1. Hamersley Ranges, WA

Location: Karijini NP, Pilbara region, WA
Stretching for more than 400km through the Pilbara region of Western Australia, the Hamersley Ranges contain many spectacular gorges have been carved by the waters of the Fortescue and other rivers. Sheer walls of rock are layered in colours from red to green and blue to pink in the changing sunlight, forming wild and magnificent panoramas. The gorges are up to 100m deep, with the water flow at their bases sometimes only one metre wide. Many have walking paths through them of varying degrees of difficulty, giving access to crystal clear pools to swim in and lush green vegetation that thrives in some of the gorges.

Location: near Alice Springs, NT
Kings Canyon is located in Watarrka Nation Park, at the western end of the relatively high plateau of the George Gill Range. It is about 345 km north of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, and was formed from the same terracotta-coloured sandstone as it's famous "neighbours". Instead of rising up from the surrounding plain like the previously mentioned scenic wonders, the cliffs of Kings canyon plunge dramatically from the escarpment for about 300 metres into a valley below, forming the Red Centre's deepest gorge. Walking paths give access to the valley, as well as the cliff top.

3. Carnarvon Gorge, Qld

Location: Carnarvon NP, central Qld
Carnarvon Gorge is an oasis in the semi-arid heart of Queensland. Here, in the Carnarvon Gorge Section of Carnarvon National Park, towering white sandstone cliffs form a spectacular steep-sided gorge with narrow, vibrantly coloured and lush side gorges. Boulder-strewn Carnarvon Creek winds through the gorge. Remnant rainforest flourishes in the sheltered side gorges while endemic Livistona nitida cabbage tree palms, ancient cycads, ferns, flowering shrubs and gums trees line the meandering main gorge. Grassy open forest grows on the cliff-tops.

Location: Blackheath, Blue Mountains, NSW
Exploration of t he Blue Mountains region is easy due to a variety of excellent drives and hiking trails from centres like Wentworth Falls, Katoomba and Blackheath. Dozens of walking trails begin at these localities. The Grand Canyon Walk is a classic Blue Mountains walk was first established in 1907, taking walkers along the path of a canyon. This is probably the most popular walk in Blackheath and deservedly so. In places, the track follows a path cut halfway up the cliff, keeping you out of the most dangerous section of the canyon. The canyon proper is a popular beginners canyon in summer with a single 16-17 metre abseil at the start. It can also be done by walking and swimming upstream from the exit point and returning the same way.

Location: Kimberley region, WA
The Bungles Bungle Ranges in the Kimberley region of Western Australia is home to some of the most scenery in the country. Echidna Chasm is one of the ranges' and Australia's most spectacular walking destinations. The easy two km walk to Echidna Chasm is along a trail spotted with Livistona palms and through towering bright orange cliffs. The walk is up a creek bed and the walls of the chasm slowly close in on each side. It finally gets to the point where the crevice in which you are walking is only a metre wide and a hundred metres high. The light reflects off the orange domes above you and creates an eerie fluorescent glow on the creek bed below. It is simply stunning. Other 'must-see' destinations within the Bungle Bungles are Cathedral Gorge with its huge dome-like cavern, that is regarded as one of nature's grandest amphitheatres; Mini Palms Gorge, with its head-high livingston palms, which have had their growth stunted due to the height of the gorge walls blocking out the sun; Piccaninny Gorge, with its spectacular sandstone formation, the Piccaninny Gorge Arch, in which the shape of an arch is carved by natural erosion out of the gorge wall rockface.

Location: Flinders Ranges, SA
Ancient and dramatic mountain landscapes, peaceful tree-lined gorges, a seasonal wealth of wildlife and the sense of space unique to the semi-arid zone combine to make the Flinders Ranges National Park one of South Australia's best bushwalking destinations. Highly recommended is the Brachina Gorge Geological Tour, a 20 kilometre self-guided trail that passes through 130 million years of earth history. Trail signage provides an insight into past climates, the formation of the ranges and the evolution of early life forms. A geological map and more detailed information on the Brachina Gorge Geological Trail is available from the Wilpena Pound Visitor Centre.

Location: Launceston, Tas
Within walking distance of the city centre, Cataract Gorge Reserve offers a variety of recreational activities, from walking to whitewater rafting and rock climbing. At 308 metres, the chairlift crossing the Gorge is the longest single span chairlift in the world. It takes in a bird’s eye view of the river rapids of the Gorge and crosses to the huge rhododendron trees of the Cliff Grounds on the far bank. One of Tasmania’s Great Short Walks follows riverside tracks to the old Duck Reach Power Station, which generated Tasmania’s first hydro-electricity.

Location: 135 km west of Alice Springs, NT
Ormiston Gorge is one of a number of picturesque gorges in the West Macdonnell Ranges near Alice Springs. The best way to appreciate the scenery of Ormiston Gorge and Pound is to follow one of the many marked walking tracks. The 5 minute Waterhole walk and the 20 minute Ghost Gum Lookout walk are the most popular with visitors. The 3-4 hour Ormiston Pound walk completes a full circuit from the Visitor Centre, meandering around scenic slopes, dropping into the flat expanse of the Pound and returning along Ormiston Gorge via the main waterhole. For the keen walker the Larapinta Trail also passes through the area.

Location: Mirani, Qld
Finch Hatton Gorge is located within the Eungella National Park near Mirani, Queensland, and is a spectacular piece of tropical rainforest, interspersed by pristine rock pools and waterfalls. The Gorge is one of the most popular fresh water swimming holes in the region with locals and visitors alike. The clear rock pool, with water cascading down from tall boulders and large rainforest trees tower above, is popular with swimmers. There are two main bushwalks - the first track leads to the Araulen Falls, which has a deep natural pool at its base, fringed by tropical rainforest. The second longer walk, Wheel of Fire, which is a further 1.1 kilometres along, is just as spectacular as the Araluen Falls.

10. Mossman Gorge, Qld

Location: Mossman, far north Qld
Mossman Gorge is one of the most visited spots in the Wet Tropics. Part of the Daintree National Park, the gorge is the traditional home of the Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people. There is an easy 2.4km (1.5 mile) self-guided walking track that takes you deep into the tropical rainforest s of the national park. If you go near the water, be careful - the rocks are often slippery and the water is fast flowing.