5 Best Hikes around Sydney, Melbourne & Brisbane

Adventure is calling. How will you answer?

Close enough for the weekend, far enough for an adventure!

Pack a picnic, plenty of freshwater, and a sturdy pair of shoes to make the most out of your trail time. Here are the 5 best trails to explore in
Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

Minnamurra Falls Walk / Budderoo National Park

Distance: 4.2km return

Time: 1-2 hours

Starting at the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre, enjoy spectacular rainforest, waterfall and canyon views from several viewing platforms along Minnamurra Falls walk. There is a beautiful picnic ground here where you can enjoy a long lunch in the great outdoors.

Karloo Pools / Royal National Park

Distance: 2km (one way)
Time: 1hr (one way)

Catch the Illawarra train line 40 min south to Heathcote. The trailhead is right behind the train stop next to the fire station. A 35 min downhill hike will have you ready for a dip in what is arguably the best watering hole accessed by public transport!

Fern Bower Circuit / Leura

Distance: 4.5km loop
Time: 2-3 hours

A moderately challenging track in Blue Mountains National Park, with an impressive cliff line, spectacular waterfalls and gorgeous scenic views of the Jamison Valley.

Grand Canyon / Black Heath

Distance: 6.3km loop
Time: 3-4 hours

Setting out from Evans lookout near Blackheath be met with a series of waterfalls, creeks and spectacular views along the challenging Grand Canyon track.

The Coast Track / Royal National Park

Distance: 26km (one way)
Time: 8-10hrs (or camp half way at North Era).

The Coast track in Sydney's Royal National Park is an epic day walk between Bundeena and Otford. Enjoy incredible coastal lookouts, swimming spots, cross epic beaches, seasonal wildflowers, waterfalls and whale watching along this challenging track.

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Mt Coot-tha Summit Track

A quick 15-minute drive west from the city. Enjoy 1600 hectares of open eucalyptus forest, rainforest gullies and creek lines. A 6km hike that is both dog and kid-friendly.

Morelia Walking Track

A 6km loop that will take you through a range of lush landscapes on your way to Mount Nebo lookout. Admire other magnificent views over Samford Valley, Mount Tempest and Moreton Bay.

Toohey Forest Summit Track

Home to over 400 species of native wildlife and plant species, this 13km trail loop is a must for all the flora and fauna lovers out there.

Devil’s Break Loop

A peaceful 6.4km bush walk through the Moggil Conservation Park, not too far from Brissy. Enjoy hiking through open woodland that serves as a wildlife habitat corridor, with rocky ridges and some great views of Brisbane and Ipswich on a clear day.

Buhot Creek Circuit

A 9.3km lightly trafficked loop trail located near Daisy Hill, Queensland. Enjoy a picnic around the lake and you may even be lucky enough to have a wallaby join you.

Lysterfield Park

Rising from the southern foothills of the Dandenong Ranges, Lysterfield Park is the perfect place to explore nature with friends with a huge variety of recreational activities. Spot kangaroos while walking or jogging the 6km Lake Circuit Trail, ride 24km of mountain bike trails or relax at the lakeside picnic areas.

Lerderderg Gorge Circuit

Lerderderg Gorge Circuit is a 8.4 kilometer moderately trafficked loop trail located near Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, Australia that features a river and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking and walking and is accessible year-round.

Warburton Redwood Forest

The East Warburton Redwood Forest is one of Victoria’s hidden gems. Tucked away near the base of the Yarra Ranges, this mystical forest holds around 1450 Californian Redwoods that tower above, reaching high into the sky. Once you’re inside the Redwood Forest, walking among the giants and discovering the woven art, your inner explorer will be rearing to go. Let them loose and have fun!

Red Hill Rail Trail

The old railway line between Merricks and Red Hill used to carry fresh apples on to Hastings where they were sent on to the markets of Melbourne. There are no trains running now, but you can walk this pretty 13km trail for yourself. There are lovely views over Western Port and great coffee/wine/sustenance at either end. This is a shared trail for walkers, mountain bike riders and horse riders so be aware of your fellow travellers along the trail.

Macedon Range Walking Trail

Macedon Ranges Walking Trail is a 16.6km lightly trafficked loop trail located near Mount Macedon, Victoria, Australia that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and nature trips and is accessible year-round.