Search bushwalks in Katoomba, Page 24

Environment

Starting from the Carnarvon Gorge car park and camping area, this walk takes you past Visitors Centre along Carnarvon Creek to Ward's Canyon. Here you'll become surrounded by the giant king ferns, which make a special climate in this narrow canyon. This is the best place to be in the summer heat. Let us begin by acknowledging the Bidjara and Karingbal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Ward's Canyon Walk

9.8 km return

3 h to 4 h 30 min

Environment

Mullum Mullum Creek Trail Walk

Mullum Mullum Creek Trail Walk

19.8 km oneway

5 h to 8 h 30 min

From the end of Highland Ave, Croydon Hills, this mostly flat walk follows the whole length of the Mullum Mullum Creek all the way to Templestowe to its confluence with Yarra River. The walk leads through lovely shaded parks and reserves. There are a couple of playgrounds and picnic tables along the way for kids to play and have a snack. Dogs allowed on lead. 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

This short walk follows a clear track to a large sandstone cave on the Kanning Walk. From the Honeman's Picnic Area, follow Kanning Walk through the bush and along the side of a long rock wall. There are several caves along the way, the main one being quiet large and tucked behind some large boulders. The cave provides a cool spot on hot days. After admiring the cave, walk back the same way, passing some large angophora trees. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darkinjung & Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Kanning Cave Walk

970 m return

20 min to 40 min

Caves

Environment

Starting from Binna Burra Road, Beechmont, this return walk takes you down to the gorgeous swimming hole called Gwongoorool Pool, located along Coomera River. Sitting amidst humongous trees, this picturesque swimhole looks very tempting considering the crystal clear water and the peaceful setting. The water may be cold, but every good thing has a catch. Besides, it’s not much of a catch as the water temperature leads to less visitors, meaning you can make this your private pool if you’re lucky. The eels in the water are generally harmless, but keep in mind that they can bite if agitated. The steep rock steps may not physically push you whilst descending, but you’ll surely feel your calves on the way back. Make sure you have enough juice in you to get back up. 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

Gwongoorool Pool

4.2 km return

2 h 30 min to 4 h

Swim

Environment

Lake Parramatta Circuit Walk

Lake Parramatta Circuit Walk

4.1 km circuit

1 h 15 min to 2 h

This lovely walk starts from near the cafe in the main car park and picnic area, just north of Lackey St, North Parramatta. The walk loops around the whole of Lake Parramatta staying pretty close to the shore most of the way. The dam was the first large concrete dam built in Australia and was finished in 1856 and used until 1909 as a water supply. Since then it has been a popular walking and recreation reserve. This walk is well signposted and a great way to get away from the bigger crowds. Bring your swimmers and a towel and enjoy a dip in the refreshing 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

Bus

Starting from the car park at the end of Hamersley Gorge Road, Karijini, this walk takes you on a stroll in Hamersley Gorge. Hamersley Gorge is host to a beautiful pool and allows visitors to observe ancient geological rock formations in different textures, colours and shapes. It is a great place to relax as you can have a dip in the pool and then rest under the shade. There are stairs down the gorge that do not have handrails or supports, and there are certain sections that require rock hoppings. The area is also prone to flash floods; check the weather before visiting. 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

Hamersley Gorge Walk

410 m return

9 min to 10 min

Swim

Environment

Starting from the dirt carpark/campground off Devils Marbles Road, Davenport, this walk takes you on a circuit in the Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve, exploring the eastern part of the granite-bouldered land along the way. These extraordinary boulders are well-known for their physics-defying placement on top of each other. The name of the reserve originated from John Ross who was a Scottish Royal Navy officer and explorer. Back in 1870, he said “This is the Devil’s country; he’s even emptied his bag of marbles around the place!” referring to Australia. You can get more detailed information from the interpretive signposts in the area. Please be respectful and refrain yourself from climbing the historic boulders as they are spiritually and culturally important to the land’s traditional Aboriginal owners. Avoid warmer months as you’ll be exposed to the sun quite a lot. 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

Yakkula Walk

1.6 km circuit

20 min to 45 min

Heritage

Environment

This section of the Great North Walk starts from Heaton Gap near the Watagan Forest Motel, and winds east, towards Newcastle. The walk passes through the Awaba State Forest and past the Sugarloaf range, down into Wakefield and on to Teralba, a pleasant town on the edge of Lake Macquarie. From Teralba this walk winds down and around the edge of Lake Macquarie. The walk passes through the Cockle reserve, and continues to Warners Bay and up along the roads, before cutting through the bush to Charlestown, where it winds around the golf course to Charlestown Park track head. From here you will follow the Great North Walk through a few reserves and along a Burwood Beach, past the heads to Merewether Beach. Exploring bush around Glenrock lagoon on the Yuelarbah Track, including the Leichhardt’s Lookout are highlights. From this lookout the track leads down past the edge of the lagoon then along the sandy beach, past Merewether ocean pools. From Merewether, you will mostly follow the coast line to Queens Wharf. After exploring some of Newcastle’s (and arguably Australia’s) best beaches, the grand views from Strzelecki Lookout, you then wander through King Edward Park where you can take the optional side trip to the intriguing Bogey Hole. The walk then takes you up to more panoramic views from the The Obelisk, before you stroll through Newcastle CBD and mall to Queens Wharf. There are a few long hills, just take you time and enjoy the salt air. 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

Heaton Gap to Newcastle

40.3 km oneway

11 h to 2 days

Heaton Gap to Newcastle

Environment

Urban

MacLaren Point to Taylor's Landing

MacLaren Point to Taylor's Landing

9.8 km oneway

2 h to 3 h

Starting from the MacLaren Point car park off Donington Road, Lincoln National Park, this walk takes you to Taylor's Landing. Lincoln National Park is a rugged peninsula that boasts some of the most scenic coastline in South Australia, with granite headlands, sheltered bays, sandy beaches and offshore islands, featuring an extensive network of walking trails that pass through native scrub and woodland, across beaches and along clifftops where visitors may spot sea-eagles, dolphins or whales. The park encompasses the vast Sleaford-Wanna sand dune system and the beautiful Memory Cove Wilderness Protection Area, protecting important coastal vegetation of the Eyre Peninsula and providing habitat for rare fauna such as heath goannas, western whipbirds and the bush stone-curlew. This moderately challenging walk winds through coastal mallee and across sandy beaches along the coastline between MacLaren Point and Taylor's Landing, offering spectacular coastal views along the way. Both MacLaren Point and Taylor's Landing have white sandy beaches with safe, sheltered waters that are ideal for swimming. The walk begins near the MacLaren Point Campground, which is accessible by 4WD only, suitable for tents and off-road camper trailers and has no facilities. This walk consists of narrow, gently undulating walking trails, with uneven natural surfaces and sandy surfaces, suitable for moderate fitness levels, and can be done in either direction. 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

Twiggy’s Landing and Shearwater Lookout

Twiggy’s Landing and Shearwater Lookout

1.1 km return

20 min to 30 min

Starting from Woody Island Visitors Centre, this walk takes you to Sheerwater Lookout and back. Take a free guided walk that offers views of the historical Twiggy's Landing and learn more about its background. It is also possible to observe flesh-footed shearwaters that go back and forth to their nesting sites during summer from the lookout. The island is also famous for its native tall trees, which provide a rare sighting within this archipelago. There are certain sections that can be steep, but the track is formed. 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

Ferry

Special

Starting from the car park on Haines Road, Ashbourne, this walk takes you on a circuit around Bullock Hill Conservation Park via the Heathland Hike. This short hike passes through dense mallee eucalypt heathland, with plenty of acacias, banksias, tea trees and hakeas. The hike follows Haines Road parallel to the park's southern boundary, between the two trailheads. Western grey kangaroos can often be spotted at dawn and dusk, grazing in the native grassland along the park's eastern boundary. This loop consists of gently undulating fire tracks suitable for most fitness levels and can be done in either direction. The trails in this park aren't well-signposted and can sometimes be ambiguous, but there are some markers and the open country makes navigation fairly straightforward. The walk can be extended by following the Native Grasses Hike, which combines the Heathland Hike and Eucalypt Hike. Dogs are not permitted in this 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.

Environment

Heathland Hike

2.8 km circuit

30 min to 45 min

Starting from the Sundews Trails (Gate 11) car park on Piggott Range Road, Onkaparinga Hills, this walk takes you on a circuit past the Sundews Lookout via the Sundews Lookout Hike. This moderately short and easy loop meanders through native vegetation to the Sundews Lookout at the eastern end of Onkaparinga River National Park, offering spectacular views of the gorge. The trail winds its way through a low open forest of grey box and sheoak before descending to the lookout, which offers panoramic views of the rocky outcrops and the river flowing through the gorge below, then loops back to the car park. Different species of birds can be seen along the track in spring, as well as colourful displays of wildflowers. The loop can easily be extended by combining it with the adjacent Sundews Ridge Hike. This loop consists of wide and narrow, gently undulating fire tracks and walking trails, 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

Sundews Lookout Hike

2 km circuit

45 min to 1 h

Birdwatching

Environment

Starting from the Kiosk at the Dam parking lot on Wellington Dam Road, Worsley, this walk takes you on a circuit within Wellington National Park via the Sika Trail. Suitable for both walkers and cyclists, this trail loops through lush jarrah and marri and blackbutt forest, passing through Potters Gorge Campground where you'll find a mountain bike pump track. The trail is mostly well signposted and can be walked/cycled in either direction, following the contours of the landscape on gently undulating forest tracks. Every now and then you'll get a glimpse of the shimmering water of Wellington Dam, but the real treat in this area are the slopes of tall jarrah trees and the mature undergrowth. The thick jarrah forest is broken up by a couple of brief trips across Pipeline Road where you get a break in the canopy and are able to see the water pipeline. Most of the trail is wide enough for both riders and hikers, but be wary of traffic. This walk is best done in spring, with an assortment of wildflowers in bloom. 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

Sika Circuit

10.3 km circuit

2 h to 3 h

Cafe

Environment

Mount Magnificent Summit Loop

Mount Magnificent Summit Loop

3.5 km circuit

1 h to 1 h 45 min

Starting from Blackfellows Creek Road, Yundi, this walk takes you on a circuit past the summit of Mount Magnificent via the Heysen Trail and Mount Magnificent Road. Entering Mount Magnificent Conservation Park along the Heysen Trail, this hike follows a well-worn grassy trail through the forest up to the summit of Mount Magnificent. Keep a lookout for western grey kangaroos along the way. The summit provides spectacular views over the lush green countryside and surrounding farmland, as far as Lake Alexandrina. It's a short climb to the 380 metre summit, requiring a moderate level of fitness, particularly on the last section that is very steep and involves some scrambling over loose rocks. The trail is well marked, but the section along Mount Magnificent Road has no formal trail. 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