Epic journeys on foot

It’s surrounded by salt water, but Fraser Island is also made up of several freshwater lakes. Compare different shades of blue on a hike between five of the isle’s most impressive swimming spots on a new three-day, fully supported trail. Travel by 4WD to reach the start of the trail at Dilli Village, continuing to Lake Benaroon where a guide will be waiting with a cold beer. Tents are pitched beneath the stars at several locations and food is cooked around a campfire. Three-day full-board tours (raserislandhiking.com) start from £490pp, based on a minimum of two sharing. Departs March to November.

LARAPINTA TRAIL, NORTHERN TERRITORY

Listen to stories told against a backdrop of rocky outcrops and deep canyons on a challenging but beautiful 45-mile trail in the Northern Territory’s West MacDonnell Ranges. The route crosses ceremonial stops important to the Arrernte people and passes through sacred songlines. Sleep in safari-style tents with hot showers at award-winning semi-permanent ecocampsites belonging to Australian Walking Holidays (australian walkingholidays.com.au). During the day, plenty of waterholes provide opportunities for a dip. A six-day escorted trip costs from £1,914pp. Various departures from April to September.

AUSTRALIAN ALPS WALKING TRAIL, ACT

With ascents and descents adding up to the equivalent of climbing Everest three times, this 60-day trail starting in Jindabyne and finishing in the Thredbo Valley is challenging if you plan to do the full stretch. An easier option is to sample the highlights, sticking to the peaks, lakes and valleys of Kosciuszko National Park. Choose to zip down on the country’s largest chairlift, or squeeze in some extra steps by walking along the steep Merritts Track. A selfguided seven-day itinerary (0061 3 9597 9767; auswalk. com.au) costs from £1,492pp , including full-board accommodation and luggage transfers.

CAPE TO CAPE WALK, WA

Stroll barefoot along the sand for chunks of a 403ft trail extending between the lighthouses of Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin on Western Australia’s southwest coast. Wildflowers bloom in the crevices of rocky formations on a trail that takes most people seven days to complete. Escorting small groups, operator Walk Into Luxury combines the best sections with detours for food and wine tastings with some of the top producers in the Margaret River region. In between day hikes, relax in your pool villa or at the onsite spa, overlooking the National Park and Indian Ocean. From £1,790pp for a four-day trip (0061 447 773 719; walkintoluxury. com), including fullboard accommodation and transfers.