5 Awesome Lesser Known Hikes in Australia
Into the great outdoors? Or maybe you’re dabbling with the idea of finally using your Patagonia gear for what it was designed for. Whatever the reason you’ve stumbled across this read, welcome. These 5 hikes that I’ve come across in my years of trail hunting around Australia have a little something for everyone. A couple are short, a few are long and one of them is even a magical multi day. Without further ado, here are a few of my favourite, lesser-know hikes in Australia.
The Thorsborne Trail – Hinchinbrook Island, Queensland
First up we’ve got The Thorsborne Trail on Hinchinbrook Island off the coast of Tropical North Queensland. If a multi-day adventure, along with stunning waterholes, epic waterfalls and the threat of saltwater crocodiles is your thing, then you can’t miss this one.
The Thorsborne Trail is 32km long and is usually completed over 4 days (and 3 nights), making each day a cruisey 7 – 11km. The trail runs part of the length of Hinchinbrook Island just off the coast of Cardwell which is in between Townsville and Cairns. Oh, and 2 of the 3 main campsites on the island are within a stones throw of some of the most beautiful waterfalls and swimming pools we’ve seen in Australia. If that isn’t enough for you I guess it’s worth mentioning there is a natural infinity pool at the top of Zoe Falls. If you don’t believe me, Google it.
The island is limited to 40 hikers per day, so resultantly you’ll need to book it pretty far in advance via the QLD Parks website – this bad boy can book out months ahead so a little pre-planning and preparation is required for this one, but I promise you it’ll be worth it.
Read my full guide on hiking the Thorsbone Trail here
Razorback Ridge – Victoria
Next up we’ve got views for days and a waltz to the top of Victoria’s second highest peak; Mount Feathertop. This trail cruises along a ridge line overlooking the Victorian high country. This ridge line is aptly named Razorback Ridge.
The 22km return trail can be completed in one big day with lots of snacks, or you can break it up and camp near the summit at Mt Feathertop. The sunrise and sunset from up here is pretty unreal, so whether you do it in one day or two, you’re going to have a good time.
The trail begins on the road leading from Harrietville to the Mount Hotham Ski Village and traverses the ridge line all the way to the summit of Mount Feathertop. There are views either side of you for the entirety of the trail so you’re not going to get bored.
Hot Tip: this bad boy should be completed outside of the ski season, as it’s completely above the snow line in winter. As well, check the weather forecast before starting out as things can change quickly in the high country, even in summer.
Breadknife and Grand High Tops – New South Wales
Next on the list is the Breadknife and Grand High Tops Hike in the Warrumbungles National Park in New South Wales.
The Warrumbungles are a series of rocky outcrops in central western New South Wales. The park’s most famous hike takes in the views of these rock monoliths and it may just be the best place I’ve ever eaten a peanut butter sandwich.
I won’t beat around the bush, this hike is steep, but the ones with the most rewarding views always are. There are a variety of routes that can be taken on the return from this hike so the distance can be anything upwards of 14km, it’s little like a goosebumps novel, you choose your own adventure.
The Grand Canyon – Blue Mountians, New South Wales
Next up we’ve got The Grand Canyon in The Blue Mountains National Park, New South Wales. And no, you probably didn’t stumble upon this one when you went to see the Three Sisters.
This loop trail is up near Blackheath and starts at Evans Lookout. The 6km trail descends into a lush green canyon with high sandstone walls, where you’ll find waterfalls and fern fringed stepping stone paths. It’s short, it’s really pretty and it’s my favourite Blue Mountains trail and it’s my favourite Blue Mountains trail.
The Valley of The Winds – Kata Tjuta, Northern Territory
Last but not least is The Valley of The Winds in the Uluru / Kata Tjuta National Park in the Northern Territory. This 7km loop trail weaves through the awe inspiring Kata Tjuta rock formations.
Make sure you plan to start this one at the crack of dawn, as you’ll enjoy it far more when the temperatures are below the mid thirties. Another reason to start early is that the hike can be shut by park rangers in the mid morning when high temperatures are forecast, which is unsurprisingly often in the Red-Centre.
Now I think there is enough there to get your creative hike juices flowing. Before you head out, remember, always inform someone of your hike plans and your expected time back, take plenty of water and plenty of snacks. Also a snake bandage doesn’t hurt when exploring Australia either. Those little buggers get around. None of us ever think we’ll be the ones huddled under a space blanket, lost in the bush, but hey, it happens, and it’s good to do what you can to minimise the risk of it being you. And with that final ray of sunshine, I bid you happy hiking.
