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If there's one thing for sure, it's that Australia is home to some of the most incredible, awe-inspiring and genuinely excellent walks in the world. With thousands to choose from, it's difficult knowing which trails to prioritise when you're keen for a bit of a nature stroll in the Land Down Under. So, to launch off 2026, the hiking gurus over at AllTrails have crunched their 2025 numbers and released a list of the top walking tracks that had Aussies in a chokehold last year.
Their '2025 Year on the Trails' list has uncovered a number of cool things, including the fact that in 2025, Aussies traversed their way through a whopping 28 million kilometres of trails (which is the same distance as driving to the Moon and back more than 35 times!). It also showed that Australians rank fourth in the world for the most time spent on a trail, per member, while long-distance backpacking style hikes saw the highest growth in popularity among Australian hikers.
Cool facts aside, however, one of the most exciting revelations from the AllTrails' 2025 round-up was the reveal of the highest-rated walking tracks in Australia. Unsurprisingly, Tasmania led the nation in the most trail activity growth, with three Tassie walks ranking in the top ten highest-rated walks.
Australia's highest-rated trail in 2025 was the scenic and relatively short Crater Lake, Marions Lookout, Lake Lilla, Dove Lake Loop. This 9.2-kilometre hike in Tasmania's Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park has garnered a huge amount of support from adventurers for its stunning views, mix of terrain and steady walking conditions. Starting on the boardwalk at the famous Overland Track close to the Visitor's Centre, it takes you up a pleasant incline through the deep green forest. Once you reach Cradle Lake, the real climb begins.
While the stairs may throw you off at first glance, AllTrails' users say that once you get going, it isn't bad at all. If you keep a steady pace going, you'll get to the top without feeling too puffed.
With a 419-metre elevation gain, this loop track is well maintained with lots of solid footholds and takes you past a number of gasp-inducing lookouts that offer wild views of Cradle Mountain's dramatic landscape. You'll wander through different vegetation, and (if you're lucky) get a glimpse of various animals and wildlife in their natural habitat.
Another reason this hike topped the list is that you can shorten or lengthen it however much you want, with plenty of options to keep going or turn back if the mood strikes. The trail connects with several others, including the more major Cradle Mountain track or the Dove Lake Circuit trail.
But, if you decide to keep on route, you will reach Dove Lake Carpark. It's here that you can turn around and follow a section of the road back towards the trailhead where it all began. As always, choose your own adventure.
Curious about which other trails starred for Aussie hikers in 2026. See the top ten below.
The top 10 highest-rated trails in Australia in 2025:
- Crater Lake, Marions Lookout, Lake Lilla, Dove Lake Loop, TAS
- Kings Canyon Rim and Creek Walks via Cotterills Lookout, NT
- Cradle Summit and Hansons Peak via Overland Track and Face Track, TAS
- North Gorge Walk, QLD
- The Pinnacle, VIC
- Bald Head Hike, WA
- Bald Rock Bungoona Walk, WA
- Grand Canyon Track, NSW
- Bishop and Clerk Track, TAS
- The Pinnacle via Wonderland Carpark, VIC
Now, we just need to wait to see which trail gets the most love in 2026.