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Key Takeaways: |
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• Australia is an excellent place for hiking. We classified the multi-day hiking essentials into four types, including camping & sleeping, food & drink, clothing, and safety gear. • We've listed Australia's ten best multi-day hikes, including website details, lengths, grades, highlights, and tips. • Jackery Explorer 600 Plus and 300 Plus are your best hiking companions to charge your electronics on the go. • We also give you some tips for multi-day hiking. |
Is Australia Good for Multi-Day Hiking?
Multi-day hiking is an adventure that spans several days, allowing hikers to explore nature deeply. It's a journey on foot, usually in natural settings like mountains, forests, or valleys. Unlike single-day hikes, multi-day hiking requires more preparation and endurance.
Australia is an excellent place for hiking. It has many beautiful places where people like to walk and explore. The country is extensive and diverse, which makes it unique for hikers.
First, Australia has many national parks. These parks protect the natural beauty and wildlife of the land. Some famous parks include the Blue Mountains in New South Wales, Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory, and the Grampians in Victoria. Each park has unique features, like waterfalls, mountains, forests, and rivers. This variety ensures that hikers can find many different kinds of trails to enjoy.
Second, Australia has a lot of wildlife. When you hike, you might see kangaroos, koalas, and many types of birds. In some areas, you can spot rare animals that live only in Australia. For example, the Tasmanian Devil lives only in Tasmania, an island state of Australia. Seeing these animals in the habitat is a fantastic experience for hikers.
Third, the weather is generally good for multi-day hiking in Australia. The country has different climates in different regions. The northern part is warm and tropical, while the southern part has a temperate climate. This means you can find good hiking conditions all year round. Just make sure to check the weather before you go and prepare accordingly.
Multi-Day Hiking Essentials
Walking more than twenty-four hours, including at least one overnight stay, is multi-day hiking. After every day of walking, some walkers decide to spend nights in hotels or campgrounds, but here, we are concentrating on a packing list for multi-day trips, including wild camping.
We classified the essentials into four types, including camping & sleeping, food & drink, clothing, and safety gear. Let's discuss them in detail.
1# Camping & Sleeping
Your sleeping system is the triad of necessary tools for a wild camp: tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping mat.
A decent tent will be protective, stable, and waterproof. You should pay close attention to the temperature rating of a sleeping bag, usually indicated as a "comfort" temperature (warm enough for the typical female) and a "comfort limit" (warm enough for the average male).
Although this seems a little sexist, there is a distinction here since women often feel the cold more than males. Though this is on average, some women feel the cold less, and some men feel the cold more! Consider the temperature you will be camping in and how much you believe the cold will affect you; buy appropriately.
2# Food & Drink
Hiking requires carrying as little as possible, but remember to bring essentials. Bring enough drinking water (regardless of the weather) and snacks to replenish energy.
It is vital since hot meals replace calories, replenish your energy, and make you happier. Wild camping calls for heating hot meals, including porridge for breakfast or boiling water to add to dry meals for dinner.
All you need to accomplish this is an essential camping stove and a gas canister. An all-in-one stove system - a burner with an integrated pot - or a canister-top stove - a lightweight stove screws directly atop a gas canister - are the simplest choices. You will also need to take a spork and a lighter or match; with the former, you must purchase a separate pot or pan.
3# Clothing
Please wear comfy fitness clothing. Try to keep your feet safe by wearing comfortable hiking or running shoes. The mountain temperature difference is significant, so pack a warm jacket. Wear a sun-protective coat, hat, and sunglasses if it's sunny and hot outside. If trekking during the wet season, please carry a raincoat.
Consider your clothing as a system of layers that can be shifted as the weather and intensity of exercise change:
- Wear a lightweight, fast-wicking base layer and technical underwear next to your skin.
- In addition, you'll need well-designed, comfortable hiking trousers and a technological mid-layer to keep warm.
- Comfortable hiking boots or shoes with traction, padding, and waterproofing are vital.
4# Safety Gear
Outdoor activities can be risky, so keep emergency medicine on hand if something happens. Venomous insects and wild animals may attack you, mainly if you are outside in Australia. Navigation tools, a first-aid pack, and emergency shelters may help you safely deal with accidents, harsh weather, and other unanticipated scenarios.
Furthermore, electricity is far more critical for multi-day hiking in Australia, especially overnight hiking. Jackery Portable Power Stations can make backpacking more enjoyable and potent.
On your hiking journey, pack a portable power station such as the Jackery Explorer 600 Plus or Explorer 300 Plus to charge your gadgets (personal, GPS, and communication gear). You can readily carry them wherever since they are just the size of a book or a ball.
Best 10 Multi-Day Hikes in Australia
Here are the detailed descriptions of the top 10 multi-day hikes in Australia, and each description includes the requested details like length, difficulty, suitable people, and highlights.
1. Overland Track, Tasmania
Website: Overland Track
Length: 7-12km
Hiking Time: 6 Days
Grade: Grade 4
Highlights: Cradle Mountain, Barn Bluff, and Lake St Clair. The stunning views from the summits and the chance to spot unique wildlife like wombats and echidnas are unforgettable.
The Overland Track is a famous six-day hike covering about 65 kilometres, starting at Cradle Mountain and ending at Lake St Clair, offering breathtaking views and diverse landscapes. As you begin your journey, you will see the stunning Cradle Mountain with its jagged peaks and beautiful alpine meadows, making for an impressive start to the trek.
Walking through the ancient rainforests, you will be surrounded by lush, moss-covered trees and ferns, feeling like you've entered another world. Climbing higher, you'll get to summit Mount Ossa, the highest peak in Tasmania, where the 360-degree views of valleys, forests, and lakes are truly spectacular.
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*Tips for Hiking in Overland Track |
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• November to April is the perfect season to tour this trail. • Bring waterproof shoes and winter clothing. • Bring a tent should the huts be filled to capacity. • Move your own groceries, tools, and equipment. • Three to four times a week, combine hard training with bushwalks. |
2. Larapinta Trail, Northern Territory
Website: Larapinta Trail
Length: 223km
Hiking Time: 6-18 Days
Grade: Grade 3 to 5
Highlights: Standley Chasm, Simpsons Gap, and Mount Sonder. The views of the sunrise and sunset are very appealing.
The Larapinta Trail is a challenging and rewarding hike, taking you through the heart of the West MacDonnell Ranges with stunning views and varied landscapes. Starting at Alice Springs, the trail quickly immerses you in the rugged beauty of the Australian Outback with its red sand, rocky ridges, and vast open spaces.
Walking along the trail, you will encounter impressive landmarks like Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm, where narrow gorges and towering cliffs create dramatic and picturesque scenes. The high ridges offer panoramic views of the surrounding ranges and valleys, especially from viewpoints like Mount Sonder, where the sunrise and sunset can be truly magical.
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*Tips for Hiking in Larapinta Trail |
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• You should schedule at least six days on the path. • Most travellers on the walk spend 12 to 14 days, plenty of time to explore most side excursions. • Some people spend 10 to 18 days on the trip. • If you go on side trips, you should budget a week or more on the road. • Autumn, winter and spring are the best times to hike, but pay attention to cold temperatures. |
3. Great Ocean Walk, Victoria
Website: Great Ocean Walk
Length: 104km
Hiking Time: 8 Days
Grade: Grade 3
Highlights: Twelve Apostles, Otway National Park, and breathtaking cliff-top views. The chance to spot native wildlife like kangaroos and koalas adds to the experience.
The Great Ocean Walk is a long and beautiful hike, taking you from Apollo Bay to the famous Twelve Apostles with amazing coastal views and rich natural scenery. Starting at Apollo Bay, you will see lush forests and rolling hills full of green plants and tall trees, giving you a peaceful start to the journey.
As you go down the road, you will come across breathtaking beaches with soft sand and glistening blue water where occasionally playful dolphins and seals are seen swimming around. The trail also takes you through rugged cliffs and rocky shores, where the waves crash powerfully against the rocks, creating impressive and dramatic sights.
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*Tips for Hiking in Great Ocean Walk |
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• Splitting the trail allows you to arrange daily treks. • Starting at a later point, say the Cape Otway Lightstation, you can cover the remaining length of the path. • Certain hikers may undertake two portions in one day or skip camping. |
4. Cape to Cape Track, WA
Website: Cape to Cape Track
Length: 123km
Hiking Time: 5-8 Days
Grade: Grade 4
Highlights: Sugarloaf Rock, Boranup Forest, and Hamelin Bay. The wildflowers in spring and the chance to see whales in season make this hike special.
The Cape to Cape Track is a long walking trail from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin. You can see many beautiful views on this hike. There are tall cliffs where you can see the ocean. Sometimes, you can see whales in the water.
There are also long beaches with white sand. You can walk on the sand and feel the ocean breeze. There are forests with big trees and many green plants. The hike can take about 5 to 8 days to finish. You can camp at many spots on the way. This hike is suitable for people who love nature and adventure.
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*Tips for Hiking in Cape to Cape Track |
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• The trail is open year-round and fit for all walkers. • To appreciate the wildflowers, some advise walking the trail in the colder months, say July through September. • The trail is not dog-allowable. |
5. Royal National Park Coast Track, NSW
Website: Royal National Park Coast Track
Length: 26km
Hiking Time: 1-2 Days
Grade: Grade 5
Highlights: Wedding Cake Rock, Eagle Rock, and Garie Beach. The chance to find the dolphins and whales along the coast is a highlight.
The Royal National Park Coast Track is famous and can take two days to complete. You can see many beautiful views along the way. There are stunning coastal cliffs that overlook the ocean. Long, sandy beaches also allow you to rest and enjoy the view.
The trail goes through lush forests with tall trees and many green plants. There are camping spots where you can stay overnight. This hike is excellent for people who love the ocean and want to see amazing coastal scenery.
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*Tips for Hiking in Royal National Park Coast Track |
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• Most hikers finish the path over two days and spend the night camping. • From Bundeena to the summit of the Curra Moors Loop route, the northern part of the climb covers roughly 18 kilometres. Completing it takes a minimum of seven hours. • The southern part of the climb runs roughly nine kilometres from Otford to Garrawarra Farm. One needs roughly three hours to finish. |
6. Three Capes Track, Tasmania
Website: Three Capes Track
Length: 46km
Hiking Time: 3-4 Days
Grade: Grade 2-3
Highlights: Cape Pillar, Cape Hauy, and Cape Raoul. The towering sea cliffs and the diverse wildlife, including seals and sea birds, are stunning.
The Three Capes Track is a beautiful hike that takes around four days. You can see tall sea cliffs, some of the highest in the Southern Hemisphere. There are also lush forests with tall trees and many different plants. You might see colourful wildflowers if you hike in the right season.
You can also see unique rock formations and secluded beaches while hiking. The trail has several lookouts where you can stop and enjoy the views. The hike is well-marked and has comfortable cabins where you can stay overnight. This hike is perfect for people who love nature and want to experience Tasmania's incredible natural beauty.
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*Tips for Hiking in Three Capes Walk |
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• The water around the track on three sides makes it regarded as moderate. Still, others claim it's a difficult path. • You should be good if you work out consistently and can walk four hours daily, four days in succession. |
7. Wilsons Promontory Circuit, Victoria
Website: Wilsons Promontory Circuit
Length: 40km
Hiking Time: 2-7 Days
Grade: Grade 3-4
Highlights: Mount Oberon, Sealers Cove, and Squeaky Beach. The panoramic views and the chance to see native wildlife like kangaroos and emus are memorable.
The Wilsons Promontory Circuit is a long and beautiful hike that usually takes 3 to 4 days. You can see stunning coastal views with white sandy beaches and clear blue water. Walking, you will see tall granite cliffs offering breathtaking ocean views.
The trail takes you through the forests, where you might see wildlife like kangaroos, wombats, and colourful birds. There are several campsites where you can stay overnight and enjoy the peaceful nature. This hike is perfect for people who love diverse landscapes and want to experience the natural beauty of Wilsons Promontory.
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*Tips for Hiking in Wilsons Promontory Circuit |
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• Southern Circuit: It takes about 3-4 to hike for a loop. • Northern Circuit: It is considered challenging but suitable for backpacking and camping. • Telegraph Saddle Circuit: Most hikers like this route, which takes 2-3 days. • South-East Circuit: This route takes three days to hike. |
8. Jatbula Trail, Northern Territory
Website: Jatbula Trail
Length: 62km
Hiking Time: 5-6 Days
Grade: Grade 4
Highlights: The trail follows the traditional territory of the Jawoyn people and shows in the unique rock art discovered close by the path they initially took across the park region.
This gorgeous trail follows a series of waterholes along an old Jawoyn songline on the southern edge of the Arnhem Land escarpment. Because the days are short and the skies remain blissfully cloud-free throughout the dry season, there's plenty of time to swim at the end of each day's walking.
The Jatbula Trail is challenging due to its climate, terrain, and length. It's recommended to be reasonably fit with some bushwalking experience. The best time to walk the Jatbula Trail is between 1 June and 30 September, the driest and coolest time of the year in the Northern Territory. Nevertheless, the rangers usually advise you to stroll between June and August.
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*Tips for Hiking in Jatbula Trail |
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• You must book in advance through Nitmiluk Tours. • You must attend a briefing at the Nitmiluk Centre before starting the walk. • You have to arrange for travel to the beginning of the trek at Nitmiluk and from Leliyn (Edith Falls) at the conclusion. • Dogs are not allowed on the trail. |
9. Light to Light Walk, NSW
Website: Light to Light Walk
Length: 31km
Hiking Time: 2-3 Days
Grade: Grade 4
Highlights: Remote country, stunning views, easy walking along a well-marked route, seafront vantage points, spotting seals, seabirds, and whales.
Near the town of Eden on the NSW south coast, this trail offers a gentle introduction to hiking with fabulous coastal views (including migrating whales from May to September), running water at one campsite and cottages with warm showers at another. Starting at Boyds Tower and going to the far south coast, finish this multi-day walk at Green Cape Lighthouse. Stop for a swim and have a chance to see whales, seagulls, and seals.
This is a stunning coastal trail from Ben Boyd Tower and Red Point Lookout to Green Cape Lighthouse that is usually done as a 2-day hike but can be done in a day if you're fit and ready for a challenge.
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*Tips for Hiking in Light to Light Walk |
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• Dogs are prohibited. • Take your own food and water supplies (you'll need around 6 litres per person daily). • You can book a guided hiking trip. • Take appropriate weatherproof clothing, insect repellant and sufficient food and water. • It's a good idea to bring a topographic map, compass, or GPS. |
10. Walls of Jerusalem Circuit, Tasmania
Website: Walls of Jerusalem Circuit
Length: 24km
Hiking Time: 3-6 Days
Grade: Grade 4
Highlights: Climbing Tasmania's 10th highest mountain, Mount Jerusalem, King Davids Peak, and visits to the idyllic Pools of Bethesda.
The Walls of Jerusalem Circuit is a challenging, multi-day hike considered one of Tasmania's best. The trail is 17.6 miles long and is famous for backpacking, camping, and birding. Hikers can expect to spend up to 7-8 hours a day trekking steadily, carrying a full backpack. The trail is steep in some sections, and the weather can be variable.
One exposed and solitary wilderness experience is walking throughout Jerusalem National Park. Even in the summer, hikers should be appropriately ready for all kinds of weather. The recommended route is from Trailhead to Wild Dog Creek, then to Dixons Kingdom, to Lake Adelaide, and finally back to Trailhead.
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*Tips for Hiking in Walls of Jerusalem Circuit |
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• Dogs are prohibited. • Be in good health and have a good level of fitness. • Prepare for variable weather conditions. • Practice strenuous exercise, like cycling, jogging, or walking, four times a week. • Practice bushwalks carrying a full pack. |
Jackery Portable Power Stations for Multi-Day Hiking
Jackery Portable Power Stations are designed for multi-day hiking enthusiasts who value the comfort of living in the wild. They provide your devices with a safe means of power on demand.
Regarding multi-day hiking in Australia, Jackery Explorer 500 and 300 Plus are small, portable, and durable recommendations. Taking these should help you never worry about running out of power.
Jackery Explorer 600 Plus
The Jackery Explorer 600 Plus is the best portable power option. It can power many outdoor devices, from GPS devices to camping lights, with its 800W output and 632Wh capacity. The Jackery Explorer 600 Plus is your go-to power station for all your activities because it is strong, durable, and light. It makes charging fun things to do outside easy.
The Jackery Explorer 600 Plus can meet all of your outdoor entertainment needs. A lot of different outdoor gadgets can connect to it. Its dual PD fast charging can go up to 100W, so your devices will be charged quickly. The Explorer 600 Plus can give you long-lasting power, a backup in an emergency, or quiet charging that won't bother anyone.
The LFP battery in the Jackery 600 Plus boasts a remarkable 4000-cycle lifespan, rendering it resilient for daily utilisation spanning a decade.
A UPS switch time of under 20 ms guarantees an uninterrupted power supply to your vital devices during crucial periods. Besides, the Chargeshield 2.0 is our sophisticated charging system (not merely fast charge tech) to ensure safer and quicker connectivity and keeps you fully charged whenever required.
Jackery Explorer 300 Plus
The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus is the most suitable power option for hiking. It can power many outdoor devices, from GPS devices to camping lights, with its 300W output and 288Wh capacity. Besides, it is as small as a book that you can put in your bag conveniently.
Although not so big, it can power many hiking devices and electronics; for example, it can charge your 60W GPS devices for 4 hours and your 20W headlamp for 12.2 hours. According to the working hours below, you can see how powerful it is for your hiking trip.
Its dual PD fast charging can reach 100W; hence, your devices will be rapidly charged. Long-lasting power, a backup in case of an emergency, or silent charging free of disturbance for everyone can be obtained with the Explorer 300 Plus.
Multi-Day Hiking Tips
Hiking is a beautiful way to connect with nature, stay fit, and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a beginner, you must be well-prepared to ensure an enjoyable experience. Here are some simple tips to remember before you hit the best multi-day hikes in Australia.
Plan Ahead: Before you go on a hike, you should plan your trip carefully. Choose a trail that suits your level and experience. If you are a beginner, start with shorter, more accessible trails before attempting more challenging hikes. Check the weather forecast and trail conditions. Ensure the area is open for hiking and that there are no weather warnings or trail closures.
Tell Someone: Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. This is important in emergencies and even more crucial if you are hiking alone. Share details like the trail name, planned route, and estimated return time.
Stay On The Trail: Sticking to marked trails can avoid getting lost and minimise your environmental impact. Walking off-trail can damage plants and wildlife habitats. It's also easier to find your way back and for rescuers to locate you if you stay on the trail.
Leave No Trace: We should respect nature by following the Leave No Trace principles. This means packing out all trash, including food scraps. Don't pick plants, disturb wildlife, or make unnecessary noise. Leave natural objects and historical artifacts as you find them.
Know Your Limits: Recognising your physical limits and not pushing yourself too hard is essential. If you start feeling dizzy, extremely tired, or in pain, it's time to turn back or rest. Hiking should be delightful, not a test of endurance for you.
Final Thoughts
More and more people are interested in multi-day hikes in Australia as the number of bushwalks, trails or businesses calling themselves "Great Walks" rises. This guide will show you everything about multi-day hiking, including its importance, essentials, best hikes, hiking power supply - Jackery Portable Power Stations, and hiking tips. We hope this guide will help you to some degree.
