The Australian Outback is made for big adventures, with vast deserts, rugged mountain ranges, ancient landscapes, remote waterholes, and some of the most challenging long-distance trails in the country. For experienced hikers, 100-mile (160-kilometre) and longer treks offer a chance to explore Australia far beyond the usual tourist routes.
From multi-day wilderness trails in the Northern Territory to remote routes across Western Australia and South Australia, these epic journeys combine physical challenge with spectacular scenery and a genuine sense of isolation. Some pass through Aboriginal cultural landscapes, while others cross dry ranges, rocky gorges, open desert, and wildlife-rich wilderness.
In this guide, we’ve selected 25 of the best 100-mile-plus treks and long-distance hiking routes associated with the Australian Outback. Whether you’re planning an expedition or simply looking for inspiration for your next adventure, these trails showcase the extraordinary scale and diversity of Australia’s remote interior.
- The Australian Outback is made for big adventures, with vast deserts, rugged mountain ranges, ancient landscapes, remote waterholes, and some of the most challenging long-distance trails in the country. For experienced hikers, 100-mile (160-kilometre) and longer treks offer a chance to explore Australia far beyond the usual tourist routes.
- Northern Territory
- Western Australia
- South Australia
- Queensland
- New South Wales
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Australian Outback is made for big adventures, with vast deserts, rugged mountain ranges, ancient landscapes, remote waterholes, and some of the most challenging long-distance trails in the country. For experienced hikers, 100-mile (160-kilometre) and longer treks offer a chance to explore Australia far beyond the usual tourist routes.
From multi-day wilderness trails in the Northern Territory to remote routes across Western Australia and South Australia, these epic journeys combine physical challenge with spectacular scenery and a genuine sense of isolation. Some pass through Aboriginal cultural landscapes, while others cross dry ranges, rocky gorges, open desert, and wildlife-rich wilderness.
In this guide, we’ve selected 25 of the best 100-mile-plus treks and long-distance hiking routes associated with the Australian Outback. Whether you’re planning an expedition or simply looking for inspiration for your next adventure, these trails showcase the extraordinary scale and diversity of Australia’s remote interior.
Northern Territory
Larapinta Trail — West MacDonnell Ranges, Northern Territory
The Larapinta Trail is one of Australia’s premier long-distance walks, following the rugged spine of the West MacDonnell Ranges west of Alice Springs. The route passes through dramatic red-rock ridges, deep gorges, permanent waterholes, and expansive desert landscapes. Trekkers can experience Aboriginal cultural heritage, native wildlife, and spectacular Central Australian scenery along the journey. The full trail can be completed as an extended expedition, while individual sections are also suitable for shorter overnight and day hikes.
Quick Facts: Location: West MacDonnell Ranges, Northern Territory, Australia | Difficulty: Challenging | Typical Duration: 12–16 days for the full trail | Maximum Elevation: Mount Sonder, 4,497 ft (1,370 m) | Trek Type: Long-Distance Outback Trek | Best Season: April–September
Starting Point: Redbank Gorge | Finish: Alice Springs Telegraph Station | Route: Redbank Gorge → Mount Sonder → Ormiston Gorge → Serpentine Gorge → Ellery Creek → Glen Helen → Alice Springs Telegraph Station.
Where to Stay: Places to Stay: Alice Springs, Glen Helen area, and campsites along the trail. Designated bush campsites provide basic camping facilities, while hotels, lodges, and guesthouses are available in Alice Springs and nearby communities.
Tanami Desert Routes — Tanami Desert, Northern Territory
Tanami Desert routes traverse one of Australia’s most isolated wilderness regions, characterized by vast red-sand plains, spinifex grasslands, rocky country, and scattered water sources. There is no single established long-distance hiking trail, with journeys generally following remote tracks, traditional travel routes, and expedition corridors. The extreme remoteness provides an exceptional sense of solitude and a chance to experience the raw landscape of Australia’s interior. Trekkers and expedition groups require extensive preparation, reliable navigation, water planning, and logistical support.
Quick Facts: Location: Tanami Desert, Northern Territory, Australia | Difficulty: Extremely Challenging | Typical Duration: 7–30+ days depending on route and support | Maximum Elevation: Generally low-lying desert terrain | Trek Type: Remote Desert Expedition | Best Season: May–September
Starting Point: Varies by expedition | Finish: Varies by expedition | Route: Alice Springs region → Tanami Desert → remote desert tracks and Aboriginal communities → Western Australia border region.
Where to Stay: Places to Stay: Alice Springs, remote Aboriginal communities, and expedition camps. Accommodation is predominantly camping, with limited facilities available along remote routes.
Simpson Desert Routes — Eastern Northern Territory
Simpson Desert routes explore an extraordinary landscape of parallel red sand dunes, salt lakes, clay pans, and sparse desert vegetation in the remote southeastern corner of the Northern Territory. The region is primarily known for 4WD and supported desert expeditions rather than established hiking trails, making independent trekking particularly demanding. Long distances between water sources and extreme temperatures require careful planning, navigation, and resupply arrangements. For experienced adventurers, the Simpson offers an immersive journey through one of Australia’s most iconic desert environments.
Quick Facts: Location: Southeastern Northern Territory, Simpson Desert, Australia | Difficulty: Extremely Challenging | Typical Duration: 7–21+ days depending on route | Maximum Elevation: Low desert terrain, with prominent sand dunes | Trek Type: Remote Desert Expedition | Best Season: May–September
Starting Point: Alice Springs or a designated desert access route | Finish: Varies by expedition | Route: Alice Springs → eastern Simpson Desert access → parallel dune systems → Queensland/South Australia border region.
Where to Stay: Places to Stay: Alice Springs and remote desert camps. Most journeys involve tent camping or expedition vehicles, with very limited permanent accommodation once inside the desert.
Great Sandy Desert Routes — Western Northern Territory
The Great Sandy Desert extends across a vast and remote area of northwestern Australia, with sections reaching into the western Northern Territory. Its landscape features enormous red dunes, spinifex plains, rocky outcrops, seasonal waterholes, and virtually untouched wilderness. There is no single established trekking route, so journeys are generally undertaken as carefully supported wilderness expeditions rather than conventional hikes. The region also holds deep cultural significance for Aboriginal communities, making cultural guidance and responsible travel particularly important.
Quick Facts: Location: Western Northern Territory and adjoining Western Australia | Difficulty: Extremely Challenging | Typical Duration: 7–30+ days depending on expedition | Maximum Elevation: Generally low desert terrain | Trek Type: Remote Desert Expedition | Best Season: May–September
Starting Point: Varies by expedition | Finish: Varies by expedition | Route: Western Northern Territory → Great Sandy Desert → remote Aboriginal lands and desert tracks → Western Australia.
Where to Stay: Places to Stay: Remote Aboriginal communities, desert outposts, and expedition camps. Accommodation is primarily camping, with very limited facilities in this exceptionally isolated region.
Western Australia
Canning Stock Route — Wiluna to Halls Creek
The Canning Stock Route is one of Australia’s most remote and challenging outback journeys, crossing approximately 1,850 km of desert country between Wiluna and Halls Creek. The route passes through vast sand dunes, salt lakes, rocky plains, historic wells, and remote Aboriginal country. Although primarily travelled by 4WD expeditions, sections can be explored on foot as part of carefully supported wilderness journeys. Extreme isolation, limited water, and difficult terrain make detailed preparation and logistical support essential.
Quick Facts: Location: Western Australia | Difficulty: Extremely Challenging | Typical Duration: 18–30+ days | Maximum Elevation: Generally low desert terrain | Trek Type: Remote Desert Expedition | Best Season: May–September
Starting Point: Wiluna | Finish: Halls Creek | Route: Wiluna → Canning Stock Route → Lake Disappointment region → Well 33 → Durba Springs → Sturt Creek → Halls Creek.
Where to Stay: Places to Stay: Wiluna, Halls Creek, remote station areas, and expedition camps. Accommodation along the route is primarily camping, with very limited permanent facilities.
Gibson Desert Routes — Central Western Australia
The Gibson Desert offers an immense wilderness of red sand dunes, spinifex plains, rocky outcrops, and remote waterholes in central Western Australia. There is no single established long-distance trekking trail, with journeys generally undertaken through supported expeditions and remote desert tracks. The region is renowned for its isolation and vast open landscapes, providing an authentic Australian desert experience. Trekkers need strong navigation, water-management, and wilderness skills, with comprehensive logistical planning required.
Quick Facts: Location: Central Western Australia | Difficulty: Extremely Challenging | Typical Duration: 7–30+ days depending on route | Maximum Elevation: Generally low desert terrain | Trek Type: Remote Desert Expedition | Best Season: May–September
Starting Point: Varies by expedition | Finish: Varies by expedition | Route: Central WA → Gibson Desert → remote desert tracks → Great Central Road or surrounding outback regions.
Where to Stay: Places to Stay: Remote communities, desert outposts, and expedition camps. Camping is the primary form of accommodation throughout the wilderness.
Great Sandy Desert Routes — Northern Western Australia
The Great Sandy Desert covers an enormous area of northern Western Australia, featuring sweeping red dunes, spinifex plains, rocky landscapes, and seasonal waterholes. Remote routes through the desert provide opportunities to experience some of the least developed wilderness in the country. Most journeys are expedition-style rather than conventional hiking trips and require substantial preparation, navigation, and vehicle or support arrangements. The desert is also home to important Aboriginal cultural landscapes and traditional Country.
Quick Facts: Location: Northern Western Australia | Difficulty: Extremely Challenging | Typical Duration: 7–30+ days depending on expedition | Maximum Elevation: Low desert terrain | Trek Type: Remote Desert Expedition | Best Season: May–September
Starting Point: Varies by expedition | Finish: Varies by expedition | Route: Northern WA → Great Sandy Desert → remote desert tracks → Kimberley or Northern Territory border regions.
Where to Stay: Places to Stay: Broome, remote communities, desert outposts, and expedition camps. Once inside the desert, camping is generally the only accommodation option.
Little Sandy Desert Routes — Central Western Australia
The Little Sandy Desert lies south of the Great Sandy Desert and features broad red-dune systems, spinifex-covered plains, rocky country, and remote desert lakes. Its proximity to the Canning Stock Route makes it part of several historic and modern outback expedition corridors. There is no single established trekking route, so journeys are generally undertaken with experienced guides, support vehicles, or expedition teams. The combination of extreme remoteness and harsh desert conditions makes careful water and supply planning essential.
Quick Facts: Location: Central Western Australia | Difficulty: Extremely Challenging | Typical Duration: 7–21+ days depending on route | Maximum Elevation: Generally low desert terrain | Trek Type: Remote Desert Expedition | Best Season: May–September
Starting Point: Varies by expedition | Finish: Varies by expedition | Route: Central WA → Little Sandy Desert → desert tracks and remote station country → surrounding outback regions.
Where to Stay: Places to Stay: Newman, remote communities, outback stations, and expedition camps. Camping is the primary accommodation option on remote routes.
Great Victoria Desert Routes — Southeastern Western Australia
The Great Victoria Desert is Australia’s largest desert and stretches across a vast area of southeastern Western Australia and South Australia. Its landscape includes long red sand dunes, spinifex grasslands, salt lakes, rocky plains, and isolated desert vegetation. Routes through the region are generally remote expedition journeys rather than marked hiking trails, with access requiring extensive planning and support. The desert also contains significant Aboriginal cultural landscapes and areas of ecological importance.
Quick Facts: Location: Southeastern Western Australia and South Australia | Difficulty: Extremely Challenging | Typical Duration: 7–30+ days depending on route | Maximum Elevation: Generally low desert terrain | Trek Type: Remote Desert Expedition | Best Season: May–September
Starting Point: Varies by expedition | Finish: Varies by expedition | Route: Southeastern WA → Great Victoria Desert → remote desert tracks → South Australian border regions.
Where to Stay: Places to Stay: Kalgoorlie-Boulder, remote communities, outback camps, and expedition camps. Accommodation within the desert is almost exclusively camping.
Munda Biddi Trail — Southwest Western Australia
The Munda Biddi Trail is a long-distance off-road cycling route running through the forests and bushland of southwestern Western Australia. The trail travels between Mundaring near Perth and Albany, passing through jarrah and karri forests, farmland, valleys, and diverse natural landscapes. The Munda Biddi has purpose-built campsites and established trail infrastructure for multi-day journeys. The route is designed primarily for mountain biking, although selected sections can be explored on foot.
Quick Facts: Location: Southwest Western Australia | Difficulty: Challenging | Typical Duration: 2–3 weeks by bike | Maximum Elevation: Varies along the route | Trek Type: Long-Distance Off-Road Trail | Best Season: March–November
Starting Point: Mundaring | Finish: Albany | Route: Mundaring → Jarrahdale → Dwellingup → Collie → Nannup → Donnelly River → Pemberton → Denmark → Albany.
Where to Stay: Places to Stay: Perth, Mundaring, Dwellingup, Collie, Pemberton, Denmark, Albany, and trail campsites. Purpose-built shelters, campsites, guesthouses, hostels, and hotels provide accommodation along different sections.
Bibbulmun Track — Southwest Western Australia
The Bibbulmun Track is one of Australia’s great long-distance walking trails, stretching from the Perth Hills to Albany through the forests and coastal landscapes of southwestern Western Australia. The trail passes through jarrah and karri forests, rolling hills, farmland, wildflower country, and sections of dramatic southern coastline. More than 1,000 km of marked trail and a network of purpose-built campsites make it suitable for extended walking expeditions as well as shorter section hikes. The route offers a diverse combination of wilderness, forest, and coastal scenery across one of Australia’s most biologically rich regions.
Quick Facts: Location: Southwest Western Australia | Difficulty: Challenging | Typical Duration: 6–8 weeks for the full trail | Maximum Elevation: Varies along the route, generally moderate | Trek Type: Long-Distance Wilderness Walk | Best Season: March–May and September–November
Starting Point: Kalamunda, Perth Hills | Finish: Albany | Route: Kalamunda → Dwellingup → Collie → Balingup → Pemberton → Walpole → Denmark → Albany.
Where to Stay: Places to Stay: Perth, Kalamunda, Dwellingup, Collie, Pemberton, Walpole, Denmark, Albany, and campsites along the trail. Overnight shelters, designated campsites, guesthouses, hostels, and hotels provide accommodation depending on the section.
South Australia
Heysen Trail — Flinders Ranges
The Heysen Trail is one of Australia’s premier long-distance walking routes, extending through the rugged ranges, valleys, forests, and pastoral landscapes of South Australia. The northern sections through the Flinders Ranges feature dramatic ridgelines, rocky gorges, red-earth landscapes, and sweeping views across the outback. The trail combines established walking tracks with remote wilderness sections and historic pastoral country. Full-route hikers need careful planning for water, weather, resupply, and remote camping.
Quick Facts: Location: South Australia | Difficulty: Challenging to Very Challenging | Typical Duration: 50–65 days for the full trail | Maximum Elevation: Mount Bryan, 3,100 ft (945 m) | Trek Type: Long-Distance Wilderness Walk | Best Season: April–October
Starting Point: Parachilna Gorge | Finish: Cape Jervis | Route: Flinders Ranges → Clare Valley → Adelaide Hills → Fleurieu Peninsula → Cape Jervis.
Where to Stay: Places to Stay: Wilpena Pound, Hawker, Quorn, Clare, Hahndorf, Adelaide Hills, and communities along the trail. Campgrounds, huts, guesthouses, hotels, and designated bush camps provide accommodation depending on the section.
Mawson Trail — Flinders Ranges
The Mawson Trail is a long-distance cycling route that travels through South Australia’s mountain ranges, farming districts, valleys, and outback landscapes. Its northern sections reach deep into the Flinders Ranges, where cyclists encounter rugged hills, rocky tracks, dry creek beds, and spectacular red-earth scenery. The route combines unsealed roads, station tracks, and remote country roads rather than a conventional hiking trail. It is best suited to experienced cyclists prepared for long distances, variable surfaces, and limited services.
Quick Facts: Location: South Australia, including the Flinders Ranges | Difficulty: Challenging | Typical Duration: 10–20 days by bike | Maximum Elevation: Varies along the route, with higher sections in the Flinders Ranges | Trek Type: Long-Distance Off-Road Cycling Route | Best Season: April–October
Starting Point: Adelaide | Finish: Blinman | Route: Adelaide Hills → Clare Valley → Mount Remarkable region → Flinders Ranges → Blinman.
Where to Stay: Places to Stay: Adelaide, Clare, Melrose, Quorn, Hawker, Wilpena Pound, and Blinman. Hotels, pubs, caravan parks, campgrounds, station stays, and remote camps provide accommodation along the route.
Flinders Ranges Long-Distance Routes
The Flinders Ranges contain a network of long-distance walking routes through some of South Australia’s most dramatic mountain and desert scenery. Trekkers encounter ancient folded ranges, narrow gorges, dry creek beds, rocky ridges, and expansive views across the surrounding outback. Routes can range from short multi-day walks to longer wilderness expeditions linking several parts of the ranges. Remote sections require careful planning for water, navigation, weather, and limited communications.
Quick Facts: Location: Flinders Ranges, South Australia | Difficulty: Challenging to Very Challenging | Typical Duration: 2–14+ days depending on route | Maximum Elevation: St Mary Peak, 3,842 ft (1,171 m) | Trek Type: Mountain and Outback Wilderness Trek | Best Season: April–October
Starting Point: Varies by route | Finish: Varies by route | Route: Wilpena Pound → Brachina Gorge → Bunyeroo Gorge → Mount Remarkable region → northern Flinders Ranges.
Where to Stay: Places to Stay: Hawker, Wilpena Pound, Rawnsley Park, Blinman, and designated campgrounds. Lodges, station stays, caravan parks, bush camps, and wilderness campsites are available.
Vulkathunha–Gammon Ranges Routes
The Vulkathunha–Gammon Ranges National Park offers rugged walking through remote mountain country northeast of the Flinders Ranges. The landscape features steep quartzite ridges, narrow gorges, rocky peaks, dry creek beds, and spectacular views across the surrounding arid country. Walking routes are generally rugged and less developed than major Australian long-distance trails, creating a strong wilderness experience. Trekkers should be prepared for rough terrain, limited water, and rapidly changing desert conditions.
Quick Facts: Location: Northern Flinders Ranges, South Australia | Difficulty: Very Challenging | Typical Duration: 2–7+ days depending on route | Maximum Elevation: Mount McKinlay, approximately 3,800 ft (1,160 m) | Trek Type: Remote Mountain Wilderness Trek | Best Season: April–October
Starting Point: Varies by route and park access | Finish: Varies by route | Route: Arkaroola region → Vulkathunha–Gammon Ranges → remote gorges, ridges, and mountain country.
Where to Stay: Places to Stay: Arkaroola, Nepabunna, Copley, Leigh Creek, and remote bush camps. Arkaroola provides accommodation and camping facilities, while more remote routes require self-sufficient camping.
Ikara–Flinders Ranges Routes
Ikara–Flinders Ranges National Park encompasses some of the best-known scenery in the central Flinders Ranges, including the spectacular Wilpena Pound amphitheatre. Walking routes range from shorter gorge and ridge walks to demanding multi-day journeys through rugged mountain country. The landscape combines towering cliffs, red-rock ridges, dry creek systems, and broad views over the surrounding ranges. The park provides a variety of established walking opportunities while retaining a strong sense of outback wilderness.
Quick Facts: Location: Central Flinders Ranges, South Australia | Difficulty: Moderate to Very Challenging | Typical Duration: 1–7+ days depending on route | Maximum Elevation: St Mary Peak, 3,842 ft (1,171 m) | Trek Type: Mountain and Outback Trek | Best Season: April–October
Starting Point: Wilpena Pound / Ikara | Finish: Varies by route | Route: Wilpena Pound → Mount Ohlssen-Bagge → St Mary Peak → Rawnsley Bluff → surrounding Flinders Ranges.
Where to Stay: Places to Stay: Wilpena Pound, Rawnsley Park, Hawker, and nearby station properties. Resorts, cabins, campgrounds, caravan parks, and bush camps provide accommodation.
Simpson Desert Routes — Eastern South Australia
The South Australian side of the Simpson Desert features immense parallel sand dunes, vast open plains, salt lakes, and sparse desert vegetation. Remote routes across the eastern part of the state are primarily undertaken as supported 4WD and expedition journeys rather than conventional hiking trails. The harsh environment demands careful planning for water, navigation, temperatures, and emergency support. For experienced adventurers, the region offers an extraordinary experience of Australia’s vast interior desert landscapes.
Quick Facts: Location: Eastern South Australia | Difficulty: Extremely Challenging | Typical Duration: 7–21+ days depending on expedition | Maximum Elevation: Low desert terrain dominated by sand dunes | Trek Type: Remote Desert Expedition | Best Season: May–September
Starting Point: Birdsville or Oodnadatta region | Finish: Varies by expedition | Route: Eastern South Australia → Simpson Desert → parallel dune systems → Queensland and Northern Territory border regions.
Where to Stay: Places to Stay: Birdsville, Oodnadatta, Marla, remote desert camps, and expedition camps. Once inside the desert, camping is generally the only accommodation option.
Strzelecki Desert Routes
The Strzelecki Desert is a remote arid region of red sand dunes, gibber plains, salt lakes, and dry creek systems in northeastern South Australia. Routes through the region often follow remote outback tracks and historic travel corridors rather than established walking trails. The landscape is exceptionally open and isolated, with long distances between services and limited natural water. Expeditions require thorough preparation, reliable transport and navigation, and sufficient emergency supplies.
Quick Facts: Location: Northeastern South Australia | Difficulty: Extremely Challenging | Typical Duration: 5–14+ days depending on route | Maximum Elevation: Generally low desert terrain | Trek Type: Remote Desert Expedition | Best Season: April–September
Starting Point: Innamincka or Lyndhurst region | Finish: Varies by expedition | Route: Lyndhurst → Strzelecki Desert → Strzelecki Track → Innamincka and surrounding desert country.
Where to Stay: Places to Stay: Lyndhurst, Innamincka, outback stations, roadside camps, and remote expedition camps. Basic accommodation is available at some settlements, while most remote sections require camping.
Sturt Stony Desert Routes
The Sturt Stony Desert is a distinctive landscape of gibber-covered plains, rocky desert pavements, clay pans, salt lakes, and sparse vegetation in the far northeast of South Australia. The region forms part of the broader Channel Country and outback desert environment surrounding Innamincka. There are few conventional hiking trails, so exploration is generally undertaken through remote-road journeys, guided expeditions, and supported wilderness trips. Its stark geology and vast horizons create a distinctive outback experience far from major population centres.
Quick Facts: Location: Northeastern South Australia | Difficulty: Very Challenging to Extremely Challenging | Typical Duration: 3–14+ days depending on route | Maximum Elevation: Generally low-lying desert plains | Trek Type: Remote Outback Expedition | Best Season: April–September
Starting Point: Innamincka or surrounding outback access points | Finish: Varies by route | Route: Innamincka → Sturt Stony Desert → Cooper Creek and Channel Country → Queensland border region.
Where to Stay: Places to Stay: Innamincka, outback stations, remote camps, and expedition camps. Accommodation is limited outside Innamincka, with camping required for most remote journeys.
Great Victoria Desert Routes
The Great Victoria Desert extends across southeastern Western Australia and into South Australia, forming Australia’s largest desert region. South Australian routes pass through vast red sand dunes, spinifex plains, salt lakes, rocky country, and remote Aboriginal lands. There is no single established long-distance trekking trail, and journeys are generally undertaken as carefully planned wilderness expeditions with substantial logistical support. The extreme isolation and challenging environment make these routes suitable for experienced desert travellers and expedition teams.
Quick Facts: Location: Western and South Australia | Difficulty: Extremely Challenging | Typical Duration: 7–30+ days depending on expedition | Maximum Elevation: Generally low desert terrain | Trek Type: Remote Desert Expedition | Best Season: May–September
Starting Point: Varies by expedition | Finish: Varies by expedition | Route: Western South Australia → Great Victoria Desert → remote Aboriginal lands → Western Australia border region.
Where to Stay: Places to Stay: Marla, Tarcoola region, remote communities, outback stations, and expedition camps. Accommodation within the desert is primarily camping, with very limited permanent facilities.
Queensland
Simpson Desert Routes — Queensland
The Queensland side of the Simpson Desert features vast parallel sand dunes, red desert plains, salt lakes, and sparse spinifex vegetation stretching across the state’s remote southwest. Most journeys are undertaken as supported 4WD or wilderness expeditions rather than established hiking trails, with very limited infrastructure in the desert. The landscape provides a remarkable sense of isolation and showcases one of Australia’s most distinctive inland environments. Extreme temperatures, scarce water, and long distances require thorough preparation and reliable logistical support.
Quick Facts: Location: Southwestern Queensland | Difficulty: Extremely Challenging | Typical Duration: 7–21+ days depending on expedition | Maximum Elevation: Low desert terrain dominated by sand dunes | Trek Type: Remote Desert Expedition | Best Season: May–September
Starting Point: Birdsville or nearby desert access points | Finish: Varies by expedition | Route: Birdsville → Simpson Desert → parallel dune systems → South Australia and Northern Territory border regions.
Where to Stay: Places to Stay: Birdsville, Bedourie, remote outback stations, and expedition camps. Camping is the primary accommodation option once travelling into the desert.
Great Sandy Desert Routes — Western Queensland
The Great Sandy Desert is primarily located in Western Australia and the Northern Territory, with the broader desert region extending toward the remote western edge of Queensland. Routes in this area pass through dry plains, red sandy country, spinifex vegetation, and isolated outback landscapes. There are no conventional long-distance hiking trails, so journeys are generally undertaken as carefully supported remote expeditions. Travellers need extensive preparation for limited water, extreme temperatures, difficult access, and long distances between services.
Quick Facts: Location: Western Queensland and adjoining desert regions | Difficulty: Extremely Challenging | Typical Duration: 7–21+ days depending on route | Maximum Elevation: Generally low desert terrain | Trek Type: Remote Desert Expedition | Best Season: May–September
Starting Point: Varies by expedition | Finish: Varies by expedition | Route: Western Queensland → remote desert country → Northern Territory and Western Australia border regions.
Where to Stay: Places to Stay: Remote outback stations, small communities, and expedition camps. Accommodation is primarily camping, with very limited permanent facilities in remote areas.
Bicentennial National Trail — Outback Queensland
The Bicentennial National Trail is one of Australia’s longest multi-use trails, extending through diverse landscapes from Queensland toward the southern states. The Queensland sections cross rugged ranges, rural properties, forests, open grazing country, and remote outback landscapes. The trail is designed for trekking, horse riding, and cycling, with many sections following historic stock routes, bridle paths, and rural roads. Outback sections can be physically demanding and require careful planning for water, resupply, navigation, and access across private and remote country.
Quick Facts: Location: Queensland, including Outback Queensland | Difficulty: Challenging to Very Challenging | Typical Duration: Several weeks to several months depending on section | Maximum Elevation: Varies significantly along the route | Trek Type: Long-Distance Multi-Use Trail | Best Season: April–October
Starting Point: Cooktown, Queensland | Finish: Healesville, Victoria | Route: North Queensland → inland ranges → Central Queensland → Outback Queensland → New South Wales → Victoria.
Where to Stay: Places to Stay: Cooktown, Mareeba, Charters Towers, Longreach, Roma, rural communities, station properties, and designated campsites. Accommodation varies from hotels and guesthouses to station stays, campgrounds, and remote bush camps.
New South Wales
Bicentennial National Trail — Outback Queensland
The Bicentennial National Trail is one of Australia’s longest multi-use trails, extending through diverse landscapes from northern Queensland toward Victoria. The Outback Queensland sections pass through expansive grazing country, rugged ranges, open grasslands, rural properties, and remote inland landscapes. The trail is designed for trekking, horse riding, and cycling, with sections following historic stock routes, bridle paths, and quiet rural roads. Remote sections require careful planning for water, resupply, navigation, weather, and access across private and isolated country.
Quick Facts: Location: Outback Queensland, Australia | Difficulty: Challenging to Very Challenging | Typical Duration: Several weeks depending on section | Maximum Elevation: Varies by route | Trek Type: Long-Distance Multi-Use Trail | Best Season: April–October
Starting Point: Varies by Outback Queensland section | Finish: Varies by itinerary | Route: Central Queensland → inland ranges → Outback Queensland → remote grazing country and rural communities.
Where to Stay: Places to Stay: Longreach, Winton, Barcaldine, Charters Towers, Roma, rural stations, and communities along individual sections. Hotels, guesthouses, station stays, campgrounds, and remote bush camps provide accommodation depending on the route.
Hume & Hovell Track — Southeastern New South Wales
The Hume & Hovell Track is a long-distance walking route through the forests, farmland, mountains, valleys, and river country of southeastern New South Wales. The trail follows a historic exploration corridor and passes through diverse landscapes between the Yass region and Albury, including sections of the Great Dividing Range. Trekkers encounter eucalyptus forests, open grazing country, creeks, ridgelines, and scenic views across the Southern Tablelands. The route combines remote camping with access to nearby rural communities, making it suitable for experienced multi-day hikers.
Quick Facts: Location: Southeastern New South Wales, Australia | Difficulty: Challenging | Typical Duration: 18–25 days | Maximum Elevation: Approximately 4,900 ft (1,500 m) | Trek Type: Long-Distance Wilderness Walk | Best Season: March–May and September–November
Starting Point: Yass area | Finish: Albury | Route: Yass → Wee Jasper → Tumut region → Kosciuszko foothills → Holbrook → Albury.
Where to Stay: Places to Stay: Yass, Wee Jasper, Tumut, Holbrook, Albury, rural properties, and campsites along the track. Bush camps, campgrounds, cabins, guesthouses, and hotels provide accommodation depending on the section.
Final Thoughts
A 100-mile trek through the Australian Outback is more than a long hike—it’s an expedition through some of the world’s most remote and remarkable landscapes. From red-rock ranges and desert plains to dramatic gorges and ancient cultural landscapes, these journeys offer experiences that shorter walks simply cannot provide.
Long-distance Outback hiking also requires careful preparation. Water availability, extreme temperatures, navigation, communications, food supplies, vehicle access, and seasonal conditions can all become critical factors on remote routes. Always check current trail information and local conditions before setting out.
Whether you choose a challenging multi-day route or use these treks as inspiration for a future adventure, Australia’s Outback provides an extraordinary setting for long-distance hiking. With the right preparation and respect for the environment and Country, these journeys can become some of the most memorable adventures in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered a 100-mile trek?
A 100-mile trek is a long-distance hiking route covering at least 100 miles, or approximately 160 kilometres. Depending on the terrain and route, completing one can take several days or weeks.
Are there 100-mile hikes in the Australian Outback?
Yes. Australia has numerous long-distance trails and extended routes that reach or exceed 100 miles. Some are established hiking trails, while others involve linked tracks, wilderness routes, or expedition-style travel.
What is the longest trek in the Australian Outback?
There is no single universally recognized longest Outback trek because routes can be measured and connected in different ways. Several major Australian long-distance trails extend for hundreds of kilometres.
How difficult are 100-mile Outback treks?
Most are challenging because of the combination of distance, heat, limited water, rough terrain, navigation requirements, and remoteness. Difficulty varies considerably between individual routes.
What is the best time of year for long-distance hiking in the Outback?
The cooler months are generally more suitable for many Outback hiking areas, but conditions vary significantly by region. Always check local weather, trail conditions, water availability, and seasonal closures before starting a trek.
How much water do you need for an Outback trek?
Water requirements depend on temperature, distance between reliable sources, individual needs, and the specific route. On remote Australian trails, hikers must carefully plan their water supply and never assume that a mapped water source will be available.
Do you need a guide for a 100-mile Outback trek?
Not necessarily, but experience with remote-area navigation and wilderness preparation is important. Some routes may require permits, bookings, or specific safety arrangements, while others are more suitable for guided expeditions.
What should I pack for a 100-mile Australian Outback trek?
Essential equipment can include sufficient water capacity, navigation equipment, sun protection, appropriate hiking footwear, food, first-aid supplies, shelter, communication or emergency equipment, and clothing suitable for extreme temperature changes.
Are Aboriginal cultural sites found along Outback trekking routes?
Yes. Many Outback hiking areas are within or near Aboriginal cultural landscapes. Visitors should follow local rules, respect sacred places, stay on designated routes where required, and follow guidance from Traditional Owners and park authorities.
Can beginners do a 100-mile Outback trek?
A 100-mile trek is generally better suited to hikers with appropriate long-distance and remote-area experience. Beginners can build up gradually through shorter multi-day hikes before attempting a route of this distance.
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