Something I’ve been hearing a lot lately is:
“I want to get into hiking but I don’t even know where to start.”

Fair enough. There are so many trails out there, and unless someone’s showing you the ropes, it’s easy to feel a bit lost. So I thought I’d put together a quick list of the apps and websites I actually use when I’m planning a hike — especially the longer, overnight kind.

AllTrails –

This one’s probably the best-known app for finding hikes. You just put in the area, and it brings up a bunch of hikes nearby — you can filter by distance, difficulty, elevation gain, whatever you’re looking for.

I just use the free version. It’s good enough to get the basics — a rough map, some photos, reviews from other people. If you’re someone who wants offline maps or more detailed stats, you can pay for the Pro version, but I’ve honestly never needed it.

HiiKER –

This one’s a bit of a hidden gem. HiiKER is super easy to use and has thousands of hiking and backpacking trails across Australia (and the world). Unlike AllTrails, you get free offline maps, personalised route options, trail reviews, and GPS tracking – all without needing to fork out a cent (though you can pay around $39/year to unlock a bunch of extra features).

Personally, I reckon HiiKER is more tailored for proper hiking and backpacking. It’s clean, easy to navigate, and useful once you're out in the bush.

NSW National Parks App –

If you’re hiking in New South Wales, have this app on your phone. It’s not for finding new hikes so much as it is for checking the status of the ones you’re planning. Things like track closures, fire bans, weather alerts, campsite availability — all the stuff you really need to know before you go.

I always cross-check with this app, just to make sure I’m not showing up to a locked gate or heading into a trail that’s half washed out.

Trail Hiking Australia –

This site is an awesome resource if you’re planning short hikes or a longer hike or overnight mission. It’s got a big list of trails from all over the country, including detailed descriptions, maps, photos, difficulty ratings, and gear suggestions.

Definitely worth having a scroll through, especially if you’re looking for inspiration or want to compare options.

We Are Explorers –

This isn’t a trail app — it’s more like an online mag. It’s packed with stories and trip reports from people who’ve actually done the adventures. Whether it’s hiking, canoeing, biking, or backpacking, they’ve probably got something on it. They’ve also got an interactive map where you can filter activities and locations, plus heaps of gear recommendations to help you get prepped for whatever trip you're planning.

Jump on, explore a region, and I promise you’ll come out of it with a few bookmarked trips and a whole lot of stoke.

Good Research

When I was doing the Cert IV in Outdoor Rec, we had to research hikes in serious detail: water sources, emergency plans, alternate routes, elevation gain, etc. That kind of prep makes a huge difference — and honestly, it’s just smart.

One last tip: check Instagram. If you’ve picked a trail, chuck the name into the search bar or hashtags and see if anyone’s done it recently. Tracks change — trees fall, rivers rise, signage disappears — and socials are a quick way to see what the trail looks like right now.

In Summary:

There’s no perfect app that gives you everything. I usually end up using two or three to piece together what I need — pick a trail, cross-check details, look at recent posts, and go from there.

Best of all, come along to one of our community hike days. There’s no better way to share hikes than through good old word of mouth. Bring your stories, ask questions, swap tips — we love hearing what trails you’ve done. Can’t wait to see you out there.

Found a hike you loved or an app that made planning easier? Let us know! Always keen to hear what you’re using out there 😊

#DuckOffAdventures

So You Wanna Go Hiking But Don’t Know Where to Start?

duck off adventures

Contact