The best walks to do this Autumn
The Easter long weekend is the perfect time to spend with family and friends. Better yet, it’s the perfect time to enjoy a scenic hike or a long walk. For many parts of Australia, the cooler autumn temperatures make it an ideal time to go walking. Many parts of the country don’t stay cool for long, so take advantage of the long weekend and book your getaway.
Blue Mountains, New South Wales
If you live around the Sydney area, then you should be familiar with the beautiful Blue Mountains. The hills are filled with stunning landscapes, waterfalls and caves. This Easter, instead of gorging on chocolate, why not head outside and do a beautiful walk from the National Park Glenbrook Entrance to Red Hands Cave. This walk is suitable for most levels and is an 8km return circuit.
Great Ocean Walk, Victoria
Strap on your walking boots and hit the spectacular Great Ocean Walk. This multiday adventure has been labelled a ‘mild to wild’ journey as its remoteness and ruggedness increases as you get closer to the 12 Apostles. The total walk is 100km and you’ll see filled with soaring cliffs, remote beaches and giant eucalypt forests. A shorter, also beautiful option is from Blanket Bay to Cape Otway – a distance of just 10km long.
Larapinta Trail, Northern Territory
Ideal for the more ambitious walker, the Larapinta Trail has some challenging stages. Its total length covers 223 kilometres from east to west with the eastern end at Alice Springs and the western end at Mount Sonder, one of the territory’s highest mountains. The trail is very well marked with kilometre posts indicating the distance to the next campsite or section as well as the total length of the walk remaining. Do the walk in sections, or find one of the many tours available.
Coastal Track to Hells Gate, Queensland
If you are after something a lot shorter, treat yourself to spectacular views over rocky headlands and sandy beaches of Noosa National Park. Be delighted by glimpses of dolphins darting through waves, turtles and manta rays cruising below the surface. Linger at Hells Gates and savour amazing sweeping views over Alexandria Bay and Noosa’s north shore. This walk is 5.4km return so there’s plenty of time to relax in Noosa afterwards.
The Arkaba Walk, South Australia
If you’re after a classic Aussie bush walk, look no further. Set against the backdrop of the Elder Range and Wilpena Pound in South Australia’s Flinders Ranges, the Arkaba Walk is an opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of the outback. The walk is just over 46km return and can be booked through various ‘walking holiday’ companies.
Margaret River Walk, Western Australia
On the other side of Australia, you can walk another one of our most famous rivers. Margaret River is famous for its beautiful wineries, so get outdoors and enjoy the Western Australian beauty. Walks range from just a few kilometres return trip to day-long hikes. It’s best done in autumn to avoid the country’s harsh weather so make sure you book ahead.
Centenary Trail, ACT
A legacy of our first 100 years, Canberra’s Centenary Trail weaves its way around Canberra’s most iconic sites, showcasing 145km of the true ‘Bush Capital’. Luckily, you don’t need to walk the entire thing, the Centenary Trail is divided into sections, spaced for walkers and bike riders and users are able to join or leave the trail in many locations. The autumn colours in the Capital make this a particularly spectacular time to explore the walking trails around the city.
Wineglass Bay, Tasmania
Is there a more picture-perfect beach anywhere in the world than Wineglass Bay? Located in Freycinet National Park, Wineglass Bay is a 2.5 hour drive along the east coast from Hobart. The walk is a bit of a steep haul up the mountain from Coles Bay to the lookout on the saddle between Mt Amos and Mt Mayson, but the track is well made. It will take about an hour and a half each way. And what a view from the top! If you have time and you’re feeling more adventurous, you can climb down the other side to the beach itself, doubling the length of the walk but providing an opportunity to enjoy a much-deserved swim.
