Australia is one of the best countries in the world to go for a nature hike trail. An increasing number of visitors are flocking to Australian shores to enjoy spectacular scenery and experience an outdoors experience which is second to none. Needless to say, many Australians love hiking in Australia.
Of course, there are plenty of hiking trails in Australia. But, when you hike in Australia, you certainly need to be prepared.
Let’s take a closer look at what you need to know about nature hike Australia.
Where Can I Go Hiking in Australia?
One of the best things about Australia is that you are close to nature almost all of the time.
You can go hiking almost anywhere in Australia, and even base a holiday or vacation around hiking in Australia.
But, just don’t jump in a wagon and go. When you want to go hiking in Australia you need to plan ahead. You can choose from amazing coastal hikes to challenging inland hikes in the bush.
A good place to hike in Sydney is in the area of the Sydney Opera House. It may not be a hike in the strictest sense, but you certainly need stout shoes to walk around Sydney.
Tasmania is a fantastic place for hiking. You simply must see Cradle Mountain which is spectacular.
How Many Hiking Trails Are There in Australia?
A quick online search will tell you there are an estimated 11,788 hiking trails in Australia.
It has to be said that they are the mapped out trails. If you have already been hiking in Australia, you have probably realised that there are more.
There are the ones that the locals tell you about, and then there are those the locals don’t tell you about. The truth is that Australia is packed with magical natural hideaways waiting to be discovered.
How Many Hiking Trails Are There in Australia?
A quick online search will tell you there are an estimated 11,788 hiking trails in Australia.
It has to be said that they are the mapped out trails. If you have already been hiking in Australia, you have probably realised that there are more.
There are the ones that the locals tell you about, and then there are those the locals don’t tell you about. The truth is that Australia is packed with magical natural hideaways waiting to be discovered.
What Is The Best Walk in Australia?
Ask any hiker, and they will tell you it is hard to define the best walk in any Australia or any country.
If you are looking for a challenging walk, you should put your boots on and head for Federation Peak. When you want to enjoy a coastal hike, you don’t want to miss out on the Cape Byron Lighthouse walk. It is a beautiful nature hike trail any time of the year.
As a hiker, I have to say it is the walk that touches your heart that is the best walk in Australia. For me, that was my Federation Peak experience.
What Is The Hardest Hiking Trail in Australia?
Once again, it all depends on how you look at it.
There are inland bush hiking trails that are extremely challenging because of the terrain. When you hike in the bush, you certainly have to be prepared.
If you are looking for altitude and want to test your fitness, the South Coast Track is the toughest one both mentally and physically. You have to allow at least 9-days to complete this hiking trail unless you are a Special Forces operative and can really push your body.
The South Coast Track offers everything from empty beaches to astonishing peaks and rainforests. You can say it is an all-in-one experience of a lifetime in many ways. There are many amazing hiking trails in the world, but the South Coast track offers more than your average hiking trail.
Planning and Preparation
To make sure that you stay safe and get the most out of your Australian hiking experience, planning and preparation are vital.
While it is essential to carry the right gear, it is crucial to ensure that you are fit enough to hike. Hiking nature trails is very challenging both challenging mentally and physically. When you think that you are not fit enough to hike a particular trail, don’t do it.
When you do a long trail hike, you must be able to both walk and carry. Yes, you should get your gym time in, but you also need to practice. Search for hike trail near me and get walking.
Research The Area
If you are not familiar with the area, you need to do your research. For instance, when you are planning to hike the West Coast Trail, it is important to sit down and check elevations. You don’t want to end up walking a trail that your body can’t handle.
Also, how much are you going to have to carry? Unless you know that there is going to be a water source on the trail, you may have to carry water. That is going to add a lot of weight.
What about meeting critters? Australia has fantastic fauna, but not all of them are what we may call “user-friendly.”
Mission Planning
The best thing you can do is to make a checklist of your essential needs. That includes everything.
On your back, you are probably going to be carrying everything from a nature hike bag to nature hike sleeping bags. Make a list of everything that you need to bring with you.
Once you have done that, sit down and make a second list. Confused? Let me explain.
One of the parties is bound to be stronger than the other. Although it is important to spread out the load evenly, it is also important to consider personal strength.
When one party is stronger than the other, he or she should carry things like nature hike tents. You could carry your own nature hike chair and a nature hike waterproof bag. Both of you should carry your own nature hike sleeping bags in case you have to split up for any reason.
Prepare Your Clothes and Gear
You need to treat this like an expedition not just like a “hike the trail adventure.”
That means you have to practise packing your clothes and gear. The last thing you want is to spend a long time every day unpacking and packing before you get going. Everything should have its place.
Remember that there are some things that you may need to access quickly. That includes your first aid kit and socks. Make sure that you pack plenty of socks – they are the hiker’s best friend.
Find a nice place to hike and test out your clothes and gear. Now you are much better prepared for your first serious hike.
Training Before Your Hike
As we have already mentioned, training is a must. Your training depends on what sort of hiking you are going to do.
One of the best ways to train unless you are doing elevation training is walking. Try to get in at least 20,000 steps per day. That sounds like a lot but it isn’t really. Training for a hike takes time.
Map out your trail and plan how far you are going to walk per day. Are you going to walk 5km or 10km? Walk your daily hiking distance at least once before you set out on your hike.
Consistency is what matters when you hike. Hiking is actually an endurance sport.
What Are The Benefits in Hiking?
Did you know that hikers and dog walkers are some of the fittest people in the world?
Both have considerably more stamina and endurance than many other athletes. They know how to pace themselves and can keep going for long distances.
Hiking is an excellent sport to get into as it is sustainable. What does that mean? As long as you keep fit, you can do it for the rest of your life.
Hiking and walking boost happiness and build long term strength. Don’t forget about the gym, but hiking makes you very lean. It is one of the best fat burning exercises you can do. When you walk at 4mph, your body starts to burn fat after 20 minutes of walking.
Hiking is a great way to develop mental toughness. It boosts happiness at the same time as it releases hormones associated with a good mood. All exercise does that, but as you hike for long periods, more hormones are released.
What Do You Need to Pack?
That depends on the nature of your hike. When you are planning to stop at 5-star hotels along the way, you clearly need to pack less.
This is an idea of what you need to pack in your backpack:
- Spare hiking boots or shoes
- Hiking pants
- Hydro-pack for water
- First aid kit
- Trekking poles if you want to use them
- Windbreaker jacket
- Headlamp
- Rain gear including jacket and pants
- Suitable trail food and energy boosting snacks
If you are going for a longer hike, you should also include a tent and cooking gear. Outdoor gadgets are also handy.
What Are The Best Nature Hike Trails in Australia?
Before you put your boots on and try any of these trails, do your research. Most importantly you need to make sure you are fit enough to take them on.
Here are the top Australian nature hike trails you want to check out:
- Kings Canyon Rim Walk
- Larapinta Trail, Northern Territory
- Blue Gum Forest, Blue Mountains
- Uluru Base Walk
- Three Capes Track, Tasmania
- Overland Track, Tasmania
- Heysen Trail, South Australia
Takeaways
Always remember that hiking without the proper gear and equipment is dangerous. You also need to have the right level of fitness. When you don't, you risk your life and the lives of your fellow hikers.
Do your research before you go and respect nature. Remember you are the one who decided to go hiking.
