Your Next Hike: Australia’s Great Walks in a Half-day!

Last Updated on October 21, 2025 by Felecia at Road Trips Australia

Forget dedicating an entire weekend or longer to experience Australia’s great walks through spectacular landscapes. Uncovering the feeling of accomplishment and a sense of adventure, topped with a stunning view, makes every step worth it. Join me as I guide you through a selection of the great walks of Australia, while showcasing achievable trails that are perfect half-day hikes, offering maximum scenic reward with minimum time commitment! 

Australia’s Great Walks: Leading to Iconic Destinations

What Makes these Australia’s Great Walks? 

Every walk is unique, offering more than exercise; they are immersive journey into the location’s distinctive history, fascinating geology, and unique flora and fauna. This list of Australia’s great walks is ideal for travellers with less commitment to time and limited need for dedicated hiking backpacks and carrying gear. These trails invite you to see and truly feel the essence of the surrounding environment in the extraordinary Australian bush.

Discovering Australia’s Great Walks 

Join us on a road trip through northern and central NSW on a hiking holiday. Here we experience a series of scenic short walks and Australia’s great walk, the Pincham Trail, which passes through the impressive spires of the Warrumbungle National Park.  Additionally, all the walking trails listed in this article have been walked by us and experienced firsthand in the varied landscapes of Australia.

Need to Knows:

Before hitting the trails, it’s important to note that some National Parks require a Park Pass for entry. You can easily purchase these passes online via the chosen National Park’s website or directly upon arrival at the park entrance. Additionally, checking for track closures and upcoming weather conditions and booking nearby campgrounds are highly recommended to ensure a safe and successful trip.

The Iconic List: Australia’s Great Walks You Must Try!

#1 – Kings Canyon Rim Walk, Watarrka National Park, Northern Territory

Explore the best of “The Red Centre” on this stunning cliff-edge walk! The first section of the trail gets the heart pumping, ascending steep steps to reach the top of the canyon. At the top of the canyon, it’s like entering another world, walking through a Marz-like landscape of Mereenie Sandstone that was created 400 million years ago. Between the spectacular rock formations, the trail passes viewpoints from the breathtaking cliff edges and enters an oasis-like “Garden of Eden” before showcasing Kings Canyon Lookout. The trail has an uneven, rocky surface. It includes numerous steps, so sturdy walking shoes and a good fitness level are essential for completing this stunning walk safely and enjoyably. 

#2 – Pincham Trail, Warrumbungle National Park, New South Wales

Located in central NSW, the Warrumbungle Volcano erupted 17 million years ago. Today, Warrumbungle National Park displays a striking landscape of spectacular rock formations and a network of walking trails. When choosing the walking trail in this park, it was clear that the Pincham Trail was the best choice despite being longer than our usual hike.

Starting as an equivalent “walk in the park” along the well-formed trail, after about 3 km, the trail evolves into a long hill hike, progressing into steep stairs, followed by more, less steep stairs! Walking along the base of the “Breadknife” towering spire is an immersive experience, before reaching the Grand High Tops lookout, showcasing a well-rewarded 360-degree view.  

#3 – Freycinet Walk, Freycinet National Park, Tasmania

When it comes to hiking, Tasmania has many iconic trails on offer. The Wineglass Bay lookout walk perfectly fits into being one of Australia’s great walks. The trail winds up through coastal woodland and granite boulder rocks to reach the top of The Hazards, revealing views over Wineglass Bay. Hikers looking for a longer trail can continue to Wineglass Bay beach (6 km return). While the trail to the Wineglass Bay Lookout is well formed, there are many steps and some uneven sections, so moderate fitness is required for this iconic trail.  

#4 – Prince Henry Cliff Walk, Blue Mountains National Park, New South Wales

Undoubtedly, the Blue Mountains is a walking trail wonderland with over 140 km of trails to explore! For an option that combines easy access from Katoomba with maximum “wow’ factor, the Prince Henry Cliff is a perfect choice. This stunning track follows the scenic cliff edge, showcasing the iconic Three Sisters, the beautiful Katoomba Falls, and a multitude of breathtaking lookouts in between. The trail is well formed with limited steep sections, making it one of Australia’s most accessible cliff-edge walks, and it is included in the list of Australia’s great walks.  

#5 – Forts Circuit Walking Track, Magnetic Island National Park, Magnetic Island 

Set on the stunning island getaway of Magnetic Island is a network of picture-perfect bushwalking trails, all contributing to the diversity of Australia’s great walks. The trail winds through dry tropics bushland, spotted with hoop pines, picturesque boulder rocks and views of vibrant blue ocean. Beyond the stunning scenery, the walk features WW11 Heritage sites where hikers can explore the remaining war bunkers. The walk is also popular for visitors who want to spot wildlife, especially the Koala. This trail adjoins a network of additional walking trails leading to Horseshoe Bay, Arthur Bay or Florence Bay.  

#6 – Mount Kosciuszko Summit Lookout, Kosciuszko National Park, New South Wales 

Ever dreamed of being a true adventurer and climbing the highest mountain? Well, the Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk delivers this, and it is totally achievable during summer. The Kosciuszko Walk can be accessed via Thredbo’s chair lift or the more challenging Charlotte Pass. Accessing the summit from Thredbo is mostly by a gentle sloped boardwalk, with potential snow slides to cross. The last section of the trail is gravel, gradually curving up to the 2228 m elevation above sea level. Rest at the summit, an excellent spot for a bite to eat while taking in the breathtaking views from Australia’s highest peak! This truly makes it one of Australia’s great walks that is well within reach.

#7 – Overland Track Circuit via Dove Lake, Cradle Mountain National Park, Tasmania 

You may think of the Overland Track as days of hiking; however, the first part of this iconic walking trail can be enjoyed by day hikers. The trail begins from Ronny Creek Carpark, crossing the moorland where the elevation starts. This diverse trail showcases a forest section at Crater Falls, continuing to reveal Crater Lake. Proceeding along the upward slope, a steep rock section leads to Marion’s Lookout, which displays breathtaking views across Crater Lake, Lake Lilla, and Dove Lake. Circle back via the Dove Lake Circuit trail, stopping for views of Cradle Mountain, before proceeding to the finish at Dove Lake Carpark. There is also a bus service that runs regularly from Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre to Dove Lake Car Park.

#8 – Mount Bishop Walking Track, Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria 

The well-formed trail to Mount Bishop slowly winds up the slope from Lilly Pilly Car Park. Walkers can enjoy the various forest types, from tranquil rainforest and tree ferns to towering stringybarks. As the trail reaches the boulder peak, it reveals stunning views across Squeaky and Norman Beach to the blue waters of the Bass Straight.

Alternatively, keen hikers may venture south to tackle the 15 km South Point Track, which leads to Australia’s southernmost point – a monumental achievement on one of Australia’s great walks.

#9 – Uluru Base Walk, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory

This iconic trail circles the base of Uluru from Mala carpark, offering an up-close experience with this giant Aussie landmark. The well-formed, flat trail allows walkers to explore Uluru’s ancient rock art, caves, and waterholes. Walking the base of Uluru provides a unique experience, with uninterrupted views, interesting angles and surprisingly, a colourful display of Uluru, which is easily one of Australia’s great walks.

#10 – The Tombs Rock Art Site circuit, Mount Moffatt Carnarvon National Park, Queensland 

Exploring a remote section of Carnarvon Gorge National Park, 232 km north of Mitchell in outback Queensland, this park provides visitors with a scenic and cultural experience. Leading into the bushland via ‘The Chimneys’, striking sandstone pillars that tower overhead, continuing to the rock art stencilling and tomb site. When approaching the site, hikers walk through a serene dry forest, where the Aboriginal people traditionally used tree bark to wrap deceased bodies, before placing them into the small caves in the rock face. This truly special and spiritual walking destination is off the beaten path and represents one of Australia’s great walks in cultural significance.

#11 – Upper Gorge Lookout, Boodjumulla National Park, (Lawn Hill) Queensland 

A remarkable sight awaits in the remote Gulf Country of northern Queensland: Boodjamulla National Park. This oasis of spring-fed waters and towering cliffs is a jewel among Queensland’s natural wonders. Of course, these places are best explored on foot along one of the scenic walking trails. The first refreshing stop is Indarri Falls for those who choose to swim in the turquoise waters.

Proceeding from the falls, the rocky, steep, narrow trail leads to the stunning Indarri Falls lookout. The circuit trail continues across the plateau to reveal another section of middle gorge from the breathtaking Duwadarri Lookout. Descending another steep rocky section, where the surrounding rugged red ranges are displayed, spotted with ghost gums and spinifex, this is one of Australia’s great walks for spectacular outback views.

Iconic and Achievable: Australia’s Great Walks 

The diversity in Australia’s great walks is undeniable, from the rugged outback to scenic coastal trails. Whether your “next hike” is a short walk like the stunning Forts Circuit Walking Track, the challenging Pincham Trail or the iconic Wineglass Bay lookout walk, an unforgettable walking trail awaits. So, pack your hiking boots, day pack and snacks, and prepare for your next unforgettable Australian adventure!