33 Best Walks, Trails & Hikes Around Sydney & NSW
Who said seeking adventure requires your own car? Not us! You can access a number of fantastic walks and hikes close to Sydney without one, and for those further afield that need a car, why not grab a GoGet!
Make the most of your weekend and enjoy one (or more) of the NSW hikes we’ve picked out for you below. Before you head out, make sure to check the alerts and advisories from NSW National Parks as well as weather forecasts. Ready? Pull on your hiking boots on and prepare to discover some of NSW’s most stunning walks and trails.
Bondi To Manly Walking Track, Sydney
A Sydney classic! This long coastline hike connects several existing paths into one enormous seaside stroll, winding through 80km of significant historical landmarks, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. The track travels by North Head, Middle Head, the Clontarf, the Macquarie Lighthouse, Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head, and Clifton Gardens. If you’re itching for a swim or a cold break, there are heaps of gorgeous swimming spots available.
Distance / duration: 80km / several days, with shorter sections and trails accessible
Coast Track / Bundeena To Otford, Royal National Park
The Bundeena to Otford trail, often known as The Coast Track, offers stunning white-cliff coasts in the north and untamed beaches with surfable waves in the south (Garie Beach and North and South Era). The 26km walk features expansive rainforests, waterfalls, rock pools, and coastal wild camping for those who want to break the journey up over two days. Growing in popularity with Sydney-siders, this should definitely be added to your bucket list this year!
Distance / duration: 26km / two days, with shorter sections and trails accessible
Six Foot Track, Blue Mountains National Park
Just outside Sydney, one of the most spectacular treks is the famous Six Foot Track. This path follows a horse track dating all the way back to the 1880s and takes you from Katoomba to the Jenolan Caves. You can camp overnight to cover the full trek and enjoy the amazing stargazing, or explore a portion of the route, making it the ideal weekend outdoor activity. State forests, historical landmarks, woodlands, a rainforest, and a suspension bridge are all included at Six Foot Track (Bowtells Swing Bridge). The trek begins close to Explorers Tree in Katoomba and goes towards Megalong Valley.
Distance / duration: 46km one way for the entire three-day walk / 2 hours to 3 days
Bouddi Coastal Walk, Bouddi Bouddi National Park
The beaches, boardwalk, and birds of Bouddi Coastal Walk, close to Gosford, make this one of the most beautiful coastal walks in NSW. From Putty Beach to MacMasters Beach, the 8-kilometre Bouddi coastal walk is a real stunner. The expansive views, lush rainforest, and attractive picnic areas make up this relatively short hike. From wildflowers or migrating whales, have your phone ready to take Insta-worthy photos of your weekend feat. You may want to do this multiple times because it’s so lovely (and you’ll need to travel the 8kms there and 8kms back again to get back to your car). Spend some time at Gerrin Point Lookout to enjoy expansive views of Maitland Bay.
Distance / duration: 8km (one way) / 4 hours
Bob Turners Track, Colo Heights
Warning: This hike includes a fairly spectacular in-land beach. Located close to Sydney, Bob Turners Track was once a packhorse trail, and the path is well-defined. It’s accessed from the Ampol service station on Putty Road, about 500 metres further down the road. When you follow the signs to Bob Turners Track, you’ll arrive at a parking area where you can leave your car for the day. Wear sturdy walking shoes because you’ll be crossing a number of gullies as the track descends 350 metres into the Colo River at the edge of the Wollemi forest.
Distance / duration: 7km / 3–4 hours
Mt Ku-Ring-Gai To Berowra, Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park
One of the best day hikes in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is the fairly difficult Mount Ku-ring-gai track to Berowra trail. This hike offers picnicking, Aboriginal and historical heritage and beautiful scenery. It’s a fantastic bush escape that includes a number of interesting historic places, and it’s just one hour from Sydney! This moderately difficult walk begins at Mount Ku-ring-gai Train Station and passes an Aboriginal midden before winding through deep trees. Middens are widespread throughout the park and are frequently discovered along creek banks and close to rock outcrops. At Cowan Creek, a track diverges where you can either follow the creek north to Waratah Bay, where Windybank’s Boatshed is located or take a short stroll south to the historically significant Appletree Bay.
Distance / duration: 10km (one-way) / 4-5 hours
Mermaid Pools And Tahmoor Gorge Walk, Tahmoor
It’s about time you took the 75-minute trip southwest from Sydney to the Mermaid Pools and Tahmoor Gorge trek. You’ve probably seen some stunning photos of Mermaid Pools on your Instagram. This stunning natural swimming hole on the Bargo River at the beginning of Tahmoor Gorge is the perfect weekend expedition. If you enjoy exploring the outdoors, swimming in rivers, hunting for waterfalls, and getting back to nature this is definitely the hike for you! While the majority of visitors just go to see Mermaid Pools, we recommend travelling a little further to see Tahmoor Gorge on the Bargo River for yourself.
Just remember that diving into these pools is risky, and there have been injuries in the past; be careful and always check for alerts in the area.
Distance / duration: 10km / approx. 4 hours
Burramoko Ridge (Hanging Rock) Trail, Blue Mountains National Park
This awe-inspiring, challenging hike can be found in the Blue Mountains National Park’s Blackheath region. While keen mountain bike riders love this trail, it can also be completed on foot and is the ideal day trip from Sydney. The Burramoko Ridge Trail begins on Ridgewell Road, and the hike winds through forests and heathland. Balzter Lookout sometimes referred to as Hanging Rock, is the main attraction here. Since this overlook is unfenced, make sure you exercise extreme caution here. Be careful to always maintain a safe distance from cliff edges, especially when taking pictures.
Distance / duration: 10km / 2 hour return
Clover Hill Trail, Macquarie Pass National Park
Take the Clover Hill Trail at Macquarie Pass in Wollongong and Kiama for views of the escarpment, a rainforest, waterfalls, birdwatching, and refreshing rivers; a difficult hike that has it all. There isn’t much you won’t see on this hike, from cliff views and wildflower clusters to flowing creeks and waterfalls. If you’re travelling from Sydney, it will take you about 90 minutes to go past Wollongong and into Macquarie Pass National Park. Upstream on the Macquarie Rivulet, an old logging road leads to Rainbow Falls and three other lesser falls. At Clover Hill, the landscape suddenly opens out after a while of walking in the dark shade of the forest; these are the paddocks that farmers cut more than a century ago. The enormous rocks of the escarpment blaze golden and orange in the sunlight from a great height above. This walk’s stark contrast between the rainforest and wide fields will appeal to bushwalkers, birdwatchers, and adventurers alike.
Distance / duration: 6km / 3 hours
Karloo Walking Track, Royal National Park
For those seeking a fast dose of nature in Sydney, the Karloo Walking Track is a medium-grade track that is perfect for all adventurers. The pleasant Karloo walking circuit, located south of Sydney, offers swimming, picnics, and beautiful waterfall vistas for a leisurely stroll through the Royal National Park. The track takes you to Uloola Falls, where you can enjoy a picnic while admiring the beautiful surroundings and waterfall. This moderately difficult trail passes through the lovely Karloo Pool swimming and picnic area, and travels through heathland. The “whaleback” rock outcrops, so named because they resemble whales rising for air, should be sought out, as too the intriguing rock outcrops ‘Uloola Turrets’, which are also definitely worth visiting.
Distance / duration: 10km / 3-5 hours
Furber Steps-Scenic Railway Walking Track, Blue Mountains National Park
Blue Mountains National Park’s challenging Furber Steps-Scenic Railway walking trail offers breathtaking scenery, waterfalls, birdwatching opportunities, a trip to Katoomba Falls, and the option to ride the Scenic Railway. One of the most beautiful hikes close to Sydney, this walk leads you into Jamison Valley, a verdant valley with winding roads and enchanting waterfalls. The Furber Steps will take you down to the Katoomba Falls and another well-known walk known as Federal Pass. To see the sunrise over the Three Sisters, one of the best times to take this hike is in the early morning. For walkers who enjoy a challenge with a beautiful view, the challenging Furber Steps-Scenic Railway walking circuit is full of fantastic views and makes an excellent day excursion. You will encounter a world of lush jungle and gushing waterfalls as you descend through the valley. Take a few quick side trips to explore the lovely valley, and don’t forget to pause for a special lunch next to Katoomba Falls. The chance to ride the renowned Scenic Railway or Scenic Cableway back up might be too alluring to pass up (and we can’t blame you!). However, you can go back up the steps if you’re feeling particularly energetic.
Distance / duration: 2.4km / 1–2 hours
Kiama Coast Walk, Kiama
There is nothing better than a hike that is packed with ocean wind, amazing rock formations, and pristine beaches. One of the treks in NSW you can cross off your adventure list any weekend is the Kiama Coast Walk, a moderate trail that is dog-friendly and located on Wodi Wodi Country. This 20 km track, which runs from the Minnamurra River in the north to Werri Beach in the town of Gerringong in the south, is full of wild and magnificent coastal vistas. Along the way, you’ll find numerous opportunities to stop and refuel as well as historic rock formations, record-breaking blowholes, windswept headlands, and picture-perfect beaches. Keep an eye out for humpback whales if you’re there between May and November; 25,000 of them travel annually along Australia’s east coast. Dogs are permitted on leashes for most of the walk, with the exception of some beach areas. Along the route, there are also some off-leash areas. There are numerous locations throughout the route where you can find restrooms, water fountains, barbecues, and other amenities.
Distance / duration: 20km / 6-7 hours
The Grand Canyon Track, Blue Mountains National Park
Beginning at Evans Lookout in the Blue Mountains, close to Blackheath, you’ll encounter numerous waterfalls, creeks, and breathtaking views as you make your way down the strenuous Grand Canyon walk. The track is lined with gorgeous sandstone walls, constant waterfalls, and plenty of native wildflowers. The World Heritage-listed scenery is accessed through the historic loop track. Since 1907, walkers have traversed this secluded and thrilling path. Starting at Neates Glen Car Park in Blackheath, this hike descends through a jungle of lush ferns, trickling creeks, and underground tunnels. It’s especially enjoyable in the summer since it is well-shaded, meanders through lush natural vegetation like ferns and golden wattles, and is close to Greaves Creek. You can either spend the entire day and stop for lunch at the neighbouring picnic area before returning to the lookout, or you can shorten the loop by parking a second car at the Evans Lookout Road entrance. You’ll descend into the canyon’s depths through gorges before returning up to Evans Lookout to take in the Grose Valley.
Distance / duration: 6.3km loop / 3-4 hours
Main Range Walk, Kosciuszko National Park
Kosciuszko National Park offers the difficult yet picturesque Main Range walk, which traverses alpine highland and passes glacial lakes, ancient cabins, and Mount Kosciuszko’s summit. This magnificent, long alpine trail is perfect for intrepid hikers looking to discover some of Kosciuszko National Park’s highest levels on foot. Start your 22km journey from Charlotte’s Pass through the glacier-carved vistas of this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. You’ll go over the legendary Snowy River, pass by Hedley Tarn and Blue Lake, and be mesmerised by early-summer floral fields. Then, go high along the untamed Main Range to Mount Kosciuszko (2228m), Australia’s highest point, where views of the Australian Alps can be seen for as far as the eye can see. The Mount Kosciuszko Summit route is used to loop back to Charlotte’s Pass from this point.
Distance / duration: 22km loop / 7 – 9 hours
Light to Light Walk, Ben Boyd National Park
One of the nicest walks on New South Wales’ far south coast is this difficult multi-day hike that starts from Boyds Tower and ends at Green Cape Lighthouse. Take a break to go swimming and get a chance to see seals, seabirds, and whales. Historic Boyds Tower and Green Cape Lightstation are separated by the Light to Light walk, which follows the shoreline. Views range from heathland to forest, tea tree groves to banksia woodlands, protected coves to towering red-rock platforms, and more. Enjoy a little segment of the walk—most of it is simple—or set out on a multi-day, self-guided journey, stopping to rest the night and cool down in the beach campgrounds. The Sapphire Coast is among the most picturesque places on earth.
Distance / duration: 30km one way / 2 – 3 days
Wonga Walk, Dorrigo National Park
Visit Dorrigo National Park, home to the Tristania and Crystal Falls, and stroll along the Wonga path among 600-year-old trees and subtropical rainforest. The Wonga walk is one of the most opoular hikes not only in Dorrigo National Park but also in Australia since it offers all the charms of the subtropical rainforest. You’ll see 600-year-old trees, an elevated boardwalk, vibrant mushrooms and vines. You’ll also pass through the majestic Tristania Falls. Children will particularly like the suspension bridge at Crystal Shower Falls, where you can descend into a grotto and peer beneath a veil of flowing water. The trek can be divided into shorter segments but there are some steeper areas, a few steps, and some boulder crossings.
Distance / duration: 6.6km / 2-3 hours
Great North Walk, Watagans National Park
Great beautiful lookouts and fantastic birdwatching may be found throughout the Great North Walk segment in Watagans National Park. This difficult-grade trail is ideal for seasoned bushwalkers. While the full 250km Great North Walk that follows through Watagans National Park, Jilliby State Conservation Area, and Brisbane Water National Park on its journey from Sydney to Newcastle can be completed in about 14 days, the walk can be broken into smaller chunks that can be enjoyed by walkers, such as this section of the trail. It’s a great weekend hike that is roughly 10 kilometres long in either direction. Although you can access this path through Watagans, your hike will take you down Georges Road in the northern part of the park.
Distance / duration: 10km / 2-3 hours
Glow Worm Tunnel Walking Track, Wollemi National Park
A favourite among guests visiting the Wollemi National Park, close to Lithgow, the short and simple Glow Worm Tunnel walking track is approximately a 2.5-hour trip from Sydney. It’s perfect for families and Sydney residents who want to view glow worms in their natural habitat. The car park at the end of Glow Worm Tunnel Road is where the track begins. Take in the spectacular landscape of tall trees, lush tree ferns, tight gorges, and stunning pagoda rock formations as you leisurely stroll the 1-kilometre to the mouth of the tunnel. Early in the 20th century, the 400 m-long tunnel was constructed as a section of the railway servicing Newnes’ growing mining community. Thousands of glow worms are now living there, clinging to the wet, dark walls. Turn off your torch, remain silent, and watch for the worms to emit blue light specks that illuminate the passageway. Look for goannas and lyrebirds on the walk home and if you’re lucky, you might see a koala or a swamp wallaby.
Just keep in mind that the tunnel itself is quite dark and slippery, and try your best to keep your volume down (no matter how excited you are), as these little glow bugs are very sensitive to sound.
Distance / duration: 2km / 1-2 hours
Gloucester Tops Circuit, Barrington Tops National Park
Along the Gloucester Tops circuit, take a stroll through historic rainforest and snow gum woodland to reach lookouts and waterfalls. This 8 km loop in Barrington Tops National Park contains three beautiful trails. The Gloucester Tops circuit in Barrington Tops National Park is a fantastic choice for a shorter day hike and a perfect way to experience the astounding diversity that exists there. Set out down the Gloucester Falls walking pathway from the picnic spot. You will travel through an open area of white gum forest before reaching Andrew Laurie Lookout on the escarpment and continuing on to Gloucester Falls Lookout. Join the river walking trail and stroll through the subalpine forest. And be sure to keep an eye out for swamp wallabies and grey kangaroos! The next place you’ll come across is the Antarctic Beech Forest walking track, which is characterised by cold temperate rainforest with an enormous Antarctic beech canopy towering above tree ferns and a soggy moss carpet on the forest floor.
Distance / duration: 8km loop / 3-5 hours
Hermitage Foreshore Walk, Sydney Harbour National Park
One of Sydney’s best coastline walks is the easy Hermitage Foreshore trek. Beginning from Nielsen Park, travel to Strickland House’s grounds and admire the views of Shark Island, the Sydney Harbour. While only a short walk, this route was designed for extended pit stops, including picnics, photo opps, and swimming at picturesque beaches that overlook the harbour. To get the most out of it, leave the car parked at Nielsen Park or Bayview Hill Road and make the return trip. The path is either paved or a wooden boardwalk, and it is simple to navigate (though there are steps along the way). You can reach Shark Beach’s azure waters by walking via the beautiful Milk Beach (a GoGet Favourite) and past Strickland House, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Distance / duration: 1.8km / 30 minutes
Spit Bridge to Manly Walk (Manly Scenic Walkway)
Although it may not be the wildest or most distant trek, it is a Sydney must! The track travels around Sydney Harbour’s northern shore through gorgeous beaches and spectacular vistas of the bay. The path leads to at least four hidden beaches to cool off at along the way, up and down steep staircases, offering stunning vantage points of Sydney Harbour. Look out for the signs, but at the summit of the climb, at Grotto Point, you can discover Aboriginal rock carvings of a kangaroo, a whale, and little fish. Bring your swimsuit as Castle Rock beach in Middle Harbour is a picture-perfect spot for a dip.
Distance / duration: 10km / 3-4 hours
Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay Walk, Sydney Harbour National Park
For stunning views of Sydney Harbour, take a walk from Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay. From Taronga Zoo, it’s a relatively short stroll to Chowder Bay’s beach and eateries. The Opera House and Harbour Bridge are visible in all their splendour. From Bradleys Head’s Booraghee Amphitheatre, you can see the passing boats or visit the Military Relics at Bradleys Head to travel back in time. Get up close and personal with wildlife and historic trees while stopping for a drink at Athol Hall or a Chowder Bay cafe. Before colonisation, the region served as a gathering place for the Borogegal clan of the Eora people. Today, it bears the name Lieutenant Bradley in honour of the HMS Sirius, a First Fleet vessel.
Distance / duration: 4km one way/ 1.5-2.5 hours
Bondi to Coogee Walk
The Bondi to Coogee walk is a six-kilometre coastal path that runs along cliffs in Sydney’s eastern suburbs and is probably the OG Sydney walk. Beautiful vistas, beaches, parks, cliffs, bays, and rock pools, what more could you ask for? The parks and beaches provide fabulous opportunity to stop long the way. Take a dip in the sea, or grab a bite to eat at one of the many cafes, pubs, or restaurants. The majority of beaches provide restrooms, change rooms, playgrounds, picnic spots, and kiosks. Although the Bondi to Coogee beach walk is a medium-grade urban trail, there are some steep inclines and numerous staircases scattered throughout the route. Along the seaside, rest areas offer sitting and beautiful views. The walk takes about two and a half hours, and you’ll spot golden sand beaches, including Australia’s renowned Bondi Beach. You’ll also pass a number of local swimming holes, including Bronte Pool, the concreted Clovelly inlet, and the rock pools at Coogee.
Distance / duration: 6km one way/ 2-3 hours
Jerusalem Bay Track (Cowan to Brooklyn), Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
The Great North Walk’s renowned Cowan to Brooklyn Station segment offers a variety of landscapes, from the shoreline to ridgetop lookouts. From Cowan Station, you’ll take the Great North Walk south to the lovely Jerusalem Bay, then turn around and head back uphill before dropping into Brooklyn. This difficult walk is a lovely one-way trek between stations that offers many water vistas, including a tour of Brooklyn Dam, as well as a wide variety of plants. With the jagged cliff faces, steep inclines, and breathtaking views of Jerusalem Bay and the Hawkesbury River, your heart will be pounding. As a part of the Great North Walk, it is a challenging trail with rounded boulders to squeeze through and metal pegs to climb up and down. Bring your best boots and metal trekking poles to help you balance as you descend the sandy slopes. We advise beginning at Brooklyn, where you’ll immediately encounter a difficult uphill fire trail. The sweaty beginning raises you high over the Hawkesbury, which you can see from all sides, including Dangar Island and the passing boats.
Distance / duration: 13.5km / 4-6 hours
Lake Parramatta Circuit
The Lake Parramatta Reserve is located on land that has historically been looked after by Dharug-speaking Aboriginal people. The Lake Parramatta reservoir, the country’s first sizable dam, was finished in 1856. As can be seen from the Dam Wall Lookout today, it was constructed using slabs of sandstone quarried on-site. This man-made dam on 75 acres of parkland is located two kilometres from the Parramatta CBD. The lake is a popular spot for a swim, and you can rent kayaks or pedal boats to explore by water. Three clearly designated walking trails connect to form a single lengthy route that circles the lake. Dogs are allowed if they’re on a lead, and it’s an easy to moderate walk. The banksias and red gum trees are home to many rosellas and kookaburras as well as cockatoos, which you will hear before you see. To complete a lap of the lake, proceed from the Dam Wall Lookout via the Reservoir Track, Upper Lake Track, and Arrunga Bardo Walk.
Distance / duration: 4.3km / 2 hours
Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk
The Barrenjoey Lighthouse Trek is a quick woodland walk that rewards you with spectacular views of Palm Beach and the opportunity to see whales in the winter and early spring. It’s a challenging hike up a rocky viewing point and steep sandy trail, but the vistas at the top make the sweating climb worthwhile. As you ascend, glance back towards Pittwater to the right and Palm Beach to the left (west). There is an access trail, which lessens the climb somewhat but is still strenuous. At Barrenjoey Head, Sydney’s most northern point, the lighthouse built in the 1800s commands a vantage point with breathtaking views over Broken Bay and the Hawkesbury River. Every Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm, and there are guided tours of the lighthouse that you can join for $10.
Distance / duration: 3km return / 1 hour
Aboriginal Heritage Walk, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Visit the intriguing Aboriginal Heritage Walk in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park to see the engravings and rock art made by the Aboriginal people who originally inhabited the area. You can find ancient rock engravings and works of indigenous art by combining the Resolute and West Head walking trails. The most well-known attraction in the park, Red Hands Cave, where you can find carvings and ochre hand markings that are thought to be 2,000 years old and were created by the Guringai people, can be reached after a 10-minute stroll along the track. Impressive rock carvings may be seen nearby as you keep going down the track, and further down the slope is where you’ll find a former occupation shelter. Families would warm themselves and the stones by lighting a fire inside during the cooler months. The hike to the lookout, from where you can see across to Barrenjoey Lighthouse, over Pittwater, and to Broken Bay, is only a short one if you arrive by car.
Distance / duration: 4.4km loop / 2.5-3.5 hours
Botany Bay Coastal Walk, Botany Bay National Park
From the cliff tops above Kurnell south to the Boat Harbour Aquatic Reserve and then around the coast to Cronulla station, this fantastic coastal walk follows the shoreline. The numerous rock formations along the shore, the little sand dunes alongside the path, the hanging bogs, and the Cape Bailey lighthouse are further highlights. There are some unmarked and somewhat difficult sections of the path, so it is advisable to bring a map. After passing a few lush swampy areas and those breathtaking seaside cliffs, you will come across the Cape Bailey Lighthouse and then move down towards the Boat Harbour Aquatic Reserve. After there, you just need to wander over the sand while keeping the ocean to your left.
Distance / duration: 12.7km / 4-5 hrs
Charles Darwin Walk, Katoomba Area
The village of Wentworth Falls and Blue Mountains National Park are connected by this short stroll. Follow Jamison Creek along this trail and take in the waterfalls and birdwatching before joining park pathways. Take this well-travelled path in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, the renowned scientist who walked it in 1836. Today’s visitors can stroll the boardwalk and bush trail from Wilson Park to the national park boundary, where the path intersects with the Weeping Rock loop through open woodland, shrubs, and hanging wetlands. Rock pools and waterfalls along Jamison Creek are the perfect place to rest your feet on a hot day. Honeyeaters, shrub wrens, and the loud black cockatoos that can’t resist the native banksia trees can be seen by bird watchers.
Distance / duration: 2.4km / 1 hour
Palm Jungle Loop Track & Figure Eight Pools, Royal National Park
This hike is sure to win over any crowd from the first perspective to the last remote beach and everything in between. Palm Jungle Loop Track in Royal National Park, close to Otford, is a strenuous but magnificent hike that offers rainforest, cliff tops, beaches, and picturesque coastal vistas. In the southernmost part of Royal National Park, this difficult track gives the best of all possible worlds. For bushwalkers who enjoy cramming an adventure into a day excursion, it’s ideal. The road travels from Garawarra Farm through soaring gum and delicate angophora woods. As you descend Burgh Ridge, pause to take in the breathtaking panoramas of the rugged coastline. Turn right to reach Burning Palms beach as you join the Coast trail, passing by old beach shacks. It’s a wonderful location for a cool swim and a picnic. Figure Eight Pools can be reached by taking an optional detour south along the track from Burning Palms beach. Since the pools may only be accessed during low tide and when there is a little surge, always check the risk rating online first.
Distance / duration: 14km / 4-6 hours
Glenbrook Gorge Track, Blue Mountains National Park
In Blue Mountains National Park, the challenging Glenbrook Gorge walk provides rock-hopping through a creek bed in lovely countryside and via a former railway tunnel. Huge boulders border a little gorge surrounded by towering cliffs in one way, while cool plunge pools can be found in the opposite direction. The hike begins in a little village with some excellent eateries and a pub with a nice beer garden, and the drive from Sydney takes around an hour. The short but difficult Glenbrook Gorge route is situated in the eastern part of the Blue Mountains National Park and is sure to get your heart rate up. You run the risk of getting off course as you wade your way down the creek while following the gorge’s base. Keep an eye out for the 1911-built historic railway tunnel. Near the end of the trail, on the sandbar where Glenbrook Creek and the Nepean River converge, remains the building debris. Enjoy a well-earned break and the peace and quiet of the nearby bush. You have the option of climbing out to Lapstone Station or, if you have more time and stamina, going back up the canyon and taking a cool plunge at Jellybean Pool.
Distance / duration: 3km return / 2 hours
Koala Spotting at Smiths Creek Reserve Loop
Despite being close to Sydney, this walk is full of amazing wildlife, including everyone’s favourite bear that likes to climb trees. Check out this 5.5-km easy circular track which typically takes a couple of hours. It’s doubtful that you’ll run into too many others, but it is a popular spot for hikers, mountain bikers, or trail runners. The huge Smiths Creek Reserve, just west of the Heathcote National Park, is a significant wildlife corridor. Keep an eye out for koalas, red-bellied black snakes, and eastern rosellas. Although the reserve is small, there is a vast network of routes to explore.
Distance / Duration: 5.5km loop / 3 hours
Ruined Castle Walking Track, Katoomba Area
Some genuinely untamed trails begin and end in Katoomba. The region serves as a gateway to some of the Blue Mountains National Park’s more remote regions and is only one and a half hours drive from Sydney. In Blue Mountains National Park, close to Katoomba, the challenging Ruined Castle walking trail will reward you with picturesque views across Jamison Valley. This strenuous hike, which starts at the Golden Stairs and descends into Jamison Valley, allows you to ascend the Ruined Castle, one of the valley’s most recognisable monuments. It is a stunning rock structure from which you can enjoy stunning views of the valley all the way to Wentworth Falls and Katoomba. You’ll enter the cool, lush rainforest with towering coachwood and sassafras trees as you descend far into the valley, with a chance to see a lyrebird. The track is a well-known mining road, complete with cuttings, embankments, and crumbling remnants of miners’ houses. The spectacular rock structure can be reached after a challenging scramble that includes some rock-hopping between enormous boulders. Enjoy the best views of Jamison Valley and Cedar Creek Valley at the summit. It’s a wonderful location for lunch before heading back.
Distance / Duration: 6.6km return / 4-5 hours
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