Coastal Day Hikes in Australia

If you’re looking for a coastal walk that’s easy to access but still feels like an adventure, Hell’s Gates is one of our Queensland favourites. Starting from Noosa National Park, the track follows the coastline past bushland, rocky headlands and ocean viewpoints before reaching the dramatic Hell’s Gates lookout.

What we enjoy most about this walk is how much variety it packs into a relatively easy hike. Keep an eye out for dolphins playing offshore and, during whale season, migrating humpbacks making their way along the coast. It’s a walk that reminds us why Noosa is one of Australia’s most loved outdoor destinations.

What makes this walk unique: A coastal walk that combines bushland, ocean views and seasonal whale watching, all within Noosa National Park.

Trail Type: Easy

Length: Approximately 10 km return from Noosa Heads

Best For: Coastal scenery, wildlife spotting and accessible adventure.

Red Rock is one of those places that feels a little less discovered than some of Australia’s more famous coastal walks. Located on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, the track follows the coastline past red rock formations, native bushland and ocean lookouts.

What stands out to us is the contrast between the deep red headlands and the blue Pacific Ocean. The walk is relatively easy going, making it a great option for anyone wanting to spend a few hours outdoors and explore a different side of the NSW coastline.

What makes this walk unique: The distinctive red rock headlands create a coastal landscape unlike anywhere else along the NSW coast.

Trail Type: Easy

Length: Approximately 4–6 km depending on your chosen route

Best For: Coastal walks, photography and relaxed outdoor exploring.

Squeaky Beach is one of those walks we’d happily do more than once. Located within Wilsons Promontory National Park, the trail leads through coastal bushland before arriving at the beach’s famous white quartz sand and granite boulders.

The highlight is exactly what the name suggests. As you walk across the sand, it creates a distinctive squeaking sound underfoot, making it one of Australia’s most unique beach experiences. Wilsons Prom is also known for its wildlife, and it’s not uncommon to spot wombats throughout the park, adding to the experience of exploring this incredible part of Victoria.

What makes this walk unique: The beach’s famous squeaking sand, combined with regular wombat sightings and coastal scenery, makes this a truly memorable walk.

Trail Type: Easy

Length: Approximately 2 km return

Best For: Coastal walks, wildlife spotting and unique natural experiences.

If you’re exploring Kangaroo Island, this is one walk we’d recommend adding to your list. Located within Flinders Chase National Park, the Cape du Couedic Loop follows the rugged coastline to Admirals Arch, passing ocean lookouts and the historic Cape du Couedic Lighthouse along the way.

What we love most about this walk is the chance to slow down and take in the landscape. From the boardwalk at Admirals Arch, it’s common to spot New Zealand fur seals resting on the rocks below, while the Southern Ocean provides a dramatic backdrop throughout the walk. It’s a great option for those wanting to experience Kangaroo Island’s wild coastline without committing to a full-day hike.

What makes this walk unique: Watching New Zealand fur seals gather on the rocks below Admirals Arch while waves roll through the natural sea arch is an experience unique to Kangaroo Island.

Trail Type: Moderate to hard

Length: Approximately 3–4 km loop

Best For: Coastal walks, wildlife spotting and iconic Kangaroo Island scenery.

If you’re exploring Tasmania’s north-west coast, The Nut is one walk we’d highly recommend adding to your list. Located in the historic seaside town of Stanley, this unique walk climbs to the top of an ancient volcanic formation that rises dramatically from the coastline.

What we love most about this walk is how much reward you get for relatively little effort. Once at the top, the loop track offers panoramic views across the coastline, surrounding farmland and the township below. Keep an eye out for local wildlife too, with little penguins often found around Stanley’s shoreline and seabirds regularly soaring overhead.

What makes this walk unique: The Nut is the remains of an ancient volcanic plug that rises above the sea, creating one of Tasmania’s most recognisable coastal landmarks.

Trail Type: Easy to Moderate

Length: Approximately 2 km loop

Best For: Coastal views, unique geology and family-friendly adventure.

If you’re looking for a walk that feels completely different from the rest of Australia, Bald Head Walk Trail is one we’d recommend. Located within Torndirrup National Park near Albany, the trail follows a long granite ridgeline through coastal heath and rugged headlands, with the Southern Ocean never far from view.

What we love most about this walk is how exposed and connected to the landscape it feels. Unlike many coastal walks where you’re looking out to the ocean from one side, Bald Head follows a narrow ridgeline with ocean views on both sides for parts of the walk. At times, it feels more like something you’d find in New Zealand or Scotland than Western Australia.

What makes this walk unique: The trail follows a narrow ridgeline with ocean views on both sides, creating one of Australia’s most distinctive coastal hiking experiences.

Trail Type: Moderate to hard

Length: Approximately 12.5 km return

Best For: Coastal hiking, panoramic views and experienced walkers.