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Best Walks Of NSW

menu_book picture_as_pdf bookMatt McClelland Bushwalk Resource Australia New South Wales
Issue_16_April_2016-6

Best Walks Of New South Wales

Matt McClelland

As we’ve done this series of best walks around Australia I’ve enjoyed exploring the amazing diversity in each state and territory. It is great to see what makes walking in each place unique and understand their bushwalking strengths.

Kosciuszko and Abbott Ridge skylineJohn Walker

6 | BWA April 2016


Looking through all the votes for best walks in NSW it’s interesting that most walks are close to populated areas and only a few are far inland. When looking at other parts of Australia, most walks have a significant car trip from the city. In NSW, many walks are accessible by public transport and are in large national parks in or on the edge of the cities. Even some of the overnight walks start with a train trip. In this article I want to highlight the top walks and walking areas. The following pages list the specific walks that you voted for.

With more than 100 individual walks voted on I can’t list them all, sorry, just the most popular walks.

Day walksThe survey results suggest that short walks are “a thing” in NSW. There were around 80 unique day walks listed, microadventures mostly in and around the cities. Although all states voted for day walks, there was a strong focus on them in NSW.

I grouped all the votes into regions to help organise the walks. The three most popular regions are as follows.

Blue Mountains NPUnsurprisingly, the Blue Mountains was very popular for day walk votes. Walks in the Blackheath and Wentworth Falls areas really stood out as the most popular, with the Grand Canyon and National Pass at the top of the list. The Blue Mountains is a stunning area, with most walks starting high on the escarpment and heading along the top of the cliff or into steep valleys.

The Great North Walk This was a surprise to me. I knew the GNW was popular, but I was not expecting it to end up with its own category. Our readers voted for a bunch of walks that are sections of the main spine of the GNW. The walks were mostly just south of the Hawkesbury such as Cowan to Brooklyn and Mt Kuring-gai to Berowra. These walks start and end at train stations and very quickly head into bushland that feels surprisingly remote. It seems that having the larger goal of completing the whole track is also a motivator for getting out and doing these sections.

Sydney Harbour It was great to see so much interest in walking along the Sydney Harbour foreshore. Spit to Manly smashed it in as the most popular in the area followed by the series of walks along the northern shore between the Harbour Bridge and Balmoral. This area has a mix of urban and bushland walking, with plenty of cafes, swimming spots, and stunning panoramic views.

Honourable mentions that rated nearly as highly go to other day walk areas including the Royal NP on the south edge of Sydney, the Central Coast, the South Coast and Kosciuszko NP.

What a privilege it is to live in a place that allows us to explore such amazing places in our own backyard.

Overnight walksNSW is a big state and has some great overnight and long-distance walking tracks. NSW does not have the the same focus on formal overnight walks like Tasmania or WA. Having said that, there are some very popular walks. The 45 kilometre Six Foot Track has a mix of bush and semi-rural areas with more people walking it each year than the Overland Track. The Six Foot Track is also more popular than many of the premium NZ walking tracks. As many NSW walks are close to urban and rural centres there are opportunities for inn-to-inn style walking on many tracks, an idea that is starting to catch on on NSW after being popular in Europe for a very long time.

Looking at the survey results, here are the most popular areas.

Blue Mountains NP Like the day walks, the Blue Mountains area was the most popular for overnight walks in this survey. A walk into Blue Gum Forest in the Grose Valley was the most popular walk and with four main tracks suggested; there are plenty of ways to enjoy this special place.

Next on the list was the Six Foot Track from Katoomba to Jenolan Caves. Other walks in the area are the less formal non-signposted walks such as Mt Solitary, Kanangra to Katoomba and Pantoneys Crown.

NSW is a big state and has some great overnight and long-distance walking tracks.

BWA April 2016 | 7


The following pages are a compilation of best walks based on a survey by readers from last edition of BWA.

Royal NPThe Royal Coast Track ranked highly in readers votes. The Royal Coast Track links Bundeena and Otford in the Royal NP, on the southern edge of Sydney. The walk can be done in a day, but makes a great overnight walk. While the track has fallen into disrepair and become heavily eroded over the years, the NPWS has started a major program to improve the track and signs. Waterfall to Heathcote also made the list, this is a short 10 kilometre walk that again can be done in a day, or stay for a swim and an overnighter. This walk is in Heathcote NP across the road from the Royal and has train stations at the start and end.

Kosciuszko NP With the same number of votes as the Royal we now head to the top of the country and the majestic Kosciuszko NP. Carved out by glaciers and blanketed with snow in winter this region is a stunning place to explore on in summer or with snowshoes in winter. The Australian Alpine Walking Track (AAWT) was the most popular walk, it is a 650 kilometre walk that links Walhalla (Victoria) and Tharwa (ACT) with significant sections in Kosciuszko NP. Other walks include the Main Range (camping in Wilkinsons Valley), Round Mountain to Munyang and of course Mt Jagungal.

There are a few walks that did not get a mention in the survey that I think deserve should appear on this best walks of NSW list.

Watagans NP in the Hunter region has a series of great overnight and day walks, well worth visiting. Green Gully Track in the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park is a 65 kilometre, 4 day hut-based walk. Linking Yass and Albury, the 440 kilometre Hume and Hovell walking

track has recently been upgraded and is a great walk for people wanting to get into long-distance walking.

One of the hassles of putting together a list like this is that you can never really stop: there are so many great options and walking experiences. I’m not intending to make a list that will be considered definitive and stand the test of time, but rather one that inspires. My hope is that as you flick through these walks you will discover your next few adventures and maybe learn a little more about what features of walks inspire you most.

If looking for more information to help you on your adventures, here are some great starting points.

http://bushwalkingnsw.com/ Tom’s site has a great range of walks around NSW, focused mostly in the Blue Mountains.

http://www.walks.com.au/ Woodslane have the largest series of bushwalking books in NSW and Australia.

http://takeawalk.com.au/ John and Lyn have a series of books covering walks in NSW.

http://wildwalks.com My website is helpful for walks around Sydney, Blue Mountains NP, South Coast and Southern Kosciuszko NP.

Happy walkingMatt :)

Glow Worm Tunnel

2.9 km return, 1 hr 45 mins, wildwalks.comThe diverse scenery. There is something about walking through old tunnels. Great fern forest at the end of the tunnel. Glow worms are great, but not very bright. A long drive for a short easy walk.

Newnes Ruins Walk

5 km circuit, 2 hours, users.tpg.com.auWalk in one of Australia’s most scenic national parks while embracing history. See ruins from mining history. Rivers and large cliffs. Good campsite to make a weekend adventure.

The Three Sisters From Echo Point, Blue Mountains National Park Mirceadobre78

Carved out by glaciers and blanketed with snow in winter this region is a stunning place to explore ...

8 | BWA April 2016


Glow Worm TunnelWildwalks

New South Wales

Wollemi National Park

Glow Worm Tunnel

2.9 km return, 1 hr 45 mins, wildwalks.comThe diverse scenery. There is something about walking through old tunnels. Great fern forest at the end of the tunnel. Glow worms are great, but not very bright. A long drive for a short easy walk.

Newnes Ruins Walk

5 km circuit, 2 hours, users.tpg.com.auWalk in one of Australia’s most scenic national parks while embracing history. See ruins from mining history. Rivers and large cliffs. Good campsite to make a weekend adventure.

BWA April 2016 | 9


New South Wales

Blue Mountains NP - Blackheath

Grand Canyon

5.4 km circuit, 3 hrs 30 mins, wildwalks.comUnique beautiful scenery, very diverse flora (rainforest and eucalyptus), several waterfalls, stunning rock cliffs. You get to walk behind a waterfall. Did it with my 3- and 5-year-olds last year and they loved it - the challenge of the steep steps, the stepping stones across the water, the caves, the view deep into the canyon and the rocks to climb, with supervision. Stunning canyon features with an easy walking track and brilliant views in an accessible location. Feeling of being miles away from civilisation. The walk is currently closed for upgrades until mid-2016.

Grose ValleyWildwalks

Blue Gum Forest

8.1 km one way, 5 hrs 30 mins, wildwalks.comExcellent views, well crafted passes and scenic waterfalls. Access via Perrys Lookdown, Evans Lookout, Lockley Pylon, Govetts Leap or Peirces Pass. Walk into the Grose Valley knowing the history of the Blue Gum Forest, the start of the modern NSW conservation movement, with a cooling swim in summer. The very steep walk out is a bit of a killer.

Lockley Pylon

6.8 km return, 3 hrs 15 mins, wildwalks.comVisited by relatively few (compared to other places nearby) but gives some of the most amazing views in the Blue Mountains and the Grose Valley. Very accessible walk in terms of gradient while feeling remote. The amazing panoramic view and the untouched location away from the hordes of people that gather at popular tourist points. A way to get to the Grose Valley.

Ruined Castle

7.9 km return, 5 hours, wildwalks.com This has 360 degree panorama views. Short walk with stunning views. Fantastic. Beautiful Bell Birds in the valley. Flat a lot of the way though the climb out is steep. Have lunch on the top of the Ruined Castle. Return via the Golden Stairs or the Scenic Railway.

National Pass

5 km circuit, 4 hours, nationalpass.com.au and wildwalks.comUnique cliff walk. There are many walks in the Upper Blue Mountains with views of the Jamieson Valley, but few have a track carved into the cliff. Best walk in the Blue Mountains and number one pick for showing visitors something amazing that is very close to Sydney. Waterfalls and a good workout too! We found this the best and most special day hike we have ever done.

Wentworth Pass

5.1 km circuit, 4 hours, wildwalks.comBelow the National Pass, steep down and up. Fantastic waterfalls, rainforest and swimming. The Slack Stairs; nothing slack about them. Views of valleys and cliffs and waterfalls - who could ask for more?

10 | BWA April 2016


National PassWildwalks

Ruined Castle

7.9 km return, 5 hours, wildwalks.com This has 360 degree panorama views. Short walk with stunning views. Fantastic. Beautiful Bell Birds in the valley. Flat a lot of the way though the climb out is steep. Have lunch on the top of the Ruined Castle. Return via the Golden Stairs or the Scenic Railway.

National Pass

5 km circuit, 4 hours, nationalpass.com.au and wildwalks.comUnique cliff walk. There are many walks in the Upper Blue Mountains with views of the Jamieson Valley, but few have a track carved into the cliff. Best walk in the Blue Mountains and number one pick for showing visitors something amazing that is very close to Sydney. Waterfalls and a good workout too! We found this the best and most special day hike we have ever done.

Wentworth Pass

5.1 km circuit, 4 hours, wildwalks.comBelow the National Pass, steep down and up. Fantastic waterfalls, rainforest and swimming. The Slack Stairs; nothing slack about them. Views of valleys and cliffs and waterfalls - who could ask for more?

New South Wales

Blue Mountains NP

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From Mt TomareeWildwalks

Mt Tomaree (Tomaree NP)

5.4 km circuit, 3 hrs 30 mins, nationalparks.nsw.gov.auViews out to the ocean and over Port Stephens. The incredible panoramic views, especially at sunrise and sunset. Great during whale watching season. Well constructed staircase, great viewing platforms. Interesting history.

Bouddi Coastal Walk (Bouddi NP)

8.1 km one way, 5 hours, wildwalks.comChallenging yet achievable for first timers. Rewarding scenery and swimming locations. Great coastal walking with views that go on forever.

Cowan to Brooklyn

(Ku-ring-gai Chase NP)

13.4 km one way 5 hrs 30 mins, wildwalks.comView at Jerusalem Bay and views descending down to Brooklyn, also pub at the end of the walk. Challenging terrain for a day walk, particularly the downhill on the final stretch. Can be tough going but the river and Jerusalem Bay are beautiful.

Mt Kuring-gai to Berowra

(Berowra Valley NP)

9.7 km one way, 4 hrs 15 mins, wildwalks.comA pretty walk along the river and not too hard. Surprising untouched bushland at the edge of suburbia. Train at start and end. Wetlands and salt marshs. Nice.

Berowra to Cowan

(Berowra Valley NP)

12.9 km one way, 6 hours, wildwalks.comGreat scenery and good for training for even tougher tracks. The railway makes access very easy. Cafe and ice creams halfway at Berowra Waters. Big hills. Nice secluded creeks. Views from cliff tops.

Hornsby to Mt Kuring-gai

(Berowra Valley NP)

20.8 km one way, 8 hrs 30 mins, wildwalks.comGood length and level of challenge for a day walk with great variety of landscape and vegetation, not too far from central Sydney plus train to train makes it easy with one car. Do side trip to Fishponds. Amazing sense of remoteness, but close to civilisation.

Berowra to Mt Kuring-gai

via Berowra Waters (Berowra Valley NP)

9.4 km one way, 4 hrs 30 minutes, wildwalks.comSandstone caves, waterfalls and the ancient banksias. Large open saltmarsh and closed dense forests. The walk up from Sams Creek is steep but wonderful. Side trip to Naa Badu Lookout is a must.

New South Wales

Central Coast & Hunter

12 | BWA April 2016


Cowan Creek viewpoint viewWildwalks

Cowan to Brooklyn

(Ku-ring-gai Chase NP)

13.4 km one way 5 hrs 30 mins, wildwalks.comView at Jerusalem Bay and views descending down to Brooklyn, also pub at the end of the walk. Challenging terrain for a day walk, particularly the downhill on the final stretch. Can be tough going but the river and Jerusalem Bay are beautiful.

Mt Kuring-gai to Berowra

(Berowra Valley NP)

9.7 km one way, 4 hrs 15 mins, wildwalks.comA pretty walk along the river and not too hard. Surprising untouched bushland at the edge of suburbia. Train at start and end. Wetlands and salt marshs. Nice.

Berowra to Cowan

(Berowra Valley NP)

12.9 km one way, 6 hours, wildwalks.comGreat scenery and good for training for even tougher tracks. The railway makes access very easy. Cafe and ice creams halfway at Berowra Waters. Big hills. Nice secluded creeks. Views from cliff tops.

Hornsby to Mt Kuring-gai

(Berowra Valley NP)

20.8 km one way, 8 hrs 30 mins, wildwalks.comGood length and level of challenge for a day walk with great variety of landscape and vegetation, not too far from central Sydney plus train to train makes it easy with one car. Do side trip to Fishponds. Amazing sense of remoteness, but close to civilisation.

Berowra to Mt Kuring-gai

via Berowra Waters (Berowra Valley NP)

9.4 km one way, 4 hrs 30 minutes, wildwalks.comSandstone caves, waterfalls and the ancient banksias. Large open saltmarsh and closed dense forests. The walk up from Sams Creek is steep but wonderful. Side trip to Naa Badu Lookout is a must.

New South Wales

Great North Walk

BWA April 2016 | 13


Rocky pass above Lake AlbinaWildwalks

Main Range Walk Circuit

21.9 km circuit, 9 hrs, wildwalks.comBig ticket natural wonders (Blue Lake, Albina Lake, Mt Kosciuszko), unique plant communities, sweeping views and a real sense of achievement when completed. Being above the tree line, stunning views for ever. One of the most beautiful areas in Australia. Air is crisp and clean. Best done as a loop walk in January or February from Charlotte Pass. Wonderful wildflowers, views to the Victorian Alps, moving clouds, perched glacial lakes, picnic lunch on top of the range, good trail, swim in Snowy River near end, snow gums at Charlotte Pass and views back up to where you have been - simply glorious.

Munyang to Schlink Hilton Hut

22.4 km return, 9 hours, wildwalks.comMagnificent high country scenery, snow gums, rivers, granite tors and historic huts. Mostly on fire trail, easy navigation.

Mt Gower

10 km circuit, 7 hrs, bushwalkingnsw.com This is a climb of 850 metres from sea level. Fabulous views of mountains, forests, and coral reefs fringing the island. Beautiful and unique forest to walk through, with endemic plants and birds seen nowhere else. Rope-assisted scrambling up cliffs adds a level of adventure. Physically challenging and remote, this is the best day walk I’ve ever done.

New South Wales

Kosciuszko NP

14 | BWA April 2016


View over Lord Howe IslandAshley Whitworth

Mt Gower

10 km circuit, 7 hrs, bushwalkingnsw.com This is a climb of 850 metres from sea level. Fabulous views of mountains, forests, and coral reefs fringing the island. Beautiful and unique forest to walk through, with endemic plants and birds seen nowhere else. Rope-assisted scrambling up cliffs adds a level of adventure. Physically challenging and remote, this is the best day walk I’ve ever done.

New South Wales

Lord Howe Island

BWA April 2016 | 15


Mt Warning (Wollumbin NP)

8.8 km return, 4 to 5 hrs, bigvolcano.com.auQuite challenging for the novice walker, with spectacular views when the weather permits. First place on the east coast to see the sunrise. Walk up before dawn to see the sunrise with a freshly brewed cuppa. Views beyond Cape Byron lighthouse, past the Gold Coast, sense of achievement at the dawn of a new day.

Bald Rock Summit Walking Track

(Bald Rock NP)

3.2 km one way, 1 hr 30 mins, nationalparks.nsw.gov.au The drive in from either end is pleasant through forests and rocky fields and hills. The walk up Bald Rock can be either a meander along the scrubby path or a goat trail up the face. Both have their charm. I like to go up the rock and come down the longer easy path. The top has the biggest chunk of granite in Australia, and has spectacular views.

Coast Track (Royal NP)

Varies, wildwalks.comThe entire walk spans the eastern fringe of the Royal National Park, from Otford to Bundeena. The walk takes us through a wide variety of terrain and flora. A classic. Beautiful beaches. Can do the whole thing in a day, or do sections with easy access at Wattamolla and Garie.

Engadine to Bundeena via Deer Pool

(Royal NP)

35 km one way, 8 hrsIt is all on walking track and crosses the Royal National Park from west to east, then north on the Coast Track. See most of the highlights of the Royal including crossing of Kangaroo Creek at its tidal limit, crossing of the Hacking River at Audley Recreation Area, Winifred Falls, Anice Falls on Anice Track, great views over Port Hacking and Cronulla on link track, Marley Track via Deer Pool to Marley Beach with its unique dune and lagoon hinterland, along Marley Beach on Coast Track to Bundeena via Wedding Cake Rock.

Waterfall to Heathcote (Heathcote NP)

10.8 km one way, 5 hours, wildwalks.comGreat swimming at the pools, easy train access. Track not in best condition, but nice and rugged still.

Grand High Tops (Warrumbungle NP)

12.5 km circuit, 4 hrs 30 mins, nationalparks.nsw.gov.au When you walk up the valley to approach the Breadknife, it will take your breath away. Walk along the base of the Breadknife and sit under its shadow. Such a fabulous walk with stunning rock formations everywhere you look. Very hot in summer and cold in winter, autumn and spring.

Kaputar Plateau Walk (Mt Kaputar NP)

6 km circuit, 3 hrs, nationalparks.nsw.gov.au Extensive views and rugged volcanic formations in what is otherwise a dead flat (and relatively cleared) north-western plains. Interesting flora - reminiscent of bush closer to the coast, but surrounded by much drier semi-arid bushland in the lowlands below. Keep an eye out for the pink slugs. Stunning views.

Mount Warning’s view from the Clarrie Hall Dam Pouts31

New South Wales

Northern NSW

16 | BWA April 2016


Coast Track (Royal NP)

Varies, wildwalks.comThe entire walk spans the eastern fringe of the Royal National Park, from Otford to Bundeena. The walk takes us through a wide variety of terrain and flora. A classic. Beautiful beaches. Can do the whole thing in a day, or do sections with easy access at Wattamolla and Garie.

Engadine to Bundeena via Deer Pool

(Royal NP)

35 km one way, 8 hrsIt is all on walking track and crosses the Royal National Park from west to east, then north on the Coast Track. See most of the highlights of the Royal including crossing of Kangaroo Creek at its tidal limit, crossing of the Hacking River at Audley Recreation Area, Winifred Falls, Anice Falls on Anice Track, great views over Port Hacking and Cronulla on link track, Marley Track via Deer Pool to Marley Beach with its unique dune and lagoon hinterland, along Marley Beach on Coast Track to Bundeena via Wedding Cake Rock.

Waterfall to Heathcote (Heathcote NP)

10.8 km one way, 5 hours, wildwalks.comGreat swimming at the pools, easy train access. Track not in best condition, but nice and rugged still.

Coast Track - view south of Little GarieWildwalks

New South Wales

Royal NP

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The Castle (Morton NP)

10 km return, 10 hrs, bushwalkingnsw.com and

Bushwalking in the Budawangs bookBrilliant views, varied terrain, interesting features and a challenging climb to the top due to the amount of vertical gained and lost. For experienced walkers only. The top section has some slightly exposed scrambling. The views in all direction both from the top and lookout points along the way are truly spectacular.

Illawarra Escarpment Traverse

18.5 km one way, 7-8 hrs, Best Bush, Coast and Village Walks of the IllawarraThe walk traverses the longest continuous tracked stretch of the great Illawarra Escarpment, from Stanwell Park Railway Station south to Austinmer Station. It incorporates several older tracks with a newish link track. It provides a succession of stunning viewpoints, some delightful creeks and rainforest gullies and a diverse range of plant communities. Much of the bushland is remarkably intact, thanks to it having previously been locked up by BHP as it sits on top of coal reserves. On reaching Sublime Point, there’s a much-needed cafe before dropping down over the edge to reach Austinmer.

Blue Gum Track (Berowra Valley NP)

6.7 km circuit, 3 hrs, wildwalks.comA lot of surprises along the way such as leeches and river crossing. Short side trip to Fishponds is well worth it. Crossing Waitara Creek at the “Spa” is stunning, a great place to stop and watch the water dragons and waterfall.

La Perouse to Cape Bank Circuit Walk

(Kamay Botany Bay NP)

7.3 km circuit, 3 hrs, wildwalks.comEasy track and amazing views of the coast. The rock formations at Cape Banks are amazing. Easy public transport, great ocean views.

Mackerall Beach to West Head

(Ku-ring-gai Chase NP)

8.6 km circuit, 5 hours, wildwalks.comRelaxing day out of Sydney CBD. Some big hills, ferry access. Feels like a million miles from anywhere.

Pigeon House (Morton NP)

6 km return, 3 hrs, http://bushwalkingnsw.com/walk.php?nid=806Physically challenging, but not too hard half-day walk, excellent views.

Seven Bridges walk

27 km one way, 1 day, 7bridgeswalk.com.auA scenic suburban walk with some great bush views. Great training circuit.

The BudawangsMandy Creighton

New South Wales

South Coast

18 | BWA April 2016


Blue Gum Track (Berowra Valley NP)

6.7 km circuit, 3 hrs, wildwalks.comA lot of surprises along the way such as leeches and river crossing. Short side trip to Fishponds is well worth it. Crossing Waitara Creek at the “Spa” is stunning, a great place to stop and watch the water dragons and waterfall.

La Perouse to Cape Bank Circuit Walk

(Kamay Botany Bay NP)

7.3 km circuit, 3 hrs, wildwalks.comEasy track and amazing views of the coast. The rock formations at Cape Banks are amazing. Easy public transport, great ocean views.

Mackerall Beach to West Head

(Ku-ring-gai Chase NP)

8.6 km circuit, 5 hours, wildwalks.comRelaxing day out of Sydney CBD. Some big hills, ferry access. Feels like a million miles from anywhere.

Seven Bridges walk

27 km one way, 1 day, 7bridgeswalk.com.auA scenic suburban walk with some great bush views. Great training circuit.

La Perouse to Cape Bank Circuit Walk Track at Henry Head near La PerouseWildwalks

New South Wales

Sydney

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View from Dobroyd HeadWildwalks

Spit to Manly (Sydney Harbour NP)

10 km return, 10 hrs, wildwalks.com and sydney.comHarbour views, variety of terrain, accessible by public transport, good for visitors to Sydney, possibility for swimming. I like to think this is the walk most characteristic of the active outdoor Sydney lifestyle. Fantastic views, great people watching and perfect for those who like a good coffee with their walk.

Coogee to Bondi (Malabar Headland NP)

8.8 km one way, 3 hrs 35 mins, bonditocoogeewalk.com.auGorgeous coastal scenery and beaches. Well maintained walkways. The Maroubra to Malabar section of the walk is closed to the public at the time, can bypass via the roads. Great mix of stunning water views, bushland and pops in an out of suburbia.

Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo

(Sydney Harbour NP)

11.5 km one way, 5 hrs, wildwalks.comAlthough this walk is mostly on the urban fringe on formed trails, it takes you through some of the most picturesque Sydney Harbour views. Many people may not have walked across the Sydney Harbour Bridge and this gives them the perfect opportunity to do so. The end reward is they can visit the zoo or take a relaxing ferry ride back to Circular Quay. No experience required.

Taroonga to Balmoral

(Sydney Harbour NP)

6.8 km one way, 3 hrs, wildwalks.comBeautiful and interesting walk past gorgeous houses, cliffs, coves, beaches, Sydney Red Gums etc. An accessible and lovely walk! Start with a ferry ride, finish with fish & chips, and a bus ride home. Cafe and toilets along the way. Check out the gun emplacements at Georges Heights.

New South Wales

Sydney Harbour NP

20 | BWA April 2016


Evans LookoutWildwalks

Blue Gum Forest (Blue Mountains NP)

20 km one way, 2 days, bushwalkingnsw.comLovely area to camp overnight at Acacia Flat. Inspiring for the trees, the Grose River and its significance in the story of bushwalking and conservation in NSW. A night excursion to Blue Gum is recommended, spotlighting the blue gums is awesome enough with possible sightings of possums, gliders, wombats, kangaroos etc. With several routes into Blue Gum (Perrys Lookdown, Lockley Pylon, Govetts Leap, Evans Lookout, Pierces Pass or Victoria Pass) there is scope to avoid an out-and-back route. Can be done as a day trip.

New South Wales

Classic Overnight

BWA April 2016 | 21


Bowtells Bridge over Coxs RiverWildwalks

Six Foot Track

45 km one way, 3 days, wildwalks.com and sixfoottrack.comEasy to navigate with nice established camping grounds. Bush and rural scenery. Great to end at Jenolan Caves. Challenging hills, beautiful diverse scenery and landscape. Love the bridge crossing. A great Australian overnight hike; accessible to many due to the proximity to the Blue Mountains; camping by the Coxs River.

New South Wales

Classic Overnight

22 | BWA April 2016


Pantoneys Crown at dawnTom Brennan

Mt Solitary (Blue Mountains NP)

20 km return, 2 days, bushwalkingnsw.comSome fun scrambling up onto Mt Solitary, great views and plenty of informal campsites. Challenging climbs, stunning views. Sections are not signposted, not always water on top of Mt Solitary. For experienced walkers. New campsites below Ruined Castle, water tanks and picnic shelters. Can be done as a day trip.

Splendour Rock (Blue Mountains NP)

24 km return, 2 days, bushwalkingnsw.comSpectacular views from Splendour Rock and great high informal campsites over the mountain. The relative remoteness also allows more opportunity to see some wildlife, especially wombats and swamp wallabies. The rugged scenery is a little different to that of the more popular Blue Mountains lookouts. A small amount of scrambling makes for an interesting climb onto Dingo Mountain. For experienced walkers.

Kanangra to Katoomba

(Blue Mountains NP)

45 km one way, 3 days, bushwalkingnsw.comEverything. Ridge walks, huge exposure, great lookouts, and you actually need to use some real compass nav as it’s thick shrub and you can get lost, a great four day adventure.

Pantoneys Crown

(Gardens of Stone NP)

2 days, ozultimate.comChallenging and spectacular. Remote and quiet area off the beaten track. Significant rock scrambles. Great rock formations and distant views. No formal track, for experienced walkers only.

New South Wales

Blue Mountains

BWA April 2016 | 23


Over my shoulder on the Coast Track John Walker

Coast Track

27 km one way, 2 days, wildwalks.comJust fantastic. Stop at one of the secluded beaches and feel like you have it nearly to yourself. Despite being close to Sydney and almost too popular with a myriad of hikers it still stands out for a variety of views, flora and Aboriginal heritage, plus plenty of places to have a dip in hot weather - many beaches, creeks and lagoons to pick from! Wonderful scenery and good for fitness.

Waterfall to Heathcote

10.8 km one way, 2 days, wildwalks.comEasy walk to access with a train station at each end. Camping at Kingfisher Pools, swimming spots along the way. This is a very short walk, suitable for first overnight walk.

New South Wales

Royal NP

24 | BWA April 2016


Cowan to Brooklyn

(Ku-ring-gai Chase NP)

13.4 km one way, 2 days, wildwalks.comGreat walk for first overnight walk. Some big hills. Start and end with a train trip, on the northern edge of Sydney. Camping at Brooklyn Dam, fish and swim if you want. . This is a very short walk, suitable for first overnight walk.

Great North Walk

260 km one way, 12 days, wildwalks.comGreat variety and feels remote even close to city. Plenty of options for day and short multi-day trips with most legs starting or finishing close to a train station. Hornsby to Mt Kuring-gai with camping at Crosslands is a great first overnight. Spectacular views walking along the shores of Lake Macquarie around Warners Bay are heavenly. Walking along the beach toward Newcastle in the early morning is also breathtaking. Sleep in tents or walk inn-to-inn. Some campsites have water tanks.

Berowra Creek from Naa Badu LookoutJohn Walker

New South Wales

Great North Walk

BWA April 2016 | 25


Good morning BudawangsMandy Creighton

The Castle, Monolith Valley,

Hollands Gorge, Castle Gap

29.5 km return, allow 3-4 days to take in the summits, Bushwalking in the Budawangs by Ron BroughtonClassic Budawangs scenery, very interesting passes and passages. The navigation is challenging in places. Views from The Castle are remarkable. Exposed rock scrambling.

Ettrema Gorge

30 km one way, 3 days, bushwalkingnsw.com and lotsafreshair.comVery rugged, remote, off-track walk. Wonderful scenery, old mine, caves, gorges and beautiful swimming holes. It has it all, but not for the faint of heart. For very experienced walkers only.

New South Wales

Morton NP

Wog Wog - Corang Peak - Bibbenluke

Mountain - Mt Owen - Monolith Valley

40 km one way, 3 days, Bushwalking in the Budawangs by Ron BroughtonStunning variety for vegetation and rock formations. Monolith Valley is a wonderful highlight. Camping caves make for a great overnight stays. District views from cliff edges.

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Australian Alps Walking Track

NSW section is about 240 km long plus side-trips and takes 10-20 days. Total walk is 660 km long and takes 10 weeks, Australian Alps Walking Track (4th Edition) by Chapman & SisemanThe AAWT is a must-do for those with the time, experience and stamina. The KNP section has a number of variations, all brilliant. The Main Range, Gungartan and Jagungal are all recommended. With two or three food drops you can walk from Tharwa in the ACT to the Victorian border.

Mt Jagungal

25 km or more, return, 3 days, Australian Alps Walking Track (4th Edition) by Chapman & SisemanJagungal is a prominent peak that stands alone in the Kosciusko NP. Walk in from Round Mountain or Munyung power station, or between them. Alpine scenery and weather can be delightful, especially when wild flowers are out. Camping out under the stars on the roof of Australia. Huts and rivers to explore.

Main Range Circuit

22 km circuit, 2 days, wildwalks.comJust west of the Main Range Track between Kosciuszko and Townsend, Wilkinsons Creek has beautiful flat campsites and a succession of pools for summer swimming. Start from Charlotte Pass or add extra adventure and time by starting from Guthega If you have time, the side trips to the Rolling Ground and Tate are worthwhile.

New South Wales

Kosciuszko NP

On the Main Range Circuit from Guthega Blue Lake ViewWildwalks

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Yuraygir NPIandsmith

Yuraygir Coastal Walk (Yuraygir NP)

65 km one way, 4 days, nationalparks.nsw.gov.auThis walk takes in a number of small coastal communities and close proximity to larger rural towns. Many accommodation and camping options. Coastal walk but still quite remote.

Mt Exmouth (Warrumbungle NP)

26 km one way, 2 days, bushwalkingnsw.comAmazing area for day walks, but better to soak it up with an overnighter. The Grand High Tops, is grand indeed. This area is all about breathtaking rock formations and beautiful grass trees. It is dry country, check with parks before the walk that tanks and springs are running or carry all your water. Balor Hut is a simple option for overnight, needs to be booked, but if weather permits plan for a night under the stars, amazing. The Breadknife is a highlight.

New South Wales

Northern NSW

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Boyd Tower on the Light to Light walkWildwalks

Nadgee Wilderness Walk

(Nadgee Nature Reserve)

80 km one way, 5 days, BWA201312.pdfCoastal wilderness walking, what else can I say? Striking difference in coastal scenery on on the NSW and Victorian sides of the border. Fairly easy walking, great camping spots, time to relax and soak up the best the coast has to offer. Permit required, so it is nice and quiet.

Southern Shoalhaven Coast Walk

55 km one way, 4 days, read more on page 52Walk from Narrawallee Inlet north of Ulladulla south to Durras Lake. Traverse Meroo NP and Murramarang NP. Meroo has some of the coast’s loveliest lakes and some superb Bangalay forest. Resupply in towns, enjoy accommodation or camp - your choice.

Light to Light (Ben Boyd NP)

31 km one way, 3 days, wildwalks.comWalk from Boyd Tower to Green Cape light house. Rugged coast line. Red rocks make for great contrast with blue water. Established campsites are pretty busy, use a quieter walk in only clearings.

New South Wales

Far South Coast

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