Exploring the Mountains in Australia

Generally, when booking Australia holiday packages, people tend to think about deserts and plains, amazing beaches, exotic wildlife, the Great Barrier Reef, the Australian Bush, and Christmas during the summers. What many don’t know however is that the Land Down Under is also home to some of the best mountain ranges. Australia truly has a lot to offer, and if you’re headed to the island nation any time soon, you cannot miss out on these amazing destinations perched high above the Australian mainland.

Famous Mountains in Australia

Packed to the rafters (pun not intended) when it comes to adventure, nature, awe-inspiring views, and mesmerising landscapes, the Australian mountain ranges have a lot going on, enough to satisfy the wanderlust of all kinds of travellers. The main mountain ranges of Australia include:

• The Great Dividing Range,
• Australian Alps,
• The Snowies, and
• The Blue Mountains of Australia.

And nestled amidst these ranges are some of the most popular peaks of the continent, which include:

1. Mount Kosciuszko
2. Green Mountains
3. Uluru
4. Mount Barney
5. Glass House Mountains
6. Mount Warning
7. Mount Wycheproof
8. Mount Buller
9. Mount Feathertop
10. Cradle Mountain

The Main Mountain Ranges of Australia

With a landscape that ranges from snow-covered summits to tinkling waterfalls and dense vegetation, the Australian mountain ranges are full of surprises and experiences.

The Great Dividing Range

Housing most of the major mountains in Australia, the Great Dividing Range, or the Eastern Highlands, form one of the world’s longest mountain ranges. Stretching across 3500 km, the range starts from Dauan Island, runs the length of Australia’s eastern coastline, running through New South Wales and Victoria, before it fades away, melding into the central plain at the Grampians.

Dating back to about more than 300 million years ago, the Great Dividing Range boasts of a diverse geography that ranges from rainy to arid, with the mountain ranges being home to snowy summits as well as one of the world’s oldest rainforests.

The Australian Alps

The Alps are a part of the Eastern Highlands and are home to the highest Australian mountain peak, Mt Kosciuszko. The Australian Alps straddle the Australian territories of Victoria, Australian Capital Territory, and New South Wales and are the only place on the mainland that boasts of heavy snowfall every year.

These are major mountains in Australia, housing 16 national reserves and parks, and are quite popular for mountain biking, hiking, skiing, white water rafting, glacial lakes, caving, kayaking, breath-taking mountain vistas, and much more.

The Snowies

Nestled within the Australian Alps are the Snowy Mountains, the highest range of mountains in Australia. Offering diverse experiences throughout the year, like outdoor walks, swimming in rivers, or mountain biking during the summers; the misty mornings and colourful foliage for amazing hikes during autumn; adventures like rafting that come with the spring; and the powdery snow of the winters, the Snowies have something for everyone!

The Blue Mountains of Australia

Home to the popular three sisters of Australia, the Blue Mountain Range is located a mere 50 km from Sydney. One of the best places to visit in Australia, the mountain range is covered by eucalyptus forests that release tiny droplets of oil. When interspersed across the water vapour in the air, the oil droplets and sunlight create a mesmerizingly distinctive blue hue that covers the mountains, also giving the range its name. The mountains are the gateway to numerous walking trails and house the steepest passenger railway, an ancient rainforest, waterfalls, valleys, and so much more. They are also home to the popular Echo Point, from which the ‘Giant Stairway’ will lead you to the Three Sisters of Australia, one of the most picturesque spots in these ranges.

The Best Mountains in Australia for Your Next Trip

Whether to fit in a time crunch or because you are looking to plan a shorter trip, an itinerary can be planned to cover some of the best mountains and peaks in Australia.

1. Mount Kosciuszko

The highest peak on the mainland, Mount Kosciuszko stands tall at a height of 2228 metres above sea level. In 1997, Mount Kosciuszko was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, which made it one of the most well-known mountains in Australia. The peak is known for its snow experience (early June-late October), some great hiking experiences, and of course, its incredible views.

2. Green Mountains

These mountains in Australia cover some of the remotest areas of the Gold Coast and boast of views that defy imagination. Located in O’Reilly, you can wander across creeks, waterfalls, and luscious forests, when you visit the Green Mountains. The walks and hiking paths here cater to all levels of expertise, with dramatic sights of the Gold Coast awaiting right at the summit.

3. Uluru

Also known as Ayers Rock or more commonly as the Red Mountains of Australia, Uluru is a massive red rock that rises tall from the ground, located in the middle of Australia. The sight of the red mountains is more than enough to leave people awestruck, but the fact is that for more than 10,000 years, the unique formation has also been considered as a sacred site by the Aboriginal people of Australia and is an extremely popular destination among travellers as well.

4. Mount Barney

The fifth-highest mountain in Queensland, this is a destination often frequented by bushwalkers as well as camping enthusiasts. Mount Barney is counted among the most impressive spots in the Scenic Rim Region and houses some of the most intense bushwalking trails that are suitable only for experienced walkers. The peak is also home to the Mount Barney National Park and is significant land for the locals.

5. Glass House Mountains

A significant landscape with sweeping views, perched on the Sunshine Coast, these mountains in Australia are a group of 11 hills. Legends surrounding these mountains have the most identifiable hill of the group, Mount Tibrogargan as the father, the highest Mount Beerwah as the pregnant mother, both of whom are surrounded by the other hills, representing their children.

6. Mount Warning

Mount Warning, or as the locals call it, Wollumbin, is the most famous natural landmark of the Tweed Range. This is the first place on the mainland that the first rays of the morning sun illuminate, making it a significant spot for locals and tourists alike.

7. Mount Wycheproof

This mountain gets its name from the aborigine word "wichi-poorp" which basically translates to "grass on a hill". One of the most popular mountains in Australia, Mount Wycheproof is the world’s smallest mountain standing at a height of 148 metres above sea level. The mountain is home to the township of Wycheproof and is also known for producing a unique geological substance called Wycheproofite, which is unique to the mountain’s local area.

8. Mount Buller

Mount Buller is a popular snow destination in Australia and houses one of the most popular and easily accessible snow resorts. The mountain has over 741 acres of terrain for hikers with different experience levels as well as snow sports like tobogganing, skiing, snowboarding, etc., all with the spectacular view of the town acting as a backdrop.

9. Mount Feathertop

The second-highest peak in Victoria, Mount Feathertop is a part of the Australian Alps. The peak is 1922 metres above sea level, located in the Alpine National Park, and generally covered in snow from June to September. The mountain boasts of amazing skiing opportunities during the winter as well as picturesque landscapes in the summer.

10.Cradle Mountain

The dramatic Cradle Mountain is a popular natural attraction in the Tasmanian Central Highlands Region. The mountain is a part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, the landscapes of which include fragrant eucalypt forests, alpine meadows, and ancient rainforests. This is also the destination where travellers can participate in Australia’s premier Alpine Walk that spans a 6-day adventure through fine mountain terrain, covering around 65 km.

This list does not even begin to cover all there is to experience amidst the many mystic and majestic mountains in Australia.