Australia is a vast land with an incredible network of walking trails. Most of the Luxury Lodges of Australia offer direct access to hikes and walks, long and short, that are part of the lodge experience – connecting quite literally to the land and location. Many of these lodge-based experiences are detailed here: On Two Feet. Several of the lodges however, are the perfect pre or post stay for guests undertaking one of the Great Walks of Australia, a collective of multi-day, fully guided high-end hiking experiences. The exhilaration of summiting a mountain, strolling along a forest trail or admiring breathtaking views along Australia’s iconic coastline is made all the sweeter coupled with the satisfying knowledge of the unsurpassed comfort that awaits at the end of the walk at an Australian luxury lodge.
Northern Territory
Lodge: Longitude 131°
Multi-day walk: Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk
With views across the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Longitude 131° offers a luxury base for hiking and walking experiences. Guided and self-guided walks immerse guests in the ancient landscapes, cultural heritage, and natural wonders of the Red Centre. Guests who plan to stay at Longitude 131° can extend their visit to the Red Centre by undertaking the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk – a brand new 5-day walking experience in the World Heritage-listed Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, developed in partnership with the Aṉangu community. Over 54 kilometres, trace the footsteps and trails of Aṉangu, embracing the rare privilege of traversing land few have walked before – land that remains deeply connected to a living culture more than 30,000 years old.
South Australia
Lodge: Arkaba Homestead
Multi-day walk: The Arkaba Walk
Arkaba Homestead in the ancient and awe-inspiring lkara-Flinders Ranges of South Australia is a genuine blend of conservation and tourism. Guests undertaking the multi-day Arkaba Walk will spend their last night (and optional additional nights pre and/or post) at the Homestead, sharing the spectacular 60,000-acre private conservancy with just ten guests at this all-inclusive property. A member of Great Walks of Australia, the Arkaba Walk is a three-day moderate graded guided walk that provides walkers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the remote wilderness of the Flinders Ranges. Led by experienced field guides, guests will gain insight into the region’s wildlife, conservation efforts and cultural heritage along the way. Guests sleep in comfortable bush camps for the first two nights, enjoying gourmet fresh chef-prepared meals and South Australian wines, while the last night is spent at Arkaba Homestead.
Lodge: Southern Ocean Lodge
Multi-day walk: Kangaroo Island Signature Walk
Located on the wild coast of South Australia’s Kangaroo Island, Southern Ocean Lodge offers a luxurious base for walkers wishing to experience the island’s network of hiking trails. For intrepid guests, a multi-day hike on the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail makes for an adventurous extension to a stay at Southern Ocean Lodge. The Kangaroo Island Signature Walk is a new four-day guided walk featuring private accommodation, chef-inspired meals paired with local beer and wine, and lightweight day packs. Guests can immerse themselves in the unique landscape of wild and raw beauty of Kangaroo Island, featuring towering sea cliffs and sweeping sunsets.
Tasmania
Lodges: Saffire Freycinet, On Board Expeditions
Multi-day walks: Three Capes Signature Walk, Freycinet Experience Walk, Bay of Fires Signature Walk, Maria Island Walk, Cradle Mountain Signature Walk, Flinders Island Walking Adventure in Comfort (all part of the Great Walks of Australia collective)
Tasmania is hiking heaven. Guests staying at Saffire Freycinet on Tasmania’s east coast, or taking an adventure cruise to the South West Wilderness World Heritage Area with On Board Expeditions can enhance their itinerary with one of the state’s incredible multi-day walks.
The Three Capes Signature Walk is a fully guided four-day walk along Tasmania’s dramatic Tasman Peninsula. Departing from Hobart, this beautiful track graded easy to moderate offers walkers a relaxed and gentle multi-day walk, and is ideal for all levels of walkers, including those with good fitness out to conquer their first multi-day walk.
The Freycinet Experience Walk is the original guided walk on Tasmania’s east coast, taking guests through the pink granite Hazard Mountains and rich coastal forests, and the purest of white-sand beaches including the world-renowned Wineglass Bay.
The Bay of Fires Signature Walk takes guests hiking along one of the most stunning and remote stretches of coastline in the world, located at the north eastern tip of Tasmania. Led by experienced guides, and traveling in small groups, you’ll enjoy blissful days exploring the Bay of Fires’ breathtaking white sand beaches, tranquil waterways and the rich diversity of its coastal heath and forests.
The Maria Island Walk is a fascinating blend of abundant wildlife, indigenous culture, UNESCO heritage settlement sites, pristine beaches, old eucalyptus forests and incredible geology, all on an island national park just off Tasmania’s east coast. Guests can look forward to easy to moderate walking with optional side trips to scale impressive mountains and candlelit dining at night.
On the Cradle Mountain Signature Walk, discover one of Australia’s most spectacular World Heritage Areas while hiking the world famous Overland Track on a seven-day, six-night all inclusive adventure set amongst the peaceful and exquisite terrain of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania.
The Flinders Island Walking Adventure in Comfort allows guests to step into the wild and remote landscapes of Tasmania’s Flinders Island, for an undiscovered hiking adventure with blockbuster views that’s truly off the beaten path. For six days and five nights, guests will be immersed in this enchanting island with two expert guides leading the way.
Queensland
Lodge: Spicers Peak Lodge
Multi-day walk: Scenic Rim Trail
Travellers heading to Queensland have an abundance of hiking trails on their doorstep, especially when staying at Spicers Peak Lodge in the spectacular Scenic Rim. Spicers Peak Lodge makes the perfect place to extend a stay either before or after completing the Scenic Rim Trail, one of the Great Walks of Australia. Perched atop a mountain on 8,000 acres, enveloped by World Heritage-listed landscapes and just two hours from Brisbane, this exclusive, intimate Australian wilderness lodge offers the height of luxury in Queensland’s high country.
The four-day Scenic Rim Trail adventure starts in the foothills of South East Queensland’s Main Range National Park, an area famous for its stunning mountains, ridges, escarpments, ancient rainforest and volcanic plateaus. From here, experienced guides lead you through a region that contains more than 30,000 hectares of nature refuges, states forests and national parks.
New South Wales
Lodge: Capella Lodge
Multi-day walk: Seven Peaks Walk
World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island attracts hikers and nature lovers from all over the world. Celebrated as the pinnacle of luxury on the island, Capella Lodge offers the perfect coastal retreat for intrepid walkers looking to extend their stay either side of Great Walks of Australia’s Seven Peaks Walk. The Seven Peaks Walk is a stunning hiking experience on Lord Howe Island. This 6-night, 5-day guided walk covers 45km of trails and peaks climbing, with options available depending on ability and weather conditions. It’s a truly spectacular way to explore a UNESCO World Heritage listed island, only a two-hour flight from Sydney.
Explore more Great Walks of Australia here.