From misty alpine ridges to remote ribbons of coast, these high-reward hiking trails promise an overnight adventure in some of Australia’s most spectacular settings.

The great advantage of the multi-day hike is that you get to see what happens after everyone else has gone home. The escarpments turn tangerine, the light gets interesting, the wildlife becomes considerably less shy. And if you’re lucky, you get a sky full of twinkling stars for your trouble. 

So where, in Australia, is it worth spending the night? AllTrails has revealed its top multi-day hiking trails across the country, spanning alpine climbs to ancient forests and dreamy stretches of coastline. So rally your pals, pack your tent and set off on a route that gives you good reason to keep walking.  

AllTrails’ top 10 backpacking trails in Australia

1. Snowies Alpine Walk: Main Range Walk, Perisher Village, NSW 

On this dramatic loop trail near NSW’s Perisher ski village, you’ll be walking along the roof of Australia – expect glittering alpine lakes, budding wildflowers in spring and the chance to stand atop the highest point in the country. The Main Range Walk is the second stage of the longer 56-kilometre Snowies Alpine Walk, beginning and ending at the high-altitude Charlotte Pass trailhead. The best time to go is in warmer months from late October to early April; winter brings snow and dangerous conditions. 

Distance: 22.4 kilometres
Level: Challenging 

2. Mount Feathertop via The Razorback, Harrietville, Vic

If you’re looking for a reason to get offline and head to the Victorian Alps, let this be it. The Mount Feathertop via The Razorback trail, which begins a couple of kilometres from Mt Hotham Village, is an out-and-back beauty you’ll want to bring your camera for. Pass through snow gum woodlands, skirt rocky bluffs and soak in sweeping views of the ranges. Be sure to wear good shoes as some sections are rocky and uneven.  

Distance: 23 kilometres
Level: Challenging 

3. Arm River Track to New Pelion Hut, Mersey Forest, Tas

If you’re going to spend several days hiking, you may as well make it somewhere spectacular – and this out-and-back trail through Cradle Mountain-Lake Saint Clair National Park won’t disappoint. Eyes peeled for wombats, you’ll trace trickling streams and mossy rainforest before arriving at a dramatic alpine plateau where tarns, moorlands and the prominent peaks of Mount Pillinger and Pelion East jut out in the distance. You’ll need a Tasmanian National Parks Pass to do this hike. 

Distance: 24 kilometres
Level: Challenging 

4. Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk, Perisher Village, NSW 

This classic Aussie hike takes you to the top of Mount Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest peak at 2228 metres. Mostly paved or elevated on a steel mesh walkway, it’s a favourite for a reason: 360-degree views across rolling mountain ranges as far as the eye can see. While you can definitely complete the shorter option in a day, it’s worth spending a night camping to soak in an ethereal sunrise from your tent. 

Distance: 13 kilometres (via Thredbo) or 18.6 kilometres (via Charlotte Pass)
Level: Challenging 

5. Northbrook Mountain, England Creek, Qld 

Damp gullies, wet sclerophyll forest, vibrant wildflower blooms and the chime-like calls of bell minors set the scene on this south-east Queensland hike overlooking the England Creek catchments. It’s a popular single-day hike that you can also do as a leisurely two-day walk with a stay at the Northbrook Mountain campsite that’s a short walk from the summit. Alternatively, those up for more of a challenge can opt for the longer Aquila Loop. 

Distance: 9.5-kilkometre
Level: Moderate 

6. Breadknife and Grand High Tops Walk, Warrumbungle, NSW 

Regarded as one of the best multi-day hikes in NSW among the in-the-know crowd, this 14.5-kilometre loop promises spectacular views of Warrumbungle National Park’s iconic volcanic rock formations that rise from the earth like living giants. Book in advance if you plan to stay in one of the campgrounds along the track. 

Distance: 14.5km
Level: Challenging 

7. Mount Bogong Loop via Staircase Spur and Eskdale Spur Trail, Tawonga, Vic

This classic (and somewhat demanding; hello glutes!) hike leads you to the summit of Mount Bogong, Victoria’s highest peak. While you should prepare to tackle some steep climbs and loose rocks, the panoramic vistas across the Victorian Alps make it absolutely worth the effort. 

Distance: 17.7 kilometres
Level: Challenging 

8. Cape to Cape Track: Cape Naturaliste to Smiths Beach, Naturaliste, WA 

For views of raucous turquoise surf that meets endless stretches of pearl-white sand, make a beeline for WA’s Cape to Cape Track. The meandering point-to-point track takes you through forest-flanked paths, towering karri and marri trees and coastal patches looking out to the Indian Ocean. It can be completed independently or with a guided group with luxury touches to boot. 

Distance: 16.9 kilometre one way
Level: Moderate 

9. Mount Jerusalem Trail – The Temple and Solomon’s Throne, Mersey Forest, Tas

Wallabies, scintillating lakes and a plateau seemingly pulled from Africa are all part of the appeal of the Mount Jerusalem Trail in Tassie’s Central Highlands. The out-and-back walk rewards overnight hikers with quiet, natural drama and plenty of wildlife.  

Distance: 20.6 kilometre
Level: Challenging 

10. Two Bays Trail, Arthurs Seat, Vic

For a heart-rate-up hike through wild coastal landscapes, it doesn’t get much better than Two Bays Trail – the longest continuous walking track on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. Highlights include Bushrangers Bay, a stunning coastal reserve with basalt rock formations, native bushland sections and the 21-metre Cape Shanck Lighthouse. When you’re ready to put your feet up for the day, Lightwood Creek Camping Area offers a picturesque grassy setting. 

Distance: 25.6 kilometres
Level: Challenging