Happy trails

HIPPOCRATES may never have seen the beauty of the Australian bush but his advice that “walking is man's best medicine” is as true today as it was in ancient Greece. The health benefits of physical activity such as walking are well documented, from fitness to weight loss and improved mental and emotional well-being.

And with the incredible diversity that is the Australian landscape, there are spectacular sights across every state, ready to greet the eager bushwalker. But if the thought of tramping long distances fills you with trepidation, you can relax in the knowledge that there are literally hundreds of trails which are perfectly safe for the inexperienced rambler.

Whether your preference leads you to panoramic mountains, stunning beaches, the stark beauty of the outback or the evocative rainforest and cascading waterfalls there are easy bushtrails which would enable you to stretch your legs and see the country – without a time commitment of several days or the fitness level of an Olympic athlete.

Here are a few examples of great bushtrails, which are easily accessible, can be completed within a few hours or less. Most have been graded as being easy, suitable for all ages and beginners – but with amazing scenery which will leave you eager to plan your next trip.

New South Wales

A half a kilometre stroll to Green Cape Lighthouse in Ben Boyd National Park takes in several heritage buildings and a great view. It should take around 15 minutes with the option of taking part in a tour of the lighthouse itself.

The Fairfax Heritage Track in Blue Mountains National Park is an easy 2.3km circuit walk of around an hour, which boasts forests, cliff views and a spectacular outlook over the Grose Valley.

The 3.5km two hour walk following in Charles Darwin’s footsteps is another popular walk in the Blue Mountains area. Just outside the National Park boundaries, the track follows Jamison Creek south until the top of Wentworth Falls where you will be rewarded by a look out over the Jamison Valley, waterfalls, hanging swamps and birdlife.

Victoria

The easy Sea Cliff Nature Walk gives a good introduction to the nature of Cape Nelson. Visitors can watch sea and land birds, kangaroos, echidnas, snakes and lizards during the walk, which takes about two hours to loop 3km.

One of the best short walks on the Great Ocean Walk takes in the Shelly Beach circuit. The 2km track traverses through fern gullies, coastal scrub, along Shelly Beach and across rocky platforms to Elliot River.

An easy 800m walk along to the Gables Lookout takes just 20 minutes, but will reward participants with a spectacular lookout over the ocean and the reefs around Moonlight Head at one of the highest sea cliffs on mainland Australia.

Queensland

Cloudy Creek, in the Paluma area, leads through the rainforest from McClelland's lookout to panoramic views of Halifax Bay, Crystal Creek and the Palm Islands. This easy walk takes just an hour and a half to complete and is around 4km.

If you’re interested in volcanic history head to Tamborine National Park, and Curtis Falls. A large rock pool at the base of the falls, basalt columns, and glow-worms in the surrounding cliffs are popular with visitors. This walk is just 1.5km and takes around 45 minutes.

If you are interested in a more moderate walk around one of the state’s most scenic parks, try a walk to Lawn Hill Gorge at Boodjamulla National Park. Lawn Hill Creek is fed by numerous freshwater springs from the limestone plateau to the west. Sandstone cliffs, emerald waters and lush vegetation await visitors, along with an abundance of wildlife. A steep climb up the Island Stack joins a 1.7km circuit which takes you around the table top for panoramic views. The 4km walk takes around two hours.

South Australia

National Parks in South Australia boast a number of walks which are accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. Well defined trails, usually less than 3km in length, they have even surfaces and are suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.

Try First Falls Walk in Morialta Conservation Park, Platypus Waterholes Walk in Flinders Chase National Park or Kaiki Walk in Granite Island Recreation Park.

Northern Territory

The Shady Creek walk in the Florence Falls area of Litchfield National Park takes in gardens, a monsoon forest and open woodland. This walk takes around 30 minutes and is around 1km.

Walking in the Trephina Gorge Nature Park is popular with locals and tourists alike. A stroll to the gorge itself is just 500m and can be completed in just 20 minutes.

In Watarrka National Park, the Kathleen Springs Walk is suitable for families and people with limited mobility. Signs along the track tell of Aboriginal culture and the cattle industry, leading to a spring-fed waterhole. The 2.4km walk takes approximately 1.5 hours.

The park’s Kings Creek walk takes around an hour to meander 2.6km to a viewing platform with views of the sheer canyon walls, and is also suitable for families, although the track can be rough underfoot.

Tasmania

Outstanding national parks in Tasmania offer literally dozens of opportunities for people seeing a walking experience in the state. Seasides and mountain vistas are equally accessible to walking enthusiasts keen to peruse the local area.

A forest of stringy barks and rainforest species awaits people who participate in an easy stroll along a late 19th century sawmill tramway to Duckhole Lake. The walk to the flooded sinkhole takes around an hour to complete.

The Franklin River Nature Trail takes visitors to the heart of the largest conservation battle in Australian history after environmentalists fought to save the river from being dammed. Taking up to 25 minutes, the walk is suitable for some wheelchair users and families with strollers.

Featuring breathtaking scenery, Flinders Island offers beach walks and wildlife. Trousers Point walk, within the Strzelecki National Park includes unusual rock features, island views and two beautiful beaches. It takes around 1.5 hours to complete the circuit walk, allowing for some short rocky sections which could be slippery when wet.

Western Australia

Take a walk through an ancient stream bed through a collapsed cave system and experience the historic features of the Boomerang gorge trail at Yanchep National Park. Just 500m in length, the original cave walls line the gorge and the ceiling of the collapsed cave forms the trail.

The Murlunmunyjurna Track in Millstream-Chichester National Park in the Pilbara region can be completed in a two-hour return trip. The easy 6.8km trail links the homestead with the Fortescue River near Crossing Pool. Along the way plaques explain how the Yinjibarndi people use the plants in the area.

And if you are in the city, a walk around Narrows and Causeway bridges in Perth will take you on a 10.5km loop. Enjoy a riverside stroll or brisk walk at dusk with the city lights forming a spectacular reflection.

Just 30km northeast of Perth the magnificent scenery of the upper Swan Valley can be seen to best advantage on the Hillside Trail to Bells Rapids. Taking in a 3km loop, the hillside trail is in two sections, with the upper section running through vegetation along a ridge on the lower slopes of Mt Mambup, while the lower section follows the river.

It goes without saying that if you are heading out to enjoy a walk, a sturdy pair of shoes or boots, a hat, sunscreen, and lots of water are absolutely necessary. Also remember to let someone know where you are going and when you’ll be back.

And if – or when – you catch the bushwalking bug, there are plenty of experts and fellow enthusiasts who are ready and waiting to share their knowledge and advice. For further information contact your state’s national park service or your local authority.