[PHOTOS] The 5 Best and Most Scenic Hikes in Australia

01: BONDI TO COOGEE WALK

A coastal walk from one of Sydney’s most famous beaches to the suburb of Coogee is split into 6 parts with different views and level of difficulty. The shortest path from Tamarama to Bronte is only five minutes long, fitting for visitors looking for leisurely strolls. After, stronger hikers can move on to tackle the cliff-top stretch from Bronte to Clovelly down to the hilly area onwards to Coogee. For more information, visit www.bonditocoogeewalk.com.au.

Time: Completing all 6 parts can take up to 5 hours.

Image: Bondi to Tamarama trail.
Image credit: BondiToCoogeeWalk.com.au.

01: BONDI TO COOGEE WALK

Highlight: The stretch from Bondi to Tamarama features the annual Sculpture By the Sea outdoor exhibition, which will be held from Oct 20 to Nov 6, 2016. The sculpture park is 2km and showcases over 100 works by local and international artists. For more information, visit sculpturebythesea.com.

Image: half gate by Caitlin Roseby, Bondi 2013 Sculpture by the Sea Exhibition.
Image credit: Gareth Carr.

02: FIRST FALLS VALLEY HIKE

Situated within one of Adelaide’s most popular parks, the Morialta Conservation Park, the First Falls Valley Hike goes right down to the gorge and waterfalls. The 1.6km hike winds around a number of falls, with the first two against quartzite cliffs being the largest. The nearby Adelaide plains can also be seen from the climbing zones. Rangers recommend visiting during the spring or winter season for the best waterfall views.

Time: The route takes 45 minutes, a short enough route for older folk and children to enjoy.

Image: The valley in Morialta Conservation Park.
Image credit: Peter Neaum.

02: FIRST FALLS VALLEY HIKE

Highlight: The trail features wheelchair and stroller access, except in the case of flashfloods. Call the Natural Resource Centre - Black Hill at +61-8-8336-0901 to check before heading down. For more information, visit www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/morialta-conservation-park.

Image: Morialta Park cave.
Image cred: Peripitus.

03: OLINDA CREEK WALKING TOUR

Visit dry open forests and fern-filled gullies while trekking down Olinda Creek in the Dandenong Ranges, Melbourne. The route is 5.6 km long from the Silvan Resevoir (a source of the town’s water) to Mount Evelyn Recreation reserve – the non-circuit structure of the path means guests take the trail twice.

Time: The path takes 2 hours one way and 4 hours both ways.

Image credit: Walkaboutersvic.

03: OLINDA CREEK WALKING TOUR

Highlight: Taking the path twice means a higher chance of spotting some of the local wildlife – keep your eyes peeled for echidnas, lyrebirds and black wallabies. For more information, visit parkweb.vic.gov.au.

Image: Black wallaby.
Image credit: Patrick Kavanagh

04: CAPE TO CAPE WALK

The Cape to Cape Walk is a 135km long hike in Western Australia connects two lighthouses in Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin through the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, located about 250km south of Perth. Locals consider Cape Leeuwin to be the point where the Indian and Southern Ocean meet with its counterpart, Cape Naturaliste, is situated at the northernmost point of the park. A coastal trek with cliff and beach sections, the walk can be completed independently or with a group over a few days. For more information, visit www.capetocapetrack.com.au.

Time: The whole hike can take up to one week.

04: CAPE TO CAPE WALK

Highlight: The Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse marks the southwesternmost point of continental Australia, and is the mainland’s tallest lighthouse. Fully guided tours are conducted in the lighthouse, with the best view of the cape seen from the very top. For more information, visit www.margaretriver.com/members/cape-leeuwin-lighthouse.

Image: Cape Leeuwin lighthouse and its view.
Image credit: Francis Cheah.

05: CANBERRA CENTENARY TRAIL

The best way to see Australia’s capital is through a massive 145km loop through the town’s natural and cultural icons. Of course, the moderate difficulty trek is divided into sections, so one can tackle the route over a few days. A range of wildlife can be seen on the trail, from wombats to wedge-tailed eagles – and if one gets lucky, the nocturnal platypus as well.

Time: The whole trail can be completed over one week, averaging on 20km a day.

05: CANBERRA CENTENARY TRAIL

Highlight: As visitors to Canberra seldom take the trail, hikers (or cyclists) will get the chance to experience the city in a unique combination of natural scenery and urban life. For more information, visit www.visitcanberra.com.au.

Image: Mount Ainslie lookout, overlooking the city memorials.