Nature is for everyone and bush walking (aka hiking, trekking, hill walking) provides opportunities for the young, the romantic, the kids, the retiree and even the solitary to enjoy it, offering you a lifetime of relaxation and stress free times. It also provides benefits such as improved fitness, opportunities to expand your social network and improve your knowledge of the land.

Going for a walk these days does not have to be an exercise in orienteering, the majority of National Parks today provide sign posted tracks that provide details of waterfalls or lookout points to visit. National Parks will often provide picnic areas and rest stops with basic facilities also, so don’t forget to pack a picnic!

Bush walking provides an array of options to suit all abilities, so don’t waste time, jump online and start planning, you won’t regret it!

Here are a few of our choices.

QUEENSLAND

There is a great array of bushwalking experiences in Queensland, from straight forward track walk to more challenging environments. Some of Queensland’s most popular bushwalking spots are:

Brisbane Forest Park

Fraser Island

Great Sandy National Park

Cape York Peninsula

There are 24 bushwalking clubs in Queensland that are members of Bushwalking Queensland that provide and share local knowledge of bushwalking areas, teach how to walk safely in the bush, and socialise in a non-for-profit, cost-sharing club with likeminded walkers. With regular events all over Queensland in a variety of environments, there are places to experience walking from bushland to the coast, for more information click here for the Bushwalking Queensland Inc website. 

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Western Australia is one of the most popular bushwalking destinations for both locals and tourists, and it is no wonder why, as the state has such stunning natural beauty. Western Australia has over 56,000 square kilometres of national parkland, with hundreds of tracks to suit bushwalkers. One of the most popular walking tracks is the Cape to Cape Track in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, a 135 walking track along the coastal ridge that offers stunning views. Other popular walking sites in Western Australia include:

Stirling Ranges

Bibbulmun Track

Lake Gwelup

There are nine bushwalking clubs in The Federation of Western Australian Bushwalkers, all which offer great opportunities to socialise, learn more about bushwalking, and enjoy the best the state has to offer. 

NEW SOUTH WALES

Bushwalking has been popular for over 100 years in New South Wales, Australia’s very first bushwalking club was founded in Sydney and even the term bushwalking was coined there!

Some of New South Wales most popular and scenic bushwalking sites are:  

Mount Warning

Washpool National Park

Oxley Wild Rivers

The Barrington Tops National Park

From the cities to the mountains there are many bushwalking clubs and tracks to enjoy walking in New South Wales. Visit The Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs NSW Incorporated for more information. 

TASMANIA

With the cleanest air in the world and some of Australia’s most pristine wilderness, Tasmania is an ideal spot for bushwalking. Some of the state’s most popular walking destinations are:

Cradle Mountain – Lake St. Clair National Park

Penguin Cradle Trail

Organ Pipes – Mt Wellington

Franklin River Nature Trail

Wineglass Bay Lookout – Freycinet National Park  

To explore Tasmanian bushwalking visit the Parks and Wildlife Service Great Bushwalks site.

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Bushwalking is a popular activity in the Northern Territory, with bushwalking clubs located in the territory’s two most popular locations; Darwin and Alice Springs. Bushwalking is a great way to witness the unique beauty of the Northern Territory, from anything to a few hours to a whole day or even a weekend walking experience. Some of the most popular bushwalking sites in the Northern Territory are:

Mary River National Park

Litchfield National Park

Finke Gorge National Park

Ruby Gap

These parks offer tracks to suit everyone, from beginners to those wanting to experience something a bit more challenging. 

VICTORIA

With many walking clubs and breathtaking national parks in both the alps and by the ocean, Victoria is a great place to try bushwalking. Popular trails include: 

Great Ocean Walk

Great Dividing Range

Australian Alps

The Horn Trail

To explore Victorian bushwalking visit the Victorian Bushwalking and Walks site. 

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

South Australia offers a number of bushwalking clubs, with experiences ranging from coastal to outback. Some of the most popular walking sites in unique and varied state are:

Flinders Ranges

Heysen Trail

Kangaroo Island

Innes Eyre Peninsula 

To explore South Australian bushwalking visit the South Australian Bushwalking site for trails and information.