Walk this way: new Australian hikes to try in 2026

Australia's thriving hiking scene continues to grow, with new trails sprouting up across the country. According to recent data, almost 4 million Australians hit the trails each year, making it the third most popular form of physical activity in the nation.

For those looking for a challenge, Tasmania is set to unveil its newest iconic walk – a three-day trek through the rugged Tyndall Range on its west coast. Meanwhile, Victoria's new Great Ocean Road coastal trail will take walkers along the Otway coast from Fairhaven to Grey River over 76km.

In New South Wales, the Gidjuum Gulganyi walk has just launched, offering a four-day journey through subtropical rainforest and ancient volcano craters. This 42km track also features a cultural experience at its terminus, which is set to open later this year.

Queensland's Whitsunday Islands group is getting in on the action with its new 32km Ngaro trail. Traversing coastal landscapes, forests, and rocky peaks, walkers will enjoy breathtaking views of the island group. With just 15 walkers allowed per day, bookings have almost sold out for independent hikers.

The ACT has also seen significant additions to its hiking network, with a fresh 14km section added to the Tidbinbilla Mindjagari track network. Experienced bushwalkers can now tackle the Short 'n' Brutal loop and enjoy views over the Brindabellas and Kosciuszko national park.

South Australia's Adelaide 100 is nearing completion – hikers can follow a continuous section of more than 70km winding through koala-filled foothills, along gum-lined rivers, and past coastal dunes in the city.

Western Australia's Leeuwin Biddi trail offers an alternative to the Cape to Cape track, allowing walkers to appreciate this beautiful stretch of coastline over 3km. Designed for all ages and abilities, it connects with existing trails to link the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse with Augusta Boat Harbour.

New South Wales is also home to the Snowies Alpine walk – a four-day journey across alpine meadows filled with endemic wildflowers, historic mountain huts, and sinuous snow gums overlooking glacial lakes. The trail is part of NSW's growing collection of Great Walks.

Finally, international hiking enthusiasts can keep an eye out for several new trails set to launch this year. The Dongseo trail in South Korea promises a 850km coast-to-coast adventure featuring ancient Buddhist temples and village "base camps". In New Zealand, the Kawarau Gorge trail is scheduled to open later this summer, connecting Queenstown and Cromwell via swing bridges and cantilevered catwalks.

The Transcaucasian trail spans across Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, stretching 3,000km over mountains, scenic alpine landscapes, and secluded lakes. With diplomatic tensions in the region, it remains to be seen when – or if – this ambitious project will be completed.

I gotta say, I'm super stoked about these new hiking trails popping up across Australia and abroad . The fact that almost 4 million Aussies are hitting the trails each year is insane – it's no wonder they're calling it a thriving scene.

But what really gets my goat is how some of these trails are getting way too crowded. I mean, who thought it was a good idea to only allow 15 walkers per day on Queensland's Whitsunday Islands trail? It's like, what if you wanna go at your own pace or invite some friends along? You're basically out of luck.

And can we talk about the lack of accessibility for all ages and abilities? I mean, Western Australia's Leeuwin Biddi trail is only 3km long – that's not exactly a challenge, is it? Come on, guys, let's step up our game and create some real hiking trails that cater to everyone.

But overall, these new trails are looking pretty sweet. I'm particularly stoked about the Snowies Alpine walk in New South Wales – alpine meadows filled with wildflowers and glacial lakes? Yes please!

OMG u guys ! I'm soooo stoked for all these new hikes popping up everywhere!!! Tasmania is like, adding a super hard 3-day trek through the Tyndall Range and it's literally gonna be EPIC ! And in Victoria, they're doing this rad coastal trail along the Great Ocean Road that's like, whoa . I'm also low-key obsessed with the new Gidjuum Gulganyi walk in NSW - subtropical rainforest and ancient volcano craters?!?! And those views of Kosciuszko national park?

And can we talk about Queensland for a sec? The Whitsunday Islands' new Ngaro trail is literally the perfect combo of coastal landscapes, forests, and rocky peaks . Almost sold out already?!?! Like, who even has time to book that far in advance?

But for real though, I'm so hyped about all these new trails launching this year... especially the one in South Korea . An 850km coast-to-coast adventure featuring ancient Buddhist temples and village "base camps"?!?! That's like, my dream hike .

Oh and btw, can someone pls tell me more about that Transcaucasian trail? It sounds super adventurous but also kinda... complicated . Either way, I'm so stoked for all these new hiking options and can't wait to get out there and crush some trails!

omg what a rush of trails to hit up this year i'm defo eyeing off tasmania's new tyndall range walk - 3 days and rugged west coast views sound like pure bliss also got to give a shout out to the ngaro trail in qld, whitsunday islands are calling my name & snowies alpine walk in NSW looks epic too! but like, have you guys heard anything about the transcaucasian trail? 3000km thru 3 countries sounds insane what's going on with that one?

OMG u guys I'm telling u there's so much more to these new trails than meets the eye Like have u noticed how all these trails are popping up at exactly the same time? It's like they're trying to control our minds or something And what about the fact that most of these trails are being developed by private companies? That's just too suspicious for me, innit? I mean, who really benefits from all this hiking craze? Is it just a clever distraction from the real issues, like climate change and inequality? I'm not buying it, fam

I'm so stoked to see all these new hiking trails popping up across Australia! The thought of trekking through Tasmania's Tyndall Range or exploring Victoria's Great Ocean Road coastal trail sounds like a total adventure . And 4 million Aussies hitting the trails each year is just insane – I reckon we need more parks and protected areas for our wildlife and environment . Can't wait to see what the rest of the year brings in terms of new trails and routes !

I just love seeing so many people getting out into nature like that! It's amazing how much Australia has come together to create these incredible trails for us to enjoy. I've been to a few of them myself and they're just incredible - the views, the scenery, the sense of adventure... it's just what we need in our busy lives.

I think what really gets me is that there are so many options out there now, no matter where you live or how old you are. Whether you want a leisurely stroll or a proper hike up a mountain, there's something for everyone. And the best part is, it's not just about getting some exercise - it's also about connecting with nature and being in awe of its beauty.

I've got to say, though, I'm a bit worried about all these new trails going up at the same time... won't they end up being overrun? But overall, I think this is just fantastic news for anyone who loves hiking or just wants to get outside more.

can you imagine walking on a section of the transcaucasian trail after all those diplomatic tensions... i'm not sure about the current situation but 3000km is a looong time to trek, especially considering the terrain and cultural differences across three countries . maybe its a great opportunity for cultural exchange and understanding? on a more positive note, australia's new trails are giving me major wanderlust vibes gotta get out there and hike some of those beautiful routes

I'm so stoked about all these new hiking trails popping up! It's like, totally awesome that more people are getting into outdoor adventures . I've been hearing from my mates at school who have done some of the shorter trails and they're having an absolute blast! I wish our school had something like this – can you imagine if we had a walking track around the school grounds? It'd be so cool to explore and get some exercise while doing it . But seriously, it's great that there are so many options for people who want to hit the trails, whether they're looking for a leisurely stroll or an epic challenge . I'm definitely adding Tasmania's Tyndall Range trek to my bucket list now – 3 days in the wilderness sounds like the ultimate school break .

I'm so stoked to see Australia's hiking scene growing like crazy ! More people hitting the trails is always a good thing, but I do worry that with all these new trails popping up, some of them might not get the maintenance they need . We've seen it happen before where a beautiful trail gets overused and ends up getting ruined.

But on the bright side, it's awesome to see Tasmania and Victoria introducing new iconic walks that'll challenge even the most seasoned hikers . And I love how Queensland is giving its Whitsunday Islands group some serious TLC with this 32km Ngaro trail – those views must be insane!

It's also great to see international hiking enthusiasts getting in on the action, especially the Transcaucasian trail which sounds like an epic adventure (even if there are diplomatic tensions holding it back ). Who knows, maybe one day we'll have a more connected global hiking network that lets us explore all these incredible trails. A realist can dream, right?

man this hiking scene is on fire in australia right now, almost 4 million people hitting the trails every year? that's insane! i've been to tasmania a few times and the tyndall range walk sounds like an epic adventure. but what really gets me is that qld's whitsunday islands trail has such strict booking limits - just 15 walkers per day, gotta be good to keep it wild

The road not taken is often the one less traveled by - but with so many new trails popping up across Australia, who's complaining? The more options we have, the merrier I say! Just make sure to bring your Akubra and zinc cream before heading out into the bush...