8 unique outback getaways to have at least once in Australia

Beyond the red dirt roads and tiny towns, the outback is full of extraordinary beauty, from hot pools to waterfalls and ancient rock formations. Venture out there to see this wondrous place for yourself.

1. Wellness Way, Qld

Travelling with: Megan Arkinstall

Forget embarking on an outback pub crawl. Instead, enjoy pool-hopping around the outback on the Wellness Way. The new trail connects 24 towns that sit above the Great Artesian Basin across Queensland’s rugged interior. From Mitchell and Cunnamulla to Longreach and Mount Isa, each of the towns is home to pools, springs and bathhouses filled with mineral-rich waters said to contain healing powers that promote skin health, soothe muscles and instil tranquillity.

steam rising from Talaroo Hot Springs — Hot granite rocks naturally heat Talaroo Hot Springs. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Phil Warring)

2. Ikara-Flinders Ranges, SA

Travelling with: Megan Arkinstall

an aerial view of Ikara Flinders Ranges — See Ikara from land and sky. (Image: Getty Images/Zetter)

It’s no wonder Ikara-Flinders Ranges was nominated for a tentative listing as a World Heritage site with UNESCO. The rugged ranges, some 500 kilometres north of Adelaide, were formed more than 600 million years ago and are home to wonders such as the colossal amphitheatre Wilpena Pound. Hike its ancient ridges on the three-day Arkaba Walk, see it from above on a scenic flight from Rawnsley Park Station, or stay at Arkaroola International Dark Sky Sanctuary for a cosmos show like no other. Alternatively, take a seven-day Lake Eyre and Flinders Ranges tour with APT , as Australia’s largest salt lake, Kati-Thanda Lake Eyre, experiences a spectacular and rare flooding phenomenon.

emus in Ikara-Flinders Ranges — Emus wander in the grassland of Ikara-Flinders Ranges. (Image: Adam Edwards)

3. Board The Ghan, SA & NT

Travelling with: Imogen Eveson

Every Australian dreams of travelling on The Ghan at least once. This legendary train journey, named for the pioneering cameleers who blazed a path into the Red Centre, captures imaginations as it makes tracks across the country between Adelaide and Darwin. Book a Gold Premium cabin for a 21st-century translation of the train’s original Art Deco stylings and a colour palette drawn from Albert Namatjira’s famous landscapes. Or level up in Platinum. Then sit back and watch the living painting unfold through your window.

the JBRE Accommodation Platinum Service Cabin dining service, The Ghan — An ultra-modern cabin equipped with Platinum dining and lounge. (Image: Heather Dinas Photography)

4. The Kimberley, WA

Travelling with: Megan Arkinstall

The far reaches of Western Australia could be the country’s most wild. Where the striking red of pindan cliffs meets white sands and turquoise waters. A cradle for ancient rock art, thunderous waterfalls and dramatic gorges. Travelling slowly through the Kimberley is ideal. Consider Intrepid Travel’s Wild Kimberley Overland , which unfolds over 11 days. For those shorter on time, its Broome to the Bungle Bungles tour can have you seeing it all in just five days. You’ll explore the state’s largest cave system, visit old gold rush towns, see Cathedral and Windjana gorges, and the bizarre and beautiful 20-million-year-old forms of the Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park.

the Dampier Peninsula, Kimberley — Discover the wild wonders of the Kimberley, such as the Dampier Peninsula. (Image: Tourism Australia)

5. Uluṟu, NT

Travelling with: Megan Arkinstall

Enigmatic Uluṟu changes colours throughout the day, starting at sunrise when the monolith is bathed in a flaming red glow. Take it in on a Sunrise Journey tour , operated by Ayers Rock Resort, when artworks created by three local Anangu women come to life through laser projection and music. Mid-morning, join a free ranger-guided Mala walk around the base of the ochre-hued rock to learn the Ancestral Anangu Mala story. Then watch Uluru blush pink and purple at sunset and dine on bush tucker under the stars as the Field of Light installation begins to twinkle.

the majestic landscape of Uluru — Witness the changing colours of Uluru. (Image: Tourism NT/Kate Flowers)

6. Mungo National Park, NSW

Travelling with: Megan Arkinstall

The lunar-like landscape of Mungo National Park in outback NSW was formed by ancient dry lake basins and shifting sands. It’s a mind-boggling land rich in Indigenous history and home to the world’s oldest human cremations and megafauna remains, where emus and giant red kangaroos roam. Australian Wildlife Journeys leads a six-day small group tour to Mungo and beyond that gives travellers the chance to appreciate its enormous significance to human history and ecology.

moon rises over Mungo National Park — The moon rising over Mungo National Park. (Image: Destination NSW/Dee Kramer)

7. Australia by camelback, WA & SA

Travelling with: Megan Arkinstall

Trekking across a vast and empty desert may be unthinkable to some. To others, it’s the ultimate adventure or even a journey of self-discovery. Channel Robyn Davidson, who trekked for 2700 kilometres across WA’s deserts in the 1970s, with a little help from Outback Camel Company , which operates week-long desert treks and expeditions across the Simpson Desert. Alternatively, Camel Treks Australia ventures through the Ikara-Flinders Ranges and deep into the Tirari Desert.

a woman petting a camel, Camel Treks Australia — Camel Treks Australia ventures through the Ikara-Flinders Ranges. (Image: Tourism Australia/South Australia Tourism Commission)

8. Kakadu National Park, NT

Travelling with: Megan Arkinstall

Sprawling across 20,000 square kilometres, World Heritage-listed Kakadu is a kaleidoscope of savannah woodlands, rugged stone escarpments, tropical waterholes, cascading waterfalls and wetlands that swell in the wet season. It’s a habitat to one-third of the country’s bird species and some 10,000 crocs, with Yellow Water Billabong a haven for wildlife spotting. And its Traditional Owners, the Bininj/Mungguy people, have lived here for 65,000 years, with some 5000 rock art sites – including famous Ubirr and Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) – dotted throughout the national park. To see a place of such staggering biodiversity and history is a must for all Australians.

an aerial view of Jim Jim Falls, Kakadu National Park, NT — See the majestic Jim Jim Falls from above. (Image: Tourism NT/Hello Emily)

Traipse Jurassic cliffs and wander secluded beaches on Australia’s most enchanting walks.

Australia’s landscapes are made for hiking. Take the Red Centre, dusted in shifting sands and dotted with miraculous geological formations. Or our rainforests, left behind as the sole souvenir from continents that no longer exist. Down south, mottled night skies hang above crashing seas and unwavering cliffs. It makes sense, then, that hiking holidays are rising in popularity. No wi fi, no traffic. Just you and the path less travelled on the Great Walks of Australia in remote and iconic destinations.

What are the Great Walks of Australia?

If nature is your happy place, you’ve likely heard of the Great Walks of Australia, part of Tourism Australia’s Signature Experiences program since 2013 – a curated collection of 15 all-inclusive, eco-luxury journeys showcasing the country’s most spectacular landscapes with expert guides and incredible meals. GWOA launching in 2013 as

From exploring the peaks of a World Heritage listed island, to journeying through the heart of Australia, and the gentle pull of the majestic Murray – there’s a walking holiday to suit walkers of all experience levels (and interests).

Joining a Great Walks of Australia hike means the pressure is off with all meals, guides and eco-luxury accommodation included.

Where can you hike?

1. Scenic Rim Trail, Queensland

great walks of australia tour group on Scenic Rim Trail, Queensland — Enjoy incredible food along the way.

Around 23 million years ago, volcanoes spewed magma across Queensland’s Scenic Rim . Now, what’s left of the fiery landscape takes the form of the UNESCO-listed Gondwana rainforest.

The Scenic Rim Trail is a four-day guided hike that takes you through the ancient rainforest. You’ll venture out into breathtaking viewpoints across the Main Range National Park. Enjoy a packed lunch, listen out for the duplicitous calls of the lyrebird and enjoy the silence.

You’ll spend your nights in boutique eco-cabins and incredible hospitality.

2. Murray River Walk, South Australia

great walks of australia tour group on — Walk through vibrant wildflower fields.

Murray River Walk pairs easy hiking with blissful evenings cruising the Murray River. Over four days and nights, you’ll follow kangaroo trails through red dirt dusted with vivid patches of wildflowers.

Each day ends on a solar-powered, custom-built houseboat. Watch towering, red sandstone cliffs float by from the top deck spa. Then, it’s three-course meals sourced from local produce and served alongside the region’s best wines.

The entire region you’ll be traversing is within the Riverland Ramsar site. Watch as spoonbills forage for food in the tranquil wetlands, emus parade through the wildflowers, and regent parrots flit above.

3. Maria Island Walk, Tasmania

wombat along the Maria Island Walk tasmania — Spot adorable locals.

Your Maria Island walk begins with a private boat transfer to an untouched, white sand beach. Barefoot in the sand, you’ll quickly realise – aside from your guide and group – you’re completely alone. Spot countless wombats and hear the distant calls of Tasmanian Devils as you spend four days leisurely traversing the island.

Nights are split between private, comfortable wilderness camps and queen-size beds in a historic cottage from the island’s convict history. Meals are built around fresh-caught seafood and served with East Coast Tasmanian wine.

4. Seven Peaks Walk, New South Wales

hiker on Seven Peaks Walks on Lord Howe Island — Explore the incredible Lord Howe Island. (Image: Luke Hanson)

Lord Howe Island feels like another world. With its patchwork blue coral lagoons and magma-honed peaks, it’s easy to forget you’re in New South Wales.

This walk has the highest level of elevation in the Great Walks of Australia’s collection. It’s because of this that you’ll witness nature like never before. UNESCO-listed volcanic peaks and coral reefs that grew out of solidified lava will become your daily norm.

Along the way, step onto beaches that lie undisturbed for weeks at a time. Then, snorkel the southernmost reef in the Pacific Ocean.

5. Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk, Northern Territory

This five-day, fully guided, premium hiking experience inside Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park was developed in partnership with Aṉangu Traditional Owners. Begin your walk dwarfed by the shade of Kata Tjuṯa’s towering dome formations. Following remote desert trails through the red sands, crest dunes and traverse mulga woodlands as you draw closer to the monolithic walls of Uluṟu.

Each night, dine under the lamp light of the Milky Way in the warm desert air and sleep in new flagship, environmentally sensitive private camps and lodge. This is the first time that travellers have ever been allowed to spend the night inside the national park.

6. The Twelve Apostles Signature Walk, Victoria

great walks of australia tour group on The Twelve Apostles Signature Walk, Victoria — See the Twelve Apostles in a new way. (Image: Ken Luke)

The Great Ocean Road’s rugged splendour is best experienced on this signature four-day, 44-kilometre guided walk . You’ll follow the rugged limestone stacks of the shipwreck coastline: wild, crashing waves, curious wildlife, and two national parks.

Finish each day at your luxurious lodge, where you’ll sit with your feet soaking and a glass of wine in hand. You’ll have a single lodge to call home on this walk, meaning you’ll only need to set out with a day pack.

7. Three Capes Signature Walk, Tasmania

On Tasmania’s Three Capes Signature Walk , you’ll feel like you’re walking along the edge of the world. From your boat landing on a remote beach, climb slowly upward for spectacular views and wildlife encounters with pods of dolphins, fur seals and echidnas. Spend days walking Jurassic dolerite cliffs with the wild Southern Ocean as your only constant.

Stay in architecturally designed eco-lodges nestled at the very edge of the world. Think floor-to-ceiling windows, a plunge pool and even an on-site spa to tend to ailments from the hike.

Discover more Great Walks of Australia and start planning your next adventure at greatwalksofaustralia.com.au.

8 unique outback getaways to have at least once in Australia

Beyond the red dirt roads and tiny towns, the outback is full of extraordinary beauty, from hot pools to waterfalls and ancient rock formations. Venture out there to see this wondrous place for yourself.

1. Wellness Way, Qld

2. Ikara-Flinders Ranges, SA

3. Board The Ghan, SA & NT

4. The Kimberley, WA

5. Uluṟu, NT

6. Mungo National Park, NSW

7. Australia by camelback, WA & SA

8. Kakadu National Park, NT

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7 Great Walks of Australia providing unforgettable adventures

Traipse Jurassic cliffs and wander secluded beaches on Australia’s most enchanting walks.

What are the Great Walks of Australia?

Where can you hike?

1. Scenic Rim Trail, Queensland

2. Murray River Walk, South Australia

3. Maria Island Walk, Tasmania

4. Seven Peaks Walk, New South Wales

5. Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk, Northern Territory

6. The Twelve Apostles Signature Walk, Victoria

7. Three Capes Signature Walk, Tasmania