Research shows that enjoying experiences, rather than buying possessions, tends to provide the greatest source of enduring happiness.
Hiking is one of those experiences that can provide lifelong memories. If you walk with a partner or friends, and choose a track with amazing scenery and an appropriate degree of difficulty, you’ll have something to reminisce about for years.
Here are 10 great walking destinations in Australia and New Zealand, which you can enjoy as standalone trips or as part of a larger holiday.
New South Wales
Kosciuszko National Park
Kosciuszko National Park, which is located in the snowfields, has lots of tracks to choose from, ranging from easy, short walks to rugged, all-day hikes.
If you like a challenge, you can walk to the top of Mount Kosciuszko, which is the highest point in Australia.
There are two options. The first is a 13km walk: you start in Thredbo, catch the chairlift part of the way, walk for 6.5km to the summit, make the 6.5km walk in reverse and then take the chairlift back to Thredbo. The second is a 22km loop track that starts at Charlotte Pass and crosses the Snowy River. Whichever option you choose, the scenery is stunning.
Unless you like the cold, it’s best to visit Kosciuszko in summer. At that time of year, the weather tends to be warm rather than hot, although there can be strong winds and even snow.
Victoria
The Great Ocean Walk
The Great Ocean Walk, which mirrors the Great Ocean Road, is a one-way track that extends for 110k.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to do the entire track: instead, you can dip in and out, with shorter walks of about 1km, 5km or 10km.
Depending on which tracks you choose, you’ll encounter forests, beaches, ocean, sand dunes and lookouts, as well as ample wildlife.
When you’re not walking, you can drive the Great Ocean Road and visit all the highlights, including the 12 Apostles, Hopetoun Falls and Loch Ard Gorge.
The best times to visit are autumn and spring.
Queensland
Conway National Park
Conway National Park in the Whitsundays has incredible scenery, ranging from rainforest, mangroves and ranges to creeks, beaches and ocean.
The main walk, the Conway Range Trail, is a 27.1km one-way hike that is generally tackled over three days. However, there are a series of shorter walks, ranging from 1km to 5km, that you can do instead.
Temperatures get extremely hot during the summer, so it’s generally best to visit during winter.
Western Australia
Karijini National Park
Karijini National Park, in the northern half of WA, boasts some of the most incredible scenery in Australia.
You’ll encounter mountain ranges, outback gorges, waterfalls and swimming holes. (On a warm day, swimming in one of these natural outback pools is divine.)
Karijini has a series of walks you can do, ranging from 200m to 9km, over several days. You can camp in the national park or stay in the nearby town of Tom Price.
Karijini can get very hot in summer, so it’s best to visit between April and October.
South Australia
The Riesling Trail
The Riesling Trail, which stretches 35km between Auburn and Clare, is a walk with a difference.
The path is generally flat and gives views of vineyards, farms, hills, bush and villages … and takes you past numerous cellar doors too.
The Riesling Trail has standalone loop walks and can be tackled in sections, so you don’t have to do the entire walk in one go.
Summers can be baking and winters can be freezing, so you’ll probably want to visit in autumn or spring.
Tasmania
King Island
King Island, which is situated between Tasmania and Victoria, has dozens of walks you can do, most of which are 2-4km, and which include lovely beach and forest scenery. It also has fascinating maritime history (involving numerous shipwrecks), which can be explored through interpretive signs.
When you’re not walking, you can play the island’s famous golf courses (there are three), visit the museum, tour the lighthouse, look for platypus and sample some of the local produce.
King Island can be very windy and cold, so it’s best to visit between October and March.
Northern Territory
Kakadu National Park
Kakadu National Park has more than two dozen walks, catering to every level of fitness.
You’ll be blown away by what’s on offer: lookouts, gorges, wetlands, billabongs, forest, waterfalls, swimming holes, ancient Aboriginal rock art and magnificent bird life. You can walk on your own or book cultural tours with Aboriginal guides.
For accommodation, you can choose from campsites, caravan parks and hotels.
The best time to visit is during the winter, when it’s dry and warm (rather than very hot).
ACT
Canberra
When you think of Canberra, you rarely think of walks, but there are some really good walking options for anyone visiting the national capital.
For example, you can do a 5km self-guided tour of Lake Burley Griffin or a more strenuous 20km loop, both of which are really enjoyable.
The National Arboretum contains 20km of scenic and serene walking trails.
The climb to the top of Mt Ainslie (4.5km return) is taxing, but offers incredible views over Canberra.
Other options include the 7km loop of Lake Tuggeranong, 7km loop of Lake Ginninderra and 8.5km return walk to the top of One Tree Hill.
Canberra tends to be most temperate in autumn and spring.
New Zealand
The North Island
The Te Whara Track, outside Whangarei, is a 7.5km walk that passes through what are regarded as some of the best coastal forests on the North Island. You’ll also encounter beautiful views of hills, beaches and ocean. The track is quite steep at the start, but then flattens out.
If you’re looking for other scenic walks near Whangarei, you can also do the 5km Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway and 3.5km Mount Manaia Track.
During your visit, don’t forget to check out Whangarei Falls, which is regarded as one of New Zealand’s most beautiful waterfalls.
The best time to visit is during autumn and spring.
The South Island
The Banks Track was created in 1989 as New Zealand’s first private, multi-day walking track. And it’s absolutely spectacular – you’ll encounter panoramic ocean views, waterfalls, forests, clifftops, bays and mountain ranges.
The 35km walk lasts for three days and includes accommodation at three huts (each with hot showers and flush toilets). While you’re out on the track, you carry only a day pack, because your gear gets driven to your next stopover.
The Banks Track is open from 1 October to 30 April. You need to book and places are limited.
