Australia's Most Exciting Winter Hiking Trails

WIIIINTEEERRRRR! Far from hibernating like a grizzly bear until the cold passes, the winter months in Australia are perfect for getting your day pack together and living your best outdoor life. There are many winter hiking tracks in Australia that are so incredibly exciting to explore, either when hanging with the family or rocking solo. If you want to try something new and exciting this winter, then our experienced team at Anaconda has created a list of the absolute best trails for winter hiking in Australia that you absolutely have to try at least once in your life. Whether you want to road test your winter wardrobe and make snow angels, or take a dip in a secluded lagoon in the top end and soak up as much vitamin D as possible, these winter hiking trails have something for everyone. So make sure your hiking shoes are strapped on tight, your backpack is loaded up and you’ve got your thermals on, because here is our list of the best winter hiking tracks in Australia, hand-picked just for you!

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• Larapinta Trail, Northern Territory
• Snowy Mountains Region, New South Wales
• Jatbula Trail, Nitmiluk National Park, Northern Territory
• Walls of Jerusalem, Tasmania
• Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory
• Cape to Cape Track, Margaret River, Western Australia

Larapinta Trail, Northern Territory

Stretching over 223 kilometres from The Telegraph Station in Alice Springs to Mount Sonder, the Larapinta trail is recognised as one of the world's most spectacular desert hiking routes. Showcasing the Northern Territory's signature dry, red dust landscapes, visually stunning gorges with hidden waterholes, millennia-old ghost gums and geological sites, unique wildlife and the rich Indigenous cultural history of the Alice, it's not hard to understand why the Larapinta Trail is at the top of the list for winter hiking in Australia. Part of the attraction of the Larapinta Trail is the range of options available for exploring it. Guided treks are popular with people who don't want to miss any of the highlights of the trail and are keen to learn about the cultural and geological significance of many of the sites en-route from local experts.

Alternatively, there's the option of exploring Larapinta unguided and taking things at your own pace. Along with how you navigate the trail, there are distance options too. Food drops at designated areas are available for hardcore hikers keen to do the full 10 to 12-day, 223-kilometre trek (whether guided or unguided) or you can choose to experience select stages that take three, six or nine days to complete (again, guided or unguided) with the option of camping under the stars in wilderness sites, or resting up and recharging the batteries in the relative comfort of an eco-friendly campsite. Start from either the Telegraph Station or the Mount Sonder end of the trek - the choice is yours when it comes to hiking Larapinta. And, with temperatures in the Alice varying between the low to high 20s in the winter months, the Larapinta Trail is best explored between May to October.

Why you’ll love The Larapinta Trail:

• Is recognised as one of the world's most spectacular desert hiking routes!
• Guided treks are available to ensure you don’t miss any of the spectacular sights on offer!
• Lots of wildlife and rich Indigenous cultural history to discover

Snowy Mountains Region, New South Wales

The Mt Kosciusko National Park and greater Snowy Mountains region of NSW is a Mecca for hiking fans year-round but, when the colder weather arrives, it takes on a new life as a winter wonderland. The region has a seemingly endless supply of day hikes. From the Palliabo Walking Track near the Thredbo River to the Waterfall Walking Track in Jindabyne and Lake Crackenback (which takes advantage of Lake Crackenback Resort and Spa as a start/finish point for hikers and bushwalkers looking for some creature comforts at the end of a long day). When planning your winter hike in the Snowy Mountains, always check for any travel warnings current for the area. The weather is also known to change quickly, so make sure you've packed for cold and icy conditions, just to be sure.

Why you’ll love The Snowy Mountains Region:

• The best trails for hiking in winter in NSW, from the iconic Kosciuszko summit to tranquil alpine lakes
• Vast and rugged landscapes offer lots of diverse winter hiking trails
• Rich biodiversity surrounds you, with unique flora and fauna, creating an unforgettable hiking experience

Jatbula Trail, Nitmiluk National Park, Northern Territory

Stretching over 62 kilometres in length from Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) to Leliyn (Edith Falls) in Australia's Top End, the Jatbula Trail is another stunning multi-day Northern Territory winter hiking trail. Where the Larapinta Trail showcases the red, dusty and mountainous expanses of the Territory, the six-to-eight-day Jatbula Trail immerses you in a tropical walking adventure in western Arnhem Land, replete with amazing waterholes, monsoonal forests, rock art and places of cultural significance for the traditional custodians of the land, the Jawoyn people. Jatbula Trail can be done as a guided or unguided hike. If you want to go unguided, it's essential you book your national park entry and camping passes well in advance. The longest section of Jatbula is day three's 16-kilometre stretch, with other days averaging out at 10 kilometres each over moderate terrain, making it accessible for people of all ages, fitness levels and bushwalking experience. Experts recommend starting your day early to take in the trail's amazing sunrises and then pulling the pin by the afternoon so you can cool off in a waterhole or pool.

Why you’ll love The Jatbula Trail:

• Ancient rock art, waterfalls and gorges enrich this breathtaking 62km trek
• Nitmiluk Gorge's stunning views reward hikers with unparalleled natural beauty
• Cultural significance: walk in the footsteps of Jawoyn people

Walls of Jerusalem, Tasmania

If you're looking for a hiking experience that shows off south-eastern Australia's rugged winter beauty, then the 23-kilometre Walls of Jerusalem circuit in Tasmania should be placed high on your list of places to explore. Located in the heart of a World-Heritage-listed wilderness, the Walls of Jerusalem Hike immerses you in a stunning winter landscape of alpine lakes, unique wildlife and fauna, and unforgettable views from the 1,485-metre summit of King David's Peak. The trail can be walked within a guided small group or as a self-guided option with support provided.

It has its challenges - the weather in the area can vary dramatically over just a few hours so, if you're doing a self-guided trek, it's vital you have bushwalking experience, purpose-designed winter outdoor clothing, adequate supplies and safety equipment. It's recommended that beginners undertake the hike in a guided group and have a basic fitness level. Most walkers take three-to-four days to complete the hike, with Wild Dog Creek, Dixons Kingdom and Lake Adelaide offering great wilderness camping facilities en-route. Parks Tasmania asks hikers to do the trail clockwise starting at Wild Dog and wrapping up at Lake Adelaide to minimise the need for walkers to pass each other on the narrow tracks, which can cause damage to the fragile alpine environment.

Why you’ll love The Walls of Jerusalem:

• Discover pristine, snow-covered landscapes amid tranquil solitude
• Revel in breathtaking views of rugged peaks and ancient alpine terrain
• Encounter unique wildlife and flora, immersing in Tasmania's natural wonders

Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory

Covering over 20,000 square kilometres, the Northern Territory's heritage-listed Kakadu National Park is an incomparable winter holiday destination in Australia. While it's popular with 4X4 and camping enthusiasts, exploring Kakadu by foot is an amazing way to enjoy this great natural wonder of the world. As well as taking in the amazing Jin Jin Falls, experiencing unforgettable cliff views, swimming in idyllic waterholes and touring wetlands that are home to typically Australian wildlife, the Kakadu National Park Walk immerses you in more than 40,000 years of Aboriginal cultural heritage. The trail is a 37-kilometre stretch and, if the estimated four to six days to complete the trail sounds a bit arduous, it can easily be split into shorter day treks. The National Park trek is a guided hike, so you can avoid the crowds, get access to private campsites, enjoy meals prepared by your camp guides and experience parts of Kakadu that your average tourist doesn't get to visit.

Why you’ll love Kakadu National Park:

• Experience Kakadu's waterfalls transformed into cascading icy spectacles in this stunning winter wonderland
• Encounter ancient rock art amid a serene, misty winter wilderness
• Marvel at diverse wildlife thriving in Kakadu's cool, refreshing winter

Cape to Cape Track, Margaret River, Western Australia

Stretching from Cape Leeuwin to Cape Naturaliste in Western Australia's Margaret River region, the 135-kilometre, six-to-eight-day Cape to Cape track is famous for being Australia's longest coastal walk. The Cape to Cape trail can be completed self-guided style for the more experienced bushwalkers who want to take their time exploring the track's white sand beaches, Karri forests, limestone caves and diverse little villages that are part of the unique charm of the region. Alternatively, there are plenty of group-guided tours, some of which manage to combine sneaky visits to the local wineries. While not as mild as the northern parts of Western Australia and the Top End, winter and early spring temperatures in the Margaret River region are still mild enough to enjoy hiking the track without needing to pack bulky winter clothing to keep warm.

Why you’ll love Cape to Cape Track:

• Taste world-class wines and gourmet delights after your exhilarating winter hike
• Embrace invigorating coastal winds and the rugged beauty of Cape to Cape
• Discover hidden caves and stunning cliffs during their exciting guided walking tours

Discover The Best Trails For Winter Hiking In Australia Today

When it comes to the best trails for winter hiking in Australia, including all the winter hiking gear you’ll need, Anaconda has all of your needs covered to ensure that you will enjoy every exhilarating moment. Make sure you check out our Adventure Centre for more helpful tips and exciting destinations that you can visit with your friends, loved ones and family. If you liked our Australia’s Most Exciting Winter Hiking Trails article, then you might also like some of our other articles for awesome destinations and tips such as:

• Winter Camping Tips: How To Stay Warm While Camping In Winter
• 10 Reasons To Invest In Quality Hikers
• 5 Main Features & Why You’ll Love The Dune 4WD Fridge Range
• One Pot Spanish Chorizo Pasta Camping Recipe

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