Laura Waters

Laura Watershttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/about/contributors/laura-watersLaura Watershttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/oceania/australia/top-hikes-to-do-in-australiaFrom the Thorsborne Trail in Queensland to the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail in South Australia, here are our insider’s top picks.2018-08-23T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/oceania/australia/top-hikes-to-do-in-australiahttps://www.worldnomads.com<a href="/explore/oceania/australia/ancient-natural-wonders-around-australia">Australia’s vast landscape</a> varies from desert to tropical rainforest, alpine mountains to an endless coastline. Hiking is the ultimate way to experience these landscapes, but you’ll need to have the right gear and <a href="/explore/oceania/australia/top-outback-pubs-to-see-around-australia">food</a> to tackle these walks. <a href="https://soultrekkers.com.au/gear/">Always carry</a> a map, compass, GPS, <a href="/travel-safety/first-aid-kit">first-aid kit</a> and Personal Locator Beacon.  <ul> <li><a href="#thorsborne"> Thorsborne Trail, Queensland </a></li> <li><a href="#kangarooisland"> Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, South Australia </a></li> <li><a href="#greatnorthwalk"> Great North Walk, New South Wales </a></li> <li><a href="#mainrange"> Main Range Walk, Mt Kosciuszko, New South Wales </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="thorsborne">Thorsborne Trail, Queensland</h2> World Heritage-listed Hinchinbrook Island feels like the land that time forgot. Rocky peaks soar from the rainforest, palm trees line <a href="/explore/oceania/australia/the-worlds-cleanest-beach">pristine beaches</a> and the interior hides swamp and grassy plains, making for a spectacularly diverse trail. Swimming in cascades and rivers is a daily treat, and Zoe Falls is a highlight.  Time: 20mi/32km, 4–5 days Getting there: Catch a ferry from Cardwell, a 2.5-hour drive south of <a href="/explore/oceania/australia/top-destinations-to-explore-in-queensland">Cairns</a>. Tip: Metal boxes provided at camp will prevent bush rats from raiding your food. Difficulty: Moderate-Hard <h2 id="kangarooisland">Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, South Australia</h2> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/australia/kangaroo-island-wilderness-walk-laura-waters.jpg" /> <figcaption>Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, South Australia. Photo credit: Laura Waters</figcaption></figure> Combining <a href="/explore/oceania/australia/where-to-go-for-food-art-and-culture-in-south-australia">rugged ocean cliff tops with pristine beaches</a> and tea tree forest, this spectacular walk is also a hotspot for kangaroos, koalas and fur seals. The Remarkable Rocks, sculpted by the elements, are a highlight along with a sea cave at Admirals Arch that drips with stalactites. Enjoy the flash campsites with cooking shelters and unisex toilets. Time: 38mi/61km, five days Getting there: SeaLink operate a bus and ferry from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island, or you can self-drive. Tip: Don’t miss the side trip to Cape du Couedic and Admirals Arch. Difficulty: Easy-Moderate <h2 id="greatnorthwalk">Great North Walk, New South Wales</h2> Starting in the heart of <a href="/explore/oceania/australia/sydney-guide">Sydney</a>, this route winds through urban and natural landscapes north to Newcastle. Taking in attractions such as Lane Cove National Park, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, the Hawkesbury River and the Hunter region, it has a good mix of bush terrain and passes <a href="http://www.thegreatnorthwalk.com/rockart">14 Indigenous rock art sites</a>. Regular access points make side-trips and section hiking popular.  There are multiple train stations along the Great North Walk, so if you’re not feeling up to hiking the whole epic trail, catch a train to Cowan station and do a shorter walk to the lone palm tree at Jerusalem Bay (3mi/5km-return). Time: 155mi/250km, 10–14 days Getting there: Walk from Macquarie Place in Sydney and catch a bus or train back to Sydney from <a href="/explore/oceania/australia/top-day-trips-from-sydney">Newcastle</a>. Tip: Avoid summer when the bushfire risk is high. Difficulty: Moderate-Hard <h2 id="mainrange">Main Range Walk, Mt Kosciuszko, New South Wales</h2> Stand at the top of <a href="/explore/oceania/australia/top-places-to-go-for-an-adventure-in-new-south-wales">Mount Kosciuszko</a>, the roof of Australia at 7,310ft (2,228m) above sea level. This stunning alpine loop track starts at Charlottes <g class="gr_ gr_133 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="133" data-gr-id="133">Pass,</g> and weaves its way to the top of the mountain range. Passing the Snowy River and several glacial lakes, it offers endless mountain views and wildflowers in spring. A chairlift from Thredbo will shorten the route to the summit to 8mi (13km) return. Beware, this hike will be snowbound in winter. Time: 14mi/22km, 8–9 hours Getting there: Park at Charlottes Pass, a three-hour drive from Canberra. Tip: Always pack windproof and waterproof gear, and bring enough food for the day. Difficulty: Moderate-HardLaura Waters 0