BEST HIKES IN AUSTRALIA
Curated by Dan Jee @hideandseek
Chamonix is calling.
To get you ready for the trails, we’ve put together a list of some of Australia’s best hikes to help you train and build up your stamina. Curated by Dan Jee from @hikeandseek, these trails will give you a taste of what’s to come while helping you prepare for the stunning yet challenging landscapes of the French Alps. Let’s dive into these local gems.
Pantoneys Crown
Capertee Valley – Gardens of Stone National Park, NSW
Type of hike:
Day Hike (Can be done as a tough overnight) As an overnight, packs need to be hauled up scramble sections and plenty of water is required. There is little to no water available.
Why you'll love it:
A tough day hike which is both technical and challenging. Pantoneys Crown is a unique mesa in the middle of the Capertee Valley (second widest canyon in the world). There are a variety of methods to tackle the walk with various entry points. All routes are unmarked and involve rogaining, scrambling and bush bashing with varying difficulty depending on natural seasonal bush growth. There aren’t too many natural mountain climb experiences around Sydney and Pantoneys is a nice challenge rewarded by expansive 360 degree views from the top of the mesa across the Capertee Valley. Not many people know of this gem of the Capertee Valley, no marked trails and maps and the remoteness leaves Pantoneys Crown an enigma for many. Capertee Valley is also one of the top 50 birdwatching locations in the whole world with up to 242 recorded bird species.
What to bring:
Plenty of water and a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) is a must for this walk. The usual refreshments, water and food to keep you going. Gaiters and Gloves – other things to tackle the thick bush. Consider covered pants and sleeves.
Mount Barney National Park, South East Queensland
Type of hike:
Day Hike (Can be done as an overnight) As an overnight, there are various camping areas to choose from with varying difficulty to reach with packs.
Why you'll love it:
A variety of routes up Mount Barney can dictate the difficulty of the walk but all routes to the summit include a climb of over 1000m usually in heat and humidity. The first time I tackled this walk a decade ago coupled with the Queensland heat, it broke me. The challenging aspect of climb, technicalities and views across South East Queensland make this walk super spectacular. Plenty of scrambles and moments to push your boundaries.One of Queensland’s famous higher grade hikes and a challenge for even the most-experienced of Aussie walkers
What to bring:
Plenty of water and a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) is a must for this walk especially when choosing alternative harder routes. A minimum of 4 litres of water
Walls of Jerusalem National Park, Tasmania
Type of hike:
Multi-Day (3+ Days Hike)
Why you'll love it:
Featured in the heart of Tasmania in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, the beautiful Walls of Jerusalem National Park has many landmarks named after biblical references such as King David’s Peak (1485m). The beauty of the walk lies in the fact you can design your own course and go from an overnight walk to stretch out to a week’s trip in this beautiful wilderness alpine area.Not quite the most iconic and first that comes to mind for people when Tasmanian hikes are thought of but the scenery and experience is second to none and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported into biblical times with the namesakes of the surrounding vistas.
What to bring:
Multi-day Hike large pack, PLB, plenty of food, Overnight gear (tent, sleeping bag etc.), navigational tools, cooking gear, water tablets/filter
