The app has just dropped its yearly wrap of Aussie hiking habits in 2024, including the most popular tracks. Here’s what the stats revealed.
It’s well-known that Aussies love getting outdoors. But new data from hiking app AllTrails has shown just how much we really enjoy hitting the trail. According to the app’s roundup, Aussie AllTrails users navigated 11 million kilometres on the app last year. For reference, that’s the equivalent of walking around the Earth over 30 times! And when it comes to the average Aussie hiker, we ranked third globally, both for the amount of time spent on the trail and for the most kilometres clocked per person. It’s no wonder we’re known as a sporting nation!
As for the most popular hikes in Austalia, here are the trails most trodden in 2024.
1. Grand Canyon Track (Blue Mountains, NSW)
Length: 6 kilometres
The Blue Mountains are a World Heritage Site, a gem of biodiversity just a stone’s throw from Sydney. So, it makes sense that AllTrails’s most popular track of the year hailed from this beloved region. The six-kilometre Grand Canyon Track takes in waterfalls, ferns and striking views over the valley. In the right light, the landscape almost shimmers blue, thanks to the haze emanating from the blue gums that lend the region its name. As an aside, we also recommend extending your trip to do the new Grand Clifftop Walk, too.
Explore the Blue Mountains Grand Canyon Walk. (Images: Getty/Katharina13)
2. Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach Walk (Sydney, NSW)
Length: 12.4 kilometres
New South Wales dominates the list with Sydney’s tried-and-true Bondi to Coogee Walk coming in at second place. Starting at Bondi’s photogenic Icebergs pool and taking in some of the city’s prettiest swimming spots, you’ll see plenty of activewear-clad walkers powering along the trail, oat latte in hand. But this a popular walk for good reason, showcasing Sydney’s coveted coastal lifestyle in a nutshell.
The Bondi to Coogee Walk showcases why Sydney’s Eastern suburbs are among the country’s most-desired locales. (Image: Destination NSW)
3. Mount Lofty Loop (Wonga Park, Vic)
Length: 5 kilometres
Rounding out the top three is the Mount Lofty Loop. This is a popular spot for Melbournians to get a dose of greenery, with the trail steering hikers around the beautiful Yarra Valley and taking in serene views of rolling hills. Best of all, wildlife is abundant here and you’ll likely spot plenty of kangaroos and wallabies as you hike. We’ve also rounded up more great hikes around Melbourne.
Melburnians head to Wonga Park to soak in the greenery.
4. Whistlepipe Gully and Lesmurdie Falls Loop (Perth, WA)
Length: 6.8 kilometres
This stunning track in Mundy Regional Park is a go-to for Perth locals. Best of all, your pooch can accompany you on this dog-friendly trail (as long as they are on a leash). As you walk on this waterfall-dotted trail, you’ll be accompanied by the croak of frogs and maybe even spot a kangaroo or two if you’re lucky.
Lesmurdie Falls Loop is a popular dog-friendly walk near Perth. (Image: Getty/Jonathan Carruthers)
Meander around this moderate track that encircles Enoggera Reservoir near Brisbane. Marvel as the glassy water budding with plant life. And don’t forget your swimmers so you can enjoy a post-hike dip, as this is a popular swimming spot for locals to cool off.
There are plenty of places to cool off on a hike around Enoggera Reservoir. (Image: Getty/ Marlon Trottmann)
Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for Australian Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
No matter your age and no matter your interests, Victoria’s coastal Bellarine region makes for a memorable getaway for the whole family.
Curving into Port Phillip Bay and extending south from Geelong, The Bellarine is a gorgeous coast-meets-country destination. It’s a captivating mix of beachside towns, rolling farms and vineyards, effortlessly cool eating and drinking spots and coastal vistas that seem to stretch beyond the horizon.
Among its many highlights is a plethora of family-friendly activities to suit all ages and all interests. Here’s your guide to the ultimate Bellarine getaway guaranteed to keep every generation happy.
1. Tuckerberry Hill Farm
Pick your own fruit at Tuckerberry Hill Farm.
There may be no better way to spend an early morning than by foraging and feasting on your own bounty of berries. At Tuckerberry Hill Farm , you can pick blueberries, strawberries and stone fruit from November through March. Take them home or enjoy on the farm’s sun-dappled grounds.
Tuckerberry also has a regular market selling farm-fresh produce, plus an inviting on-site cafe doing light lunches, drinks, home-baked treats and condiments – many of which incorporate the farm’s own harvest.
2. The Oxley Estate
Wake up to the neighbours.
A memorable holiday starts with a memorable place to stay, and The Oxley Estate delivers. Situated in the relaxed coastal town of Portarlington, the sprawling site offers thoughtfully styled rooms and activities that’ll keep both parents and kids entertained.
Wander the fragrant rose gardens, olive grove and fruit-laden orchards. Meet the resident alpacas, donkeys, goats, sheep, chickens and ducks. Challenge your crew to a round of giant chess or mini golf. Or cool off in the shimmering saltwater pool after a busy day of exploring.
Different room types cater to different groups, with the largest able to comfortably sleep eight.
3. Oneday Estate
Taste small batch wines at Oneday Estate.
Oneday Estate is a must-visit. The winery lets you try small-batch, estate-grown shiraz, pinot noir and riesling. It’s also a vibrant and character-filled Sunday lunch spot.
The on-site eatery and bar hosts weekly Sunday Sessions accompanied by tunes from local musicians, a buzzy atmosphere and flavour-packed food and drink. Order a round of delicious woodfired pizzas with toppings to suit all tastes, alongside a glass of Oneday’s signature wine.
The restaurant is also a sight to behold, an eclectic stone-and-timber hall crafted from recycled materials and 100-year-old relics repurposed from the surrounding region.
4. BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon
Kids will love BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon.
BIG4 holiday parks are renowned for their all-ages appeal, and BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon in the coastal enclave of Queenscliff is no different. The pool and gym are a given, but there’s also a playground, pickleball and basketball courts, a jumbo-sized jump pad, an interactive games arena and an indoor games room equipped with toys, activities and entertainment.
The diverse range of accommodation spans compact studios designed for three guests, all the way up to expansive beach houses accommodating up to 10, providing comfort and flexibility to suit every size of family.
5. Bellarine Railway
Take a journey aboard the Bellarine Railway.
If your entourage includes any locomotive enthusiasts, book a journey aboard the Bellarine Railway . The more than 100-year-old steam train transports you to a bygone era and takes you through the rolling farmland and windswept coastal landscapes that make The Bellarine so beautiful.
The Swan Bay Express is an easy 45-minute ride perfect for younger passengers (and even allows dogs on board), or you could opt for a themed trip. There are seasonal events like the Polar Express (a festive favourite in the lead-up to Christmas), along with the Blues Train (a high-energy experience of live music and dancing) and the Q Train (a roving fine-dining feast celebrating regional produce).
6. The Dunes
Save room for dessert. (Image: Visit Vic)
The Dunes offers the perfect balance of polished and playful, a breezy beachside bar and restaurant that appeals to adults and kids alike.
Feast on moreish snacks, share plates and mains from the Italian-inspired menu, or a selection of San Marzano-topped pizzas fresh from the wood-fired oven. Pair your meal with a classic cocktail, an ice-cold beer or a glass from the generous drinks menu, which brims with local drops. Little ones are well catered for with a line-up of kid-approved meals for breakfast and lunch.
If you’re simply swinging by en route to the family-friendly beach, grab a bite at The Dunes’ beachside kiosk before strolling down for a paddle or surf.
7. Sea All Dolphin Swims
Spot the locals with Sea All Dolphin Swims. (Image: Visit Vic)
The sparkling waters around The Bellarine are home to dolphins, fur seals, little penguins, humpback and southern right whales, plus a flurry of seabirds. Sea All Dolphin Swims lets you see some of these magnificent animals up close aboard one of their small-group vessels.
Head out on a sightseeing tour and spot local wildlife darting around the boat, or dive right in with a swim adventure tour. You’ll be swimming alongside dolphins and seals in their natural habitat – a bucket-list experience you won’t forget fast.
Swimming and snorkelling gear is provided, and guides are trained to ensure a gentle, eco-friendly encounter for both swimmers and sea creatures.
8. Jack Rabbit
Everyone has a menu to enjoy at Jack Rabbit. (Image: Visit Vic)
If your mood leans laid-back, the House of Jack Rabbit is a lovely spot for brunch, lunch or dinner. The cafe serves a produce-driven all-day menu filled with seasonal mains, generous sharing platters and a playful kids menu to suit even the pickiest of eaters.
If you’re after something more elevated, Jack Rabbit Restaurant does plates that change with the seasons and incorporate plenty of local produce. Even younger guests are well catered to, with a considered yet familiar kids’ menu that’s just as vibrant as the grown-up one.
