The best coastal walks around Australia

Get the most out of your data, headphones or smartwatch with some of Australia’s prettiest coastal walks

It’s been a weird year and while we can’t really travel overseas (or interstate), we can make use of what we’ve got going on in our own backyards. Fortunately for us, that means some absolutely stunning coastal lines and beach walks. So, as long as we’re all responsible and remember to socially distance, we can all enjoy our Aussie summer season.

Here are just a few of Australia’s amazing coastal walks you can enjoy in each state, starting with the beautiful NSW.

Walking for fitness? Check out range of smart watches here.

New South Wales

If you’re a Sydney local, you’ve definitely heard of it before, but that doesn’t mean it’s not the darndest-sparkliest coastal walk there is. We are of course talking about the Bondi to Coogee walk. This is one of the gentler coastal walks Australia has to offer and is only 2-3 hours work.

We suggest beginning your adventure at the stunning Bondi Icebergs Swimming Club (you can even sneak in a cheeky pre-walk bevvie at the Icebergs club) then follow the route around Tamarama Beach, Bronte Beach, Clovelly Beach, Gordon’s Bay and Coogee. If you’re using that brand spanking- new smart watch of yours, there’s no need to bring bulky items like a bag or purse, lunch at Coogee Pavilion can be settled with a wave of your watch. Handy, no? Read more about smart watch features like Blood oxygen sensors here.

Victoria

Ah Victoria, you’ve been cooped up inside for too long. It’s time to get out and breathe the fresh ocean air. What better way to do that, then go for a lovely little coastal stroll along the Great Ocean Walk. Whether you want to go ham and trek the full eight-day trail or break it up and do one of the smaller stretches, there is no doubt that this is one of Australia’s most iconic walks, and we’ll tell you why. Not only is it obviously stunning but you get primo views of one of Victoria’s most magnificent natural sights, the 12 Apostles.

 We recommend timing your walk around sunset when their colour changes from dark and foreboding to brilliant and yellow. Walking the trek alone? If you choose to walk the 12 apostles walk (approximately five hours) make sure you’ve lined up your favourite podcasts and got yourself a pair of incredible headphones. You can check out some of our favs here.

South Australia

We love a gentle walk. Not just for us, but for the whole family. So, here’s a coastal walk that’s not just easy on the calves, but on grandma too (read more about the best gifts for grandparents). Introducing the Encounter Bikeway, Fleurieu Peninsula. As the name suggests, you can bike it or even roller skate it if you want. Wedged between the stunning crystal waters of the Southern Ocean and rolling hills, this is a coastal walk for leisure walkers. You can even spot seals, dolphins and in the right season even whales.

The walk is an easy 30 kilometres and you can stop off at Port Elliot and old Middleton for a spot of lunch. If you haven’t already decided where you want that little respite for drinks and food to be, bring along your iPhone 12 with your fabulous Optus plan and use your data to peruse the internet for the best places to go. Because lunch is important.

Tasmania

Our Tassie friends, we see you. It’s time to explore your own backyard and we recommended starting with this gem, the Wineglass Bay and Freycinet walk. A quick google and you’ll see why (honestly, have you ever seen water that blue before?). Anyway, this is a type of choose-your-own-adventure walk, meaning you can make it as long or short as you want. Walk around the beautiful ice blue coast or take a guide and hike around the surrounding National Park.

No matter when or how long you want to make the walk, it’s sure to be one of those ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ experiences. We don’t want to tell you what to do or anything, but we think there will be ample opportunity for some hashtag nature snaps along the way. Instead of lugging around a giant bulky camera, why not invest in a camera phone that can sit easily in your pocket? Check out a few of favs here.

Western Australia

There are tonnes of walks in Western Australia. TONNES. So, we’re going to draw your focus to the beautiful Rottnest Island for reasons which will become obvious. Firstly, you’re surrounded by clear blue waters, secondly Quokkas. QUOKKAS. You know those wee furry things with the cute smiles? Yeah, they’re everywhere on Rottnest Island and they’re cute as hell. Again, you can choose how long you want to walk around the island, you can rent a bike and ride around the island, stopping off at different beaches and local restaurants or you can hire a guide and they’ll take you on a walking tour. Whichever way you choose to walk the island, there will be quokkas. And what is essential for quokka viewing? A quokka selfie (even Thor has one). We recommend these ace phones for that perfect selfie.

Queensland

We’re going a little left field with this one because there really isn’t a coastal walk that can compete with the splendour of the Great Barrier Reef. So, we’re stepping inland and having a crack at the Daintree Rainforest. The oldest tropical rainforest in the world and World-Heritage listed, this giant lush forest is literally like stepping into Jurassic Park, sans dinosaurs. Despite the lack of prehistoric friends, there’s some amazing wildlife to spot, heaps of history, there are Daintree river cruises you can take, or you can give the Forest Zip Line a go.

Start the journey at the Daintree information centre to learn all about the forest’s ancient history before heading out along the aerial walkways. It’s truly a sight to be seen. Track your steps along the walkway with a smart watch or download a plant app to help identify the different species that live in the world’s oldest rainforest.

Northern Territory 

Last but not least, all the folks up in the NT. As we all know the Northern Territory is one of those places that just have an excess of dangerous animals like saltwater crocs and freshwater crocs. So, we’ve picked a place that is safe to walk and swim all year round. And we’re of course talking about the delightful East Point Reserve, Darwin's largest park area. Follow the boardwalk along the water and spot the different fish species, play in the park, learn about the history or just have a really good time at Fannie Bay with the mates. It’s all fair go. Need some tunes for your chill session or even your walk? Check out these portable speakers for the perfect long lunch BBQ jams.

Wherever you are or want to go this summer season, stay connected with the family with our one of our Optus plans.