Our Top Favourite Coastal Walks In Australia
Our Australian coast is a natural landscape encompassing a plethora of white sandy beaches, vistas of deep blue oceans, lush rainforest, sprawling heath plains and stunning clifftop views. And what better way to immerse yourself in Australia's quintessential coastal beauty than on foot! Check out our fave coastal walks ranging from easy to challenging.
Experience shoreline serenity today!
Bondi To Coogee (Sydney)
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Easy to get to and one of Sydney's most famous walks, the walk between two of Australia's most frequented beaches remains a quintessentially Aussie experience. This stunning 6kim track takes you through the stunning panoramic ocean vistas of Tamarama, Bronte and Clovelly. On the way, you'll find public ocean baths, tranquil Gordon's Bay and beachside cafés for a bottomless brunch when you're done! This walk also hots Sculpture By The Sea, the world's largest outdoor sculpture exhibition which returns each spring.
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Cape Byron Lighthouse (Byron Bay)
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This lighthouse track takes you on a serene coastal journey through rainforest, expansive grasslands, beaches and a stunning lighthouse vista. This loop track runs approximately 3.7 km with a combination of bush track and boardwalks. This walk promises Instagram worthy selfies when standing at the most easterly point of Australia's mainland. However, the most iconic part of this coastal walk is the view from Byron Bay lighthouse during the golden hours of sunset.
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Seal Bay Conservation Park (Kangaroo Island)
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Did someone say seals? The beautiful sandy beach is protected by a colony of playful sea lions and their pups, making this coastal walk a must when visiting Kangaroo Island. Cruise along the 800m boardwalk, soak in the views of the sea lions playing in the shallow water or lounging on the sand. You have the option to join a guided tour or follow the boardwalk to the lookout for scenic vistas over the bay!
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Noosa National Park (Noosa)
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Noosa Heads coastal track is a scenic shoreline walk that spans 6.8km of lush green woodlands, rocky bayside beauty and ruffed shoreline cliffs. You're promised views of pristine beaches at Boiling Pot, Hell's Gate and Dolphin Point. We suggest starting at Noosa and finishing at Sunshine Beach where you can cool off with a dip in the ocean, have lunch then bus back to Noosa centre.
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Great Ocean Walk (Apollo Bay)
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The Great Ocean Walk is an incredible trail that spans across 100km between the rugged scenic coastline of Apollo Bay and the iconic 12 Apostles. Along this strip, smaller hikes dot the coastal strip including The Gables which offers a spectacular clifftop lookout, and Crayfish Bay for snorkelling. Easy tracks to Loch Ard Gorge and the 12 Apostles provide additional information about the location's history. Or, deepen your experience with an immersive coastal tour.
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Cape To Cape Track (Margaret River)
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This challenging hike spans 135km along the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, taking you from the lighthouses to Cape Leeuwin, south-west of Western Australia. This rigorous coastal bushwalk boasts an impressive scenic display of organic rock formations, lush forests, caves and wide strips of beaches. This five to eight-day way starts in the Margaret River at Cape Naturalise region. Travel with a buddy, or take a small group guided tour over four days.
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South Coast Track (Tasmania)
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If you're after remote coastal beauty, the South Coast Track in Tasmania promises a challenging trail of magical sparkling lagoons, native shrubbery, rolling mountain ranges, untouched beaches and vast heathland. A popular trail for the avid hiker, this track spans across 95km between Melaleuca and Cockle Creek. A short plane ride from the city of Hobart, the South Coast Track takes between six and eight days to complete.
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Seven Peaks Walk (Lord Howe Island)
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Considered a UNESCO World Heritage destination, Lord Howe Island is home to the spectacular Seven Peaks Walk. This 45km hike spans over five days and is ideal for the avid hiker with a grade of moderate to challenging. This reward-winning experience offers a variety of walking options, showcase the magnificence of Lord Howe Island's expansive natural landscapes, volcanic peaks, tropical forests and coastal cliffs.
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Squeaky Beach (Wilsons Promontory National Park)
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Within Wilsons Promontory National Parl, 200km off the south-ease of Melbourne, you'll find a scenic trail from Tidal Rive all the way to Picnic Bay via Squeaky Beach. This walk is the home to pristine sand so fine that it literally squeaks between your toes and incredible vibes of Mount Oberon. If hardcore hiking isn't for you than Squeaky Beach is perfect. It's just a 50-minute walk over 2.1km of rugged coastal beauty.
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Cape Le Grand National Park (Esperance)
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45 minutes drive of Esperance, this grand part boats sweeping heathlands, rugged coastal peaks and stunning white sandy beaches voted the best in all Australia. If you have the energy, take a walk on the wild side and hike up Frenchman Peak and take in the stunning panoramic views of the park and islands within the Recherche Archipelago. Or, explore the park's wild reaches on the Coastal Trail which links to many of the park's spectacular coastal sections. Allow at least 9-10 hours to traverse this challenging terrain.
Popular trails include ranging from moderately easy to difficult -
Le Grand Beach to Hellfire Bay: Allow 3 hours one way.
Hellfire Bay to Thistle Cove: Allow 2-3 hours one way.
Thistle Cove to Lucky Bay: Allow 1 hour one way.
Lucky Bay to Rossiter Bay: Allow 2-3 hours one way.