TOP 5 EASY HIKES

DON’T WORRY, THERE’S WINE AT THE END OF EACH OF THESE SIMPLE WALKS

FLEURIEU PENINSULA, SA

Just a 45-minute drive south from Adelaide, the Fleurieu Peninsula offers surfing, fishing, boat tours, snorkelling and incredible walks where whale spotting is a must. There are also plenty of truly scenic bushwalking tracks to take advantage of, but for the coastal view, the Goolwa to Victor Harbor

DORRIGO RAINFOREST, NSW

Fancy a spectacular beach hike within a short distance of incredible restaurants and one-off boutiques?

Consider Bellingen, just inland from Coffs Harbour in New South Wales. Nearby is the World Heritage-listed Dorrigo rainforest, where you can try one of the many hiking trails and behold incredible waterfalls, or take a stroll along the Skywalk suspended in the foliage over the rainforest.

Accommodation options include retreats, elegant guest houses, a youth hostel, farmstays and riverside camping. See visitnsw.com

HUKA FALLS, NZ

Stroll along the riverbanks of the Waikato River on New Zealand’s North Island and you are in for a treat.

The powerful Huka Falls is reward for any hiker who undertakes this easy six-kilometre hike. Along the way you’ll pass a natural hot spring, Otumuheke Stream, and open farmland. Stay at the luxurious Huka Lodge nearby, which offers pre-dinner drinks and canapes as well as a gourmet five-course dinner (with set menu) each evening – not to mention incredible suites with views out to the river. Visit newzealand.com coastal bikeway is where you should head. It’s 30km of shared path that takes you right along the coast and links four coastal towns. Don’t worry, if you’re too tired to make the journey back, the Cockle Train runs regularly in either direction. Visit fleurieupeninsula.com.au

THE SOUTHWEST CAPE, WA

Think turquoise waters, towering karri forests, incredible sunsets and fine wines at the end of the day. The Margaret River region of Western Australia has to be up there on everybody’s wish list, and while a four-day hike on the 41km cape-to-cape track is the perfect way to take in all the beauty, you can also do shorter walks along the track. There are easy sections on the trail, which run mostly along the coast. The track runs through Cape Naturaliste National Park. At night you can retreat to extraordinary beachfront accommodation at the Injidup Spa Retreat. Spring is the best time to see wildflowers. Visit westernaustralia.com

MT TAMBORINE, QLD

Head to the Gold Coast hinterland for some of the best hikes in Australia. Rainforest walks are a must, as is the spectacular Skyway that takes you up among the rainforest canopy of Mt Tamborine. After the hike, stop in at Thunderbird Park and the Glow Worm Caves, as well as Jasmin Aromatique Jasmine Farm and the Tamborine Mountain Distillery. There are plenty of options for lunch, including some fantastic cellar door restaurants such as Mason Wines. Visit tamborinemtncc.org.au