When you think of Australia you probably think Melbourne, the Sydney Opera House, surfer dudes, and kangaroos.

While all of these are great reasons to visit, they do not appeal to the average backpacker. So when planning international backpacking trips, a lot of people make the mistake of overlooking Australia.

Don’t be that person! From mountains to deserts, and everything in between, Australia harbors secret gems only accessible by trail.

Here are 7 bushwalks that give you a reason to grab your carry-on backpack and camping hammock, and jet-set over to Australia.

Great Ocean Walk

Why drive the Great Ocean Road when you can backpack the Great Ocean Walk? The up to 8-day backpacking trail hugs the coastline, and provides some of the most scenic ocean views in Australia: views not available on the drive.

Perfect if you want to see:

Pristine beaches

Pristine beaches Coastal cliffs

Coastal cliffs Shipwreck anchors

Shipwreck anchors Lush rainforests

Lush rainforests Koalas and kangaroos

Koalas and kangaroos Historical lighthouses

Historical lighthouses Impressive natural stone structures

Another plus: this backpacking trail is ideal for any level of hiker looking to sleep in their hammock. Visit greatoceanwalk.com.au for more information.

Thorsborne Trail

If an isolated island adventure is more your style, check out the Thorsborne Trail on Hinchinbrook Island. This beginner-friendly trek takes 4 days, but you may find yourself wanting to spend more time exploring the mysterious cloud-covered mountains.

This trail features:

Off-trail hikes to various mountain peaks

Off-trail hikes to various mountain peaks Tropical rainforests

Tropical rainforests Waterfalls

Waterfalls Pristine beaches

Pristine beaches Freshwater creeks and watering holes

Freshwater creeks and watering holes Mangroves

The only way to get to Hinchinbrook Island is by ferry, so book early and prepare to hang your hammock in a Eucalyptus forest! For more information, check out the official website.

Named after the width of the original horse path, the Six Foot Trail allows you to follow in the footsteps of greats such as the New South Wales Governor, Lord Carrington.

This trail is a difficult 3-day journey, but the historic path is worth the pain. This track takes you from Katoomba, through the Blue Mountains, to Jenolan Caves.

The last day’s challenging elevation climb is worth it if you are interested in:

One of the largest underground cave systems in the world

One of the largest underground cave systems in the world Waterfalls

Waterfalls Kangaroos, wallaroos, and wombats

Kangaroos, wallaroos, and wombats Bowtells suspension bridge

Bowtells suspension bridge The Cox River

The Cox River Heathlands

Heathlands Temperate rainforests

Temperate rainforests Creek crossings

Creek crossings Woodlands

You can hang your hammock virtually anywhere for the night, but for a sample 3-day itinerary go here.

Conway Circuit

Internationally known for sailing and snorkeling, the Whitsundays have a lesser-known claim to fame: almost 17 miles of scenic backpacking!

This moderately difficult trip through Conway National Park is estimated to take 3 days and 2 nights.

You might like the Conway Circuit if you want to experience:

Panoramic views of the Whitsundays

Panoramic views of the Whitsundays Rainforests

Rainforests Hidden beaches

Hidden beaches Creek crossings

Creek crossings Rocky cliffs

Rocky cliffs Bird watching

The Australian Department of National Parks requires camping in designated camping areas only. Not to worry, the campsites have plenty of trees to hang your bed. Visit nprsr.qld.gov.au to find out more.

Overland Track

Located on the island of Tasmania, the Overland Track is a remote alpine hike not for the faint of heart! The approximately 40-mile journey is estimated to take 6 days.

However, there are enough side trips to must-see waterfalls and mountain peaks to extend your bushwalk to at least 10 days!

This trek is perfect if you want to see:

Australia’s deepest lake

Australia’s deepest lake Temperate rainforests

Temperate rainforests Alpine plains

Alpine plains The tallest mountain in Tasmania

The tallest mountain in Tasmania Tasmanian devils

Tasmanian devils Swamps

Swamps Lakes

Lakes Waterfalls

Waterfalls Mountains

As with any alpine hike, the weather can change rapidly and backpackers must be prepared for sudden thunderstorms, dangerous lightning, and cold temperatures.

Hammocks are typically all you need during the summer months, but in case of bad weather, there are many huts along the trail to take refuge. Head to www.parks.tas.gov.au to book your trip.

Fraser Island Great Walk

The Fraser Island Great Walk is an easy to moderate 60-mile island getaway estimated to take 6 to 8 days.

If you are not up for the high mileage, there are plenty of access points for pick-up along the way!

Boasting a rarely seen view of Fraser Island, this trip will allow you to experience:

Unique sand dunes

Unique sand dunes Dingoes

Dingoes Swampland

Swampland Forests

Forests Woodlands

Woodlands Beaches

Beaches Rainforest

Rainforest Wetlands

Wetlands The largest perched lake in the world

The designated camping areas for backpackers were created away from the main camping areas, which means virtually no crowds and few to no facilities. This is hammocking at its finest!

However, be sure to book your transport services in advance. For everything you need to know, go to www.npsr.qld.gov.au.

Bibbulman Track

No list of hammock friendly backpacking treks would be complete without the Bibbulman Track. Coming in at a little over 620 miles, the Bibbulmun Track has been compared to the Appalachian Trail in the United States.

If you do not have the 6-8 weeks required to complete the whole trail, never fear! With 58 distinct sections, each a one-day walk, every backpacker will find something up their alley.

This trail features:

Coastal Heathland

Coastal Heathland Mundaring Weir

Mundaring Weir Fog covered valleys

Fog covered valleys Forestland

Forestland Australia’s longest river

Australia’s longest river The elusive numbat

The elusive numbat Desert

Desert Bird watching

Bird watching Mt. Cooke

Mt. Cooke Waterfalls

Waterfalls Seals, dolphins, and whales

Seals, dolphins, and whales Wildflowers (September – November)

In case you get tired of hanging your hammock, there are huts strategically placed every 9 miles or so. Check out www.bibbulmuntrack.org.au for an in-depth review of the whole track.

Conclusion

Australia is an ecologically diverse country, and these 7 backpacking bushwalks are only the beginning. With over 123 million hectares of forest, you will be lounging in some of the most beautiful spots in the world no matter where you hang your hiking hammock.