looking for a one nighter in sydney.

[Erin210485]

Hi everyone,

My name is Nicole and i have a team of friends who are interested in getting into over night hiking trips. We are doing our first one at the end of next month but i cant decide what one to do? I would really like some suggestions from everyone Please? Im in Campbelltown and dont want to travel 3hr+ to get there. Am happy to travel about an hour. Any suggestions?

[stansi]

Jesus, with a title like that, I would have thought You could have pulled a few replies by now.
Sorry can't help my self, live in another state.

[johnw]

Hi everyone,

My name is Nicole and i have a team of friends who are interested in getting into over night hiking trips. We are doing our first one at the end of next month but i cant decide what one to do? I would really like some suggestions from everyone Please? Im in Campbelltown and dont want to travel 3hr+ to get there. Am happy to travel about an hour. Any suggestions?

Hi Nicole, and welcome. This will likely get more responses if posted in the NSW and ACT forum. Can you give us an idea of the experience and preparedness of your party? I'm assuming you already have experience with day hikes? How much, how difficult? it will affect any recommendations. Do you already have the gear needed for overnighting and know how to use it? In any case I would suggest something easy to start with.

I live in the same area and there aren't really any official overnight walking destinations very close to Campbelltown itself (that I'm aware of). Dharawal NP is only a few minutes away but no camping allowed. The most obvious nearby walk is probably the Coast Track in Royal NP but even that could be a challenge if you have little experience. You could drive to Glenbrook and walk in to Euroka camp ground (need to book) which would be a relatively easy introduction I think. An hour or so drive also gets you to places like Starlights Trail to Macarthur Flat in Nattai NP - not difficult but a very steep walk in and out, and probably not the best choice in hot and dry conditions.

About 90 minutes drive opens up an lot more options in places like the Blue Mountains and the Southern Highlands. It might be worth getting hold of one or both volumes of NPA's excellent Bushwalks in the Sydney Region which have a wide range of day and overnight or longer walks, and many of them are within the area you seek. They have degree of difficulty, distance estimates, sketch maps of the walks, and access information. You can order them via the Shop link at the top of the page on these forums.

[michael_p]

Hi Nicole,

I live in the Campbelltown area as well. A little more info about the experience level of your group would be helpful. For example are you regular day walkers who want to step up the adventure or are you all new to bushwalking?

Also, within 1 hour is a bit restrictive.

45 minutes gets you to Heathcote NP which has two NPWS camping areas and bush camping is permitted.

1.5-2 hours gets you to the Upper Blue Mountains where there are more options.

3 hours gets you to places like Kanangara Boyd NP or south to the Budawangs (both walking paradises).

Have a browse through the http://www.wildwalks.com/ website and try the http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/Parks website (although I find the NPWS website annoying to use).

Cheers,
Michael.

P.S. I have come across a number of people camped down on the Georges River at Kentlyn but I don't know if this is legal.

[johnw]

P.S. I have come across a number of people camped down on the Georges River at Kentlyn but I don't know if this is legal.

Yes that crossed my mind as well Michael but I'm also unclear on the status. And not always the most pristine environment unfortunately although there are some nicer spots as you know.

[Lotsafreshair]

Hi everyone,

My name is Nicole and i have a team of friends who are interested in getting into over night hiking trips. We are doing our first one at the end of next month but i cant decide what one to do? I would really like some suggestions from everyone Please? Im in Campbelltown and dont want to travel 3hr+ to get there. Am happy to travel about an hour. Any suggestions?

Hey Erin, A logical trip sounds like The Coast Track in the Royal NP. 26km-ish over 2 days, camp in North Era with stunning coastal views, rainforests, beaches and a great sense of achievement at the end. Oh and all accessible via public transport.

http://downloads.wildwalks.com/The%20Co ... ttb%29.pdf

[neil_fahey]

I'll second Caro's recommendation... The Coast Track is gorgeous.