The nation’s most prestigious network of guided multi-day hikes has expanded to 15 with the addition of two spectacular new experiences – the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk and the Kangaroo Island Signature Walk, both operated by the Tasmanian Walking Company.
Launched in 2013 as part of Tourism Australia’s Signature Experiences program, Great Walks of Australia represents the gold standard in nature-based tourism – think all-inclusive, fully guided adventures through the country’s most breathtaking wilderness areas.
Hiking to the heart of Australia
The Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk is a first-of-its-kind experience. (Image: Tasmanian Walking Company)
The five-day journey traverses 54 kilometres. (Image: Michael Peters)
This walk redefines what it means to travel respectfully on Country. (Image: Tasmanian Walking Company)
Explore from the domes of Kata Tjuṯa to the base of Uluṟu. (Image: Michael Peters)
The walk is a decade in the making. (Image: Tasmanian Walking Company)
A decade in the making, the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk is a first-of-its-kind experience offering exclusive overnight stays inside the World Heritage-listed national park. Developed in partnership with Aṉangu Traditional Owners, the five-day journey traverses 54 kilometres from the domes of Kata Tjuṯa to the base of Uluṟu, blending premium comfort with deep cultural connection.
Walkers stay in new eco-sensitive camps and a private lodge, feast on chef-prepared meals under desert skies, and learn stories passed down over tens of thousands of years. Guided by Indigenous partners and expert storytellers, this walk redefines what it means to travel respectfully on Country.
The island is back
The Kangaroo Island Signature Walk celebrates SA’s wild southwest coast. (Image: Declan Hartley Brown)
The 4-day guided journey goes through Flinders Chase National Park. (Image: Declan Hartley Brown)
Across the water, the Kangaroo Island Signature Walk celebrates South Australia’s wild southwest coast on a four-day guided journey through Flinders Chase National Park. Traversing the most scenic stretches of the 46-kilometre Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, the experience pairs rugged cliffs and ancient forests with heritage lighthouse accommodation at Cape du Couedic, chef-prepared local produce and premium South Australian wines.
Guests walk lightly, supported by expert guides, and can expect encounters with sea lions, wallabies and echidnas along the way. True to the Tasmanian Walking Company’s sustainability ethos, the walk is 100 per cent carbon neutral and certified under Advanced Ecotourism Australia.
A new chapter for Great Walks of Australia
Stay in heritage lighthouse accommodation at Cape du Couedic on the Kangaroo Island Signature Walk. (Image: Declan Hartley Brown)
Executive Officer of Great Walks of Australia, Genevieve Matthews, says the new additions add “both heart and a new edge" to the collection.
“One experience has guests journeying through the ancient landscape of Australia’s Red Centre, and the other set along the spectacular rugged coastline of South Australia," she said.
“These new additions to the collection extend the offering to our loyal walking community, showcasing some of the most globally recognised and breathtaking landscapes in the country."
Tasmanian Walking Company co-owner Brett Godfrey said it was a privilege to share these landscapes through responsible tourism.
“Both Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk and Kangaroo Island Signature Walk represent not only world-class hiking experiences, but also a profound respect for the landscape, cultural heritage, and environment in which they take place," Godfrey said.
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Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her 4+ years at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? South Australia and The Kimberley.
A place of spectacular coastlines and rolling vineyards, the Mornington Peninsula is just an hour from Melbourne, yet feels like a world away.
Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula is often voted the number one short stay in Australia, and for good reason. From its beautiful coastline and scenic trails to exceptional food and wine, it’s the perfect escape any time of year, but especially as the weather grows cooler.
Picture afternoons relaxing in the soul-warming hot springs. Evenings by a cosy fireplace, sipping one of the region’s renowned Pinot Noirs and tucking into a delicious meal made from local produce. Now stop imagining, and start planning; here’s why the Mornington Peninsula should be your next long weekend adventure.
1. It’s easy to get to
Spend a long weekend on the Mornington Peninsula. (Image: CMcConville)
At only an hour’s drive southeast of the city, the Mornington Peninsula offers unbeatable convenience. If you’re taking the Eastlink tollway to Peninsula Link, look out for eclectic roadside artwork such as Callum Morton’s high-rise hotel (hint: you can’t check in).
2. The coastline is stunning
Stay in colourful, iconic beach huts along the coast.
The Mornington Peninsula separates Port Phillip Bay to its west and Western Port Bay to its east, making it the only place in Victoria you can see a sunrise over one bay and sunset over another.
Its spectacular coastline varies from sandy swimming and surf beaches to dramatic rocky cliffs. Mt Martha Beach, known for its colourful beach huts and calm clear waters, was named in Tourism Australia’s Top 10 beaches for 2026. Nearby, Arthurs Seat Eagle offers gondola rides to the peninsula’s highest point, where you can enjoy breathtaking vistas.
For a different perspective from the water, embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience swimming with the bay’s resident dolphins, or catch a ride with Searoad Ferries from Sorrento to Queenscliff (the tip of the opposite Bellarine Peninsula). Pop into their new Sorrento terminal for sweeping views from its floor-to-ceiling windows and a bite to eat at Mediterranean restaurant ONDA.
3. Taste exceptional food and wine
Treat yourself to the restaurant at Crittenden.
While the Mornington Peninsula is now synonymous with cool climate wines like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, it was originally renowned for apple production. There are many orchards still in operation, like fifth-generation Mock Red Apple; taste craft ciders (the Mulled Spiced Cider is a must in winter), and don’t miss the famous apple pie.
Of course, it would almost be a sin not to dine at a winery restaurant, or at least try a local wine. Stop at Foxey’s Hangout for casual share plates and a glass of Chardonnay on the deck; or for a more formal affair, the light-filled restaurant at Paringa Estate offers a fine dining set menu on weekends, with picturesque estate views.
Pt. Leo Estate has no less than three separate dining experiences to choose from, ranging from a wine terrace to contemporary fine dining, all sourcing seasonal Victorian and local Mornington Peninsula produce, and offering stunning vistas over Western Port Bay.
And opened in 2025, the restaurant at Crittenden celebrates regional produce with a modern Australian menu that pairs beautifully with their sustainably crafted estate wines.
4. Plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors
Tee off at world-class golf courses with stunning coastal views.
The Red Hill Rail Trail follows the old railway line between Merricks and Red Hill, while the Bushrangers Bay Walking Track is the go-to trail for rugged coastal scenery, linking Cape Schanck and the Boneo Road picnic area (part of the longer Two Bays Trail).
The region is also home to several national parks providing plenty of opportunities to connect with nature, whether it’s a walk, picnic, or simply admiring the local flora and fauna. Golf lovers will rejoice with gorgeous courses such as the world-class Moonah Links or Flinders Golf Club, one of Victoria’s oldest golf courses.
5. Lean into wellness and relaxation
Unwind in mineral-rich hot springs and soak in total relaxation.
Soaking in one of the Mornington Peninsula’s mineral-rich hot springs is a must in the cooler months. Alba Thermal Springs and Spa is the newer addition, with 25 contemporary geothermal pools, a sauna and steam room set amongst elegant coastal landscaping. Book a Night Owl session to watch the sunset from the pools, and extend your visit with a spa treatment or dining at their restaurant.
Across the road, the Peninsula Hot Springs offers two main bathing areas, cafes and a spa in a natural bush setting. The Bath House comprises over 70 bathing and wellness experiences, including their iconic Hilltop Pool, a reflexology walk, and Nepalese mineral showers; while the Spa Dreaming Centre is a serene adults-only sanctuary.
6. Get a culture fix
Discover inspiring art across galleries and sculpture parks. (Image: Chris Conville)
Wander the Southern Hemisphere’s largest privately owned sculpture park at Pt. Leo Estate, glass of red in hand, or pop into the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery to view one of their seasonal exhibitions. Seawinds Garden is also home to a sculpture collection by William Ricketts, surrounded by exotic and indigenous gardens.
If you’re more of a history buff, book a tour of the Cape Schanck Lighthouse, or spend an afternoon at Point Nepean National Park. Here, you can explore walking trails through the traditional country of the Bunurong people, learn the history of the old Quarantine Station and discover military forts and tunnels.
7. Gorgeous accommodations
Check into Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill.
The Mornington Peninsula’s standout accommodations are an experience in themselves. Escape to The Sanctuary at Alba Thermal Springs and Spa, a luxe retreat perched in the dunes above the springs. Or indulge in the dramatic luxury of Jackalope Hotel, home to a vine-facing pool and spa and the chef-hatted Doot Doot Doot.
For a dose of European country charm, stay at Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill, set amongst lush gardens and vines with a cellar door and chef-hatted restaurant. Or for more contemporary, yet still charming, surroundings, the InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula is a historic hotel reimagined as a luxe coastal stay with European flair, including a pool deck and on-site bathhouse.
