Joy, liberation and good boots: a beginner’s guide to multi-day hiking in Australia

Setting off on your first big bushwalk can be intimidating but good planning (and the right gear) pays off

There are plenty of reasons to take up hiking holidays, from getting some fresh air and exercise to untethering yourself from your devices. Done right, it can be a joyful and liberating experience, but embarking on your first multi-day hike is daunting.

Putting in the effort to be well prepared will become worthwhile on the trail as you disconnect and let your mind wander. Simply wake up and eat, and start walking when you’re ready. Knowing you’ve already made most of the important decisions, you’re free to just enjoy the experience.

Planning and logistics

Some of Australia’s famous bushwalking trails only allow a limited number of hikers each day and they can book out quickly, so it’s worth thinking about where you want to go (and when) well in advance.

When deciding which hike to tackle, look at the skill level required. Grades 3 and 4 (moderate and moderate-difficult) generally hit the sweet spot of taking you away from the crowds without being too arduous.

In terms of transport, circuit hikes make access easy, while most one-way trails require a bit more planning. Either take two cars and leave one at the finishing point, or look for companies offering transfers at more popular trails – on longer bushwalks, they can often organise food drops as well.

Before you set off, let someone know when you’re leaving and when to expect you back, in case anything goes wrong.

Companies offering guided hikes can do most of this work for you, as well as organising gear. They can be an excellent option for anyone unable to carry a full pack, or struggling to put a group together, but charge handsomely for the privilege.

What should I take?

“There’s no such thing as bad weather,” goes the age-old hiking aphorism, “Only bad gear.” Prepare well, and you’ll be ready for any scenario.

It’s easy to spend a fortune on equipment – everything from cutlery to tents can be upgraded – but unless you’re planning a lengthy unsupported trip, middle-of-the-range gear will suffice in most cases. Start with a modest hike that allows you to test everything out, then buy fancier kit as needed.

Every hike has different needs and you should always pack for your destination, but some items will make any walk more enjoyable. Chief among these are good shoes and a decent pack. In both cases, comfort is vital and shopping in store is far safer than going online – independent stores, in particular, often have incredibly knowledgable and enthusiastic staff.

Try on multiple pairs of boots and walk around the store (including up and down steps if possible) to make sure they feel comfortable. Similarly, try on a few packs and don’t be shy about asking a staff member to adjust them to your body shape. A good pack should last more than a decade, so take your time.

Almost every multi-day hike will require you to camp out, and a good sleep is vital to enjoying the experience. When choosing a sleeping bag, you’ll have to prioritise warmth, weight or cost. Fortunately there are plenty of cheaper options suitable for most Australian conditions (look at the “comfort” rather than “lower limit” or “extreme” temperature ratings). Sleeping mats and even pillows provide extra comfort.

A tent is one of the heaviest pieces of essential equipment, but sharing one tent between hikers significantly reduces the weight you each need to carry and the set-up time once you arrive at camp.

When it comes to clothing, avoid cotton in favour of wool or synthetic fabrics that dry quickly, and make sure to bring plenty of layers – this is the best way to prepare for many situations without overloading. Don’t be afraid to wear clothes several days in a row, but keeping a set of fresh clothes for camp can be a game changer after a long day.

Food can be a serious contributor to weight, especially on longer hikes. Pack compact snacks with low water content – dried fruit and nuts are excellent – and follow the same theme for meals. Hiking stores are full of expensive dehydrated meals but you can easily prepare your own at home or go for cheap options like two-minute noodles. Just remember to avoid glass, tins or other heavy packaging. When cooking, gas stoves are typically easier to operate and lighter than spirit stoves.

As well as comfort, safety is an important concern. You should always have at least one first-aid kit in your group, a map and compass (and the ability to use them), and if you’re in a remote area, it’s worth thinking about hiring an EPIRB emergency beacon.

Training and testing

Most hikes require at least a moderate level of fitness, and the best way to prepare is simply to walk wherever possible. This also lets you break your shoes in so they won’t give you blisters.

Test out the rest of your gear before you hit the trail as well; go for a day walk with your pack, learn to set up and pack down your tent in the back yard and use everything you’re planning to bring with you at least once so you iron out any issues in advance.

What to expect on the trail

Replacing equipment is near impossible once you’re walking, so being prepared is essential. Just as vital is finding a good pace. Don’t push yourself too hard, because it’s meant to be fun.

Six hours of walking each day is a good amount to aim for. Your pack will probably will feel uncomfortably heavy at times, but one of the joys of multi-day hiking is that it gets easier as your fitness improves and you reduce weight as you go by eating food.

Water is an important consideration. Many Australian hikers drink water straight from rainwater tanks and creeks, but if you’re concerned about safety, bring something to treat the water with. Carrying three litres of drinking water a day is a good rule of thumb, plus extra to cook with if there is no water available at the next camp site.

Most popular hikes have composting toilets that can be smelly but are very convenient. If you need to go in the middle of the day, make sure to bury any waste at least 15cm deep with a trowel, away from any running water, so you don’t spoil the landscape.

In a group, splitting up meals so each person cooks one night is a great way to ensure variety and a communal atmosphere, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the sunsets and starry night skies. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself feeling tired much earlier than usual – in the absence of electricity you’ll naturally grow sleepy as soon as it’s dark (and maybe before).

Australia’s best beginner hikes

Three Capes track, Tasmania
4 days,
48km
On this trek through the stunning wilderness of the Tasman Peninsula you can sleep in huts, meaning you can ditch the extra weight of a tent. Modern facilities, stunning clifftop views and an excellent track make this a popular first hike.

Jatbula Trail, Northern Territory
five to six days,
62km
This gorgeous trail follows a series of waterholes along an old Jawoyn songline on the southern edge of the Arnhem Land escarpment. Because the days are short and the skies remain blissfully cloud-free all through the dry season, there’s plenty of time to enjoy a swim at the end of each day’s walking.

Light to Light Walk, New South Wales
two to three days, 31km
Near the town of Eden on the NSW south coast, this trail offers a gentle introduction to hiking with fabulous coastal views (including migrating whales from May to September), running water at one campsite and cottages with warm showers at another.

Wilsons Promontory Southern Circuit, Victoria
four days, 59km
A well-maintained track meanders around this popular holiday spot south of Melbourne, and there’s plenty of variety in the form of secluded beaches, dense forest and exposed granite headlands. The longest day is 17km and, because it’s a loop, getting there and back is simple.

Contributor

Alexis Buxton-Collins

The GuardianTramp

Related Content

Article image
‘You can learn almost instantly’: a beginner’s guide to standup paddleboarding
You’ve probably spotted Sup-ers swooshing along Australia’s waterways, even if you’ve never tried it. Cait Kelly discovers ‘valium in a water sport’

Cait Kelly

05, Jan, 2022 @4:30 PM

Article image
‘Steering is going to be a challenge’: a beginner’s guide to river tubing
Paddle in hand, Stephanie Convery rolls on an unexpected branch of the Yarra River

Stephanie Convery

15, Jan, 2022 @7:00 PM

Article image
Rugged lakes, panoramic peaks and sparkling bays: five underrated Victorian walks
From history lessons to art appreciation, these lesser-known walks in regional Victoria immerse visitors in nature and so much more

Richard Cornish, Dellaram Vreeland and Jay Dillon

01, Dec, 2023 @11:00 PM

Article image
Trekking the Great Ocean Walk: ‘Stand with no land mass between your sweaty skin and Antarctica’
Far less famous than its driving counterpart, this multi-day hike is no less rich for its relative obscurity – besides, you won’t spot carnivorous snails from a car

Kate Hennessy

20, Nov, 2021 @7:00 PM

Article image
'Like you've escaped to a magical island': surfers, rockers and swimmers on their favourite winter beaches
From a Sydney Harbour cove that looks private but isn’t, to a white sand-rimmed waterfall that can only be braved in winter, Australia’s cold-weather swimming spots have much to admire

Zac Bayly

31, Jul, 2020 @8:00 PM

Article image
Tasmania's Overland Track: sun, snow and glory in a wild and wondrous place
This multi-day hike will take you from Cradle Mountain to Australia’s deepest lake. Just be sure to pack plenty of layers …

Nikki Marshall

08, Dec, 2019 @5:00 PM

Article image
Hyperlapse video: hiking the epic Grampians Peaks Trail in 5.5 minutes
The GPT is a new 13-day, 160km traverse of western Victoria’s Grampians (Gariwerd) national park. David Fanner survived the walk, but condensing his journey into a hyperlapse almost broke him

David Fanner

01, Apr, 2022 @7:00 PM

Article image
A beginner’s guide to snorkelling: ‘Slow down … you see the most amazing stuff’
An easy entry into adventure, it does not cost much to get started with snorkelling – all you need is a decent mask, a wetsuit and the right place to go

Rafqa Touma

01, Jan, 2022 @7:00 PM

Article image
How to holiday across Australia this summer without an exorbitant rental car
No vehicle? No worries – it shouldn’t mean you have to hit the brakes on your getaway plans

Caitlin Cassidy

15, Dec, 2021 @1:30 AM

Article image
Domestic bliss: Australian destinations that feel like an overseas holiday
International travel may be off the cards, but there are plenty of alternatives to big ticket international destinations right here in Australia

Alexis Buxton-Collins

20, Nov, 2020 @7:00 PM