With the global wellness tourism industry projected to be worth US$1.4 trillion by 2027, travellers in droves are substituting the traditional ‘fly and flop’ for a ‘disconnect and reset’ experience – and the 15 hikes in the Great Walks of Australia collection meet this need, according to the collective’s executive officer Genevieve Matthews.
‘Now more than ever, travellers are seeking a holiday that helps them to reset and restore from the huge pressures of modern life,’ Matthews says.
Launched in 2013 as one of Tourism Australia’s inaugural Signature Experiences, Great Walks of Australia is a collective of the nation’s premier guided, multi-day walking experiences, showcasing Australia’s landscapes through eco-certified, small-group adventures.
In April 2026, Great Walks of Australia was joined by the Uluru–Kata Tjuta Signature Walk (operated by Tasmanian Walking Company), developed in collaboration with Anangu Traditional Owners. Guests stay in eco-camps and a private lodge set within the World Heritage-listed National Park. The walk has quickly become one of the most sought-after new travel experiences in the world.
International confidence in Australia’s guided walking sector is also strengthening. In May, Intrepid Travel acquired Wild Bush Luxury, becoming the new owner-operator of Arkaba Walk in South Australia’s Flinders Ranges, and The Maria Island Walk in Tasmania.
‘Having a global industry leader like Intrepid invest in Australia’s guided walking experiences speaks volumes about where travel is heading,’ Matthews adds.
