If 2026 is the year you promised yourself a proper adventure, this might be the one to put on your bucket list.
A global hiking series that’s taken off across Europe and beyond is bringing multi-day trekking experiences to two spectacular Australian landscapes: the alpine peaks of Victoria and the dramatic coastline of New South Wales.
The event is called HIGHLANDER Adventure, and since launching in Croatia in 2017 it has grown into an international hiking movement spanning more than 20 countries.
Now Australian hikers will get the chance to take part.
A Multi-Day Hiking Adventure Through Australia’s Alpine High Country
The first Australian event will take place at Mount Hotham from 18–22 March 2026, set within the breathtaking Alpine National Park.
Participants can choose their own challenge, tackling anywhere from one to five days on the trail through some of Victoria’s most spectacular high-country scenery.
Along the way, hikers will pass historic alpine huts, old mining sites and sweeping mountain ridgelines that stretch across the Victorian Alps. It’s the kind of landscape usually experienced by seasoned trekkers — but this event opens it up to anyone willing to lace up their boots and give it a go.
And the best part? The hard parts of logistics are handled for you.
Organisers take care of campgrounds, food, water, safety support and route planning, allowing hikers to focus purely on the experience.
Expect a few surprises along the way too, with side experiences like live music, workshops and yoga sessions adding a festival-like atmosphere to the adventure.
A Coastal Hiking Experience On The Central Coast
If alpine trekking isn’t your thing, the second Australian event this year swaps mountain peaks for ocean views.
Taking place on 18–19 April 2026, the coastal edition will unfold inside Bouddi National Park on the Central Coast.
This two-day hiking experience explores one of NSW’s most scenic coastal landscapes, where clifftop trails wind past bushland, hidden beaches and culturally significant sites.
It’s a completely different vibe to the alpine challenge, but just as rewarding.
Think salty air, sweeping ocean views and the kind of trails that remind you just how beautiful Australia’s national parks can be.
Why Adventure Travel Is Having A Moment
The arrival of HIGHLANDER Adventure in Australia reflects a bigger trend in travel.
More people are swapping traditional sightseeing for experience-led adventures — whether that’s multi-day hikes, trail running events or immersive outdoor challenges.
These kinds of trips combine travel, fitness and nature into one unforgettable experience.
And when the logistics are handled for you, they become far more accessible to beginners who might otherwise never attempt a multi-day trek.
Could This Be Australia’s Most Scenic New Hiking Challenge?
From alpine ridgelines in Victoria to the rugged coastline of New South Wales, the first Australian editions of HIGHLANDER Adventure promise two very different but equally spectacular experiences.
Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or someone looking for a new kind of challenge, these guided adventures could be one of the most exciting outdoor events to hit Australia in 2026.
So if your idea of a great holiday involves fresh air, big views and a little bit of grit, this might just be the adventure worth training for.
