Our National Parks authorities have been busy! Over the last few years they have been planning, designing and building dozens of fantastic multi-day walks and a whole lot more are in the pipeline. Here are 10 new or soon-to-be-opened walks you should put in your diaries.
New South Wales
Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk, Byron Bay, NSW
This new 4-day/36km walk on the NSW North Coast links Mount Jerusalem National Park, Whian Whian State Conservation Area and Nightcap National Park. Traversing Gondwanan rainforest and an ancient volcanic rim, it starts at Manns Road and ends at Minyon Falls, with 12.2km of side tracks for extra exploration. Named “Old People’s Track,” it honours the traditional lands of the Widjabul Wia-bal and Minjungbal peoples. Designed to be walked one way, the trail offers stunning scenery and a strong cultural connection to Country, showcasing a landscape shaped by nature and Indigenous heritage.
Gardens of Stone, NSW
Two new walking tracks are now open in the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area near Lithgow, NSW. The 6km Broad Swamp Loop Walk is ideal for families, offering views of sandstone cliffs, pagodas, and the endangered Broad Swamp ecological community. For experienced hikers, the 17.5km Broad Swamp to Birds Rock Track provides a tougher route through creeks, gorges, and clifftops, ending at Birds Rock carpark. Starting at Broad Swamp, both trails feature scenic lookouts over Carne Creek. Part of a $49.5 million investment, these tracks mark the first stage of a future multi-day walk, transforming degraded paths into world-class hikes.
For these NSW walks visit nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
Victoria
Great Ocean Road Coastal Trail
Construction is progressing on the Great Ocean Road Coastal Trail, set along the Otway coastline through Gadubanud Country. The 76km trail will offer scenic views from suspension bridges and lookouts, with features including campsites, boardwalks, river crossings, and visitor facilities. It combines new and existing paths from Fairhaven to Grey River, suitable for short walks, day hikes, or multi-day treks. The Victorian Government has invested $25.5 million for planning and approvals, supporting stage one – around 55km of new and upgraded trail between Fairhaven and Jamieson Creek, linking to existing tracks that reach the hamlet of Kennett River.
Yallock-Bulluk Coastal Trail
As part of a $106.6 million investment in Victoria’s great outdoors, the Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park was established in 2021. Spanning 40km of coastline from San Remo to Inverloch on Bunurong Country, the park brings together existing parks to protect cultural and natural values while enhancing access and recreation. Guided by input from the Bunurong Land Council, community feedback and technical studies, an Access and Infrastructure Plan outlines proposed visitor areas, facilities and trail routes. The park’s long-term vision includes the Yallock-Bulluk Coastal Trai linking San Remo to Inverloch. The first funded 30km section, from Punchbowl to Cape Paterson, will upgrade existing tracks like the George Bass Coastal Walk and improve visitor amenities and access.
The Grand Strezlecki Track
The Grand Strzelecki Track is a hidden gem in Southern Gippsland, stretching 100km through breathtaking national parks. It begins in Morwell NP, where koalas lounge in eucalypt forests, and winds across open plains before ascending into the lush rainforest of Tarra-Bulga NP. This rarely explored sub-tropical forest is so striking, it may remind you of the Otways along the Great Ocean Road. Maintained by passionate volunteers, the track offers more than scenic beauty – it also supports the small rural communities it passes through. Ideal for nature lovers and hikers seeking quiet trails, the Grand Strzelecki Track combines stunning natural diversity with meaningful local impact.
For these Vic walks visit parks.vic.gov.au
Queensland
Ngaro Track, Qld
The new 32km Ngaro Track on Whitsunday Island offers a three-day hiking adventure through rainforest, reef, and coastal landscapes. Linking Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, the trail showcases pristine beaches, rugged headlands, and lush rainforest with views over the Coral Sea. Just a 90-minute flight from Brisbane, the walk includes upgraded campsites, visitor facilities, and scenic lookouts to enhance the experience. This new track invites visitors to explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Whitsundays on foot, offering an unforgettable journey through one of Queensland’s most iconic island destinations.
Wangetti Trail, Qld
The Wangetti Trail is a 94km multi-use path under development in Far North Queensland, linking Palm Cove to Port Douglas. Winding through World Heritage-listed rainforest and the traditional lands of the Djabugay people, the trail is designed for both hikers and mountain bikers. The first completed section, stretching 7.8 kilometres from Palm Cove to Ellis Beach, is now open to the public and classified as a Grade 3 walking trail. Intended to become a major ecotourism destination, the project highlights the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage. Despite encountering delays and budget increases, progress continues, with full completion expected by late 2026.
For these Qld walks visit parks.qld.gov.au
South Australia
Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail
Following the 2019–20 bushfires that burned nearly half of Kangaroo Island, the 4-day/45km trail has reopened after a $4.2 million upgrade. Enhancements include a new Flinders Chase Visitors Centre and an improved experience at Kelly Hill Conservation Park’s limestone cave, now featuring audio-visual tours and upgraded lighting to highlight its stalagmites and stalactites. All four trail campsites have also reopened with better shelter, solar lighting, and dedicated cooking areas. These upgrades offer a safer, more comfortable, and immersive way to experience the island’s remarkable landscapes and cultural heritage, marking a major milestone in the area’s recovery and tourism revival.
parks.sa.gov.au
Western Australia
The Coastal Plain Walk Trail
The 52km Coastal Plain Walk in Yanchep National Park offers a challenging multi-day hike for experienced walkers. The trail passes through coastal heathlands, wetlands, bushland, and limestone caves, with chances to see kangaroos, emus, and native birds. Well-marked with designated campsites, the route can be completed over two to four days in manageable sections. Walkers can also explore Aboriginal heritage sites along the way, adding cultural depth to the journey. Combining stunning natural scenery, wildlife encounters, and rich cultural history, the Coastal Plain Walk provides a rewarding adventure through WA’s coastal wilderness.
trailswa.com.au
Murchison River Gorge Walk
The 2-3 day/38km Murchison River Gorge Walk in Kalbarri National Park is a challenging trek from Ross Graham Lookout to The Loop. With no marked path, it’s suited to experienced hikers skilled in navigation and rugged terrain. The route offers an immersive wilderness adventure alongside dramatic cliffs, red rock formations, and diverse native flora and fauna. Starting at Ross Graham Lookout, hikers enjoy panoramic gorge views and access to picnic shelters and toilets. Its remote, undeveloped nature makes this walk a true adventure for those seeking to explore one of the state’s most iconic natural landscapes.
exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au