Spring opens up a bounty of walk and trail experiences in the warmer months from September to November. So get ready to make the most of those sunny days and explore picturesque walking trails winding through some of Australia’s most scenic locations. From panoramic coastal walks to woodland trails dotted with wildflowers, here’s our top pick of walking tracks to get you out into nature this spring.
Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty hike
Image courtesy of Tourism Australia South Australian Tourism Commission
Location: Cleland National Park, Adelaide Hills
Distance: 8 km return
Duration: 3 - 3.5 hours
Head for the hills, the Adelaide Hills that is, for a rewarding springtime hike at the Cleland National Park, 20 minutes from Adelaide. The popular hike from Waterfall Gully to the peak of the Mount Lofty Ranges is a moderate walk that starts at the largest of the park’s seven waterfalls and winds up through stringybark forest to the Mount Lofty summit lookout. Enjoy panoramic views across Adelaide’s city skyline to the coast and keep an eye out for sleepy koalas high up in the trees.
Accommodation in Adelaide
You’ll find premium accommodation options in and around Adelaide to make the most of the walking trails Adelaide Hills and its surrounds have to offer.
Robe Coastal Walk
Image courtesy of Tourism Australia/ South Australian Tourism Commission
Location: Robe, South Australia
Distance: 12 km return
Duration: 3.5 - 4 hours
Explore picturesque coastal cliffs, historic landmarks and quiet inlets on the satisfying Robe Coastal Walk. Now a dreamy coastal haven on the spectacular Limestone Coast, the seaside village of Robe was once the arrival point for Chinese immigrants during the 19th-century gold rush and is packed with fascinating heritage to explore. Starting at the esplanade, the walking trail winds along the coast past the Cape Dombey Obelisk built in 1852, the Robe Lighthouse, Long Beach, and the ruins of Robe Gaol, built 15 years after settlement in 1860.
Accommodation in Robe
Enjoy self-contained Robe accommodation at the Comfort Inn Robe, in a quiet location on the shores of Lake Fellmongery, within reach of local attractions and walking trails.
Monsoon Rainforest and Woodlands Walk
Image courtesy of Tourism NT/Helen Orr
Location: Berry Springs Nature Park, Northern Territory
Distance: 1.4 km return
Duration: 0.5 - 1 hour
A 40-minute drive south of Darwin, the Berry Springs Nature Park was once a rest and recreation camp for thousands of armed forces based in the area during World War II. Now a popular day trip picnic and swimming spot, you can still see the remains of huts and weirs from that era. Explore the looped walking trail through dreamy monsoon forest and flowering woodlands, and cool off afterwards with a refreshing dip in the park’s shaded, spring-fed pools.
Accommodation in Darwin
Quality Hotel Darwin Airport offers relaxed and comfortable Darwin accommodation close to the airport and just 12 minutes from the city centre. Enjoy the outdoor resort-style pool and a complimentary airport shuttle service.
Nurim Circuit treetop boardwalk
Image courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland.
Location: Mount Archer National Park, Queensland
Distance: 500 m return
Duration: 0.5 - 1 hour
A short drive from Rockhampton on the central east coast of Queensland, the popular Nurim Circuit treetop boardwalk offers panoramic views of the city and the Fitzroy River. Extending out for 25 m off the side of Mount Archer, the 500 m boardwalk is a must-visit, especially at sunrise and sunset. If you’re up for more of a challenge, the 14 km Zamia Walk threads through lemon-scented gums and forest she-oaks and alongside creeks with plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife.
Accommodation in Rockhampton
Base yourself in Rockhampton, with these premium accommodation options close to the beautiful Capricorn Coast and Mount Archer National Park.
Mount Ngungan summit track
Image courtesy of Tourism Australia.
Location: Glass House Mountains, Sunshine Coast
Distance: 2.8 km return
Duration: 2 hours
Heading south on the Queensland coast, the ancient volcanic peaks of the Glass House Mountains National Park are a sight to behold, rising up out of the lush Sunshine Coast hinterland. You’ll find plenty of walking trails and water holes to explore here, with picturesque lookouts to stop and enjoy the incredible views. One of the most popular Glass House Mountain hikes, the Mount Ngungun summit track is a moderate climb through open forest to the peak, with panoramic 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape and mountain range.
Accommodation in Mooloolaba
Enjoy your stay in resort-style self-contained apartments at First Light Mooloolaba, a short stroll from Mooloolaba Beach and the cafes, restaurants and boutique shops along the Mooloolaba Esplanade.
Warners Bay Foreshore Walk
Image courtesy of Destination NSW.
Location: Warners Bay, New South Wales
Distance: 9 km one way
Duration: 2 - 3 hours
Winding along the shores of Lake Macquarie, Australia’s largest coastal lake, the Warners Bay Foreshore Reserve is a scenic shared pathway with superb water views. The family-friendly walk stretches for 9 km along the waterfront esplanade from the Lions Park car park at Eleebana to the Lake Macquarie Art City Gallery at Booragul, with plenty of cafes and picnic stops along the way. There’s also an elevated boardwalk that extends out over the water with platforms to pause and take in the serene outlook.
Accommodation in Newcastle
Stay in nearby Newcastle in contemporary, serviced apartments at the Terminus Apartment Hotel, ideally located close to the Hunter River foreshore and Newcastle Beach, and less than half an hour from Warners Bay.
Mackenzie Falls Walk
Image courtesy of Visit Victoria.
Location: Grampians National Park, Victoria
Distance: 2 km return
Duration: 1 hour
Springtime in the Grampians National Park is spectacular, with waterfalls, wildflowers and walking trails to explore. The Mackenzie Falls Walk is a steep but rewarding climb down 260 steps to the base of one of Victoria’s largest waterfalls, where you can experience the thundering power of the cascade up close, though swimming is not permitted here. There are also gentle, wheel-chair accessible paths to the viewing platform at the Mackenzie Falls Lookout above the falls, and the Broken Falls Walk with views of the Mackenzie River Gorge.
Accommodation in Horsham
Stay in well-appointed and comfortable rooms at the Comfort Inn Capital Horsham, a great base for exploring the natural beauty of the Grampians National Park.
Kokoda Track Memorial Walk
Image courtesy of Visit Victoria.
Location: Dandenong Ranges National Park, Victoria
Distance: 3.35 km return
Duration: 2 hours
Test your fitness on one of Melbourne's most popular walks, the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk. Also known as the 1000 Steps Walk, it’s a challenging stair climb through temperate rainforest and towering Mountain Ash trees in the Dandenong Ranges National Park, 45 minutes east of the city. The trail starts at the Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground and climbs up to a WWII memorial commemorating Australian soldiers in the Kokoda campaign in Papua New Guinea. Return to the picnic ground via the Lyrebird Track and keep an eye and ear out for these elusive and magical native birds.
Accommodation in Melbourne
You’ll find plenty of places to stay in Melbourne, from boutique hotels and apartments in the heart of the CBD to comfortable rooms in family-friendly hotels.