The ultimate guide to hiking Australia

The best way to see more of Australia is by walking.

In fact, the only way to reach some of the most incredible wonders is on foot, and there’s nothing quite like seeing it for yourself in a way that lets you quite literally stop and smell the flowers.

Find out everything you need to know before you go, and get inspired by checking out some of Australia’s great walks.

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Australia's best hiking trails and bushwalks

Skip to hiking gear and everything else you need to know before you go hiking in Australia

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New South Wales hiking trails

New South Wales is a big state with more than its fair share of mountains, so it’s home to some of the most spectacular hikes in the country.

The Blue Mountains

Find a list of trails and what’s involved before starting to plan your trip.

If you’re looking for a more intensive one-day guided trip and want to hear about the region’s history and Dreamtime legends, it can be well worth taking in a guided tour for a full 10 hour hike across some of the more challenging paths.

If you want more, the Blue Mountains also has the 42km (one way) Six Foot Track from Katoomba to the Jenolan Caves, which you can do during a multi-day trek.

Mount Kosciusko

You can find the highest summit in all of Australia at the end of the Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk, making this one of the truly great trails of Australia.

It’s not hard to reach either. It’s roughly a seven-hour drive from Sydney and about half that from Canberra. While fairly challenging, you can do it as a day trip from Kosciusko National Park. It generally takes only up to six hours each way at a fairly leisurely pace.

It’s only open in the warmer months between September and May since the region is used for skiing in the winter. Even in the warmer months, you can still find snow-capped peaks so it’s important to prepare well.

While you can do the peak in a single day, there are also plenty of multi-day snow mountain treks you can do with trails running all across this famous region.

Either way, the high altitudes mean this area can be prone to extreme weather at all times of the year. You can expect both hot and cold weather, sometimes on the same day, so you should make sure you’re prepared to spend the night if necessary, especially if you’re doing the trek closer to winter.

A number of cabins are maintained on the trails for exactly this purpose, but depending on the route you might not be able to count on reaching them, so plan ahead. Make sure you check the weather forecast and are prepared.

The NSW visitors centre recommends sticking to the tracks, bringing plenty of drinking (and cooking) water, food and a portable camping stove with gas. You can order a stove online with Wild Earth if needed as well as pick up some discounts on these and other necessary gear.

If you start very early, you can complete the trek as a day trip from Canberra, but accommodation in Jindabyne and the park area is plentiful and is typically significantly cheaper in the warmer months, provided you avoid school holidays.

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Victoria hiking trails

Victoria has more trails than can be named, but its most famous, not-to-be-missed sights are probably the Twelve Apostles and The Pinnacle at Halls Gap, both of which you can do on foot.

Walk the Great Ocean Road for the Twelve Apostles

The Pinnacle at Halls Gap

Hall’s Gap is quite a hike but rewards you with what is very likely the greatest view in all of Victoria. More like a climb than a walk, you have several options to the top, but in all cases you can have a lot of fun with this one.

Expect to clamber over rocks, to ascend steep and sometimes narrow trails, and to take some time. The direct distance isn’t very long, but the ascent means you should add some extra time for planning purposes. It can get slippery in places, especially when wet, so a good pair of boots is a must.

You can with added delivery and bonus discounts. The tighter turns means you should stick with smaller, lightweight backpacks.

While challenging in places, it’s still quite doable for young kids and the elderly as long as they are fairly fit. This climb is popular, so it can pay to avoid the weekends and try to arrive earlier in the day.

Obviously, the view is best enjoyed in clear weather, but even on cloudy or foggy days the trail still has plenty to recommend it.

Wilsons Promontory

Keen bushwalkers won’t want to pass through Victoria without making sure they find their way to Wilsons Promontory. It’s one of Australia’s most well-known national parks, encompassing rich forests and seaside views as well as plenty of historical interest and wildlife.

Mudflats, beaches, sand dunes and imposing cliffs characterise the seaside areas. You may even get to see whales if you’re lucky.

Farther inland, regions are particularly known for a rich collection of native wildlife. Lucky trekkers can expect to see wombats, wallabies, snakes, emus and feather-tailed gliders. For bird watchers in particular, the sanctuary is a truly renowned area. It’s a favourite of overnight campers with plenty of sites available inside the park itself in the form of both cabins and campgrounds.

You can visit Turu to explore some campgrounds available in Wilsons Promontory as well as in the rest of Victoria. You can also check out some user reviews so you know what to expect from each.

If you’re looking for a great hike near Melbourne that can be done in a single day, you might want to check out tours on Viator. They include a fairly challenging 11-hour hike to the summit of Mt Oberon and focuses mainly on finding the most incredible views and taking in highlights including Squeaky Beach, Lilly Pilly Nature Walk and Tidal River Township. It’s a sprawling national park and the choice of how to do it is all yours.

Whether you want seaside, forests, views, history, wildlife or all of the above, this region can definitely deliver. The sheer variety means there are no hard and fast rules for doing it, other than being prepared for the weather. It’s hot in summer and wet in winter, so make sure you’re dressed for the occasion.

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Queensland hiking trails

The sunshine state might be popular for its beaches and nightlife, but with its 100+ national parks, it’s also home to some of the most truly unique walks in all of Australia. Each is greater than the last, so here’s a small sample of the hiking trails in QLD that await.

Fraser Island

For campers, the Fraser Island Great Walk is highly recommended. The full trail is a 90km trip through a rainforest growing right out of the sand. The trail encompasses mangroves, swamps and tropical wonders of the kind you’ll generally only find in Queensland.

It usually takes about a week to complete the full trail, but those pressed for time can take in just a slice of it. There’s a lot to see and do, so if you want to get more value for your time, you can do what a lot of visitors do and blend 4WD rides with hiking over several days.

Other than the potential distances involved, you won’t find too many challenges walking the island, making it an outstandingly family-friendly option for bushwalks.

If a combination of a tropical island paradise and outstanding walking paths sounds right, then Fraser Island might be perfect for you. You can take a look at 24 top Fraser Island tours here to see what’s available and pick out any that grab you, or you can navigate the island your own way.

Stock up on your beachwear (you can get discounts on gear, bodyboards, free beach towels and more here) and head to Fraser Island for a walk through paradise.

Carnarvon Gorge

Carnarvon National Park is one of Australia’s more geographically unique features, consisting of a raised sandstone plateau cut through with deep gorges eroded over thousands of years.

The result is a wild and remote vibe as you hike past sandstone cliffs, overlook sweeping tablelands and take in shady canyons with their own ecosystems formed over thousands of years. It’s a wilder bushwalk than others, but you can still take day trips or take intensive multi-day treks depending on what you’re looking for.

The day-trip version is well worth it, with a 10km trail that’s packed with more features and scenery than you’ll find on much longer trails.

You can reach notable geographical features like Big Bend, Wards Canyon, Cathedral Cave, The Amphitheatre and the Moss Garden on a day hike. The remarkable abundance of features like these probably goes a long way towards explaining why this area is particularly rich in aboriginal art and sacred sites.

While excellent, single-day hiking is available all year around, it’s also well set up for camping if you want to take your time or are looking for a multi-day trek.

While there are plenty of campgrounds, each has different restrictions and most of them are exclusively for tents rather than campervans or anything else.

Camping in certain areas is prohibited for much of the year, so you’ll need to do some planning ahead. You cannot camp in the park for more than five consecutive days, and the national park visitor area is only open for camping during winter and spring school holidays. The Big Bend camping area, reachable by an approximately 20km return walk, is open all year around and ideal for two-way weekend hiking trips.

Carnarvon Gorge holds some of the most unforgettable landscapes in Australia, but you should check the camping regulations and park rules (at the official park website here) before planning to stay overnight.

If you need camping gear, you might want to check out Wild Earth or Kathmandu for lightweight family-sized tents, sleeping rolls or insulated hooded sleeping bags.

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Northern Territory hiking trails

With trails that take in some of Australia’s most majestic and sweeping landscapes near the heart of the country, the Northern Territory is home to some of the most famous trails in the country and in the world.

Larapinta Trail

It takes a bit of organisation since some of the campgrounds along the way have campsite fees, and you may need to organise food drops along the way.

While it’s easy enough to sort out for yourself, even as a beginner trekker, you can also just leave it to the tour guides. If this sounds like your kind of trip, there are some top tours on TourRadar. If you’re more pressed for time, or if the whole trail sounds like more than you’re after, you can also get 4WD access to each separate section of the trail to take in any section you want.

The trail has a reputation as one of the country’s best extended treks, according to the NT tourism authority at least, and keen trekkers should certainly add this one to their bucket list.

Kakadu National Park hiking

Everyone can find a trail that seems like it was made for them in Kakadu National Park, mostly because you can often create your own.

The visitor’s bureau specifies 25 set trails, most of which are relatively short day trips where you can take in specific features and sights.

There’s so much to see and do in Kakadu that you can even spend a holiday there without setting foot on a trail, but you’ll certainly be missing out.

If you don’t feel like roughing it, there are plenty of accommodation options which let you access the set trails for day trips, but its multi-day treks are where it really shines, especially if you want more of a challenge and like a bit of clambering and climbing on your treks.

If you want to find your own path and create your own trek then you’ll need to plan ahead and lodge your plan with the Kakadu Park HQ for approval.

You can expect to hear back about a week after your application. Your application needs to include a clearly marked trek plan. You generally aren’t permitted to do it alone and solid navigation skills are a must.

Depending on your plan, a satellite phone might be your only means of communication with the outside world.

Guided tours are understandably a popular choice for multi-day treks in Kakadu, and you can pick tours with different focuses, including combined 4WD and walking tours for hitting the must-sees more quickly, full on walking tours, or wildlife-focused safari-style expeditions.

You can check out these examples to get a good idea of what’s available. Once you’re in the area, you will find one of Australia’s most outstanding wildlife regions.

Just remember, this means crocodiles too, so if there’s a sign saying don’t swim, you shouldn’t swim.

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Tasmania hiking trails

Australia’s island state is tightly packed with unforgettable walking trails. Despite its small size, it’s home to over 2,800km of managed walking track and 880 separate national park trails, most of which are conveniently located near Hobart or other city centres.

If you’re looking for a taste of luxury on your trek, Tasmania might be the perfect choice. Just like it has more than its fair share of hiking trails, it’s also home to more world-class wineries and gourmet restaurants than its size would have you believe, many of which are integrated into the walks and found at the end of hiking paths.

Walls of Jerusalem

The state park authority advises all walkers to bring tents, warm sleeping bags, waterproof and cold weather clothing and fuel stoves. Open fires aren’t permitted in the park, so you have to have a camping stove.

You’ll also need a good map and compass, although the ironstone deposits in the mountains have been known to affect readings. It’s no surprise that a lot of people go with tours, if it’s their first time in the area or if they’re not an experienced trekker.

Gear up well before heading off, and you can find an unforgettable experience in this park.

Overland Track on Cradle Mountain

The famous Overland Track is a 65km hike through Tasmania’s parks, typically taking around six days to cover the whole thing.

It’s earned a reputation as a serious undertaking that needs plenty of preparation ahead of time, but still remains one of the world’s most popular wilderness treks.

There are also day trips available if you want a healthy dose of scenery without committing to the full trek. Go all the way though, and you’ll get to take in some of the wildest country Tasmania has to offer, ascending from forests to alpine grasslands and seeing the land change around you as you climb. Cascades, pine stands and mountain lakes give the area an ancient feel, and despite the trail’s popularity it’s hard not to feel like you’re one of the first people to ever set foot there.

There are plenty of side trips too, and you can detour to waterfalls, rivers and nearby summits to get the perfect trek. The exciting terrain means it’s a diverse region, so experienced local guides might be able to help you find gems hidden in the mountains.

It’s a difficult climb, and you’ll need to be well equipped and in good physical shape to ascend each summit on the way.

You can find more details on guided trips on TourRadar and a bit more information on what to expect.

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Western Australia hiking trails

Australia’s most expansive state is naturally home to plenty of unforgettable walking paths, while its full coast-to-coast reach has plenty of hidden wonders, ranging from secluded beaches to cliffs to everything in between.

The state’s hiking trails and walking paths artfully take in the full range of terrain as well as many of the state’s vineyards and historical sites.

Cape to Cape Track

Bibbulmun Track

Western Australia’s longest trek is also one of Australia’s longest, spanning more than 1,000km in total.

One end is in Kalamunda, near Perth, while the other is much farther south, near Albany, WA.

The full trek can take six to eight weeks end to end and is broken up into sections of about a day each, so you can do it a segment at a time as well. It takes in a full range of terrain, ranging from the forests to the seaside as well as the Murray River Valley and some of the state’s best wildlife watching.

When you reach the south coast in particular, keen-eyed hikers can spot seals, dolphins and whales off the coastline. TourRadar, is a particularly popular one for this reason, and it is a segment often done in about 7 days.

A number of different tour companies operate along the trail, but the sheer length means you’re unlikely to find one that can take you all the way.

Fortunately, piece-by-piece is often one of the best ways to hit the famous trail if you can’t see yourself getting away for a full multi-week trip.

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South Australia hiking trails

South Australia lets you pick your perfect hike, whether it's wildlife, natural wonders or history, or a combination of all three. Trails across the state can welcome everyone, while the state's reputation for great campgrounds means you'll never be at a loss.

Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail

Nature lovers should definitely find their way to Kangaroo Island's hiking trails at some point, and might find themselves particularly drawn to the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail in Flinders Chase national park. This 60+km trail won't pose much of a challenge, but despite the relatively short length is still best done at leisure, over the course of about 5 days. It's extremely rich in diversions, from platypus holes to whale watching to caves and simply majestic views. It also takes you past some of Australia's best known natural formations, such as Admiral's Arch, and should probably be one of the must-do's on any keen hiker's list.

Flinders Ranges Arkaba Walk

If you're after more open spaces, and a heartier pace, then Arkaba Walk in South Australia's Flinders Ranges might be up your alley. This trail sees you crossing about 10-15km a day, taking in some exceptionally unique and varied landscapes. Amateur (and professional) geologists will definitely find a lot to love, with the walk encompassing some of the most geographically telling regions of Australia, encompassing craggy sandstone bluffs, dry river beds and 600 million years of history that have risen to the surface in Flinders Ranges.

Overseas visitors will definitely get a lot from this expedition, with expected sights including red and grey kangaroos, emus, wallaroos and more. You don't have to rough it either, with available walking tours and accommodation packages allowing for unforgettable experiences like comfy beds beneath the stars, and SA wine sampling while overlooking some of the most spectacular views in Australia.

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What to know before you go

Hiking checklist

Preparation is the difference between having a struggle and having the time of your life.

Tick off the gear list and other preparations before you go. In all cases, it’s a good idea to do the following:

• Get a weather forecast. You should prepare for all eventualities anyway, but the typical weather for an area and the forecast for your trip are important considerations when working out what to bring and whether something is a must or if you might be able to do without it.
• Get your gear sorted out. One of the most common hiking mistakes is to pick a bag and then try to fit all the gear inside it. Do it the other way around instead. Sort your gear out first and then make sure you have a bag to suit. Doing it any other way means you’re either skipping important items or packing things you don’t need.

You might amend the checklist, but as a general rule you don’t want to set off on a trek without these.

• Your camping gear checklist

  • Sun protection. A hat and sunscreen are essential for practically every trip.
  • Eyewear. Don’t venture into snowy regions or take extensive walks near the water without suitable eye protection or the glare alone might ruin your day, to say nothing of the health risks. Sunglasses are always a good idea.
  • Warm clothes. There’s not a single trail in Australia, in any season, where you should not bring warm clothes. Some of the warmest areas in the day become some of the coldest at night. Sub-zero temperatures abound in the alpine regions, even on the shoulders of winter. Fleeces are ideal, while wool is decent too. If it’s warm and waterproof, it’s probably perfect. You get bonus points if it’s compact, lightweight and breathable too.
  • Wet weather gear. You can use garbage bags, or specially made gear, to waterproof your pack, while a lightweight shell jacket or raincoat can waterproof you.
  • Socks. Thicker socks are a good choice for extended trips and day trips alike, and once again it’s a good idea to think of warmth and waterproofing. Try them on with your intended boots before leaving, and keep them on for a while. If avoidable, you probably don’t want sweaty feet as this can lead to blisters, to say nothing of how they smell in a small tent.
  • Footwear. Pick your footwear based on ankle support, grip, fit and all around comfort. If new, you’ll want to wear in the boots before setting off on a trip. The last thing you want is a bunch of new-boot blisters.
  • Long sleeves and long pants. These are generally the way to go for most trips. With breathable materials, you won’t overheat and can enjoy the full benefits of insect protection, sun protection and protection from scratches and grazes on the road.
  • A watch. It’s essential that you have a way of telling the time, and your phone battery often won’t last. You need to know how much sunlight you have left each day as well as having a way to see whether you’re moving at your anticipated pace.
  • Water. Bladder backpacks are well suited to hiking, but water bottles are perfectly fine too. You’ll generally want to make sure you can access about three litres a day, and know where you can fill up along the way as needed. Remember to account for cooking water as well as drinking water and have plans for boiling it, using purification tablets or otherwise making sure it’s safe.
  • Food. Plan each meal and bring plenty of energetic snacks for the road. For more ambitious trips, you might need to organise food drops ahead of time. Give some special thought to tea and coffee or anything else you can’t imagine a day without.
  • First aid kit. A proper first aid kit is an exceptionally good idea as is making sure you know how to use it in the event of injury.
  • Rubbish bags. Have a plan for taking all your garbage with you. Familiarise yourself with places to dispose of it properly ahead of time if needed.
  • Tent. Larger tents are significantly heavier and harder to carry than the smallest and most lightweight single-person ones. Ideally, the tent should match your needs rather than just being whatever you had lying around.
  • Sleeping mat. Foam or inflatable? It’s the eternal dilemma, and it’s largely a personal preference. If you can only get a good night’s sleep on an inflatable mat then it might be worth the extra weight, but there’s no denying the practicality of foam mats.
  • Sleeping bag. Size, warmth and weight. It’s all a balancing act. Generally, it’s a good idea to err on the side of too warm.
  • Torch. This is a must, and once you see someone trying to cook with one hand while holding a torch with the other, you’ll be glad you went for the head torch.
  • Camping stove. You’ll miss hot meals when they’re gone, and in much of Australia you simply cannot start campfires. There are a range of practical camping stoves to choose from, so get a reliable set and take enough fuel, plus a little bit extra.
  • Lighter and/or matches. How else are you going to start a fire or light the stove? Lighters are often unreliable, so matches in a waterproof container are a good idea.
  • Cutlery. Match it to your food, and see what you might be able to do without. You only need the bare minimum in line with your planned meals.

• Checklist for picking a trail

  Learn about the trip that lies before you, and what your dream trek looks like.

  Consider the following:

  • What you want from the trip. What does your dream trek look like? Keen birdwatchers might adore Wilson’s Promontory in Victoria, but be slightly less impressed with Tasmania’s Walls of Jerusalem. Whether it’s alpine views, varied landscape, wildlife or one-of-a-kind landmarks, there are tracks that can deliver. With countless options available, don’t be afraid to demand more from your trip.

  • The logistics. How are you going to get there and back? Do you need to arrange food drops? Do any of the en route campgrounds have fees? Logistical challenges might put your preferred trail out of reach or make you prioritise one over another. In particular, you’ll want to ensure that everyone on the trip is comfortable with the difficulty level, and that you have the right skill set between you.

• Measuring the trail difficulty

  Different trails need different skill sets, ranging from the most basic, which anyone can do, to the most difficult, which are only for experienced hikers.

  More challenging trails will test not only your physical fitness, but also the following skills:

  • Your navigational skills. Signposting and trail markers are not always present. Without the right navigational skill set, it’s easy to get lost on some of the more challenging treks.
  • Survival experience. Eating well, maintaining personal hygiene, keeping your gear dry and in good condition, not letting mosquitoes eat you alive and everything else you need to know are all important survival skills. You need to prepare for the trip by ensuring you have the appropriate skill set.
  • Coordination: You can think of your survival experience as mental coordination, but many trips will also require a great deal of physical coordination, whether you’re clambering over rocks or fording rivers under the weight of your pack.

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How to get the most out of your gear

There’s nothing quite like enjoying the perfect match of form and function, so it’s worth taking some time to make sure you know how to get the most out of your gear and maybe considering a few alternatives.

• Runners instead of hiking boots. You generally won’t run into super-cold weather in Australia, so runners might be more preferable than hiking boots, depending on the terrain. If you’ll be getting your feet wet, then a pair of quick-drying runners with thin socks might be the superior choice. Just make sure you have appropriate grip, and that you’re fine giving up the protection and support of boots.
• Prevent chafing. Consider your undergarments as carefully as everything else. If you’re not a regular trekker, then you might not even own the right type and almost certainly won’t regret preparing a bit ahead of time. Specially designed synthetics are ideal as you’ll generally want something to whisk sweat and moisture away from the skin rather than absorb moisture.
• Waterproof your gear. Don’t have a bag with a fancy internal waterproofing system? No problem. Garbage bags do in a pinch. Basically, put everything in your bag inside a garbage bag and wrap it tightly. Double bag it for more security and take a roll of garbage bags with you for spare waterproofing and to carry your trash.
• Prevent tent condensation. You wake up in the morning and your tent is practically soaking. No time to let it dry though, so you pack it up and lug the waterlogged thing along. The main trick is to simply let it ventilate more by leaving it as open as much as you reasonably can or setting it up so the wind can blow through it more easily. Try leaving a gap between the inner and outer tent layers as well. Avoid keeping wet clothes inside the tent overnight if possible and try to find an opportunity to let it dry out where possible. This might mean airing it a bit before setting it up or in the morning as you pack up everything else.
• How to travel light. Cut down on bulky items and weight. Consider removing excess packaging from food before departure or packing things in your own lightweight containers. Some meal prep before departure, in the form of dehydrated meals, can also help you travel more lightly as long as you don’t mind foregoing the full camp cooking experience. Think about what substitutions you can make and whether you might be happy just alternating your clothes on a two-day rotation by letting them air overnight rather than packing more.

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Preparing for emergencies, and what to know about search and rescue, and trekker’s insurance

Every year hikers get lost in Australia. If they’re lucky, they eventually find their way back or search and rescue picks them up. Unfortunately, many of the less lucky ones are still out there.

• How health insurance can cover medical evacuations and air ambulance

  For Australian residents only, the ambulance cover found with health insurance will often extend to air ambulance as well. It can be well worth digging up your health insurance details and taking a look at how exactly you’re covered for ambulance services.

  If it’s a bit lacking, you might consider a subscription to your state ambulance service or taking out an adequate standalone ambulance policy with a major health fund. In all cases, you should check the following:

  • Whether you’re covered where you’re going. It’s very easy to end up with ambulance cover that’s only active in the state you live in.

  • Whether you’re covered for air ambulance services. A road ambulance probably isn’t going to find its way to the middle of nowhere.

• How travel insurance can cover you while hiking in Australia

  Domestic travel insurance policies are generally not designed to cover you while trekking in Australia, and it’s a very good idea to look at trekking travel insurance if you’re heading overseas.

  However, you may still want to consider domestic travel insurance if you’re trekking in Australia a long way from home. You may want to pay close attention to the policy conditions since the cover available for domestic travel can vary widely between insurers.

  For example, many will not cover any medical or emergency evacuation expenses in Australia, while others can, up to set limits. QBE Travel Insurance, for example, may be able to help cover the costs of medical evacuation if you are unable to finish your trip because a member of your travelling party has become seriously ill or has suffered a serious injury.

Some of the basic essential tips to follow before heading off include the following:

• Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back. Let someone know what you plan and when you expect to be back. It’s nice to know someone back at home will miss you if you don’t return, but remember that it’s not uncommon for trips to take an extra day.
• Check in regularly if possible. Daily check-ins are a great way of letting people know you’re all right. Set up calls with someone at home if possible. However, depending on where you’re going your mobile phone might not do the trick.
• Have some form of communication. Satellite phones are highly regarded by those who venture into more remote places as a sometimes-essential lifeline. If you get bitten by a snake, break your leg or otherwise need to call for help, then carrying a reliable satellite phone can be a lifesaver.

Assembling your first aid kit

With space and weight at a premium, you might not necessarily want to load up with the full contents of a first aid kit.

Everyone has their own opinion about what constitutes a necessity, but there are some things that you probably don’t want to do without.

It can be useful to remember that for serious injuries, you’ll most likely be staying put and waiting for a rescue, so a lot of the essentials might be for the more minor situations, like antihistamines for mild allergic reactions. What to bring also depends on the nature of your trip.

This list is not a comprehensive one and you will need to decide what to bring based on your own needs and your destination.

• Pressure bandage. This is essential for snake bites to buy more time while you wait for emergency evac as well as many other situations. Depending on where you’re going, you might want a full snake bite kit.
• Bandages. Naturally, you will need some of these.
• Duct tape. A small, compact roll can go a long way and find uses in plenty of situations.
• Antihistamines. This is very useful for mild allergic reactions.
• Burn gel. Bring this along with other anti-inflammatories if necessary.
• Antiseptic wipes or gel. You will need something to clean wounds on the go.

Safety pins, tweezers, scissors, sealed and sterile gauze or bandages, an emergency blanket, antibiotic ointments and other items are also likely to find their way into your kit.

When you assemble your kit, think about how it will handle life on the road and make sure it will be quickly accessible and in good order if you have to get at it fast. Some extra waterproofing, in the form of a strong ziplock bag, is a good idea.

Last minute do’s and don’ts

Do:

• Check all your gear before leaving and test it if needed.
• Make sure you know what to expect from the weather.
• Try to stay dry. Waterproofing your boots and other gear before going is a good idea.
• Make sure to avoid dehydration.
• Know how to use everything you bring with you.

Don’t:

• Set up your tent underneath trees. Falling branches can be fatal.
• Underestimate the strength of fast-flowing water, even when shallow.
• Underestimate how quickly you dehydrate in heat.
• Underestimate the importance of good socks.
• Over-extend yourself. It’s better to be late than to push yourself too hard.

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Frequently asked questions about hiking and trekking

• How do I organise a food drop?

  More extensive trips might need food drops ahead of time. Where applicable, this can often be organised with the trail office or park staff beforehand.

  Otherwise, it’s basically as simple as dropping food yourself and making sure it will remain animal and weather-proof until you get to it.

• How does Australia’s walking track grading system work?

  Many national parks around Australia use a unified difficulty grading system. The final score is based on the most difficult part of the track, or applicable criteria, so you might find a trail easier than its score might suggest.

  These are often used for bushwalking trails in national parks, rather than extensive multi-day treks. There are 5 grades:

  	Experience needed?	Surface	Maximum distance	Suitable for
  Grade 1	None	Flat, even and solid like a road. No steps or steep sections. Suitable for wheelchair users with assistance.	<5km	Everyone
  Grade 2	None	Hard or compact surface, may have gentle hills and steps.	<10km	Most ages and fitness levels
  Grade 3	Recommended	May have short, steep sections or many steps.	<20km	Most ages and fitness levels
  Grade 4	Highly Recommended	May be long, rough and very steep. Signage may be limited.	n/a	Relatively fit people in the company of at least one experienced hiker
  Grade 5	Yes	Likely to be very rough, steep and completely unmarked.	Often >20km	Experienced hikers

• How do I ford a river safely?

  If it’s a shallow, clear and gentle river, it’s often as simple as carefully walking through it. However, in most cases, you should take a few precautions.

  If it’s flowing fairly fast, then you’re much more likely to slip, and you generally shouldn’t underestimate the strength of fast-flowing water, even when shallow. If you have any doubts, you may want to look for an easier place to cross.

  Often, a river will come up above your waist in one spot, but will only be knee deep just a meter or two away.

  When you do make the crossing, it’s a good idea to take a few precautions.

  • Unbuckle your pack. If you fall, a heavy buckled pack can easily drag you down.
  • Probe the water. Use a stick or hiking pole to help steady yourself while crossing as well as to test the footing.

  You should also consider whether you want to get your boots wet. Generally, you don’t, even if it’s warm, simply to prevent chafing and blisters.

  You also don’t want to do it barefoot, so it can be a good idea to take a pair of sandals if you expect to cross water. Alternatively, you might consider a set of trail runners and thin wool socks that can dry out quickly.

• How to stay cool while hiking in summer?

  If you’re spending a lot of time in direct sunlight, then shorts and a T-shirt aren’t necessarily the way to go. Light and breathable long-sleeved shirts and long pants can keep you cooler simply by keeping the sunlight off you while also protecting you from sunburn.

  If you’re expecting blistering temperatures, such as you’ll often get with summer hiking in parts of Australia, you might want to take special precautions to prepare for this. Carrying a plastic bag with a wet shirt, a towel or just a rag can work wonders.

  If you find yourself overheating, just take it out and wear it under your hat or however else you want. It won’t dry out too much in the bag, and you can give it a rinse and a refresh wherever possible along the way.

  And obviously you’re also going to want to drink plenty of water.

Feature image: Shutterstock

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