9 Stunning Hikes on Australia’s East Coast

If you’ve got a craving for epic ocean views, the east coast of Australia is hard to beat. It’s home to some really spectacular and diverse stretches of coastline, featuring rocky cliff tops, golden beaches, sparkling bays and serene beachside walking tracks.

From short, easy strolls to challenging multi-day treks, this article will showcase nine gorgeous hikes on Australia’s east coast. These walks really showcase the variety of the coastline in this part of the world, and many also provide a great opportunity to spot marine life offshore.

Noosa Coastal Track

Recommended by Lauren of The Planet Edit

Distance: 5.4km | Time: 2.5 – 3 hours

The Noosa Coastal Track is one of eastern Australia’s most picturesque coastal walks. It follows the headland from Noosa Main Beach to Sunshine Beach in the Noosa National Park, passing lots of secluded bays, eucalyptus forests and golden beaches on its way.

One of the highlights of the trail is the so-called Fairy Pools, which are tidal rock pools formed over millions of years as the sea erodes big cavities into the rock. You can bathe in the ocean here without being knocked by the waves.

The Noosa Coastal Track also has plenty of wildlife-spotting opportunities. Keep your eyes peeled for pods of dolphins, sea turtles, and humpback whales during migration season (June to November). And while it might be difficult to take your eyes off the beautiful ocean views, you’ll also want to watch out for non-marine wildlife such as black cockatoos, echidna and koalas.

K’Gari Great Walk

Recommended by Michael of Time Travel Turtle

Distance: 90km | Time: 6-8 days

The K’Gari Great Walk is one of the most spectacular hikes in Queensland, covering much of the length of the world’s largest sand island – K’Gari (Fraser Island). From the vast sand dunes to the towering rainforest, the trail takes you to some of the best things on K’Gari, like its sparkling lakes (perfect for a swim) and its range of different ecosystems including mangroves and heathland.

The walk is 90 kilometres long and many people will just do a section of it as a day hike. But if you want to do it all, it takes between six to eight days, with simple campsites along the way. One of the attractions of the hike is that it feels like you’re far from modern life, with very few other travellers along most of the route, and the campsites offering only basic facilities. There are also opportunities to learn more about the indigenous heritage of K’Gari, along with the incredible environment of this World Heritage Site.

Kiama Coast Walk

Recommended by Shandos of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel

Distance: 20km | Time: 7 hours

The Kiama Coast Walk is a magnificent long-distance walk along the coastline to the north and south of Kiama, a picturesque town on the South Coast of NSW, two hours south of Sydney.

About 20km long (without counting a return journey), there’s no need to walk the entire track in one go. It’s been divided up into three sections with plenty of shorter options. You can even make use of the passing railway, although be warned that the trains are not very frequent.

The highlight of the walk is the magnificent scenery that you’ll experience along the way. Walk past the famous Kiama Blowhole, explore the rocky remains of Bombo Quarry, stroll along the sandy beaches and follow grassy paths next to lush country fields. During whale migration season, keep an eye out for whales off the coast.

It’s even possible to bring along your dog, as most of the walk is dog-friendly, except for some beaches that can be bypassed.

Bondi to Manly Walk

Recommended by Catrina of 24 Hours Layover

Distance: 80km | Time: 7-10 days

The Bondi to Manly walk is a stunning and iconic coastal hike between Sydney’s two most famous beaches. Along the way, you pass many picturesque harbourside beaches and coves, breathtaking scenery, and spectacular views of the Sydney Opera House, as well as the Pacific Ocean.

The hike begins at the world-famous Bondi Beach, known for its surf culture and buzzing atmosphere. Along the trail, you’ll see impressive panoramic views from coastal cliffs and hidden beaches. The hike passes through Sydney Harbour, home to the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House and the bustling harbourside atmosphere. Continuing the walk along the Lower North Shore you can enjoy fantastic views of the city skyline and some harbourside swimming pools. The hike ends at Manly Beach, a popular surfing town with a relaxed beachside vibe.

You can do the whole walk from start to finish over several days, or just pick a section of the walk you want to complete!

Royal National Park Coast Track

Recommended by Kate of Kate Abroad

Distance: 26km | Time: 1-2 days

The Coast Track in Royal National Park, NSW, is a gorgeous coastal hiking trail that offers an unforgettable nature experience. Stretching from Bundeena to Otford, this iconic track takes visitors on a journey through some of the most scenic landscapes in Australia.

Starting at the charming township of Bundeena, just a short ferry ride south of Cronulla, the trail winds its way along the coastline, unveiling stunning ocean views, rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and lush forests. The diverse terrain showcases the park’s rich biodiversity, with opportunities to spot native wildlife and bird species along the way.

Hikers can take their time to soak in the beauty of landmarks such as Wedding Cake Rock, Wattamolla Beach, the Figure Eight Pools, and the cliff tops’ panoramic views. With well-maintained paths and clear signage, the Coast Track does not require a lot of hiking experience and can easily be separated into smaller chucks for those not ready for the full 26km.

Light to Light Walk

Recommended by Raksha of Solo Passport

Distance: 30km | Time: 3 days

Located in the Ben Boyd National Park, the Light to Light walk is rated as one of the top hikes on the South Coast of New South Wales. It’s graded as easy to moderate and typically takes 3 days to complete the 30-kilometre trail. As the walk is along the coast, hikers might just spot dolphins and humpback whales during the whale migration season.

Starting off at Boyds Tower, the trail passes through spectacular viewpoints providing uninterrupted views of the ocean and bush, before finally ending at Green Cape Lighthouse. There are campsites where hikers can camp and refill their water bottles along the way. During the hike, camping gear and food for 3 days must be carried as there are no shops or restaurants along the way. The best time to do this hike is during the autumn season as the weather is pleasant.

Tomaree Head Summit Walk

Recommended by Kate of Kate’s Wanderlust

Distance: 2.2km | Time: 1.5-2 hours

A visit to Port Stephens would be incomplete without tackling the beautiful Tomaree Head Summit walk. This is a short but challenging hike, as you’ll ascend approximately 160 metres up to the summit from the trailhead.

Upon reaching the summit, take in the gorgeous sights of Yacaaba Head, Cabbage Tree, Boondelbah, and Broughton Islands from the northern lookout. From the southern vantage point, you’ll see picturesque vistas of Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches, Fingal Island, and the magnificent Point Stephens Lighthouse. If you’re lucky, you might also spot some dolphins frolicking in the ocean.

The walk is great for novices, as the way up is clearly signposted, and the trail consists of concrete pathways, steel steps, and treetop walkways. It’s a steep walk from the get-go, but the reward is worth it.

Byron Bay Lighthouse Walk

Recommended by Lauren of The Planet Edit

Distance: 3.7km | Time: 2 hours

Byron Bay is a popular spot on the east coast of Australia, thanks to its beautiful beaches, epic surf and stunning coastal paths. The Byron Bay Lighthouse Walk, also known as the Cape Byron Walking Track, is a scenic trail to one of the most iconic landmarks in the area: the Cape Byron Lighthouse.

The walk takes you alongside beaches, through rainforests and across clifftops, before heading up to the top of the hill where the lighthouse sits. The trail will showcase some of the best views in the area, including Byron Bay’s most picturesque beaches.

A good spot to start this beautiful walk is on Bay Street at Main Beach, from where you can simply follow the walking path east. The walk is all on well-maintained tracks so it’s easygoing, aside from a couple of steep hills. Be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins and whales, as they’re commonly seen in the ocean along this stretch of coastline.

Cape Woolamai Circuit Walk

Recommended by Tamara of Travelling Tam

Distance: 8.5km | Time: 2-3 hours

Phillip Island in South Gippsland is a popular destination for its little penguins and the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix. But for outdoor enthusiasts, one of the best things to do is hike the island’s incredible reserves, especially the Cape Woolamai Circuit.

Starting from the Cape Woolamai surf beach, this 8.5km walk circuits the headland of Philip Island’s most southerly and highest point. Taking in epic cliffside views, scenic bushland, sweeping beaches and many other points of interest such as a granite quarry, the geological formations of the Pinnacles and naturally formed sea caves, this walk is totally varied and visually stunning.

Cape Woolamai is also a haven for wildlife, including wallabies, birds of prey and millions of short-tailed shearwaters, migratory birds who have chosen the headland as their breeding ground.

It’s a relatively straightforward, moderate and well-marked hike, making it a fantastic way to spend a half day exploring one of Victoria’s best islands.

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