattlemen’s huts. There are 5 huts to stay in over the 4-day walk and groups are limited to 6 hikers per booking. As you walk you’ll experience fern-lined gullies, high elevation forests, and an abundance of wildlife along the way.
May
Grampians (Gariwerd) national park, Victoria
Prepare yourself for some truly magnificent views, from rugged mountain scenery to the vast – and very flat – plains below. A new track is launching this April, the 160km Grampians Peaks Trail which will traverse the entire length of the national park. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime 13 day hike through the mountain range famous for its dramatic scenery and Aboriginal heritage.
June
Uluru-Kata Tjuta national park, NT
Even in winter, this area is hot so make sure you carry plenty of water with you. The 10.3km base walk is an easy meander and a great way to learn about the region’s natural history as well as the Anangu traditional owners.
July
Thorsborne Trail, QLD
Just off the coast between Townsville and Cairns, you’ll see steep peaks overlooking the dense rainforest, mangrove estuaries, and white sandy beaches. This 32 km trail is challenging and extremely rewarding – especially if you can make it to the natural infinity pools above Zoe Falls.
August
Kalbarri national park, WA
With mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers, spring is an excellent time to visit the Kalbarri national park in WA. The park surrounds the lower end of Murchison River where you’ll see a magnificent 80km gorge through red and white banded sandstone.
September
Lamington national park QLD
Sitting nearly 1,000 meters above sea level, this park is cooler than the Gold Coast and quite simply beautiful in the dry months of spring. With crashing waterfalls, dense rainforest, hidden swimming holes and breathtaking cliff top views.
October
Stirling Range national park, WA
There are several day-walks of up to 3.5kms, all leading to six of the most prominent peaks. Here, you’ll be able to enjoy panoramic views of the landscape and admire the 123 types of orchid bloom each spring.
November
Deep Creek Conservation Park, SA
Located within 100kms of Adelaide, this is a great weekend getaway or day trip. Home to the largest portion of remaining natural vegetation on the Fleurieu Peninsula, you’ll find an array of native wildlife as you walk through. And, with 15 walking trails to choose from, each ranging from easy to very difficult, there’s something here for everyone.
December
Maria Island, Tasmania
With Wombats and Tasmanian Devils regularly walking through campsites, this island sanctuary is perfect for wildlife lovers. Choose from gentle one-hour trails to all-day adventures that lead to convict-era ruins, clifftop lookouts, and beaches with dolphins and fur seals.