As travellers look for more meaningful ways to explore, walking holidays are gaining popularity.
They offer the chance to experience a destination at a slower pace while delivering genuine health and wellbeing benefits. They’re certainly one of my favourite ways to travel.
From Australia’s coastal trails and Tasmania’s wilderness tracks to Spain’s Camino de Santiago and Japan’s ancient pilgrimage routes, travellers are discovering that sometimes the best way to experience a place is one step at a time.
Slowing Down to Connect
The appeal of walking holidays lies in their simplicity.
There are no crowded tour buses, frantic airport transfers or pressure to tick off a long list of attractions.
Instead, travellers move at a human pace, allowing them to connect with landscapes, communities and cultures.
Whether it’s wandering through vineyards in South Australia, trekking along New Zealand’s Great Walks or following historic pathways in Europe, walking invites travellers to notice the details often missed from behind a car window.
The scent of eucalyptus after rain, the sound of birdsong in a forest, or a conversation with a local café owner all become part of the journey.
The Wellness Benefits of Walking
The benefits of walking are well documented. Regular walking improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles and bones, reduces stress and supports overall fitness.
Beyond the physical benefits, many travellers find walking helps clear the mind. Time spent in nature away from daily routines and digital distractions can improve mood, reduce anxiety and provide a fresh perspective.
For many, a walking holiday becomes far more than exercise it becomes a chance to reset.
The Rise of ‘Soft Adventure’
Not everyone wants to climb mountains or undertake extreme expeditions.
Today’s traveller is increasingly seeking what industry experts call “soft adventure” activities that offer immersion, challenge and achievement without requiring elite fitness levels.
Walking holidays sit comfortably within this space.
Many guided itineraries cater to a broad range of abilities, offering luggage transfers, comfortable accommodation and daily distances that are accessible to casual walkers.
Travellers can enjoy the satisfaction of completing a trail while still indulging in excellent food, local wine and comfortable lodging at the end of each day.
Australia’s Walking Wonders
Australia offers an impressive range of walking experiences.
Tasmania’s Three Capes Track attracts walkers with its dramatic coastal scenery and wilderness, while Western Australia’s Cape to Cape Track combines rugged coastline with the food and wine experiences of Margaret River.
Queensland’s Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk explores lush rainforest landscapes, while Victoria’s Great Ocean Walk showcases spectacular coastal scenery. So many of these are still on my list.
Ancient Paths, Modern Discoveries
Globally, pilgrimage routes have become popular wellness journeys, even among travellers with no religious motivations.
Spain’s Camino de Santiago remains one of the most celebrated walking experiences in the world, attracting hundreds of thousands of participants each year.
Many embark on the journey seeking reflection, personal growth or simply the opportunity to disconnect from daily life.
Similarly, Japan’s Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes offer a unique blend of spirituality, history and nature.
Winding through sacred forests and mountain villages, the trails encourage travellers to slow down and embrace a deeper sense of presence.
Walking Towards a Healthier Future
Walking holidays continue to appeal because they’re accessible, rewarding and easy to tailor to different interests and fitness levels. All that’s really needed is a good pair of shoes and a willingness to explore.
New Overseas Walks to Watch
- Cammino Retico, Italy
Why now: Opened in 2025, this 170km trail traverses the lesser-known Dolomites, linking remote alpine villages, mountain lakes and ancient Rhaetian heritage sites. It’s being pitched as Italy’s next great slow-travel walking experience.
Best for: Culture, food, mountain scenery and avoiding the crowds.
- Stockholm Archipelago Trail, Sweden
Why now: Linking 21 islands across Sweden’s stunning archipelago, this recently launched long-distance walk combines hiking with ferry crossings, coastal forests, seaside villages and Scandinavian wellness culture. It has been highlighted as one of Europe’s emerging walking experiences.
Best for: Coastal wellness, island hopping and nature lovers.
- Palmilhar Trail, Portugal
Why now: Rolling out through 2025, the Palmilhar aims to become the world’s longest circular walking route at around 3,000km, connecting coastal communities, fishing villages and inland regions often overlooked by tourists.
Best for: Serious walkers and travellers seeking authentic Portugal beyond Lisbon and the Algarve.
Three New Australian Tracks Worth Discovering
- Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk, NSW
Why now: Opened in April 2025 in the Tweed-Byron hinterland, this spectacular 42km, four-day walk crosses Gondwana rainforest, volcanic landscapes and waterfalls on Bundjalung Country. The trail includes purpose-built camp platforms and guided options.
Best for: Rainforest lovers, wellness walkers and those seeking a new Great Walk experience.
- Ngaro Track, Whitsundays, Queensland (pictured above)
Why now: Australia’s newest island multi-day walk offers a 32km, three-day journey across Whitsunday Island, connecting Whitehaven Beach, rainforest and spectacular island lookouts. Developed with the Ngaro Traditional Owners, it delivers a unique Great Barrier Reef walking experience.
Best for: Coastal scenery, Indigenous storytelling and luxury-supported hiking.
- Broad Swamp to Birds Rock Track, NSW
Why now: Opened as part of the Gardens of Stone project near Lithgow, this 17.5km trail showcases dramatic pagoda rock formations, cliffs and wilderness areas previously inaccessible to visitors. It will eventually form part of a larger multi-day hiking network.
Best for: Sydney-based adventurers looking for a fresh weekend challenge.
Wandering Words from the Experts
Sue Badyari, CEO — World Expeditions Travel Group
“It’s no surprise that walking holidays continue to grow in popularity. They give people the chance to slow down, connect with nature and experience destinations at a human pace.
“We’re seeing strong demand for walks that combine outstanding scenery with culture, whether that’s Japan’s pilgrimage trails, Australia’s emerging wilderness walks or classic Himalayan treks.
“Travellers are increasingly seeking smaller groups, local connections and experiences that leave a positive impact on the places they visit. Walking remains one of the most immersive ways to truly experience a destination.”
The new Ngaro Track Walk In Comfort is high on Sue’s to-do list. This brand new walk effectively allows you to “Walk the Whitsundays” and combines world-class views with comfortable camps, freshly prepared meals and expert guides.
https://worldexpeditions.com/Australia/Trekking-Walking/Ngaro-Track-Walk-In-Comfort
Mark Norek, CEO — Life’s An Adventure
“Walking holidays make people feel good. Being active in nature, exploring at your own pace and connecting with local communities creates a rewarding travel experience.
“More travellers are looking beyond the famous trails to discover places that offer culture, authenticity and a genuine sense of connection.”
Mark’s current top picks are in Japan, where some of the most rewarding walking experiences are found well away from the main tourist routes.
The Kunisaki Spiritual Trail in Kyushu offers ancient temples, mountain paths and authentic cultural encounters, while the Basho Trail in northern Japan takes guests through remote landscapes connected to the famous poet Matsuo Basho.
https://www.lifesanadventure.com.au/walking-tours/japan-walking-tours/
