The Longest Hiking Trails in Australia

Hiking trails refer to vigorous routes covering long distance on trails or footpaths that take several days to accomplish. Different countries have established designated places for long trails either walking or biking, and it is a favorite activity among the hikers and other hiking organizations. Hiking and walking have numerous health benefits, and many people have expressed interest in the event. Australia has some of the world’s longest trails like the Bicentennial National Trail which covers a distance of more than 5,000 kilometers

Bicentennial National Trail

Bicentennial National Trail (BNT) was formerly referred as the National Horse Trail, and it is one the world’s longest non-motorised, multi-use, and self-reliant trails covering a distance of 5,330 kilometers, stretching from Cooktown in Queensland, passing through New South Wales and ends in Healesville. The trail located 60 kilometers northeast of the city Melbourne and passes through the rugged Great Dividing Range, private properties, through deserts, and National Parks and other reserves. It follows the old coach roads, fire trails, rivers, stock routes, and brumby tracks. The trail was originally designed for the horses, but presently it is used for cycling and walking. The trail connects eighteen different national parks in Australia and more than fifty country’s forest, therefore giving access to the most remote and wild portions of the country in the whole world. Bicentennial National Trail is suitable for mountain bike riders, self-reliant horse riders. Parts of the trail like Jenolan Caves are appropriate for horse-drawn vehicles. The Bicentennial National Trail is prohibited to trail bikes, motorized vehicles, and pets. The trail is separated into 12 parts covering between 400kms and 500kms and each having a guide book.

Heysen Trail

The Heysen Trail is the second longest walking trail in Australia covering a distance of about 1200 kilometers (750 miles) in the southern part of Australia. It stretches from Parachilna Gorge in the Flinders Ranges through the Adelaide Hills to the Cap Jervis in the Fleurieu Peninsula. Sections of the trail are closed during summer from December to April due to the risk of bush fire. Seasoned and hardy walkers can cover the whole trail in 60 days, and there are many places to stay along the trail. The trail was initially recommended in 1969 by Warren Bonython and its construction stalled severally because of government bureaucracy and politics. In 1978, the first 50 kilometers was constructed through Mount Lofty Ranges. The trail was completed in 1992 and was named after Sir Hans Heysen.

Bibbulmun Track

Bibbulmun track is the third longest distance walking trail in the country, and it is located in Western part of Australia. The trail covers a distance of approximately1, 003 kilometers (623 miles). The name originates from the Noongar or Bibbulmun, the indigenous people of Perth region. The trail was suggested in 1972 by different organizations such as the Perth Bushwalkers, Western Walking Club, Youth Hostels Association, the Scout Association of Australia, and The Speleological Research Group of Western Australia. The route has been changed on two occasions in the past because it passed through vital parts of the forest. The trail was first opened in 1979, while the last part of the extension was opened in 1988. The Bibbulmun is a walker-only trail and no wheeled vehicle is allowed on the trail. The trail also has a parallel long distance biking trail that was opened in 2013. The trail has 58 parts marked with triangulation pointers at regular intervals. Each of the sections is about a day’s walk. Almost the whole trail passes through the nation’s forest, national parks, and other reserves.

Munda Biddi Trail

The Munda Biddi Trail is an off-road cycling trail in West Australia stretching about 1000km starting from Mundaring to Albny. The name means a path in the forest in the Noongar language of the aboriginal people. The trail passes through the most undeveloped corridor of unspoiled bushlands and forests with a gentle terrain. The trail is operational trough out the year because of the favorable climate all year round. Munda Biddi trail is managed by Munda Biddi Trail Foundation which is a non-profit organization which was created to assist the Department of Environment and Conservation.