Great Ocean Walk, Great Ocean Road, Victoria © Mark Watson
Australia's most beautiful coastal walks
Traverse the Australian coast with these spectacular walking adventures.
The Bondi to Coogee walk is one of the most scenic ways to see Sydney. The famous coastal walk follows an easy 6km (3.7mi) track that takes you past golden beaches boasting panoramic views over the ocean. You’ll come across ocean baths, tranquil coves and brilliant beachside brunch spots, not to mention the bold and bizarre creations that line the track each spring (September to November) for Sculpture by the Sea.
The Cape Byron lighthouse track in Byron Bay will take you on a coastal journey through rainforest, grasslands and beaches as you slowly make your way up to the lighthouse that rests on Australia’s most easterly point. The 3.7km (2.3mi) loop track is particularly stunning during sunrise or sunset when the coast is drenched in golden light. Keep an eye out for dolphins, turtles and whales as you gaze out over the ocean.
Woven through a picturesque section of Noosa National Park, the Noosa Heads coastal track is a scenic shoreline stroll that traverses bayside beauty, woodlands and shoreline cliffs. Along the way, you’ll encounter beautiful beaches and perhaps even a koala up in the treetops. Once your walk is over, you can cool off with a swim or grab some lunch and a well-deserved drink from the local Surf Club.
The beautiful sandy beach at Seal Bay is home to a protected colony of sea lions, making this coastal walk a must-do when visiting Kangaroo Island. As you cruise along the boardwalk, soak in the views of sea lions paddling in the water, lounging on the beach and nursing their adorable young. You can join a guided tour and wander amongst the sea lions on the beach or follow the boardwalk for great views over the bay.
The iconic Great Ocean Walk spans 100km (62mi) of dramatic coastline between Apollo Bay and the spectacular 12 Apostles. You can choose from a range of shorter walks along the route, including three relaxed tracks leading to the iconic limestone formations. Deepen your experience even further on the Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk, a guided four-day trek full of wildlife and coastal wilderness.
Spanning 135km (84mi) along the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, the Cape to Cape Track in Western Australia offers a multi-day experience of incredible rock formations, forests, caves and beaches. A small group guided journey over four days, the Cape to Cape Walk by Walk into Luxury offers the very best sections of the walk along with luxury accommodation and local food and wine.
Lord Howe Island is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed destination that is home to the spectacular Seven Peaks Walk. Based out of Pinetrees Lodge, the guided walk spans over five days and is best suited for hikers looking for a challenge. The experience offers various walking options and showcases Lord Howe Island’s expansive natural landscapes, from breathtaking volcanic peaks to coastal cliffs and tropical forests.
Nestled in the beautiful Wilsons Promontory National Park, about 200km (124mi) south-east of Melbourne, is the picturesque walk from Tidal River visitor centre to Picnic Bay via Squeaky Beach. On the walk along the Tidal River banks, you’ll encounter pristine sand – so fine that it literally squeaks – and incredible views of Mt Oberon. To Squeaky Beach, it’s an easy 50-minute walk over 2.1km (1.2mi) of rugged coastal beauty.
The South Coast Track traverses 85km (53mi) of Tasmania’s remote coastal beauty. It’s a short plane ride to Melaleuca from Hobart, where the challenging track begins, taking between six and eight days to complete. Perfect for the avid hiker, the South Coast Track will take you across sparkling lagoons, mountain ranges, untouched beaches and vast heathland.
