Australia's entire coastline extends beyond 35,000 kilometres - that's a whole lot of coast walks!  Our selection of favourite walks adds up to only a few of those kilometres.  There are endless options of Australian treks surrounded by white, pristine beaches, lush rainforests, impressive cliffs or dense bush - these are just a few you might wish to explore during your next holiday escape.  

New South Wales

Image source: - Bondi to Coogee Walk

1. Bondi to Coogee Walk, Sydney

One of Sydney's most iconic coastal walks.  The cliff top walk features beautiful ocean views, beaches, parks, cliffs, bays and rock pools.
Distance: 6km | Duration: two to three hours | Difficulty: Moderate

2. Spit Bridge to Manly, Sydney

A classic bush walk in Sydney's Northern Beaches providing beautiful views of Middle Harbour. 
Distance: 10km | Duration: four to five hours | Difficulty: Moderate

3. The Coast Track - Bundeena to Otford

Located in Sydney's Royal National Park this trek is commonly enjoyed as a multi-day walk with incredible coastal lookouts, swimming spots, seasonal wildflowers and whale watching.
Distance: 27.4km | Duration: two days | Difficulty: Moderate

4. Bouddi Coastal Walk

One of the most beautiful central coast walks running from Putty Beach to MacMasters Beach. What you'll see? Beaches, rainforests, birdlife and plenty of picnic spots to eat & rest.
Distance: 8.5km | Duration: 4 - 5 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

5. Light to Light, Ben Boyd National Park

A multi-day walk along the coastline between historic Boyds Tower and Green Cape Lightstation. There's plenty to see - from lively forests, sheltered coves to seafront vantage points, where it's common to spot seals and whales.
Distance: 30km | Duration: 2 - 3 days | Difficulty: Experienced

6. Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A relatively short walk to the summit of Tomaree Head where you can see panoramic views of Port Stephens and the north coast. 
Distance: 2.2km | Duration: 2 hours | Difficulty: Experienced

7. Binji Dream Track, Eurobodalla National Park, South Coast

This one day walk runs along different coastal habitats and invites people to visit places and follow the footsteps of the Aboriginal, Bringa-Yuin people. As an added bonus, you are also likely to see kangaroos and wallabies.
Distance: 13.5km | Duration: 4 - 6 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

8. Solitary Island Coastal Walk, Coffs Harbour

One of the most beautiful walks on the east coast of NSW.  A multiple day trek that will take your through beaches, rocky headlands and rainforests along the Coffs Coast.  A wonderful long weekend walk to view dolphins all year round while enjoying a spontaneous swim or picnic on the occasional stop.
Distance: 60km | Duration: 3 - 4 days | Difficulty: Difficult

9. Mount Gower, Lord Howe Island

This challenging, rope-assisted hike is rated one of Australia's best.  Though it is a difficult, leg killer walk it concludes in a breathtaking 360° view of the island surrounded by pristine blue waters.  What you'll see? Rare plants and wildlife, outstanding panoramic views.
Distance: 13km | Duration: 8 hours | Difficulty: Experienced

10. Lighthouse Walk, Byron Bay

Spectacular ocean views, kangaroo filled grasslands, palms and plenty of wildlife are all part of the beautiful scenes you'll experience in the hike to the Cape Byron Lighthouse.
Distance: 3.7km | Duration: 2 - 3 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

11. Yuraygir Coastal Walk

Best if walked from north to south, this multi-day track runs along the coastline from Angourie to Red Rock where you can follow the trails of the Australia's coastal emus and journey through the Aboriginal lands of the Gumbaynggirr and Yaegl nations.  
Distance: 65km | Duration: 4 - 5 days | Difficulty: Experienced

Image source: Janette Asche - Mt. Gower Walk

Image source: Alexandra Adoncello - Tomaree Head Summit Walk

Queensland

Image source: Snapshots of Straddie - North Gorge Walk, North Stradbroke Island

1. Headland Trek, Noosa National Park

Walk by Boiling Pot, Dolphin Point and Hell's Gate for spectacular coastal lookouts.  A relatively crowded trek that is best to experience in cooler months and in the middle of the week to avoid crowds. 
Distance: 10.8km | Duration: two to three hours | Difficulty: Moderate

2. North Gorge Walk, North Stradbroke Island

An easy walk with a clear and designated track where you will experience breathtaking ocean views and unique wildlife.  Keep your eyes open for the occasional koala and if you're traveling from June to November you may spot humpback whales on their annual migration.
Distance: 1.2km | Duration: 30 min | Difficulty: Easy

3. Oceanview Track, Burleigh Head National Park, Gold Coast

Burleigh Head is a Gold Coast landmark featuring rainforests, eucalypt forest, coastal heath, mangroves, creeks, rocky foreshore and beaches. The track hugs the coastline from Burleigh Heads right around to Tallebudgera Creek. You have rainforest on one side and ocean on the other!
Distance: 1.2km | Duration: 30 min | Difficulty: Moderate

4. Cooloola Great Walk

Immerse yourself in nature in this remote hike through Cooloola's rainforest and coastal woodland linking Noosa North Shore with Rainbow Beach.  An incredibly diverse hike filled with sand dunes, endless beaches, cool riversides and a eucalyptus forest. Just make sure to pack your essential gear to enjoy this epic adventure.
Distance: Up to 102km | Duration: 5 days | Difficulty: Moderate

5. Bicentennial Walkway, Airlie Beach

A waterfront walk stretching from Airlie Beach's lagoon to the sands of Cannonvale Beach.  This well maintained and easy trek features several cafes, restaurants and bars where you can stop to enjoy a rest while keeping an eye out for marine life.
Distance: 4km | Duration: 45min to 1 hour | Difficulty: Easy

Image source: Queensland Government - Burleigh Head National Park

Victoria

Image source: Mark Watson - Great Ocean Walk

1. Cape Woolamai Circuit, Phillip Island Nature Park

2. Great Ocean Walk, Great Otway National Park

One of the most iconic long-distance walks in Australia.  Experience the incredible views and remote and rugged coastlines located between Apollo Bay and the famous Twelve Apostles in this dramatic multi-day hike.
Distance: Up to 100km | Duration: 8 days | Difficulty: Moderate

3. George Bass Coastal Walk

The popular George Bass Coastal Walk is a cliff-top trail that stretches from the outskirts of San Remo at Punchbowl Road, to the Bass Highway in Kilcunda.
Distance: 8.2km | Duration: 2 to 3 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

4. Wilsons Promontory Southern Circuit, Wilsons Promontory National Park

Victoria’s most popular multiday bushwalk, nestled between the slopes of Mount Oberon down to the eastern shore of Wilsons Promontory National Park.  Along the way you'll discover lush rainforests, beaches, coastal dunes, plunging cliffs and plenty of Australian wildlife ready to greet you including wombats, kangaroos, wallabies and emus.
Distance: 57.5km | Duration: 3 days | Difficulty: Moderate

5. Point Addis and Bells Beach Loop Trail

Accessible all year-round, this one day hike starting from one of Australia's most famous surf beaches offers stunning ocean views of the rugged southern coast. Just make sure to plan the beach portion of the hike during low tide. 
Distance: 11km | Duration: 4-5 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

6. Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail, Melbourne

This coastal path which runs from Westgate Bridge to Skeleton Creek takes you past the maritime historical precinct of Williamstown, botanical gardens, sandy beaches and spectacular buildings. Suitable for pedestrians and bikes.
Distance: 23km | Duration: 4 to 5 hours | Difficulty: Easy

7. Bushrangers Bay Track

The walk offers amazing views, the chance to see wild kangaroos and is a fairly easy trail in the Mornington Peninsula.
Distance: 6km | Duration: 4 to 5 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

Western Australia

Image source: - The Long Ways Better Cape Le Grand National Park

1. Bald Head Hike, Torndirrup National Park 

A challenging but rewarding trail offering stunning views of the Southern Ocean and King George Sound.  Make sure to carry 2L of water, some snacks and your camera for some amazing photographic opportunities.
Distance: 12.5km | Duration: 6 to 8 hours | Difficulty: Advanced

2. Hellfire Bay to Rossiter Bay, Cape Le Grand National Park

Highly recommended for experienced hikers, enjoy fabulous landscapes and make sure to stop by Lucky Bay - famed for having one of Australia's most beautiful beaches.
Distance: 15.7km | Duration: 4 to 6 hours | Difficulty: Advanced

3. Redgate Beach to Conto Campground, Redgate

A scenic walk featuring stunning clifftop views and magnificent wildflower displays.  Aim to go between September and November to watch for migrating whales along the coast, also look out for dolphins and resting kangaroos.
Distance: 12km | Duration: 3 to 4 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

4. Cape to Cape Track, Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park

A great multi day trek challenge traversing the length of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park between the lighthouses of Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin in the far south west of Western Australia. Featuring coastal and forest scenery, a fascinating geology of cliffs, caves, headlands and rock formations and an ever-changing display of vegetation and wildflowers.
Distance: Up to 123km | Duration: 7 days | Difficulty: Moderate

Image source: suzannemoorecreative - Cape to Cape Track & everytraileverywhere - The Bibbulman Track

South Australia

Image source: Awol - Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail

1. Deep Creek Circuit, Felurieu Peninsula

Hills, views, landscape diversity, a waterfall and the beautiful blue ocean are all part of this well maintained trail perfect to explore during a weekend getaway.  The parks is home to an array of native wildlife such as western grey kangaroos, short beaked echidnas and 100 species of birds that can be heard and seen while walking in the park.
Distance: 12km | Duration: 5 to 6 hours | Difficulty: Advanced

2. Heysen Trail, Newland Head Conservation Park

Passing through some of Australia's most diverse and breathtaking landscapes the Heysen Trail is the longest walking trail in Australia.  For a shorter option, we recommend walking the 11.5km from Waitpinga Cliffs to Kings Beach.
Distance: Up to 1200km | Duration: 60 days | Difficulty: Advanced

3. Kaiki Walk, Granite Island Recreation Park

A wonderful walk to discover Granite Island and enjoy as a family.  The path is stroller and wheelchair friendly.  Granite Island is around 62 acres and is one of the most recognised ecological attractions in Victor Harbor due to its unusual granite formations with crashing white waves, elevated views, flora and fauna, and walking trails that provide outstanding panoramic coastal views.
Distance: 1.9km | Duration: 1 to 2 hours | Difficulty: Easy

4. Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, Kangaroo Island

Start the journey from Rocky River to the Cup Gum Campsite where you may have the chance to encounter the rare platypus. Continue on to the Hakea, Banksia, and Tea Tree Campsite where you'll be rewarded with spectacular deep sea views of the Southern Ocean and cinematic landscapes of the captivating Remarkable Rocks.  The final day's walk passes through beautiful and diverse habitats, from recovering woodlands to freshwater lakes.
Distance: 61km | Duration: 5 days | Difficulty: Moderate

Image source: Walking SA - Deep Creek Circuit

Tasmania

Image source: Wukalina Walk - Bay of Fires

1. Cape Tourville Lighthouse Walk, Freycinet National Park

A very easy walk with remarkable coastal views of Freycinet National Park. Sights include the Hazards, Wineglass Bay and nearby offshore rocks known as The Nuggets.
Distance: 0.6km | Duration: 20min | Difficulty: Easy

2. Wineglass Bay, Isthmus and Hazards Beach Track, Freycinet National Park

Discover what is beyond the Wineglass Bay lookout on this extended circuit.  The trek gives you a fuller and more challenging taste of the beauty of the Freycinet National Park.
Distance: 11.9km | Duration: 5 hours | Difficulty: Easy

3. Cape Hauy Walking Track, Tasman National Park

Part of the Three Capes Track, the trail passes through woodlands containing an abundance of wildflowers before coming to the magnificent views of steep cliffs and rock formations. 
Distance: 9.4km | Duration: 4-5 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

4. Cape Raoul Track, Stormlea

Offering some of the most spectacular coastal lookouts in Tasmania, Cape Raoul is an excellent walk with only a few steep sections.  The track is narrow and the hiking is tough at times, but there are stunning cliff-top views along the way to justify the effort, leading to postcard views of the 200-meter tall cliffs of dolerite columns at Cape Raoul.
Distance: 14km | Duration: 5-6 hours | Difficulty: Advanced

5. Wukalina Walk, Bay of Fires

An Aboriginal owned and operated guided walk around the Bay of Fires areas in North East Tasmania. This cultural experience will take you through the natural beauty of wukalina and larapuna while walking the steps and hearing the stories of the palawa people.
Distance: 61km | Duration: 4 days | Difficulty: Moderate

Image source: Getty Images - Cape Hauy Walking Track