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Some of the world’s most unforgettable destinations aren’t accessible by plane, train or car – they can only be reached one step at a time.
From deep in ancient jungles, to desert expeditions and rugged alpine scenery, embarking on a multi-day trek across the terrain will leave you with a special connection to the land, teach you about resilience and inspire in the most magical way.
Whether you want to embark on a month-long spiritual journey or squeeze in a week of soul-stirring scenery, these five iconic walks promise to deliver with every step.
Kokoda Trail – Papua New Guinea
Known as one of the world’s most challenging treks, the Kokoda Trail is an endurance test that rewards hikers with dramatic jungle landscapes, rich cultural encounters and a deep connection to wartime history.
In 1942, this jungle trail was the epicentre of fierce fighting between Japanese and Australian troops during WWII, where a gruelling battle was fought along the muddy ridges in tough tropical conditions.
Today, it’s a pilgrimage for many trekkers connecting with the land, paying respect to the soldiers and experiencing immersive tribal encounters at the villages dotted along the way.
This trek is not for the faint hearted, but alongside undulating mountains, mud, humidity and river crossings are incredible moments of beauty from waterfalls and rainforests to tropical birds and exotic flowers.
Don’t go it alone on this trek – a guided tour is a must in this dense part of Papua New Guinea’s mountains.
How to get to the Kokoda Trail
Camino de Santiago – France & Spain
The Camino de Santiago isn’t just a walk, it’s a state of mind. Tie up your laces for a month-long journey that will take you across ever-changing landscapes, through charming European villages that allows ample quality me-time to reflect and soul search.
While there are seven best-known routes, the 800km French Way remained the most popular due to its religious significance – although this is a spiritual experience for both Christians and non-Christians alike.
Beginning in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, a storybook town nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees, and ending in Santiago de Compostela in Spain, along the way you’ll build up camaraderie with other travellers in the albergues (hostels), dine on delicious Spanish grilled octopus and see sacred cathedrals and sites.
How to get to Camino de Santiago
The Overland Track – Australia
Tasmania’s Overland Track across World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain is an exhilarating six-day journey across pristine alpine landscapes.
The physically and emotionally challenging trek rewards with spectacular scenes of glacially carved valleys, rainforests, fragrant eucalypt forest, golden moorlands and sightings of the local wombat population.
Walkers must be completely self-sufficient (plus carry all food and gear) and can choose to sleep in public huts or camp on tent platforms under star-filled skies or join a guided walking company with private accommodation. Don’t forget to register for your Park Pass via the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service.
Summer is the best time to traverse the Overland Track, although preparation is key as it can still snow anytime of the year.
How to get to the Overland Track
The Great Wall of China – China
At over 8,000kms, the infamous Great Wall of China would take over 18 months to walk from end to end – however, a week long hiking holiday over various stretches of the wall is a great way to see the best-known sections.
Stepping out on to the peaceful semi-ruined sections is like taking a step into history. Firstly, there is the scale and majesty of such a remarkable man-made feat of engineering made over 2,000 years ago.
Then there is the charm of the rural life of tiny villages dotted along the way, where trekkers can rest overnight in homestays and enjoy authentic Chinese hospitality and meals.
And then laced between the city life of Beijing, across deserts, mountains, farmlands and even to the ocean, are the expansive and inspiring landscapes either side of the wall.
To best enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience, a guided tour (including English speaking guides) will offer in depth knowledge of the Wall and its history.
How to get to The Great Wall of China
The Inca Trail – Peru
No list of epic walks is complete without the Inca Trail, the ancient pathway that once linked the vast Inca Empire, ending at the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, 2,430m above sea level in a tropical mountain forest.
Over four days, hikers traverse high mountain passes, cloud forests and stone-paved paths, passing archaeological wonders like Wiñay Wayna and Runkurakay along the way.
Arriving at the Sun Gate on the final day for an unforgettable sunrise, watching the mist lift to reveal Machu Picchu in all its glory.
Permits are limited and must be booked months in advance, and while the trek isn’t particularly long in distance, the altitude and terrain can be challenging.
To tread this ancient route is to walk in the footsteps of a great civilisation, with every step offering a connection to the past and panoramic views that linger long after the boots come off.