10 Most Beautiful Mountains to hike in Australia

Mount Bau Bau By Sulz-90 – Wikimedia Commons

10 Most Beautiful Mountains to hike in Australia

Whether you’re an avid or an amateur hiker, you know that the best views are found a way up in the sky. It’s almost certainly going to be at the top of a lung-burning mountain hike that gives you that conquering fulfilment. 

Australia definitely has plenty of great hiking spots on mountains that involves hitting the trails from sunrise to sundown. So if your muscles have been itching for a challenge that will reward you with panoramic views and knee-knocking heights. Then this list of 10 most beautiful mountains to hike in Australia is definitely for you.

1. Mount Kosciuszko, New South Wales

The mighty Mount Kosciuszko is the highest peak in Australia. It is towering 2228 meters in the Kosciuszko National Park. It is sometimes included as one of the Seven Summits, which are the highest mountain peaks on each continent. The most popular route follows the Old Summit Road for 18 kilometers, beginning at Charlotte’s Pass.

For a longer adventure, take the Main Range Walk, a 22-kilometre loop that takes in several impossibly blue glacial lakes. Either way, you’ll find yourself surrounded by spectacular wilderness and breathtaking views of Australia below.

2. Mount Gower On Lord Howe Island, New South Wales

The powerful Mount Gower on Lord Howe Island – Wikimedia Commons

Perched 875 meters above the Tasman Sea on Lord Howe Island, the Mount Gower summit walk isn’t just a mountain climb. It is the highest mountain on Lord Howe and rated as one of Australia’s best day walks. The climb gives a serious adrenalin rush.

You’ll need a guide to tackle this 14-kilometre trail through the island’s most inaccessible and most beautiful  terrain. You should expect to meet endangered creatures and new plants. Moreover, the peak is covered in a seemingly enchanted forest, filled with mosses and ferns, with the sounds of waves crashing nearly a kilometer below. 

3. Cradle Mountain, Tasmania

Cradle Mountain as seen from the north, across Dove Lake By Bjørn Christian Tørrissen – Wikimedia Commons

From a distance, Cradle Mountain looks like a challenge fit for Frodo Baggins. Perched on the shores of Dove Lake, the 13-kilometre circuit includes quite a bit of rock scrambling and boulder hopping among ancient rainforest, rushing streams and wild creatures.

Furthermore, the accent to the to give the  absolute best reward of Cradle Mountain. Among the many perks of hiking the mountain is you get to see Lake Saint Clair and walk through the National Park. Part of the Tasmanian Wilderness is a World Heritage Area. 

4. Burringurrah (Mount Augustus), Western Australia

Burringurrah (also known as Mount Augustus) is truly  a marvel as it is both a mountain and an island. It’s an inselberg that can be climbed with a tough 12-kilometre return trail. These trails have native shrubs and flowers, including wattle, cassias and figworts, and the views are panoramic.

However, there are plenty of shorter trails to choose from but can only be climbed during the day. This is because the Wajarri community which is a Burringurrah’s traditional custodians request that no one climb the inselberg after dark.

5. Mount Sonder, Northern Territory

on the Larapinta Trail. Mount Sonder – Wikimedia Commons

The highest point in the West MacDonnell Ranges is the beautiful Mount Sonder. One favorite route that’s popular with many hikers is the 223-kilometre Larapinta Trail. Its rich red peak, at 1380 meters, is the highest point in the West MacDonnell Ranges and the fourth highest mountain in the Northern Territory.

Its steady climb, that leads to high slopes dotted with round-leafed mallee and native pines. Whilst on the trail keep an eye out for grey-headed honeyeaters and wedge-tailed eagles and peregrine falcons.

6. Mount Duwul (William), Victoria

This is a mountain that’s great for armature and newbie hikers as it can take a moderately fit person approximately 45 mins to walk to the summit. Despite the steep walk, the great views offered by Mount Duwul make it a must see. The climb  offers 360 views of the entire Grampians from just one lookout.

At 1167 meters, mount Duwul stands as the highest peak in northwest of Melbourne. The rewards of the hike are the assent to the summit affords mind-blowing views of the Grampians’ many plateaus and rock formations.

7. Rawnsley Bluff, South Australia

Rawnsley’s Bluff, South Australia By Peripitus – Wikimedia Commons

There are numerous peaks to conquer in the Flinders Ranges, a mountain range 200 kilometers north of Adelaide. One of these is Rawnsley Bluff.

The 11-kilometre return trail immerses you in a spectacular arid landscape, dotted with wildflowers, roos and emus. At the top, prepare for breathtaking panoramas of Wilpena Pound (Ikara), the Elder Range and the Flinders Ranges.

8. Mount Bogong, Victoria

At 1986 meters high, Mount Bogong is the highest mountain in Victoria. It’s the star of the Alpine National Park. It is more suitable for middle and expert level hikers especially the Staircase Spur trail. The trail is one of the more challenging routes as it’s a steep, 16-kilometre climb to the summit.

The perks of the mountain are a forest full of peppermint gums. Beyond, snow gums line the way, opening onto a rocky ridge and then Bogong’s summit which is an open plateau. Here one has 360-degree views of the High Country. There is also a cozy campsite at Cleve Cole Hut if you want to spend the night.

9. Didthul (Pigeon House Mountain), New South Wales

Pigeon House Mountain is the place to go , when visiting the Budawang National Park. This great mountain is definitely a good option for newbies and armature climbers to hike.

Didthul is a relatively easy trail with a five-kilometer return walk which ends in awe-inspiring views of wilderness and the coast.  On a good day, up on the summit it is possible to see as far north as Jervis Bay and as far south as Bermagui.

10. Mount Barney, Queensland

Mount Barney, Queensland, Australia looking towards south west By Shift change – Wikimedia Commons

 The second-highest mountain in South East Queensland, Mount Barney, stands at 1359 meters. You’ll find this beautiful mountain within the Scenic Rim, a land of ancient rainforest, rugged scenery and little villages in the Gold Coast Hinterland.

Disclaimer; the trail is challenging and tricky to navigate at times so this hike would best suit professionals or a guide. The best reward after the challenging hike is uninterrupted views of nearby volcanic peaks Mount Maroon, Mount Ernest and Mount Lindesay.

These have been 10  most beautiful mountains to hike in Australia .