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Longer days, late sunsets and trails blanketed in bright wildflowers can only mean one thing: spring hiking season is officially here. Right now, Australia’s best walking trails are bursting back to life with vibrant blooms, active wildlife and migrating humpback whales, turning even the most familiar hikes into entirely new adventures.
To celebrate the turn of the season, AllTrails has rounded up the most popular spring hikes across Australia, based on the number of navigations between September and November last year. From iconic coastal paths to lush rainforest trails and alpine adventures, here’s where to stretch your legs this season.
1. Twin Falls Circuit, Gold Coast
Swap the beach for the bush on this lush 4.3km loop in the Gold Coast Hinterland. The Twin Falls Circuit is at its greenest in spring, with active birdlife, powerful waterfalls and rocky cascades.
2. Cape Woolamai Circuit, Phillip Island
Spring is a perfect time to tackle this moderate 8.4km circuit walk showcasing Phillip Island’s most dramatic coastline. From September to November, you can spot migratory seabirds and vibrant wildflowers.
3. Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, Sydney
For iconic coastal views, nothing beats the 6km Bondi to Coogee walk. Pack your swimmers as you’ll pass several ocean pools, including Bronte Baths, the concreted Clovelly inlet and Coogee’s rock pools.
4. Spit Bridge to Manly Walk, Sydney
While Bondi to Coogee gets all the fame, this sublime 10km coastal trek is totally underrated. It winds through green coastal rainforests, past ancient Indigenous rock carvings and onto four secret beaches – all warm enough for a dip in spring. End your walk with a beachfront picnic on the golden sands of Manly.
5. Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach Circuit, Coles Bay
Spring is prime time to tackle one of Tasmania’s most iconic day walks: the Freycinet Peninsula’s Wineglass Bay Lookout track. After taking in the sweeping arc of white sand from above, hike down to the shore for a dip in the crystal-clear waters – a spot that earned 21st place on The World’s 50 Best Beaches list for 2026.
6. Cape Byron Walking Track, Byron Bay
This magical 4km Byron Bay walk traces dramatic ocean up to Australia’s most easterly point. In spring, keep your eyes peeled for humpback whales migrating south with their young.
7. Mount Ngungun Summit Track, Sunshine Coast
Climbing through the Glass House Mountains to one of Queensland’s most rewarding viewpoints, the Mount Ngungun Summit, is a must-do on the Sunshine Coast. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with incredible 360-degree views – even more breathtaking at sunrise.
8. Halls Gap to The Pinnacle Loop, Grampians
Spring is an especially beautiful time to hike in the Grampians National Park, as wildflowers bring the landscape to life. This 9km loop is one of the most popular walks for panoramic views across the valley.
9. Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk, Pentland Hills
Just an hour outside Melbourne, this peaceful 7.7km bushland trail is an ideal spring escape from the city. Pack your bathers and cool off in the refreshing pools at Lionshead and Needles Beach along the way.
10. Grand Canyon Track, Blue Mountains
This challenging yet short 6.3-kilometre circuit winds through the lush rainforest of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park. With cascading waterfalls, giant ferns and moss-covered rocky overhangs, it feels like walking through a real-life fairytale.