Recommendations for hill training walks near Sydney

[SS23]

Any recommendations for hilly walks near Sydney? I'm prepping for the Routeburn track in NZ.
Been going up and down the Sphinx memorial and bobbin head track, so need some variety, but probably still 'moderate' level.
I want to do day hikes and a couple of overnights.
Thanks

[johnrs]

Catch the train to Brooklyn and walk back to Cowan.
Lots of ups and downs also from Cowan to Berowra or Mt Colah.
Start before summer and walk early to avoid the heat.
John

[SS23]

Thanks!

[johnw]

I'm assuming you are training with a similar pack weight as what you will use in NZ?

1. What John said, but I'd suggest going in the other direction. In my experience Berowra to Cowan is more uphill if that's the main requirement.
Steep climb up from Berowra then up and down from there. You can make up a number of variations using the train between Hornsby and Brooklyn.
Make up loops in and out of the Berowra Valley that start/finish at a train station. Depends on how much of a workout you want.

2. For some variety try Winmalee to Grose Head South via Shaws Ridge and return via Blue Gum Swamp trail. Access at the end of White Cross Rd (need a car for this walk).
It's all on fire trail to the lookout below Grose Head South. Very steep climb up Bees Nest Hill over a km or so to the lookout.
Can be extended by climbing another km on the footpad up past Grose Head South trig, then continue downhill another km or so to the lookout over the lower Grose R.
Reverse back to the bottom of Bees Nest Hill and take the pretty Blue Gum Swamp trail back to the start, which is fairly flat (you'll probably appreciate a rest by then).

3. If you don't mind travelling further there are many options around the upper Blue Mountains. Anything from the Blackheath area into the Grose Valley is a workout with a full pack.
Maybe Evans Lookout to Acacia Flat/Blue Gum Forest via the upgraded Horse Track return. A loop is currently awkward to define as the Pulpit Rock and Govetts tracks are closed.
Or Perrys to Blue Gum Forest/Acacia Flat and back. Short but very steep both ways. Optionally camp at Acacia Flat for either of those walks.

[SS23]

Many thanks @johnw those sound perfect.
Im slowly building up my pack weight - I started too gung-ho and strained a back muscle!
Only have 2 mths to prepare now but reminding myself slow and steady (as many walks as poss) works better.
Got a car so travelling is fine and those Blue Mountains rtacks sound wonderful - will try to fit in a couple of overnighters up there.
Looking forward to becoming a strong hiker!
Cheers

[Bron]

Thornleigh to Hornsby station - some great stairs back to Hornsby. Plenty of ppl do repeats on these stairs.
Hornsby to Berowra Station
Berowra to Cowan station.
its possible to do Berowra to Brooklyn if you are fit.
Any of the routes into the Grose Valley near Blackheath or Pierces Pass are pretty decent climbs out.
also Wollangambe River from Mt Wilson.
Theres a great set of stairs that starts at the Knapsack Bridge at Glenbrook with a plaque "Steve Taylor Stair Challenge: that says "Jog or walk to the top of these 107 wooden stairs and walk down to recover as many times as you comfortably can. In honour of Steve, give your best effort. He always did. Steve Taylor.
Husband, friend and inspiration to "ifeis" members.'
If you go the other direction there is also a pile of stairs in the other direction down the gully and up to Elizabeth Lookout.

[Xplora]

Theres a great set of stairs that starts at the Knapsack Bridge at Glenbrook with a plaque "Steve Taylor Stair Challenge: that says "Jog or walk to the top of these 107 wooden stairs and walk down to recover as many times as you comfortably can. In honour of Steve, give your best effort. He always did. Steve Taylor.
Husband, friend and inspiration to "ifeis" members.'
If you go the other direction there is also a pile of stairs in the other direction down the gully and up to Elizabeth Lookout.

This was our Tuesday training. Get to the top of the stairs and zig zag up to the small lookout. Often would in conjunction with the Elizabeth Lookout stairs but these are not spaced well and it is hard to get any rhythm. Can't remember how many times we did it each time. Felt like a great many.

[SS23]

Theres a great set of stairs that starts at the Knapsack Bridge at Glenbrook with a plaque "Steve Taylor Stair Challenge: that says "Jog or walk to the top of these 107 wooden stairs and walk down to recover as many times as you comfortably can. In honour of Steve, give your best effort. He always did. Steve Taylor.
Husband, friend and inspiration to "ifeis" members.'
If you go the other direction there is also a pile of stairs in the other direction down the gully and up to Elizabeth Lookout.

This was our Tuesday training. Get to the top of the stairs and zig zag up to the small lookout. Often would in conjunction with the Elizabeth Lookout stairs but these are not spaced well and it is hard to get any rhythm. Can't remember how many times we did it each time. Felt like a great many.

I've been trying to work out what 'ifies' is. What were you trainng for @Xplora?

[Xplora]

Theres a great set of stairs that starts at the Knapsack Bridge at Glenbrook with a plaque "Steve Taylor Stair Challenge: that says "Jog or walk to the top of these 107 wooden stairs and walk down to recover as many times as you comfortably can. In honour of Steve, give your best effort. He always did. Steve Taylor.
Husband, friend and inspiration to "ifeis" members.'
If you go the other direction there is also a pile of stairs in the other direction down the gully and up to Elizabeth Lookout.

This was our Tuesday training. Get to the top of the stairs and zig zag up to the small lookout. Often would in conjunction with the Elizabeth Lookout stairs but these are not spaced well and it is hard to get any rhythm. Can't remember how many times we did it each time. Felt like a great many.

I've been trying to work out what 'ifies' is. What were you trainng for @Xplora?

Can't help with 'ifies'. Was training for lots of things but used the stairs mostly for the 6 foot track marathon I recall. I did that 5 times and once I did it there and back..... just because. Never again. Doing too much stair and hill work can lead to problems with your I.T.B. More common in cyclist.