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There has never been a better time to be a hiker in Australia. Once solely the province of experienced backcountry bushwalkers, the country’s ever-expanding network of hiking trails now offers something for walkers of all abilities.
According to Ausplay, almost 4 million Australians go bushwalking each year, making it the third-most popular form of physical activity in the country, and in 2025 the AllTrails app saw an almost 300% year-on-year increase in distance walked by Australian users. The largest growth has been in long-distance hikes, and it’s no surprise the boom in trail construction is continuing across the country, with multiple big-ticket walks slated to break ground this year.
Tasmania’s Next Iconic walk is set to be a three-day hike through the Tyndall Range on the island state’s rugged west coast, and in Victoria the 76km Great Ocean Road coastal trail will run along the Otway coast from Fairhaven through to Grey River.
While you wait for those projects to get under way, here are some of the best new (and soon-to-open) tracks to stretch your legs this year.
Gidjuum Gulganyi walk (New South Wales)
Most visitors to NSW’s northern rivers region stick to the coast, but venture into the hinterland and you’ll discover a magical world where waterfalls cascade through ancient volcano craters and subtropical Gondwana rainforest.
Launched last year, the Gidjuum Gulganyi walk follows the southern rim of the Tweed volcano on a journey deep into this exceptionally biodiverse ecosystem. The 42km, four-day hike also offers a window into the cultures of the Widjabul Wia-bal and Minjungbal traditional owners, with a cultural experience at the walk’s terminus slated to open later this year.
Ngaro track (Queensland)
The Whitsunday islands group has long been associated with aquatic activities, but the new 32km Ngaro track is aiming to turn the region into a hiking hotspot as well.
Accessed via boat, the three-day walk begins at Whitehaven beach (recently voted the world’s best) on Whitsunday Island before traversing a mix of coastal landscapes, open forest and rocky peaks that offer panoramic vistas of the island group. Developed in collaboration with the Ngaro traditional owners, the trail incorporates art installations and cultural information and will have space for just 15 walkers a day when it launches in May. Bookings for independent hikers have almost sold out for the inaugural season, but World Expeditions still has availability on its guided trips.
Tidbinbilla Mindjagari track (ACT)
“Not for the faint-hearted” is how ACT minister for city and government services, Tara Cheyne, described the 14km of fresh trails added to the Tidbinbilla Mindjagari track network at the end of last year. Rated grade 5 (for experienced, well-equipped bushwalkers only), the new trails unlock a range of new circuits. These include the aptly named Short ‘n’ Brutal loop, one of four routes to the top of the Tidbinbilla Range where walkers can enjoy views out over the Brindabellas and Kosciuszko national park.
Adelaide 100 (South Australia)
Conceived back in 2012, the Adelaide 100 is finally nearing completion. For now, walkers can follow a continuous section of more than 70km that winds through the koala-filled foothills of the Mount Lofty Ranges, along the gum-lined River Torrens and past the coastal dunes of Adelaide’s western suburbs. Because the trail lies within the Adelaide metropolitan area, most sections can be accessed via public transport, and through-hikers will find toilets, accommodation and food providers along the way.
Leeuwin Biddi trail (Western Australia)
South-west WA’s Cape to Cape track rightfully ranks highly on many lists of Australia’s top hikes. But if you don’t feel like tackling the entire 123km, the recently opened Leeuwin Biddi trail offers an easier way to appreciate this beautiful stretch of coastline. The 3km trail is an accessible path designed for all ages and abilities that follows the coast and links with existing trails to connect the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse (at 39 metres, mainland Australia’s tallest) with Augusta Boat Harbour.
Snowies Alpine walk (NSW)
Meandering across the rooftop of Australia, this 56km, four-day trail is part of NSW’s rapidly expanding collection of Great Walks, and lives up to the billing by connecting alpine meadows filled with endemic wildflowers, historic mountain huts and stands of sinuous snow gums that overlook clear glacial lakes.
The chance to summit Australia’s highest mountain is the cherry on top, with the views from Mount Kosciuszko stretching all the way to the NSW south coast on a clear day. Half of the route is new track, and there are no designated campsites – walkers are encouraged to book transfers or carpool to nearby accommodation options.
Twin Bridges track (Queensland)
Five years after closing due to cyclone damage, the 18km Twin Bridges trail reopened last December. Connecting the communities of Wangetti and Mowbray, the dual-use trail takes walkers and cyclists through the lush hinterland of the Wet Tropics world heritage area in Queensland’s far north. While not officially part of the 94km Wangetti trail, it will form an alternate route for walkers and cyclists travelling between Palm Cove and Port Douglas when that project is completed in 2028.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta signature walk (Northern Territory)
When it launches in April, the newest addition to the Great Walks of Australia luxury guided hike portfolio will allow walkers to stay overnight in Uluru-Kata Tjuta national park for the first time. Connecting the red sandstone domes of Kata Tjuta with Australia’s most recognisable natural landmark, the 54km Uluru-Kata Tjuta signature walk will include five days of guided hiking through the desert along with cultural workshops and chef-prepared meals.
International hikes to watch
Dongseo trail, South Korea
Modelled after the Camino de Santiago, this coast-to-coast trail will stretch almost 850km across the Korean peninsula when it is completed later this year. The finished track promises to connect ancient Buddhist temples, beautiful mountain scenery and 90 village “base camps” where walkers can access food and accommodation.
Kawarau Gorge trail, New Zealand
Scheduled to open in late summer, this 32km walking and cycling track will link Queenstown and Cromwell via several swing bridges and cantilevered catwalks. It will also connect to a 530km network of trails that stretches from Queenstown to Dunedin in the South Island.
The Transcaucasian trail
Spread across Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, this ambitious 3,000km trail (split into two sections to account for the fraught diplomatic relationships in the region) is still under construction, but the completed sections take in spectacular alpine scenery, fascinating religious sites and secluded mountain lakes.
