Australia's Best Bushwalks

Welcome to nature on a grand scale.

- Denise Cullen

Clambering over mossy tree roots, hiking up granite slopes and breathing in the heady scent of eucalyptus trees atop the base note of damp earth. It’s something Australia’s indigenous people have known for thousands of years – to walk the land is to know it. Whether on the coast, or in the outback, or in the heart of the rainforest, putting one foot in front of the other allows you to connect with the terrain in an intimate way that bus or self-drive tours simply can’t match.

For long-distance walkers, Australia’s diverse scenery offers ready distraction from aching legs and feet. Explore windswept stretches of sand, snow-capped mountain peaks, red desert rock and much more. Beyond breathtaking scenery, there are other benefits associated with ‘boots and all’ adventures. Hiking – or bushwalking as it is called in Australia – improves blood pressure, increases bone density, builds strength and enhances balance. It also satisfies curiosity, offers a taste of adventure and boosts mood. How come? The biophilia hypothesis suggests that humans have an instinctive need to connect with nature and other forms of life.

No single walk will suit every person who yearns to explore this country’s intriguing landscape. After all, one person’s amble may be the next person’s odyssey. But consultation with bushwalking enthusiasts has identified some of the country’s most popular walks, ones that can inspire newcomers and more experienced walkers alike, and encourage each to test their mettle.

GOLD COAST HINTERLAND, QUEENSLAND