In fact, winter can be a fantastic time to get outdoors and explore Australia. Up north in Queensland it’s the dry season, so conditions are great for exploring, whilst in WA winter showers will add water through the Avon Valley to create a scenic walking experience including waterfalls and rapids. Here’s our top walking tracks by state to inspire you to get out and about this winter.
New South Wales
The Blue Mountains have countless tracks to try, but do be aware of your altitude and be very prepared for the cold. Try:
- The Coastal Track in the Royal National Park
- Abrahams Bosom Reserve in Currarong
- The Murray River Precinct in Albury Wodonga
You can find more on NSW walks here.
Victoria
Victoria has plenty of fun tracks you can try on your next nature walk:
- Mount Buffalo National Park View Point
- Bush Rangers Bay Walking Trail on the Mornington Peninsula
- Toorongo Falls Circuit Walk in Gippsland
Visit Bushwalking Victoria for more.
Tasmania
With its stunning green rolling mountains, Tasmania is a not-to-be-missed hiking destination for enthusiasts. Try:
- Freycinet National Park for its coastal walks
- The Cape Hauy Track in the Tasman National Park
- Lady Barron Falls Circuit in Mount Field National Park
Check out Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife recommendations here.
Western Australia
As our biggest state, WA and offers a multitude of options for hiking and nature walking:
- The Gorge Rim Walk and Circular Pool Lookout in Karijini National Park
- Bells Rapids Goat Walk in Brigadoon
- The Eagles View Trail in John Forrest National Park
View more walks on Trails WA.
Northern Territory
The striking beauty of the Northern Territory will take your breath away. Walks to try include:
- Wangi Falls Walk
- Tabletop Track
- The Larapinta Trail
Check here for more walks in the Northern Territory.
Queensland
The rainforest is ready for you in Queensland during winter! Lush greenery and stunning coastlines are signatures of Queensland’s walks and trails. Check out:
- Gold Coast Hinterland Walks
- Cooloola Wilderness Trail
- Ngaro Sea Trail
Find more trails to try in Queensland here.
South Australia
South Australia as plenty of national parks to explore, including fun short trails and longer walks. Try:
- Heysen Trail
- Lavender Federation Walk
- Saint Mary Peak
Find more trails in South Australia here.
Nature walking tips
The above tracks are for a variety of difficulties, distances, and altitudes for beginners and also experienced hikers. Some tracks may require you to check in with the local ranger or departments, so ensure to do so. It’s also a good idea to pick up a Personal Locator Beacon in case you get lost. These have an inbuilt GPS and all you have to do is activate it in case of an emergency for the authorities to find you. These can be found at local rangers and police stations in most states.
Make sure to also bring these essential items when heading out on any nature walk or day hike. Of course this is not an exhaustive list and if you’re going for a longer hike you’ll need some additional items:
- A daytime backpack, you can line this with a waterproof bag to keep your things dry
- A water bottle with at least 2L of water or adequate supply plus water purifying tablets if you’re going for longer
- A compass and a map so you know where you’re heading!
- Hat to keep you warm and protect you from the sun
- Sturdy shoes or hiking sneakers with a good grip
- A light rain jacket in case it rains
- A camera to take photos of the scenery
- Snacks for your walk or hike. The longer you go for the more you should bring. Think nuts, trail mix, non perishables and fruit
Ensure to let someone know where you are going, your planned route, and a return time. There are plenty of tracks across our country which are suitable for beginners, for avid hikers, and for families, so there’s no excuse not to try a walk this winter!
And if your walk is part of a winter caravanning adventure, make sure your caravan has adequate insurance in case of emergency. Contact CGU about Caravan Insurance today by calling 13 24 81.
