Search bushwalks in Katoomba, Page 156

Environment

Honyong-Cotter Walking Track

Honyong-Cotter Walking Track

2.5 km return

45 min to 1 h 15 min

Starting from the car park at Cotter Avenue, ACT, this walk takes you to the Cotter Dam Lookout and back via the Honyong-Cotter Walking Track. The Cotter Dam was enlarged in 2013 to supply Canberra with more water, and succeeded to meet the city’s needs. Get a close-up view of the dam wall to better grasp the size of it. The Cotter Avenue nearby has lots of amenities such as BBQs and playgrounds, making it a great destination for a family picnic. Swimming and birdwatching are other activities you can participate in. You’ll pass by the concrete “Flow” statue by Richard Whiteley near the start, which was made to mark the enlargement. A kangaroo or two may appear as you’re walking up and down the lookout. Check if there’s access to the lookout beforehand. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Starting from Stoney Creek Day Use Area, Bellthorpe, this walk takes you on a circuit in the diverse woodland of Bellthorpe National Park mostly via the Big Tree Break and Wrights Road, passing by the summit of Mount Mclean along the way. The picturesque forest will welcome you as you start hiking along the horse riding trails of Bellthorpe. The area is generally secluded and serene, and the feeling of remoteness will come in as you get deeper into the woodland. Keep an eye out for the white-throated needletail and marbled frogmouth(locally known as plumed frogmouth) along with plenty more bird species residing in the park. Reward yourself with a swim in the rock pool and a good picnic after the journey. You’ll be sharing the tracks with horse riders and mountain bike riders, so keep an ear out to be safe. You may need to rely on your navigational skills or GPS device as the tracks may be poorly marked in parts. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Big Tree Break Circuit

18.9 km circuit

6 h to 9 h

Big Tree Break Circuit

Swim

Environment

George Bass Coastal Track

George Bass Coastal Track

8.2 km oneway

2 h 30 min to 4 h

Experience the beauty of the Punchbowl Coastal Reserve on the George Bass Coastal Track. Starting from the parking area at the end of Punch Bowl Road, this one-way walk takes you from San Remo to Kilcunda via the George Bass Coastal Walk track. Experience breathtaking coastal scenery and a great show of wildlife along this iconic walk. Named after explorer George Bass, this track follows the southern edge of the Anderson Peninsula, tracing his historic voyage of discovery over two centuries ago. Take in sweeping views along the clifftops as you embark on this memorable journey, and take advantage of the opportunity to explore the beach, dunes, and rock pools along the way. The George Bass Coastal Walk seamlessly connects with the Bass Coast Rail Trail as well, allowing you to extend your adventure all the way to the heart of Wonthaggi. You can also take a break at the Kilcunda General Store cafe or admire the SightLines Sculpture artwork. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash, except for the designated off-leash beach area in Kilcunda. Ensure you have a moderate level of fitness, and exercise caution when the ground is wet to avoid slipping on loose surfaces. Be on the lookout for strong currents and rips if you decide to take a dip. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

The long, gentle climb along Shepherd's Gully has some beautiful scenery and some historic remnants of the Old Great North Road. While the remnants of the road construction are not as impressive as those on the main Devines Hill ascent, they are still interesting. The optional side trip to Hangmans Rock takes you past an old convict stockade site and some of the construction remnants on the main Devines Hill ascent. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darug & Darkinjung people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Shepherds Gully

4.5 km return

1 h 45 min to 2 h

Caves

Environment

The Chookarloo Walk is a short circuit starting from the Chookarloo Campground, partially following the Heysen Trail. The walk takes you through the shady pine forest and is pet-friendly, making it a great option for those travelling with pets. Additionally, the fallen trees around and along the trail are excellent opportunities for kids to have fun. Keep an eye out for interesting butterfly species as well. The track is marked with yellow & green markers and is shared with bikes. There is one toilet available at the start of the walk. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Chookarloo Walk

1.1 km circuit

20 min to 30 min

Pets

Environment

Rural

This short circuit walk offers elevated views over Lake Macquarie from Rocky-high Viewpoint. This walk offers pleasant walking beside Lake Macquarie, as well as on a quiet track inland through eucalyptus forest. If possible, complete this walk close to sunset to take advantage of the views across the lake. This local walk is recommended, with the highlight being the views from Rocky-high viewpoint. Let us begin by acknowledging the Awabakal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Rocky-high Circuit Walk

630 m circuit

15 min to 30 min

Rocky-high Circuit Walk

Environment

Bus

Starting from the Jawbone Carpark on St Bernards Track, Taggerty, this walk leads to North and South Jawbone via the Jawbone Creek Track. Enjoy this challenging walk through the rugged landscape of the Cathedral Range, and take in the magnificent views of the valley below from the North and South Jawbone Peaks. Lyrebirds can be heard in the surrounding bush, lizards can be seen scurrying across the rocks, and even the occasional snake may be spotted. The peaks at sunrise are spectacular, and are a great introduction to overnight hiking. This walk has some very steep inclines, big steps and slippery climbs, and it requires a reasonable amount of fitness to be completed. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Jawbone Peaks Walk

6 km return

2 h 45 min to 3 h 45 min

2 h 45 min to 3 h 45 min

Environment

Starting from the Hardys Scrub (Gate 16) car park on Chapel Hill Road, Blewitt Springs, this walk takes you on a circuit around the eastern end of Onkaparinga River National Park via the Hardys Scrub Hike. This moderately challenging loop meanders through a large area of remnant native vegetation in the southeastern corner of Onkaparinga River National Park, with a rich diversity of plants due to its varied soils. The area conserves an important patch of grey box woodland, which was once widespread in this part of the Adelaide Hills but has been mostly cleared for housing and farmland. Pink gums and southern cypress pines are also found here, and during late winter and spring, there are colourful displays of orchids and wildflowers. This is one of the only walks in the park that doesn't take in the river or gorge. There are picnic tables along the trail, as well as several alternative route options. This walk consists of wide and narrow, gently undulating walking trails and fire tracks, with uneven natural surfaces and compacted natural surfaces, suitable for average fitness levels. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Hardys Scrub Hike

4.7 km circuit

1 h 30 min to 2 h

Birdwatching

Environment

Mount Cahill / Mirrai Lookout

Mount Cahill / Mirrai Lookout

1.5 km return

30 min to 45 min

Starting from the car park off Kakadu Highway, Kakadu, this return walk takes you to the Mirrai Lookout at the summit of Mount Cahill via a singular track, exploring the woodland of Kakadu National Park along the way. Expect a quiet straightforward hike along a basic dirt track which will reward you with one of the most tranquilizing views of the Northern Territory. The satisfyingly flat and green woodland feels neverending as it stretches tens of kilometres away. Besides the serene forest environment, the area is home to wallabies and multiple bird species. Take plenty of water to be safe. Keep in mind that you’ll need a park pass to enter Kakadu National Park. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Toolona Creek Waterfall Loop

Toolona Creek Waterfall Loop

15.7 km circuit

5 h 30 min, 8 h 30 min to 2 days

15.7 km

Circuit

Walk

5 h 30 min, 8 h 30 min to 2 days

Starting from Lamington National Park Road, O’Reilly, this walk takes you on a circuit in the lush rainforest of Lamington National Park, visiting multiple waterfalls and lookouts along the way. One of the best waterfall hikes in Queensland, this track features 3 gorgeous falls, visiting the Box Log Falls with a side trip and potentially making it 4. Expect to be dazzled by the amazing scenery around you as you hike along and through the Toolona Creek. If lucky, you may spot a Lamington Crayfish(spiny blue crayfish) that is native to this area. Besides the wet section, the long but gentle Border Track features exceptional Antarctic Beech Trees. And by any chance you get some mist, the trip becomes a mysterious and scenic adventure. You can spend the night at the Bithongabel Campsite along the track and make this a multi-day trip. The waterfalls are best viewed after rain, but this leads to more muddy sections and leeches. Wear long pants and waterproof ankle-support hiking boots to enjoy the hike better. Trekking poles may come in handy as well. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Waterfall

Environment

Take this circuit walk on Bar Mountain. Go to the top and check out the views from the lookout, then finish the walk at the Bar Mountain picnic area. Let us begin by acknowledging the Bundjalung people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Bar Mountain Circuit

3.9 km circuit

2 h to 3 h

Environment

Rummery Park from Mount Nardi

Rummery Park from Mount Nardi

17.7 km oneway

6 h to 9 h

Starting from Newton Drive, Nightcap, this walk takes you to the Rummery Park Campground via the Historic Nightcap Track, Gibbergunyah Range Road and Peates Mountain Road; optionally visiting Mt Nardi, Mt Matheson and Peates Mountain along the way. Embark on a journey through the diverse and lively woodland, and notice the scenery change as you make your way through. The rainforest sections are mostly shaded and cool, where you can see tons of wildlife. Keep an eye on trees to spot koalas and tiger(spotted tail) quolls, but don’t be surprised by the parma wallaby that’s giving you a suspicious look. The area is also home to some rare and endangered bird species such as the red goshawk and the black-breasted button-quail. You’ll have a chance to get good views of Mount Warning(Wollumbin) as well. Keep in mind that you can stay at the Rummery Park Campground and head back to make this a return trip. The track is mostly undemanding, yet the length of it might be tiring. Remember to take plenty of water. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Eagle View Trail presents a challenging ascent along a steep ridge adorned with lush heathland, offering sweeping vistas of the Swan Coastal Plain and adjacent valleys. One of the trail's highlights is encountering the resident kangaroos, adding a touch of wildlife magic to your journey. Ellis Brook Valley stands out as the Perth Metropolitan Area's wildflower treasure trove, boasting over 500 species. Besides wildflowers, the valley hosts a diverse array of native and migratory bird species, including pardalotes, cockatoos, parrots, and eagles. Spring paints the valley in a vibrant floral palette, making it the prime time for a visit. While amenities like composting toilets and barbecue facilities are available, it's essential to note that water sources are not accessible within the valley. Remember that you'll navigate through a series of steps throughout most of the path. Let us begin by acknowledging the Whadjuk people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Eagle View Trail

1.1 km return

20 min to 30 min

Pets

Environment

Daisy Hill Spotted Gum Loop

Daisy Hill Spotted Gum Loop

5.4 km circuit

1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min

5.4 km

Circuit

Walk

1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min

Horse

Mtb

Starting from the car park off Daisy Hill Road, Daisy Hill, this circuit track gives you a taste of Daisy Hill Conservation Park and Koala Bushland Coordinated Conservation Area, crossing a creek(bed) along the way. The Daisy Hill Spotted Gum Loop is a peaceful track that features wallabies, the occasional koala and other wildlife. The tracks are well-defined and signposted, with some inclines that will get your heart pumping. This track is also excellent for mountain biking. Dogs are allowed on leash, but not along the mountain-bike-only tracks. It can get quite busy on weekends. Keep an eye out for MTBs and horses. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Pets

Environment

Bus