Walking is a great way to fully immerse yourself in Australia’s natural environment. The Great Walks of Australia are world class experiences and the best guided, multi-day walks Australia has to offer. From Tasmania’s pristine wilderness to the rugged outback of the Northern Territory, they’re a pilgrimage through the some of the world’s most unique and spectacular landscapes. You won’t have to forsake comfort either with comfortable eco-lodges, unique wilderness camps, hot showers, and gourmet meals to enjoy at the end of your day. So lace up your hiking boots, strap on your backpack and follow your guide on an adventure into Australia’s great outdoors.
Traversing the ancient Flinders Ranges in outback South Australia, the guided four-day Arkaba Walk is an experience that immerses you in the story of the land. More than 600 million years of geological history echo through the rich red glow and spectacular outback scenery of Wilpena Pound and the Elder Range. Kangaroos, wallaroos and emus are regular sightings along the walk. Around the campfire you’ll hear the stories of the early pioneers who settled in this harsh but beautiful country. Spend the night camping under endless starry skies and then enjoy the comfort of the elegantly restored historic 1850s homestead at Arkaba Station.
At the edge of Mount William National Park in north-easternTasmania, the magnificent coastline known as the Bay of Fires appears as if untouched for thousands of years. This pristine stretch of azure water and rocky headlands provides dramatic landscapes, amazing diversity and plenty of wildlife. From October to May walk the soft white sandy beaches, explore coves, and kayak the Ansons River on the four-day guided Bay of Fires Lodge Walk. Rest at Forester Beach Camp or in the luxury of the award-winning Bay of Fires Lodge and indulge in fine Tasmanian local produce and locally produced Tasmanian wines.
Discover one of Australia’s most spectacular World Heritage Areas while trekking the world famous Overland Track in the peaceful and exquisite terrain of Tasmania’sCradle Mountain and Lake St Clair National Park. Cradle Mountain Huts Walk has two different walks: a six-day for the more ambitious walker, or a shorter four-day walk for those who have less time. You’ll wander through ancient rainforests, past waterfalls and alpine meadows and button grass plains once covered by glaciers. At the end of each day, wind down in the warmth and comfort of the remote Cradle Mountain Huts. Add a side trip to Mount Ossa, Tasmania’s highest peak.
The Freycinet Experience Walk covers the entire length of the Freycinet Peninsula on Tasmania’s east coast. Walk through the pink granite Hazard Mountains and rich coastal forests to the pure white sand beaches ofWineglass Bay. The four-day walk will take you off the beaten track to remote and rarely explored corners of theFreycinet National Park. You’ll feel like the only person on earth. Travel in the footsteps of the Oyster Bay Tribe, walking the same ancient tracks trodden some 30,000 years ago. Welcomed each evening to the award winning Friendly Beaches Lodge; guests enjoy stunning architecture, friendly genuine service and private rooms with comfortable beds.
From September to May, discover Australia’s wild beauty on the 104-kilometre Great Ocean Walk, one of the country’s outstanding long-distance walking track. The walk traverses the length of the Shipwreck Coast andGreat Ocean Road, along the spectacular coastline between Apollo Bay and the iconic Twelve Apostles. The trail is alive with native wildlife: fur seals, wallabies, koalas, and plants unique to this special corner of the world. The entire walk takes around seven days, or you can choose the shorter four day option. Each night you’ll return to the comfort of bothfeet’s luxury eco villas, with hot showers, private bathrooms and foot spas and dine on fabulous chef prepared regional food and wines.
Soak up the ethereal scenery of vast flood plains, razorback rocky outcrops and the glorious scale of this ancient land, on a guided walk along the high ridgelines of the West MacDonnell Range. The 72 kilometre-longLarapinta Trail is ideal for the experienced walker with some challenging sections. It takes around six days to complete. You’ll follow in the footsteps of the land’s traditional owners, early explorers and modern adventurers. Sleep under the stars in a true bushman’s ‘swag’. Stay in exclusive wilderness camps while your hosts prepare meals from local produce in the splendid isolation of the Australian outback.
There are few places on the planet that offer the tranquillity and unspoiled natural beauty of Maria Island National Park, just a few kilometres off Tasmania’s east coast. It’s a delightful blend of rare wildlife, convict heritage and spectacular landscapes. On the Maria Island Walk, you’ll enjoy gentle walking along empty white-sand beaches by day and candlelit gourmet dining at night. Enjoy a barefoot stroll exploring for rare shells or swim in the crystal clear waters. Unlike more challenging wilderness hikes, you don’t need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy this walk. Stay in comfortable wilderness camps or restored heritage-listed homes.
Source :
http://www.australia.com/explore/things-to-do/great-walks.aspx