Tongariro Northern Circuit (NZ) - Mangatepopo to Oturere

Day 2 of the Tongariro Northern Circuit, this day takes trampers over the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing. From Mangatepopo Hut, the track runs through a valley before an 800 metre climb to Red Crater's spectacular views of Mt Ngauruhoe. Descending through the Emerald Lakes, the track runs through a stark and rugged moonscape to Oturere Hut. A fantastic day of hiking that lives up to its reputation as one of New Zealand's best

Tongariro Northern Circuit (NZ) - Whakapapa to Mangatetopo

The first day of the Tongariro Northern Circuit, this 9.4 km day explores the west side around of Mt Ngauruhoe. Starting at Whakapapa Village, the track passes through low grasslands, heath, and pockets of rainforest. Crossing Wairere Stream and a number of drier watercourses, the day finishes at Mangatetopo Hut, which provides views of Mt Ngauruhoe in clear weather. A good start to one of New Zealand's iconic Great Walks

Abel Tasman Coast Track (NZ) - Whariwharangi to Wainui Bay

The final day of the Abel Tasman Coast Track, Day 5 starts is a short half day up and over the hill to Wainui Bay. Starting behind Whariwharangi Hut, the track rises up a moderate but continuous ascent to a lookout and trail junction. Descending from the hill, the track provides spectacular views of Wainui Bay and the Greater Golden Bay area. A short but enjoyable finale to a great Great Walk

Abel Tasman Coast Track (NZ) - Awaroa to Whariwharangi

The longest day of the Abel Tasman Coast Track, Day 4 starts with the tidal crossing at Awaroa Inlet. On the other side, the track rises up and down to a series of magnificent beaches on the way to Whariwharangi Bay. Located in the greater Golden Bay, the Whariwharangi's beach is complemented by the unique Whariwharangi Hut - a converted 19th Century homestead that is the track's best hut on the track's most scenic day

Abel Tasman Coast Track (NZ) - Bark Bay to Awaroa

Day 3 of the Abel Tasman Coast Track, this hut to hut section links Bark Bay to Awaroa. Leaving Bark Bay Hut, the track rises up one of its steepest climbs before descending to Tonga Quarry and the beautiful Onetahuti Beach. Rising up to Tonga Saddle, an optional low tide route passes by the Awaroa Lodge Cafe before a walk along the shorts leads to the well located hut. A relaxing and enjoyable middle day of a beach holiday on foot

Abel Tasman Coast Track (NZ) - Anchorage to Bark Bay

Day 2 of the Abel Tasman Coast Track, this section follows the coastline between Torrent Bay and Bark Bay. Leaving Anchorage via the beach and skirting Torrent Bay estuary, a short side trip leads to the beautiful Cleopatra's Pool before passing through Torrent Bay settlement. Heading through forest and crossing the spectacular Falls River over a swing bridge, the trail ends at the idyllic Bark Bay. An even better follow up to Day 1

Abel Tasman Coast Track (NZ) - Marahau to Anchorage

Day 1 of the Abel Tasman Coast Track, this first section links Marahau to Anchorage. Starting at the track's southern trailhead, the day's walking initially follows numerous beaches before rising up to follow the rainforest-filled the coastal ridge. Passing waterfalls on the way, the trail descends to the spectacular Torrent Bay and Anchorage Hut. An easy first day and good start to New Zealand's most popular multi-day tramp

Karioi Track (Pirongia Forest Park)

An excellent mountain walk in the Waikato region of New Zealand, the Karioi Track takes walks to the summit of Mt Karioi near the town of Raglan. Starting at Te Toto Gorge, the trail rises up through beautiful, dense rainforest through an adventurous mix of ladder and chain assisted climbs and muddy scrambling. With spectacular views of the Raglan coastline, this extinct volcanic mountain will definitely thrill experienced hikers

Rangitoto Summit Track (Rangitoto Island Scenic Reserve)

A small volcanic island located off the coast of Auckland, the Rangitoto Summit track takes trampers to the summit of the area's most impressive volcano. Starting from the island's main jetty, the trail heads up the mountain through lava fields to excellent views of Auckland from the summit. Featuring historic WW2 military bunkers and a side trip to some lava caves, this is a great introduction to hiking in New Zealand

Greenant Creek & Tjaetaba Falls (Litchfield National Park)

An outstanding short walk in Litchfield National Park, the walk to Tjeataba Falls explores Greenant Creek's landscape. Passing through a mix of rainforest and dry savannah woodlands, the pleasant walk leads to the small but excellent swimming hole at the head of Tjeataba Falls. Less crowded than Wangi Falls, this is a more secluded alternative for those looking for an Outback swimming hole experience

Wangi Falls (Litchfield National Park)

A spectacular short walk in Litchfield National Park, the Wangi Falls Loop explores the area around the namesake waterfall. Starting at the picnic area, the trail heads along boardwalks along the edge of the large waterhole before entering dense rainforest. Rising up the escarpment, the trail provides fantastic views of the landscape before returning to the foot of the falls. A fantastic short walk, this is a great introduction to the Top End

Yued Ponar Trail (Leseuer National Park)

A spectacular wildflower walk in Leseuer National Park, the Yued Ponar Trail explores a variety of elevations and vegetation types through the region's biodiverse heath. Initially starting over a creek and passing through lowlands filled with wildflowers (in season), the trail rises up to Mt Peron and the Kada Boodja lookout for an incredible variety of wildflowers. Finishing again in the lowlands, the trail ends with one of the most spectacular wildlflower displays in Western Australia during the wildflower season. A must do walk

Ochre Trail (Dryandra Woodlands National Park)

An excellent loop walk in Dryandra Woodlands National Park, the Ochre Trail explore both the natural features and Aboriginal heritage of the area. Starting through lovely Wandoo forest, the trail rises up the laterite breakaway for lovely walking along the ridge. Passing the old fire lookout tower site and an ochre pit as clear points of interest, this is one of the best trails in the Dryandra Woodlands area

Kawana Walk (Dryandra Woodlands National Park)

One of the shorter family friendly trails in Dryandra Woodlands National Park, the Kawana Trail explores the forest immediately adjacent to the Lions Dryandra Woodlands Village. Heading through a mix of Brown Mallet and Wandoo woodlands as well as dryandra-filled heath, this pleasant trail is all the more vibrant and special during Western Australia's wildflower season

Point Ann Heritage Trail (Fitzgerald River National Park)

A very short but enjoyable walk in Fitzgerald River National Park, the Point Ann Heritage Trail explore the landscape of Point Ann while engaging with its heritage values. Starting at the Point Ann car park, the trail passes by a section of the infamous Rabbit Proof Fence before heading back along Point Charles Bay taking in spectacular coastal views. Featuring wildflowers blooms in Springtime, this is short trail well worth checking out

West Mount Barren (Fitzgerald River National Park)

A small mountain walk in Fitzgerald River National Park, this short trail rises to the summit of West Mt Barren. Starting along boardwalk, the trail then rises up a moderately steep trail before a more gentle approach to the summit. Featuring commanding views of the Fitzgerald Coastline, the walk is at its best during the wildflower season when a profusion of colourful flowers can be seen all the way to the summit

Bickley Brook to Lions Lookout Walk GPS Route (Korung National Park)

A 100% on track Walk GPS Route, the Bickley Brook to Lions Lookout Walk combines two of Shire of Kalamunda walks to create a 10 kilometre loop. Starting at Hardinge Park, the trail explores the Bickley Brook Valley before heading over to Lions Lookout via a linking trail. Featuring areas renowned for their Spring wildflower blooms, this a perfect beginners' Walk GPS Route

FR Berry Walk Trail (FR Berry Reserve)

A short 2.7 kilometre waterfall walk, the FR Berry Walk Trail explores the lovely FR Berry Reserve. Starting at the upper car park, the trail descends to then follow vehicles track to the stunning cascades and waterfall along Wooroloo Brook. Returning back past a jumble of granite outrcrops, the trail loops back to the start through pleasant Wandoo. An easy waterfall walk well worth visiting

Honeyeater Hike (Bungendore Park)

A 7.7 km forest walk in Bungendore Park, the Honeyeater Hike is the longest trail in the park's trial network. Starting at Albany Hwy, the well marked trail follows a series of vehicle tracks through the park, taking walkers to a lovely valley and heath filled with blooming wildflowers in the springtime. A detailed trail with the greatest concentration of boot cleaning stations, this is a pleasant walk option in the Perth Hills that is worth checking out

Carmel Walk (Korung National Park)

A short forest stroll in Korung National Park, the Carmel Walk follows a figure eight through a parcel of burnt Jarrah forest. Starting at Morton Rd, the trail loops through the charred trees over its first loop before passing a cherry blossom orchard and into the nicer second loop. Returning to the orchard, the trail passes by a section that is home to cockatoos. An uneventful walk that is not one of the Shire of Kalamunda's best

Harewood Forest Walk (Harewood Forest Conservation Area)

A short 1.2 kilometre return walk in Harewood Forest Conservation Area, the Harewood Forest Walk explores a stretch of forest along the Scotsdale Brook. Starting on Scotsdale Rd, the trail crosses a bridge and follows a well formed track along the brook through beautiful Karri forest with views of the brook along the way. An easy but mildly undulating trail, this is a good low challenge family-friendly option for tourists in the area

Cathedral Range Northern Circuit (Cathedral Range State Park)

A spectacular loop walk in Cathedral Range State Park, the Cathedral Range Northern Circuit combines a number of the the park's tracks to form a classic circuit over the range. Starting near the Little River, the trail rises up to follow the high Ridge Track as it traverses the rugged spine of the Cathedral Range over its namesake mountain. Featuring incredible views and engaging walking, this is a fantastic circuit relatively close to Melbourne

Glow Worm Tunnel Walk Track (Wollemi National Park)

A short family friendly walking Wollemi National Park, this 2 kilometre trail leads walkers to the Glow Worm Tunnel - an old abandoned railway tunnel that is now home to glow worms. Following a railway formation through the area's signature rock pagodas and eucalypt forest, the trail passes through the dark tunnel, where stopping halfway and turning off lights will reward walkers with views of glow worms providing pin pricks of light in the darkness

Dry Canyon (Wollemi National Park)

An easy canyon walk in Wollemi National Park, the Dry Canyon is one of the few canyon walks in the Blue Mountains that does not require swim throughs or abseiling. Initially passing through forest and rock pagodas, the easy to follow trail passes through two constrictions, with the second being relatively sustained, dark and spectacular. One of the more accessible canyon walks, this is a great introduction to Blue Mountain canyons

Leura Cascades (Blue Mountains National Park)

A 4.5 kilometre loop walk in Blue Mountains National Park, the Leura Cascades Circuit explores the beautiful cascades leading to Leura Falls. Starting at the day use area, the trail features a series of small waterfalls along its course before the creek flows over the cliffs. Rising up, the trail then returns back to the car while offering spectacular views of the the valley and Mt Solitary in the distance. An excellent short walk option

Grose Valley (NSW) - Acacia Flats to Blackheath

Day Two of the classic Grose Valley overnight hike in the Blue Mountains, this day of hiking takes walkers from Acacia Flats out of the valley to Blackheath. Leaving the Grose River to follow Govetts Creek, the track leads to Junction Rock before ascending the gruelling but beautiful Rodriguez Pass track to the Grand Canyon. Ascending out of the canyon and following the cliff tops, this is an epic and memorable day in the Blue Mountains

Grose Valley (NSW) - Mt Victoria to Acacia Flats

Day One of the classic Grose Valley overnight hike in the Blue Mountains, this day of hiking takes walkers from Mt Victoria to the campsite at Acacia Flats. Descending steeply into the valley, the walk passes by a series of spectacular waterfalls culminating in the epic Victoria Falls and then follows the stunning Grose River to the beautiful Blue Gum Forest. Finishing in the serene surrounds of Acacia Flats, this is an excellent first day

Royal Coast Track (NSW) - North Era to Otford

Day Two of Sydney's most famous overnight hike, this day on the Royal Coast Track explores the southern half of Royal National Park from North Era to Otford. Starting at North Era, the track passes through small cabin communities before the side trip to the famous Figure Eight Pools. Passing through the Palm Jungle littoral rainforest, the trail finishes along coastal cliffs and eucalypt forest before descending to Otford Station

Royal Coast Track (NSW) - Bundeena to North Era

Day One of Sydney's most famous overnight hike, this day on the Royal Coast Track explores the northern half of Royal National Park from Bundeena to North Era. Starting with a ferry ride from Cronulla, the day's walking features sheer coastal cliffs, wildflower-filled heath, idyllic beaches and several waterfalls. An outstanding day of hiking, this is a benchmark for a day of coastal walking on a multi-day hike

Abyssinia Rock Walk GPS Route (Jarrahdale State Forest)

A medium length, partly off-track loop in Jarrahdale State Forest, the Abyssinia Rock Walk GPS Route explores Abyssinia Rock. Initially following the Bibbulmun Track, the route traverses the entire length of the rock and the next granite outcrop along before looping back through Jarrah forest and crossing a number of creeks. One of Walk GPS's more on-track walks, this is a good trail walk for partly off-track walking

Wiilman Bilya Trail (Wellington National Park)

The first part of a planned multi-day loop in Wellington National Park, the Wiilman Bilya Trail follows the shores of Wellington Reservoir from Coalfields Hwy to Wellington Dam itself.  Passing through some of the finest Jarrah forest in Australia to the excellent Nyingarn campsite, the trail is left down by some compromised route choices and severe burns through extended sections that spoil the trail's natural beauty and potential

Rocks Walk (Shannon National Park)

A short but moderately steep loop walk in Shannon National Park, the Rocks Walk explores a stunning section of mixed forest to two granite formations. Starting at Shannon Dam surrounded by Karri trees, the trail rises up the Mokare Rock before descending to a side trip to Smeather's Rock. Featuring excellent lookout points and beautiful forest walking, this is a worth the detour to check out while in the Northcliffe area

Lefroy Brook Loop Walk (Gloucester National Park)

A 1.5 kilometre loop walk in Gloucester National Park, the Lefroy Brook Loop Walk takes in the famous Cascades of the Pemberton area. Starting at the day use area, the trail follows Lefroy Brook to the Cascades and then continues along the more gentle course of the brook. Heading up through Karri forest, the walk offers some pleasant forest walking. While short, this is a trail of excellent quality that can be enjoyed by the whole family

Beedelup Loop Walk (Beedelup National Park)

An excellent loop walk in Beedelup National Park, the Beedelup Loop Walk explores many of the sights near Karri Valley Resort. Starting near Beedelup Falls, the walk heads down the valley towards the Walk Through Tree before heading through Karri Valley Resort itself as it skirts the shores of Lake Beedelup. Ascending again, the trail ends with spectacular views of the falls in action. A great short walk in the Southern Forest

Flynn Hills Walk GPS Route (Wandoo National Park)

A medium length, mostly off-track walk in Wandoo National Park, the Flynn Hills Walk GPS Route explore this seldom visited national park. Starting in open Wandoo woodlands, the trail passes through interesting granite boulders, up and over laterite ridges and through a surprising variety of forest and landscape types. While 96% off-track, this pleasant walk is a great way to test out your navigational skills

Helena Pipehead Walk (Kalamunda NP)

An enjoyable walk in Kalamunda National Park, the Helena Pipehead Walk explores the a section of the Helena River downstream of Mundaring Weir. Heading along old vehicle tracks, the trail follows the river to so excellent vantage points while also passing the Pipehead Dam. Heading to the Piesse Brook valley, the trail loops back through more pleasant forest. One of the better Shire of Kalamunda walks

Clackline Walk GPS Route (Clackline Nature Reserve)

Another enjoyable short walk in the Northam area, the partly off-track Clackline Walk GPS Route explores Clackline Nature Reserve. Basically a loop up and over a Wandoo-covered laterite ridge, the easy going hike features some excellent forest walking. The shortest Walk GPS route, Clackline can easily be combined with one or two other short walks in the nearby Northam area

Mokine Walk GPS Route (Mokine Nature Reserve)

An excellent short walk in the Northam area, the off-track Mokine Walk GPS Route explores the small but spectacular Mokine Nature Reserve. Dominated by outstandingly beautiful Wandoo forest, the walk features some excellent views from laterite breakaways and an incredible natural wall of granite in the middle of the forest. A relatively easy route, this walk can easily combined with other short Walk GPS walks in the Northam area

Hakea Trail (WA) - Cave Point to Hamersley Inlet

A one way day walk in Fitzgerald River National Park on the Hakea Trail, this walk explores the eastern end of this Top Trail. Starting at Cave Point, the trail features some excellent beach walking and sections through biodiverse heath at the clifftop. Descending Edwards Point Steps, the zawn and rocky beach before Hamersley Beach represent the best kilometre of the entire Hakea Trail

Hakea Trail (WA) - Hamersley Inlet to Quoin Head

An overnight hike in Fitzgerald River National Park on the Hakea Trail, this walk explores a wild and rugged section of the Fitzgerald Biosphere. Starting at Hamersley Inlet, the trail follows a lovely mix of beach walk and coastal cliffs before heading inland to a Whalebone Creek before a return side trip to the magnificent Quoin Head. With great facilities, this is a good overnight walk option in the park

East Mount Barren (Fitzgerald River NP)

A small mountain walk in Fitzgerald River National Park, this short trail rises to the summit of East Mt Barren. Starting along boardwalk, the trail then rises steeply before a more gentle approach across a number of ridges. Scrambling to the summit, the jagged rocky shards offer commanding views of the Fitzgerald Biosphere. An excellent short walk with great views of one of Western Australia's best national parks

Frenchmans Peak (Cape Le Grand National Park)

A short but excellent mountain walk in Cape Le Grand National Park, this walk explores the distinctively shaped Frenchmans Peak. Initially skirting the edge of the mountain, the trail then steeply climbs up an modified route along the granite peak to the summit. Featuring an impressively large cave and grandstand 360° views of Cape Le Grand and its incredible coastline, this a must do walk in the Esperance area

Le Grand Coastal Trail (Cape Le Grand National Park)

One of Western Australia's greatest day walks, the Le Grand Coastal Trail is a suitably grand tour of the spectacular coastline in Cape Le Grand National Park. Starting at Rossiter Bay, the trail alternates between rugged, granite headlands and some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia. A truly outstanding bushwalk, this is a must do that is worth doing in spite of the somewhat challenging logistics

Tagon Coastal Trail (Cape Arid National Park)

An excellent coastal walk in Cape Arid National Park, the Tagon Coastal trail explores the coastline between Thomas River and Tagon Point. Starting at the sands of Yokinup Bay, the trail winds its way over dramatic granite headlands and sandy beaches as it makes it way south-west to the dramatic view of Tagon Point. With rugged walking and views of the wild Southern Ocean, this is an outstanding trail worth the detour if in the area

The Canyon & Phantom Falls (Great Otways National Park)

A short walk in Great Otways National Park, the Canyon and Phantom Falls walk explores a series of waterfalls near Lorne. Starting at Allenvale Rd, the trail passes through a rural property before following the St George River through the dense eucalypt forest the area is famous for. Visiting Phantom Falls via a short side trip, the trail then enters the stunning Canyon before returning via Allenvale Rd to the car park

Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk (Werribee Gorge State Park)

A great day hike in Werribee Gorge State Park, this circuit walk explores the rugged terrain of the park's eponymous gorge. Initially heading up to the high point of the trail through Eucalypt forest, the trail descending into the deep gorge as it follows the Werribee River. Featuring a mix of easy walking and fun scrambling, this a highly enjoyable and adventurous trail on a short distance from Melbourne

Our Top 10 Day Walks in Western Australia (Second Edition)

With The Long Way's Better celebrating its Third Anniversary on March 10th, I thought it would be fitting to create an updated list of our Top 10 Day Walks in Western Australia!

Giants Cave (Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park)

An excellent cave walk, Giants Cave is the larger of the self-guided caves in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. Descending 87 metres beneath the surface, the cave features large cavernous chambers and tighter squeezes through ladder climbs and scrambles. Exiting on the other side of Caves Rd, the finish is a short walk back across to the ticket office. One of the more exciting and adventurous cave walks in Margaret River

Calgardup Cave (Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park)

A short but enjoyable cave walk, Calgardup Cave is one of the few self-guided caves in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. Descending to a middle junction point, the trail explore the two caverns of Calgardup Cave. Almost completely boardwalked, the trail explores undergrounds streams, low ceiling caverns and impressive cave formations throughout. While small, this is an excellent short walk option in the Margaret River region

Bunker Bay Loop (Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park)

An enjoyable short loop at Cape Naturaliste, the Bunker Bay Loop explores the interesting north-facing coastline of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge. Heading from the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse car park, the trail heads along the coastal cliffs with views to sea caves as a major highlight. Culminating in a short side trip to stunning views of Shelley Cove and Bunker Bay, this is a great all-year short walk option