Grand Canyon, Blue Mountains, NSW

13.5 km; 5 hrs; moderate

Deep chasms and towering waterfalls reward walkers who make the effort to explore the Blue Mountains National Park. The sandstone cliffs create a dramatic backdrop to this walk, which leaves from the visitor centre. At the 1.8 km mark, Govetts Leap Lookout provides a prime lunch spot with breathtaking scenery. There is a steep descent into a gorge to access Grand Canyon. Turn right at Greaves Creek and follow the canyon, as the sandstone walls become deeper and closer, crossing the creek multiple times. After about 500 m, well-formed steps lead out and towards a 10 m tunnel.

Coomera Circuit, Lamington National Park, Qld

17.5 km; 8 hrs; moderate

If you love waterfalls (and can stand leeches), head to Lamington National Park’s Coomera Circuit walk which will lead you to the best the park has to offer: Coomera Falls. This scenic walk crosses the river six times, treats hikers to numerous smaller falls, weaves in and out of eucalypt forest, and follows a cliff top. From the Coomera Lookout, 5.4 km from the start of the circuit, and which hangs over the edge of a cliff, breathtaking views can be enjoyed of Coomera Falls, Yarrabilgong Falls (150m) and the 160 m deep Coomera Gorge.

The Canyon Walk, Kings Canyon, NT

6 km; 3–4 hrs; hard

Kings Canyon is the main drawcard for visitors to Watarrka National Park. Featuring 100 m ancient sandstone cliffs and lush pockets of vegetation that contrast to the arid desert surrounding them, the best way to enjoy the spectacle is on the Canyon Walk. The track starts with a challenging, steep climb to the ridge, then follows the rim before descending back to the car park. About halfway along, hikers are offered reprieve at the Garden of Eden where waterholes, green plants and cool shade dots the ridge. Walk in a clockwise direction and be careful walking in the hotter months between September and May.

Bouddi Coast Walk, NSW

13km (return); 5 hrs; moderate

The coastal strip of Bouddi National Park is a little gem, tucked away on the Central Coast north of Sydney. The park is home to rugged headlands, tall eucalypt forests, sparse heath lands, sandstone ridgelines, beautiful beaches and hidden coves. Spectacular views stretch across rock plateaus and a foaming shoreline to the distant skyline of the Sydney CBD. This walk is considered to be one of the best examples of the coastal environments of the greater Sydney region. Quiet beaches await walkers including the beautiful Maitland Bay and the protected cove of Little Beach, the furthest northern point of the walk. Maitland Bay provides the opportunity to view the S.S. Maitland shipwreck, depending on the prevailing tides. The historic wreck is best seen at low tide. Leave extra time to swim and enjoy the views on this thoroughly enjoyable walk.

Pinnacles Desert, WA

5 km; 2 hrs; easy

Thousands of limestone pinnacles, some as tall as 3.5 m, rise from the desert sands and are the major attraction of the Nambung National Park. As well as the walk, there are multiple viewing decks which can be accessed by car, and allow even non-walking visitors to fully appreciate these natural wonders. From the interpretive centre, walk along the road to the easy before turning left at a fork to enjoy a fantastic vista at the viewing deck 1.3 km in. Along North Spur is a collection of pinnacles called the Milk Bottles, which shouldn’t be missed. A further 700 m on is the tallest pinnacle.

Mt Warning, NSW

8.8 km; 4.5 hrs; moderate

What is now known as Mt Warning is actually the ancient remnants of a volcano, which last erupted about 23 million years ago, leaving behind a crater 30 km in diameter. The walk up to the summit begins as well-graded track with many steps zigzagging along the steep sides all the way up to the rim. For the last short steep ascent, a hand-held chain assists walkers up a scrambly rock face, so a head for heights and reasonable fitness is required. Four viewing decks on the summit provide 360-degree views over the Gold Coast, the Tweed River and as far south as Cape Byron.

Barrk Sandstone Bushwalk, NT

12 km; 4-5 hrs; moderate

This walk is a spectacular prelude to walking in the Kakadu National Park. The walk takes in two of the most important Aboriginal rock art sites in this internationally famous area. Offering an insight into the ancient cultural heritage of the area this walk will challenge you. To see first hand and spend time among such special examples of a bygone era is indeed humbling. The walk starts and finishes at the base of Nourlangie Rock (Burringgui) offering a great circuit walk that traverses over this spectacular sandstone outcrop. Wonderful views across wooded vistas are broken only by steep gullies and rocky hillocks. Start early and ensure you have plenty of water.

Cape Hillsborough, Qld

9 km; 4 hrs; easy

Check tide times before you leave on this walk as sharp rocks and deadly stingers in summer mean crossing through water can be dangerous. Most of the walk follows Beachcombers Cove Beach and Casuarina Beach, where hand-reared kangaroos visit regularly to be fed chaff (avoid feeding them other food, though). The cape boasts plenty of other wildlife, including wallabies, kookaburras, fruit bats, crabs, turtles, dolphins, birds and 25 species of butterfly. This gentle walk features views of black volcanic sea cliffs, a deep rock pool and tropical forest.

Mt Gower, NSW

8.5 km; 7 hrs; hard

East of northern NSW’s coast and just 11 km long, Lord Howe Island is a tourism gem. Attempting Mt Gower (875 m) is only permitted with a licensed guide, who charges a fee, but is a useful source of information about local flora and fauna. Walks are conducted from Lagoon Road a few times a week during busy season. A particularly treacherous section involves crossing a 500 m long ledge, with a 150 m sheer drop to the sea on one side. The 4.25 km climb to the summit is steep and strenuous. Keep an eye out for the rare and flightless Lord Howe Island woodhen that calls the summit home.

Bluff Knoll, WA

6.2 km; 3 hrs; moderate

Rising up from the green, Bluff Knoll looks like an almost impossible feat, but a well-defined track that winds through the gap between Bluff Knoll and Coyanarup Peak will take you to the summit. It is southern WA’s highest mountain at 1095 m, is often shrouded with cloud and sometimes even gets a dusting of snow. From the Bluff Knoll car park, the walk squeezes between the cliffs and, before reaching the summit proper, a side track offers great views across lakes and Coyanarup Peak. About 10 minutes walk further on is Bluff Knoll summit.

Sealers Cove Track, Wilson’s Prom, Vic

20.4 km; 6-7 hrs; moderate

Wilson’s Promontory has been enjoyed by generations of walkers, campers and kayakers alike. The Sealers Cove Track traverses most of the peninsula, taking you across nearly every ecosystem found in the Prom. Leaving from the Mt Oberon car park the track climbs onto Windy Saddle offering views of the east and west coasts of the Prom. The track then descends through rainforest and fern-ridden gullies, crossing a couple of shady streams, before meandering through a wetland expanse and onto the beautiful Sealers Cove.

Kata Tjuta, NT

7.4 km; 3 hrs; moderate

Formed from granite, gneiss and basalt, and spread across 35 sq. km, 32 red domes (some up to 450 m high) are waiting to be explored at Kata Tjuta via the Valley of the Winds walk. To gain an insight into the significance of this site to Aboriginal people, visit the cultural centre near Uluru. The weather can be hot and windy and the track can be tricky with vast sections of loose rocks and steep descents. From the car park climb to the Karu Lookout. The track then enters one of the deepest chasms before heading to the Karingana Lookout, one of the most spectacular sections of the walk.

Raoul View to Tunnel Bay, Tas

12.6 km; 5 hrs; moderate

Winding its way perilously along cliff-rim outlooks, the Cape Raoul Track boasts beautiful views, rocky outcrops and an impressive tunnel – an arched sea cave shaped into a long corridor. Don’t miss the Cape Raoul Track lookout, which is about 400 m above sea level and offers a great panorama to Cape Raoul, the Raoul Bay cliffs and distant islands. Head back to take the Tunnel Bay Track, which will give fantastic views of Shep Stern Bluff before leading you down to Tunnel Bay, where you can explore the tunnel and fossick among the rocks. Avoid swimming, however.

Macushla to Cape Richards, Qld

7 km (one way); 3.5 hrs; easy

Exploring Hinchinbrook Island is made simple with this meandering walk through rainforest and along the coast via sandy beaches – just beware the crocodiles. The walk sets off from Macushla Point and passes two prominent rocks, called the Two Sisters, which jut out from the ocean. Take a break at the 2 km long North Shepherd Beach, which offers shade and relatively safe swimming. Don’t miss the lookout platform as you enter the resort, or taking a short detour to the coral-fragment littered Turtle Beach.

Carnarvon Gorge, Qld

20 km; 8 hrs; easy

As if the Carnarvon Gorge itself wasn’t enough to entice you to central Queensland, two caves – Cathedral and Art Gallery – also offer beautiful Aboriginal stencil work. To escape the heat, the gorge’s sheer cliffs offer shade, waterholes and little rainforest oases along the way. The walk to Cathedral Cave is part of the Carnarvon Great Walk, a seven-day journey that begins in the gorge. Start at the eastern end of the gorge and keep an eye out for king ferns, whose fronds can grow up to 5 m long. They’re especially plentiful in Ward’s Canyon.

Wineglass Bay to Hazards Beach, Tas

12 km; 4.5 hrs; moderate

Wineglass Bay regularly sits atop the most beautiful beaches list of travel magazines and websites worldwide. Viewing the beach from the lookout marks the start of this walk and many visitors never venture further than the lookout, but those who leave the crowds behind will be rewarded with one of Australia’s finest coastal walks. Enjoy the white beach, the crystal clear waters, a walk through the low marshy isthmus, a dune-locked lagoon system, and the unique bare granite outcrops of the Hazards. Remember, keep your eyes out the local dolphin population and migrating whales.

Rosewood Creek Circuit, Dorrigo, NSW

7.5 km; 4 hrs; moderate

Starting from the Never Never Picnic Area, this walk explores the subtropical rainforest of Dorrigo National Park. Although most of the track isn’t difficult, steep sections near the Cedar and Coachwood falls, which offer spectacular views, make it tougher than the usual easy walks. Take a side track and cool off at the bottom of Cedar Falls, but watch your step crossing the slippery rocks. From here, the forest turns into warm temperate rainforest and Coachwood Falls is a further 1 km down the main track, with another deep pool at the top of the falls suitable for cooling off with another refreshing dip.

Mt Anne and Eliza Plateau, Tas

15 km; 7–8 hrs; HARD

Regarded as Tasmania’s premier day walk, Mt Anne (1423 m) attracts experienced bushwalkers to its imposing sheer dolerite faces and spectacular views. Amazing scenery across Tasmania’s World Heritage-listed Southwest National Park awaits walkers determined enough to endure the very steep final ascent and often inclement weather. The walk begins at Condominium Creek before meandering through exposed plateaus, temperate rainforest and finally the slightly technical and highly exposed climb on the final ascent. Considered a photographers paradise the views on a clear day have to be seen to be believed.