Reviewed by: Tim Pittorino, BHSC
Walking is such an amazing form of cardio – not to mention stress relief! But if the treadmill is getting you down (ie bored AF), it’s time to lace up your sneakers and get outside and on one of these great walks in your area.
Culture Vulture Walks – NSW
Sculptures By The Sea, Sydney
Distance: 1.2km
Time: 25 minutes (plus time to take snaps!)
Level: Easy to moderate (Some stairs)
OK, so the Bondi coastal walk in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs is a well trodden path- and you may have already done this one, but from the 18th October – 4 November, it transforms the worlds largest outdoor sculpture exhibition.
Artists from Australia and internationally display their amazing sculptures along the seaboard for some serious insta worthy snaps. Starting in Bondi and going through to Tamarama beach, it’s a great way to get some cardio and culture in at the same time.
Pro-tip: Go on a week night to avoid the crowds
The Natural Beauty – Victoria
Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk
Distance: 12.5km
Time: 5-6 hours
Level: Difficult
This one is sure to give you a challenge! Around an hours drive north west of Melbourne to Werribee, you start at Meikles Point Picnic Area. Whilst the circuit is well marked, you definitely need to watch your footing, as the trail has many steep descents, especially if you get distracted by the view of the gorge. It’s definitely not for the faint hearted, by the view from gorge and the chance to escape the grind of the city is 100% worth it.
Pro-tip: Pack snacks and plenty of water
The History Buffs – Tasmania
Coal Mines Historic Site, Tasman Peninsula
Length: 3.5km
Time: 1-2 Hours
Level: Easy to Moderate
If you get easily bored on walks- this one is for you! Situated on the Tasman peninsula, a 25 minute drive from port Arthur, the coal mines historic site offer an experience to explore the area that was once a convict mining site. The area showcases the ruins of the penitentiary, and mine shafts from what was once the mine that supplied coal for the colony. Absorbing all of that history your sure to forget you’re evening getting your steps in for the day.
Pro-tip: Wear a pedometre or fitness tracker- you’ll be surprised how many steps you’ll get in.
Go chasing Waterfalls – South Australia
Morialta Falls Valley Walk
Length: 1.7KM
Time: 45 minutes return
Level: Easy
It’s often easy to take for granted how lucky we are living in such a naturally beautiful country. If you’re keen to get out of the gym and get cardio in, in one of the most beautiful spots in the world – Morialta falls is the one to do. The path is flat, so why not bring the kids along as the path is stroller accessible.
Pro Tip: In summer, the creek is dry. If you’re keen to see the falls, autumn and winter are the best time to go.
Animal Magnetism – Western Australia
Penguin Island Boardwalk Trail, Perth
Length: NA
Time: 2-3 hours
Level: Easy
What do you get if you combine a boat trip, a cardio sesh and the most adorable penguins in the world? One hell of a day, that’s what.
Just driving 45 minutes from Perth Mersey point, where hopping on a 5 minute ferry takes you to penguin island (aka dream island, ammiright?). The walk is situated in the spectacular Shoalwater Islands Marine park, with a built in boardwalk (nice and easy on the joints). Keep your eyes peeled for the rockstars themselves- the fairy penguins.
Pro tip: Plan your visit around the islands discovery centre feeding times of 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm.
Take My Breath Away – The Northern Territory
Upper Cascades Walk, Litchfield National Park
Distance: 3.3km in dry season (3.6 km return in wet season)
Time: 2 hours
Level: Moderate to difficult
Possibly the most beautiful place in Australia – if not the World, Litchfield National Park in the Northern Territory is stunning to say the least.
Starting at the carpark, if you follow the walking track, this walk will take you up to Tabletop Plateau –which has several lookouts of the sweeping lowlands below.
Pro-Tip: Bringing water is a must!– this area is exposed and being the NT, it can get hot!
The Grand Green Canyon – Queensland
Carnarvon National Park
Length: 10km
Level: Moderate
Time: 2-3 hours
Not quite the outback, not quite the coast, the Carnarvon National park is characterised by deep gorges, formed by thousands of years of water erosion.
Home to an impressive number of indigenous sites AND rock art – with over 2000 engravings, ochre stencils and freehand paintings. including the Art Gallery, Wards Canyon and Moss Garden, you’ll be in awe of this place, and it will definitely give you perspective on life.
Pro-tip: Start early to make the most of the cool weather
Also Read: Why Running on a Treadmill Feels Like Forever
