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Hiking is having a moment, and as much as we like to dream about the Dolomites, Australia is home to some pretty incredible options on the walking front. With forest-studded mountain ranges, stunning stretches of coastline and more than 600 national parks (45 in Victoria alone), the trekking potential here in Aus is pretty exhaustive. If you’re keen to get amongst it this year, we’re here to help. We asked the hiking experts at AllTrails to share the most popular multi-day hikes in the country, and a Victorian trail ranked at number three.
RELATED READ: These are the best hikes close to campsites in Victoria
Named by Time Out as one of the 20 best hikes in the world, and crowned the best coastal walk in Australia by a hiking expert, this beautiful walking route is every bit as incredible as its famous road trip counterpart. Starting in Apollo Bay, the trail takes hikers past some of Victoria’s most spectacular sights – including the lush rainforests of Great Otway National Park and the rugged cliffs of Port Campbell, before finishing at the iconic Twelve Apostles.
Where is the Great Ocean Walk?
The Great Ocean Walk hugs Victoria’s wildly beautiful south-west coast, stretching from Apollo Bay to the iconic Twelve Apostles near Princetown.
How long is the Great Ocean Walk?
The full trail runs for roughly 100 kilometres, following the coastline through Great Otways National Park and along one of the most scenic stretches of shoreline in the country.
How long does it take to do the Great Ocean Walk?
Most walkers tackle it over seven to eight days, breaking the journey into manageable daily sections. Short on time? Plenty of people opt to do just one or two of the most spectacular legs as a day walk.
What can you see along the Great Ocean Walk?
Along the route, you can expect to see a greatest-hits reel of Victorian nature: towering limestone cliffs, secluded surf beaches, dense eucalyptus forest, waterfalls tumbling into the sea and a whole lot of wildlife cameos (echidnas, wallabies and plenty of birdlife). You’ll finish on a high note with the world-famous drama of the Twelve Apostles – an especially magical sight at sunrise or sunset.
Where can you stay along the Great Ocean Walk?
Hikers can stay at a series of hiker-only campsites spaced along the route, each with tent platforms and basic facilities. If you prefer a softer landing, nearby towns like Apollo Bay, Johanna and Princetown offer guesthouses, lodges and B&Bs – and there are also guided, luggage-transfer options if you like you want to lighten the load.
Do you have to book to do the Great Ocean Walk?
Yes – if you’re staying overnight at the hike-in campsites, bookings are essential and managed through Parks Victoria. Day walks don’t require a booking, but planning ahead is still smart, especially during peak seasons when this trail is (rightfully) in high demand.
1. Overland Track, TAS
Distance: 78.5km
Duration: 5-6 nights
Difficulty: Hard
2. Thorsborne Trail, QLD
Distance: 30.3km
Duration: 3-4 nights
Difficulty: Hard
3. Great Ocean Walk, VIC
Distance: 97km
Duration: 6-8 nights
Difficulty: Hard
4. Cape to Cape Track, WA
Distance: 126.5km
Duration: 5-7 nights
Difficulty: Hard
5. Larapinta Trail, NT
Distance: 222.2km
Duration: 3-15 nights
Difficulty: Strenuous
6. Jatbula Trail, NT
Distance: 61.6km
Duration: 5-6 nights
Difficulty: Hard
7. Bibbulmun Track: Pemberton to Northcliffe, WA
Distance: 54.6km
Duration: 2 nights
Difficulty: Hard
8. K’gari (Fraser Island) Great Walk, QLD
Distance: 75km
Duration: 5-7 nights
Difficulty: Hard
9. Kanangra to Katoomba (K2K), NSW
Distance: 45.1km
Duration: 2-3 nights
Difficulty: Hard
10. South Coast Track, TAS
Distance: 85km
Duration: 5-7 nights
Difficulty: Strenuous
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