There’s nothing quite like exploring a coastline on foot and, thankfully for keen Aussie walkers, in our own country and next door in the Shaky Isles, we can enjoy plenty of coastal walks at any time of the year. Here are five of our favourites.
South Coast Track, TAS
A truly remote experience – and one of Australia’s best multi-day walks – the South Coast Track is on many a keen walker’s bucket-list. Access is via plane, landing at Melaleuca, and then it is six to eight days – and 85km – in the wilds as you follow the South Coast Track from Melaleuca through some of southwest Tassie’s most spectacular terrain, to Cockle Creek. You can walk it independently or guided.
The weather this far south is volatile and unpredictable – you will need to be fully prepared for all conditions. The track is (in)famous for its muddy sections, some of which will see the unwary walker sink down to near-waist level, so be prepared for wet, muddy gear (especially boots/socks).
Walkers experience deserted beaches, thick rainforest, creek crossings (and a boat crossing) and sublime campsites. Then, midway, it is the big one: the crossing of the Ironbound Range, a full day climbing from sea level to just over 900m, and then back down to the beautiful Deadmans Bay campsite overlooking the Southern Ocean (a perfect base for an optional rest day). It is a memorable experience, and the South Cape Range (around half as high as the Ironbounds) is nearly as much fun.
There are no huts on the SCT – you need to carry all your camping gear and food – but all this effort is more than worth it. The SCT has earned its reputation as a top trek for a very good reason: it is simply brilliant.
Cape to Cape, WA
The 135km Cape to Cape Track, linking Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin in WA’s southwestern corner, runs alongside the pristine Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.
The landscape walkers traverse is incredible: wind- and ocean-blasted headlands and sea cliffs, towering karri forests and beaches where, often, you will find no-one else on them. In short, it’s the perfect mix of coast and hinterland, with enough fauna and flora to keep the most specific nature-lover more than happy. Rock pools full of marine life, pods of dolphin and (in whale watching season) larger marine mammals frolicking offshore, the crazy colour-fest that is WA’s wildflower season; no matter the time of year, you’ll be spending more time looking off the track than watching where you are walking.
For experienced hikers, the track can be walked comfortably in a week or, if you have less time (or not the experience or fitness level needed), you can sample a few sections of it as day walks, with several roads providing access to different parts of the track.
The walk is very popular with WA residents. This is not just because it is a cracking adventure, but because Leeuwin-Naturaliste NP (rightly so) cops the most visitors of any national park in WA. To this end, we’d suggest starting that week-long trek from the northern end, so you get the busy tourist hub of Margaret River and surrounds out of the way first and then focus on enjoying this undulating route’s natural wonders.
Queen Charlotte Track, NZ
A fantastic way to experience the sheer beauty of the Marlborough Sounds, along the north-east of New Zealand’s South Island. The 73km Queen Charlotte Track can be walked in either direction, at any time of year, and is graded easy to moderate, with an estimated time needed of four to five days. You can walk it independently, or guided. We’d opt for starting in the north, at historic Ship Cove (reached via ferry from Picton) and following the well benched, wide walking track all the way south to Anakiwa.
The lush forest, lofty ridges (with awesome views of both Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru sounds), plethora of birdlife, the many bays, and wide variety of accommodation choices (everything from Department of Conservation campsites to luxury lodges) make this adventure popular with walkers of all ages.
You can even get your heavy luggage transported via ferry between each of your accommodation points along the way – a fantastic option for walking families. Views are incredible, ranging from those ridgeline views to the chance to drop down to remote beaches for lunch/snacks before rambling on to the next lodge or campsite.
Great Ocean Walk, VIC
From cliff-top vistas to surf-pounded beaches and eucalypt woodlands, this 110km multi-day trek showcases the best of coastal Victoria. The Great Ocean Walk starts at Apollo Bay, 150km southwest of Melbourne and you can walk it at any time of year. The track clings to the coast along the Otway Range, through patches of eucalypts and rainforest, then up over undulating cliff tops and hills, and down to wind- and wave-battered beaches. Everyone must travel in a westerly direction towards the walk’s iconic end-point at the Twelve Apostles.
This beautiful and varied walk is notionally split in two: the ‘mild side’ in the east, from Apollo Bay to the Aire River campsite; and the more dramatic scenery of the ‘wild side’ in the west, from Aire River to the Twelve Apostles. The most spectacular views are found in these western sections, where walkers climb to some of Australia’s highest sea cliffs at Moonlight Head and spy remnants of the many ships sunk along this tract of the Shipwreck Coast.
It is a relatively easy track that is suitable for hikers of different levels, from novices to experienced bushwalkers (keep an eye on tides and weather, though, as these can close some sections). You can do things solo – carrying your own food, water and gear, and staying at the national park campsites along the way – or you can go with one of the guided options and get dropped off at the track and then picked up each day and driven to local accommodation. It’s also possible to choose a day walk at any point if you can car shuffle or book a taxi. For this option, sections 5 and 7 are worth checking out.
Abel Tasman Coast Track, NZ
For those looking to explore some of the Shaky Isles’ most beautiful coastline – or introduce younger family members/beginner walkers to their first multi-day walk – the 60km (easy-intermediate) Abel Tasman Coastal Walk, one of NZ’s Great Walks, is ideal. There are four comfy Department of Conservation (DOC) huts and 19 campsites on the track, which winds along the South Island’s north-west coast.
You can walk the Abel Tasman Coast Track in three days, but we’d recommend taking four or even five to make the most of the scenery and the magical sense of remoteness you will experience. Starting at Marahau in the south, the track hugs the coastline, moving between the beaches themselves (with several secluded inlets to explore), negotiating tidal crossings, and moving into the lush hinterland as you move north to track’s end at pristine Wainui Inlet.
There are two low tide-only crossings – Bark Bay Hut (which also has a high tide side-track) and Awaroa estuary – but both are easily negotiated, with some of the most spectacular scenery on the track at Waiharakeke and Goat bays – following on from the Awaroa crossing. It’s a beautiful walk and perfect for beginners and families.