Top 7 summer hikes in Australia

Summer in Australia is a time of renewal. As winter fades, the landscape transforms – wildflowers bloom, waterfalls flow, and mild temperatures make it ideal for exploring the great outdoors. From coastal cliff walks to rugged bushland trails, summer hiking is a chance to see Australia at its most picturesque.

For Australians who love nature travel and a bit of adventure, hiking in summer isn’t just a physical escape – it’s a way to reconnect with the land. It’s also a great time to support regional communities. With clear skies and cool mornings, it’s the perfect season to lace up your boots and hit the trail.

7 Best summer hikes in Australia

Summer isn’t just a season – it’s an invitation. With quieter trails and nature in full swing, now’s the time to explore the tracks that offer more than just exercise. From misty mountain circuits to wildflower-dotted coastlines, these handpicked hikes promise fresh air, fresh views, and that unmistakable feeling of being miles away from it all.

1. Blue Mountains – Grand Canyon Walk, NSW

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 6.3 km loop

Location: Blackheath, Blue Mountains National Park

This lush sandstone gorge comes alive in summer, when seasonal rains feed the creeks and the forest canopy bursts with fresh green growth. The Grand Canyon Walk – one of the Blue Mountains’ most iconic trails – leads you into a shaded wonderland of fern-lined gullies, mossy rock walls, and towering sandstone cliffs shaped by millions of years of water flow.

Sheltered from direct sun, the track offers a cool microclimate, making it a great choice even on warmer summer days. You’ll pass cascading waterfalls, blooming orchids, and ancient tree ferns as you wind through narrow canyon passages and cross timber footbridges.

It’s a gentle adventure with unforgettable scenery – the perfect introduction to the Blue Mountains’ wild beauty.

2. Grampians Peaks Trail – Wonderland Loop, VIC

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

Distance: 8.5 km loop

Location: Halls Gap, Grampians National Park

Summer in the Grampians is all about big skies, rugged sandstone, and early-morning adventures. While the midday heat can be intense, setting off in the cooler hours rewards you with some of the most dramatic scenery in Victoria. Towering cliffs, sculpted rock formations, and wide-open views dominate the landscape at this time of year.

A standout walk is the Wonderland Loop, a trail that blends natural beauty with striking geology. Leaving from Halls Gap, the path leads you through the narrow chasm of Silent Street and alongside the sculpted sandstone walls of the aptly named Grand Canyon. Hidden gullies, rock overhangs, and shaded pockets of forest create a sense of stepping back into an ancient landscape.

As you climb, the terrain opens to reveal The Pinnacle – a panoramic lookout with sweeping views across the Grampians and the vast Wimmera Plains. In summer, the clear air and long daylight hours make this an especially impressive spot to take in the scale of the ranges.

With its dramatic rock formations, expansive vistas, and well-maintained paths, this trail is perfect for nature lovers, weekend hikers, and keen photographers. Just be sure to start early, carry plenty of water, and prepare for warm conditions typical of a Victorian summer.

3. Flinders Ranges – Bunyeroo and Aroona Valley, SA

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 3–10 km return (varies)

Location: Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park

Summer in the Flinders Ranges reveals the region’s raw, elemental beauty. With long days and golden light, the landscape takes on rich shades of red, orange, and deep ochre. The heat builds quickly, so early starts are essential – but those who set out in the morning are rewarded with cooler air, soft colours, and the chance to spot wildlife moving across the plains.

One of the most memorable walks is through Aroona Valley, where the trail winds between towering quartzite ridges, dry creek beds lined with river red gums, and quiet gorges shaped over hundreds of millions of years. Interpretive signs along the way share stories of the Adnyamathanha people, whose deep cultural ties to this land stretch back tens of thousands of years.

Whether you're drawn by dramatic geology, native wildlife, or the powerful sense of place, exploring this area in summer offers a moving connection to South Australia’s outback. Just be sure to avoid the midday heat, carry plenty of water, and check local conditions before setting off.

4. Cradle Mountain – Dove Lake Circuit, TAS

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Distance: 6 km loop

Location: Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park

A Tasmanian icon, the Dove Lake Circuit is one of Australia’s most photogenic – and accessible – alpine walks. This 6 km loop follows the shoreline of a pristine glacial lake, framed by the dramatic, jagged peaks of Cradle Mountain.

The well-marked trail blends boardwalks with forest paths, making it a gentle yet rewarding walk for all ages. In summer, the cool alpine climate is especially inviting. Seasonal rain feeds the waterfalls and streams, while the surrounding myrtle and pencil pine forests stay lush and green. Clear, mild days create ideal conditions for spotting alpine wildflowers and capturing those glassy lake reflections the region is famous for.

Wildlife is a highlight here, too. Keep an eye out for wombats grazing in the open clearings, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon when they’re most active.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to Tasmania’s highlands, the Dove Lake Circuit offers a serene and refreshing escape into World Heritage wilderness – perfect for a summer day in the mountains.

5. Kings Canyon Rim Walk, NT

Difficulty: Moderate to hard

Distance: 6 km loop

Location: Watarrka National Park

Summer brings a welcome drop in temperature to the Red Centre – ideal conditions for taking on the spectacular Kings Canyon Rim Walk. The trail begins with a steep but manageable climb – nicknamed Heart Attack Hill – before levelling out to reveal some of the most dramatic views in the Northern Territory.

Carved over millions of years, the canyon’s towering sandstone walls rise 100 metres above the valley floor, glowing red and gold in the morning light. The track winds past the weathered domes of the Lost City and through groves of ancient cycads – living relics from a prehistoric age.

A true highlight is the Garden of Eden, a peaceful rockhole tucked within the canyon, where rare plant species thrive around a permanent waterhole.

Blending natural beauty, geological wonder, and deep cultural significance, this unforgettable walk offers a powerful connection to the heart of Australia.

6. Cape to Cape Track – Conto to Redgate, WA

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 6.5 km one way

Location: Leeuwin–Naturaliste National Park, Margaret River

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Western Australia’s southwest coast, the Cape to Cape Track stretches for 135 km between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. While the full trail is an unforgettable journey, the Conto to Redgate section makes for a manageable and rewarding summer day walk.

Here, limestone cliffs rise above turquoise waters, and the coastal heathland shifts into its summer palette of hardy shrubs and sun-warmed vegetation. The trail weaves through sandy paths, peppermint woodlands, and exposed cliff edges, offering uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean at every turn. With long daylight hours and often clear skies, summer is an ideal time to appreciate the region’s striking coastal scenery.

Although peak wildflower season has passed, you may still spot the occasional summer-blooming species along the track. And while whale migrations largely wrap up by early summer, it’s still possible to catch a glimpse of marine life offshore on calmer days.

Well-marked and easily accessed from car parks at both ends, this stretch of the Cape to Cape is a stunning way to experience WA’s wild coastline – a place where land, sea, and sky feel endless.

7. Springbrook National Park – Twin Falls Circuit, QLD

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Distance: 4 km loop

Location: Gold Coast hinterland

Hidden in the lush Gold Coast Hinterland, Springbrook National Park offers a refreshing escape into Queensland’s subtropical rainforest. The Twin Falls Circuit is one of its most enchanting walks. This 4 km loop descends from the escarpment into a shaded world of mossy boulders, hanging vines, and cooling waterfalls.

In summer, the forest is especially vibrant. Seasonal rain feeds the falls, creating a gentle mist that catches the light through the towering trees. You’ll pass beneath rock overhangs, walk behind the cascading Twin Falls themselves, and cross bubbling creeks over stepping stones. Along the way, look out for pademelons, bush turkeys, and an incredible variety of native birds.

With its well-maintained paths and manageable length, this trail is ideal for hikers of all levels. It’s particularly popular in the morning when the air is crisp and the light filters through the forest canopy. A short drive from the Gold Coast, it’s a perfect day trip into the cool, green heart of southeast Queensland.

Summer hiking tips for Aussie adventurers

Summer is a beautiful time to explore Australia’s natural trails, but preparation is key to making the most of your hike. Whether you're heading into alpine regions or subtropical rainforests, these tips will help keep you safe and comfortable.

1. Start early. Set off in the morning to enjoy cooler temperatures and avoid the stronger midday sun. Early hikes also reward you with soft morning light, perfect for photography and spotting wildlife when it’s most active.

2. Layer up. Summer weather can shift quickly, especially in mountainous or coastal areas. Bring a lightweight jacket, a waterproof layer, and sun protection. Dressing in layers allows you to adapt as temperatures change.

3. Stay hydrated. Even on cooler days, hiking can dehydrate you quickly, especially on longer or uphill trails. Carry enough water for the entire hike, and consider a reusable water bottle or hydration pack.

4. Check track conditions. Before setting off, visit the official parks website or local visitor centre for updates on trail closures, heat or fire warnings, and weather alerts. Some tracks may be affected by summer storms or maintenance.

5. Leave no trace. Preserve the beauty of the trails by sticking to marked paths, taking your rubbish with you, and respecting wildlife. What you bring in, you must take out, keeping nature pristine for everyone to enjoy.

6. Be aware of summer wildlife. Warmer conditions can mean more snake activity, especially in open or rocky areas. Stick to marked trails and watch where you step.

Ready to lace up?

Australia’s best trails are calling – and summer is the perfect season to get out and explore. With long daylight hours, early-morning coolness, and vibrant landscapes from coast to high country, there’s a hike for every pace and passion.

So pull on your boots, pack smart, and let AllClear Travel Insurance help you explore with confidence.

Disclaimer

The hike distances, difficulty ratings and track conditions referenced in this article are based on information available from official state and national park authorities at the time of writing. AllClear Travel Insurance does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness or current status of this information. 

Trail conditions, access, rules, regulations, fees, permits and safety requirements can change at any time. Travellers should always check the relevant national park or state authority website before planning or undertaking any hike, and make their own inquiries to ensure the activity is appropriate for their fitness level, experience and the forecast weather conditions.

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