5 Australian Trails Worth the Early Start
Some trails are best walked early.
Before the heat builds.
Before the crowds arrive.
Before the day fully wakes up.
There’s a different kind of quiet in those early hours. The kind that makes the trail feel like it belongs to you - even if only for a little while.
And when the sun finally rises, the reward is worth it.
Here are five Australian trails where an early start makes all the difference.
1. Mount Cordeaux & Bare Rock Track, QLD (Main Range National Park)
If you’re chasing a sunrise hike without the crowds, this one delivers.
The trail winds through open forest before opening up onto exposed ridgelines with sweeping views across the Scenic Rim. From Bare Rock, you get uninterrupted views as the first light rolls across the landscape.
It’s quieter than the more popular peaks, but just as rewarding.
Early start tip:
Bring a headlamp - sections of the track are uneven, and the best views come just before the sun rises.
2. Glass House Mountains – Mount Ngungun, QLD
Short, steep, and worth every step.
Mount Ngungun is one of the more accessible peaks in the Glass House Mountains, making it perfect for a sunrise hike without committing to a full-day effort.
From the top, you get wide views across the surrounding peaks as the light rolls in.
Early start tip:
Wear shoes with good grip - the final section near the summit can be rocky and slightly slippery, especially with morning dew.
This is one of Tasmania’s most photographed views - and for good reason.
The track climbs up through bushland to a lookout over the perfectly curved white sands of Wineglass Bay.
At sunrise, the water shifts from deep blue to soft gold, and the crowds haven’t arrived yet.
Early start tip:
Bring a warm layer - Tasmanian mornings can be cold, even outside winter.
In the Red Centre, timing matters.
The Kings Canyon Rim Walk is best started early to avoid the heat, but the added bonus is watching the landscape change colour as the sun rises over the desert.
Red rock cliffs glow.
Shadows stretch across the canyon.
It’s one of the most dramatic early-morning hikes in Australia.
Early start tip:
Check seasonal opening times - the park often requires early starts for safety.
5. Walgun Cape Byron Walking Track, NSW
If you’re chasing first light, this is the place.
Cape Byron is the easternmost point of mainland Australia, making it one of the first places to see the sunrise.
The walking track is well-formed and accessible, winding along the coastline with sweeping ocean views.
On the right morning, you might even spot dolphins moving through the water below.
Early start tip:
Go midweek if you can - sunrise here is popular.
Where will your next adventure take you?
The best stories start where the trail begins.
Trail Note
Conditions on trails can change quickly. Before setting out, check local weather, track conditions, and any park alerts or closures. Follow guidance from local authorities and always plan your hike based on your experience and the conditions on the day. A little preparation goes a long way in making sure the trail stays a good one.