Hiking in Australia: A New Adventure Awaits!
Unleash Your Inner Explorer!
Australia's hiking scene is thriving, offering an incredible range of trails for all skill levels. From coastal walks to rugged mountain treks, the country's diverse landscapes provide an unforgettable experience. But here's where it gets exciting: the hiking community is booming, and new trails are popping up across the nation, catering to both seasoned adventurers and those taking their first steps into the great outdoors.
A Nation of Hikers
According to Ausplay, almost 4 million Aussies embrace the call of the wild each year, making bushwalking the third most popular physical activity. And the trend is soaring! The AllTrails app witnessed a staggering 300% increase in distance walked by Australian users in 2025, with a particular surge in long-distance hikes. This hiking revolution has sparked a boom in trail construction, with multiple ambitious projects set to break ground in 2026.
Tasmania's Next Iconic Walk and Beyond
Tasmania's upcoming three-day hike through the Tyndall Range promises an unforgettable journey along the state's rugged west coast. Meanwhile, Victoria's 76km Great Ocean Road coastal trail will showcase the Otway coast's beauty, stretching from Fairhaven to Grey River. These projects are just the tip of the iceberg, with numerous other trails opening up across the country.
Exploring the Best New Hikes
While we eagerly await these grand projects, here's a glimpse at some of the finest new (and soon-to-open) trails to explore in 2026:
Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk, New South Wales: Venture beyond the coast and discover a magical world of waterfalls cascading through ancient volcano craters and the lush Gondwana rainforest. This four-day, 42km hike offers a unique cultural experience, connecting walkers with the Widjabul Wia-bal and Minjungbal traditional owners.
Ngaro Track, Queensland: The Whitsunday Islands are famous for aquatic adventures, but the new 32km Ngaro Track aims to showcase the region's hiking potential. Accessible by boat, this three-day walk begins at the stunning Whitehaven Beach and offers panoramic views of the island group. Developed in collaboration with the Ngaro traditional owners, the trail incorporates cultural elements and art installations, limiting daily access to just 15 walkers.
Tidbinbilla Mindjagari Track, ACT: The ACT's newest addition to its trail network is not for the faint-hearted, as Minister Tara Cheyne warns. The 14km of fresh trails, rated grade 5, unlock new circuits, including the aptly named Short 'n' Brutal loop, leading to breathtaking views of the Brindabellas and Kosciuszko National Park.
Adelaide 100, South Australia: This long-awaited trail is finally nearing completion. Walkers can currently explore a continuous 70km section through the koala-filled foothills of the Mount Lofty Ranges, along the River Torrens, and past Adelaide's western coastal dunes. With most sections accessible by public transport, it's an ideal urban hiking experience.
Leeuwin Biddi Trail, Western Australia: If the Cape to Cape track seems daunting, the recently opened Leeuwin Biddi Trail offers an easier way to enjoy the region's beauty. This 3km accessible path follows the coast, connecting Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse (Australia's tallest) with Augusta Boat Harbour, catering to all ages and abilities.
Snowies Alpine Walk, NSW: Part of NSW's expanding Great Walks collection, this 56km, four-day trail lives up to its name. It connects alpine meadows, historic mountain huts, and snow gums overlooking glacial lakes. The chance to summit Mount Kosciuszko, Australia's highest peak, is the ultimate reward, offering panoramic views to the NSW south coast.
Twin Bridges Track, Queensland: After five years of closure due to cyclone damage, this 18km trail has reopened, connecting Wangetti and Mowbray. It takes walkers and cyclists through the lush Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, offering an alternate route between Palm Cove and Port Douglas when the Wangetti Trail project is completed in 2028.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk, Northern Territory: Launching in April, this luxury guided hike will allow walkers to stay overnight in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park for the first time. Connecting Kata Tjuta's red sandstone domes with Australia's iconic Uluru, this 54km walk includes guided hiking, cultural workshops, and chef-prepared meals.
International Trails to Watch
Dongseo Trail, South Korea: Inspired by the Camino de Santiago, this coast-to-coast trail will stretch across the Korean peninsula, connecting ancient temples, stunning mountains, and village base camps.
Kawarau Gorge Trail, New Zealand: Scheduled to open in late summer, this 32km walking and cycling track will link Queenstown and Cromwell, also connecting to a vast 530km network of trails across the South Island.
The Transcaucasian Trail, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan: This ambitious 3,000km trail, split into two sections due to regional diplomatic complexities, offers breathtaking alpine scenery, fascinating religious sites, and secluded mountain lakes.
So, are you ready to lace up your hiking boots and explore these incredible trails? The adventure awaits! And remember, the best hikes are often the ones you discover for yourself. Happy trails, and don't forget to share your adventures with us in the comments!
