The best-rated spots for a scenic hiking and camping trip in one

AllTrails and HipCamp teamed up to reveal the top 10 ‘tent-to-trail’ list; the best hiking and camping spots to visit in one holiday for plenty of opportunities to reconnect with nature.

Growing demand for hiking holidays

Couple Hiking nearby their Larapinta campsite in Queensland's Scenic Rim — Scenic hikes and camping go hand-in-hand. (Image: Larapinta Scenic Rim/ Hipcamp)

Younger Australians are driving the new ‘trail-to-tent’ trend that is sweeping through Australia as nearly half the population forgoes creature comforts in favour of a hiking holiday. That’s according to data from AllTrails that reveals more than 60 per cent of young Australians frequently incorporate hiking into their travel plans.

In response to this rising interest in reconnecting with nature, AllTrails and Hipcamp have collaborated to unveil their highly anticipated list of nature getaways for 2025 .

According to Pitt Grewe, head of social and environmental impact at AllTrails, this surge in hiking interest is being led by a shift in how outdoor activities are being viewed and how people perceive travel.

Birds in shrubs by the Larapinta campsite in Queensland's Scenic Rim — Spot incredible birdlife at the Larapinta campsite in the heart of the Scenic Rim. (Image: Hipcamp)

“Younger generations are particularly inclined to seek outdoor adventures that provide not just a break from routine but a connection with nature," Grewe says.

“Australians, particularly younger generations, are also embracing hiking to combat ‘feed fatigue’, a social media overload that leads to feeling emotionally drained," he says.

Cows in the paddock near Misty Mountain Kunghur campsite — ‘Feed-fatigue’ leading to a growing desire to spend more time outdoors. (Image: Misty Mountain Kunghur/ Hipcamp)

Grewe says the data shows that more than 50 per cent of Gen Z Australians go on a hike or spend time in nature to unplug and 46 per cent of Gen Z agreed that seeing locations online was not the same.

He says AllTrails has adapted its platform to cater to the increased interest in combining hiking with camping.

AllTrails recently introduced Points of Interest (POIs) to help members discover campsites, monuments, picnic areas and more. The Custom Routes also let members plan longer, more personalised adventures by combining multiple trail segments and adding waypoints to mark key spots like campsites.

The best ‘tent-to-trail’ holidays

Camp set up at Hold It Flats in NSW — Hold It Flats is a highly-rated campiste and a jumping off point for Red Cliff Islands Walk. (Image: Hipcamp)

AllTrails and HipCamp devised their Top 10 ‘tent-to-trail’ list based on data identifying which destinations Aussies rated the most for hiking, camping and reconnecting with nature. The list includes places to pitch a tent that have proximity to great trails, everywhere from the pristine coastline of WA to a family-friendly farm stay on the Coffs Coast.

Woman cooking at her campsite in Hold It Flats in NSW — The demand for camping and hiking trips continues to rise. (Image: Hold It Flats/ Hipcamp)

Ranked No.1 on the list of best ‘trail-to-tent’ campgrounds is Hold It Flats in Yalboroo , about 75 kilometres north of Mackay, which has hot showers and big-sky views. The campground is on a bend of the O’Connell River and a jumping-off point for the Red Cliff Islands Walk. The list also includes Sapphire Beach Coastal Circuit and the rugged track leading up to the summit of Mt Beerwah.

Swimming at Hold It Flats — Unique camping experiences are in high demand. (Image: Hold It Flats/ Hipcamp)

Brooke Wood, Australian marketing manager of HipCamp, the platform that connects Australian travellers with unique camping experiences, says the destinations featured on the list have been chosen for their breathtaking landscapes as well as the unique experiences they offer.

Wood says Hipcamp has noted a substantial increase in bookings for outdoor accommodation that caters to campers looking for a bit of adventure. “As more people are looking to combine hiking with camping, we’ve seen a growing demand for camping experiences that are directly connected to great walking and hiking trails," he says.

Lakeside at Bushywood at Woodford Skilake — Bushywood at Woodford Skilake is close to Mt Beerwah Track. (Image: Hipcamp)

Whether it’s the rugged alpine environment of Victoria’s High Country or a SA campsite near an iconic trail like the Larapinta, Wood says the camping spots selected encourage Australians to embrace the outdoors. The listing also features a variety of options from basic campsites like Bushywood at Woodford Skilake near the Mt Beerwah Track, to the family-friendly Misty Mountain Kunghur near Unicorn Falls Walking Track.

Marvelling at nature is on the agenda

A woman sits with her dog at her campsite by a campfire at Misty Mountain in NSW — Ending the day fireside is a key experience hikers are looking to incorporate into their trips. (Image: Hipcamp)

One of the key trends identified in the data was a growing demand for immersive experiences, where campers engage in activities such as hiking, fishing and stargazing. “It’s about creating memorable experiences. Campers are eager to explore trails by day and enjoy fireside chats at night. It’s a holistic approach to enjoying nature," she says.

Hold It Flats campsite at night with stars — Stargazing is one of the many highlights of a camping trip. (Image: Hold It Flats/ Hipcamp)

As Australians seek ways to travel responsibly, both AllTrails and Hipcamp have emphasised the importance of sustainable practices. “We encourage our users to respect the environment by following Leave No Trace guidelines, ensuring that these beautiful locations remain pristine for future generations," says Wood.

Wood says the collaborative effort with AllTrails highlights Australia’s rich natural beauty while providing insights to both novice hikers and seasoned adventurers.

Whether it’s tackling challenging hikes or lying beneath the stars, Wood says this resurgence in outdoor exploration promises to inspire a wave of unforgettable nature getaways across the nation.

The full list

Larapinta campsite in the Scenic Rim Queensland. — Queensland’s Larapinta campsite, paired with Nindooinbah Dam Circuit, is in the top 10 Tent to Trail trips for 2025. (Image: Hipcamp)

Hold It Flats & Red Cliff Islands Walk, NSW
Misty Mountain & Unicorn Falls Walking Track, NSW
Bushywood at Woodford Skilake & Mount Beerwah Track, Qld
Megalong Valley Farm & Castle Head, NSW
Fair Harvest Retreat & Ten Mile Brook Trail, WA
Lakeview & Mount Elimbah Track (Saddleback Mountain), Qld
Coffs Harbour Camping and Farmstay & Sapphire Beach Coastal Circuit, NSW
Edgehill Farmstays & Heysen Trail: Gerkie Gap to Webb Gap, SA
Larapinta & Nindooinbah Dam Circuit, Qld
High Country Paradise & Reform Hill Lookout Loop, Vic

For all the details on each hike and campsite, visit AllTrails here.

More than just a stopover, Albury Wodonga is an elevated city escape immersed in nature.

Perhaps best known as a road trip stop between Sydney and Melbourne, Albury Wodonga offers a combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences and a vibrant food scene that make it well worth its own journey.

Nestled on the banks of the mighty Murray River and surrounded by famed wine and gold rush regions, this riverside town packs a broad punch. Discover how best to spend your days on the border.

Exploring the Murray River

1. The Crossing Place Trail

woman looking at sculpture along Crossing Place Trail loop — Admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists.

Head to the original crossing places of the Murray River since 1848 – at the junctions of Bungambrawatha Creek and Oddies Creek. Today, these crossings are still used by cars and cattle, but the five-kilometre Crossing Place Trail loop connects the two bridges for bike riders and walkers.

Wander through gum trees, and maybe even spot local platypus and birdlife. Stop along the way to admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists, see evidence of a scar tree and learn about the importance of this billabong environment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

2. Canoe The Murray

two people kayaking along the murray river at Noreuil Park — Hire canoes or kayaks and get out on the river.

What better way to get a feel for the Murray River than by getting out on its waters? Hire canoes or kayaks from Canoe the Murray , then explore solo or join one of the offered tours. Get up early for a Sunrise and coffee tour, watch the sun dip below the water on a sunset tour or choose one of several daytime trips.

Stand-up paddleboard hire and other water sports, fishing and swimming are also available to river explorers.

3. Noreuil Park Foreshore

aerial of Noreuil Park albury wodonga — Cool off at Noreuil Park Foreshore. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Just outside Albury’s CBD, the riverside Noreuil Park becomes a hub of activity as the weather heats up. Set up on picnic tables under shady trees, use the public barbecues (or pop into the nearby cafe) and cool off with a float down the river.

4. Mungabareena Reserve and Water Works

Mungabareena Reserve albury wodonga — Spend time at Mungabareena Reserve. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

Delve into nature and culture at the beautiful Mungabareena Reserve . Recognised by state law as a ‘Declared Aboriginal Place’, it was once a historical meeting point for trade and journeys to Mount Bogong for the local Wiradjuri people and still holds deep significance.

It’s another popular spot for fishing, swimming and picnics, while the nearby Water Works area is a great place for spotting wildlife. Try your luck seeing platypuses, wood ducks or rainbow bee-eaters.

Adventuring on Lake Hume

1. Walk the dam wall

parent and child look at the view from the damn wall walk at lake hume — Enjoy the view from the dam wall. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

The majestic Lake Hume – a massive man-made reservoir on the Murray River – was once the largest dam in the Southern Hemisphere.

A great way to get acquainted is by walking along the dam wall, taking in views of outflows, electricity turbines and the transmission plant from above. Not to mention vistas of the lake and the Murray. It’s a particularly gorgeous spot for sunsets and sunrises.

A wide sealed walkway gives easy access to the wall, and informative signs and displays along the way educate on the dam’s construction.

2. The High Country Rail Trail

This 44-kilometre trail hugs the shoreline. Stop along the way at the historic town of Tallangatta, relocated to its current position in the 1950s after its original location was flooded. Cross the lake over the bright red Sandy Creek Bridge. Enjoy a lakeside picnic or go for a swim at Ebden, Ludlow’s or Huon Reserve.

3. Water sports

two people watching SUP boarders and a boat our on the water at lake hume — Dive into water sports on Lake Hume.

Lake Hume is a popular local spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. Drop a line or dive right into the clear waters.

Sip and Savour

1. Dux Albury

two people sitting at counter drinking wine inside Dux Albury — Sit down to delicious meals and wine at Dux.

Those looking for a high-end dining experience need to book a table at Dux Albury in the heart of Albury Wodonga. Sit down for curated wine lists, cocktails and share plates. Think starters like burrata with beetroot, chervil, caper berry and sherry, mains like Wagyu sirloin with Café De Paris, red wine and caramelised onions and all manner of fresh seafood.

2. Murray Towns Brewing Co.

people being served lunch at Murray Brewing Co. — Recharge at Murray Brewing Co.

Perched on the banks of the river, Murray Towns Brewing Co . has come a long way since two mates started experimenting in their backyard chook shed. With all beer brewed onsite and a sun-drenched beer garden to drink them in, it’s a perfect stop along a bike ride or walk.

3. Temperance and General

Step into Albury’s original laneway bar, Temperance and General . Set inside a historic building, but offering a modern vibe, the bar is locally famous for its cocktail list. Stop in before or after dinner for a creative tipple.

4. BeanStation Cafe

two people drinking coffee at Bean Station albury wodonga — Dine on a modern Australian menu.

Dine on a modern Australian menu , inside the historic Wodonga train station building, dating back to 1873. Pop over in the morning and line up with the locals for great coffee and all-day brekkie, or head over after midday to swap the beans for local wines and Aussie boutique beers.

5. River Deck Cafe

waiter holding two dishes at Riverdeck Cafe albury wodonga — Soak in views and good food at Riverdeck Cafe. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Another dining destination next to the Murray, the award-winning River Deck Cafe provides a large deck covered in dappled sunlight that makes for the ideal long lunch spot. Here, menus focus on natural, native and local ingredients sourced from regional farmers and producers across Albury Wodonga and surrounds.

Museums, murals and more

1. Albury Wodonga Public Art Trail

Gain a sense of Albury Wodonga’s vibrant arts community while wandering the Public Art Trail. Works range from sculptures and murals to wrapped infrastructure. Be sure to check the council map before you head out, so you don’t miss a thing.

2. Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA)

couple admiring the art at Murray Art Gallery — Stop into one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

MAMA forms the heart of art and culture in Albury Wodonga, some may say the entire Murray region. In fact, it’s one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. What makes it so lauded? The museum has earned a reputation for curating innovative, original exhibitions from some of the best contemporary Australian and international artists.

3. HotHouse Theatre

Originally built in 1928 as the Butter Factory Theatre, HotHouse Theatre has been a home of performance since 1997. Stop by to see the best of new Australian theatre. Continue to explore unique architecture on the Historic Building Walking Tour of Albury, the perfect way to round out your stay.

Start planning your Albury Wodonga getaway at visitalburywodonga.com.