10 Best Hiking Destinations in Australia for Autumn Adventures

Cooler temperatures, golden foliage, and fewer crowds make autumn one of the best seasons for hiking in Australia. But not all trails are easy to get to! If you’re looking for hikes that are 2WD-accessible, you’re in luck.

We’ve rounded up 10 of the best hiking destinations in Australia that offer everything from short, family-friendly walks to challenging multi-day treks. You’ll also find info on difficulty levels, trail durations, camping options, and nearby facilities to help plan your adventure.

Let’s get straight into it!

 

Dove Lake Circuit, Emilie Ristevski

 

Cradle Mountain – Dove Lake Circuit (TAS)

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Duration: 2–3 hours (6 km loop)
• Accessibility: Fully sealed road access via Cradle Mountain Road
• Camping: Nearby campgrounds in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
• Facilities: Visitor centre, parking, shuttle bus, toilets, and cafés

This popular Tasmanian hike is perfect for an autumn adventure. The Dove Lake Circuit offers breathtaking views of Cradle Mountain, with scenic boardwalks and well-marked trails. Autumn brings crisp air and fewer tourists, making it an ideal time to visit.

 

NSW Wentworth Falls Track, Destination NSW

 

Blue Mountains – Wentworth Falls (NSW)

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Duration: 2–3 hours (5 km return)
• Accessibility: Sealed roads to the Wentworth Falls picnic area
• Camping: Nearby campgrounds in Blue Mountains National Park
• Facilities: Parking, toilets, picnic areas, and cafés in Leura and Katoomba

One of the best hikes in the Blue Mountains, this trail takes you past stunning waterfalls, sandstone cliffs, and lush eucalyptus forests. The cooler autumn air makes the steep stair sections more manageable.

 

The Pinnacle, Visit Victoria

 

Grampians National Park – Pinnacle Walk (VIC)

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Duration: 2–3 hours (4.2 km return)
• Accessibility: Sealed roads to Halls Gap, then well-maintained access roads
• Camping: Multiple campgrounds in Grampians National Park
• Facilities: Parking, visitor centre, toilets, cafés, and more in Halls Gap

The Pinnacle Walk is one of Victoria’s most popular hikes, offering panoramic views over the Grampians. Autumn’s mild temperatures and golden hues make it a fantastic time to visit.

 

 

Kings Canyon Rim Walk (NT)

• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult (steep initial ascent)
• Duration: 3–4 hours (6 km loop)
• Accessibility: Sealed roads via Luritja Road
• Camping: Kings Canyon Resort and nearby campgrounds
• Facilities: Parking, toilets, café, and accommodation at Kings Canyon Resort

This iconic Australian hike provides unforgettable views of Kings Canyon, with dramatic cliffs, lush valleys, and surreal rock formations. The cooler autumn temperatures make the challenging sections more enjoyable.

 

Mt Oberon, Destination Gippsland

 

Wilsons Promontory – Mt Oberon Summit Walk (VIC)

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Duration:5–2 hours (6.8 km return)
• Accessibility: Sealed roads to Tidal River
• Camping: Tidal River Campground
• Facilities: Parking, visitor centre, toilets, café, and more in Tidal River

One of the best hikes in Victoria for sunrise or sunset views is the Mt Oberon Summit Walk, offering breathtaking coastal scenery. The crisp, clear autumn air enhances visibility, making the views even more spectacular.

 

 

Cape to Cape Track (WA – Short Sections)

• Difficulty: Easy to difficult (depends on the section)
• Duration: Varies (10–20 km for day hikes)
• Accessibility: Sealed roads to key trailheads (Cape Naturaliste, Prevelly, Augusta)
• Camping: Multiple campgrounds along the route
• Facilities: Toilets, parking, and more in the Margaret River region

This popular coastal hike in Western Australia’s Margaret River region offers shorter, accessible sections for day hikes. Expect rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and turquoise waters.

 

Wineglass Bay from Wineglass Bay Track Lookout, Chad Dewson

 

Freycinet National Park – Wineglass Bay Lookout (TAS)

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Duration:5 hours (3 km return)
• Accessibility: Sealed roads to Freycinet car park
• Camping: Freycinet National Park Campground
• Facilities: Parking, toilets, picnic areas, and visitor centre

This iconic Tasmanian hike leads to a viewpoint overlooking Wineglass Bay, one of Australia’s most beautiful beaches. Autumn’s cooler weather makes the uphill sections much more pleasant.

 

Kosciuszko National Park, Destination

 

Mt Kosciuszko Summit Walk (NSW)

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Duration: 4–6 hours (13 km return from Thredbo)
• Accessibility: Sealed roads to Thredbo, then a chairlift ride
• Camping: Campgrounds in Kosciuszko National Park
• Facilities: Parking, toilets, visitor centre, and cafés in Thredbo

This challenging hike to the highest point in Australia with a well-graded trail offering stunning alpine views. Autumn brings mild weather and fewer crowds, making it one of the best times to visit.

 

Rawnsley Park Station, South Australian Tourism Commission

 

Flinders Ranges – Wilpena Pound (SA)

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Duration: 2 hours (7 km return)
• Accessibility: Sealed roads to Wilpena Pound
• Camping: Wilpena Pound Campground
• Facilities: Parking, toilets, visitor centre, and resort amenities

This easy South Australian hike offers stunning views of Wilpena Pound, a natural amphitheatre of mountains. The golden hues of the landscape in autumn are truly breathtaking.

 

Lamington National Park, Tourism and Events Queensland

 

Lamington National Park – Box Forest Circuit (QLD)

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Duration: 4–5 hours (10 km loop)
• Accessibility: Sealed roads to Green Mountains section (O’Reilly’s)
• Camping: Green Mountains Campground
• Facilities: Parking, visitor centre, toilets, café, and accommodation at O’Reilly’s

Explore ancient rainforests, waterfalls, and wildlife in one of Queensland’s most beautiful national parks. The Box Forest Circuit is an incredible autumn hike with lush greenery and flowing waterfalls.

 

Set Off On An Autumn Hiking Trip In Australia!

You’ll find plenty of incredible hiking opportunities in autumn, with mild temperatures and breathtaking scenery. Whether you prefer mountains, coastal trails, or lush rainforests, these accessible Australian hikes provide the perfect outdoor escape.

For more tips on finding free campsites whilst exploring National Parks, check out this blog article.

Ready to start your trip? Call our friendly reservations team on 1300 664 485 or check out our website to see the campervans we have available at our branches!