Explore the natural wonders of New South Wales on walking trails and tracks in magnificent national parks, from the dazzling coast to Australia’s highest peaks to the striking outback. You’ll be amazed with the UNESCO World Heritage areas, including the Blue Mountains and the Gondwana Rainforests.
Here’s my favourite overnight and multi-day hikes in New South Wales.
Lockleys Pylon to Blackheath Station (19km)
Duration: 2 days. Grade 4.
This walk starts in the low heath and cliff views of Lockleys Pylon. The pylon and other notable features can be seen along the track while the descent down to the Blue Gum Forest provides plenty of photographic opportunities. After camping overnight at Acacia Flats the walk heads out via Govetts Leap and Pope’s Glen visiting many little cascades and the awesome Bridal Falls. A great overnight walk.
Australia’s Eleven Highest Peaks (46.8km)
Duration: 3-4 days. Grade 4.
Australia’s Eleven Highest Peaks is a 46.8km, grade 4 hike located in the Kosciuszko National Park, New South Wales. The hike should take around 3-4 days to complete. The trail generally follows the Main Range Track and Summit Road, both popular Alpine walks in their own right. The actual summiting of many of the peaks requires detours from defined walking trails and instead cross-country hiking along unmarked or non-existent trails. However only basic map to ground navigation is required to summit each peak. Poor weather could makes things a little more challenging, so it would be wise to ensure some members of your party have more advanced navigational skills.
The Coast track (26km)
Duration: 2 days. Grade 5.
The Coast Track is a 27.4km, grade 4 hike located in the Royal National Park, New South Wales. The hike should take around 2 days to complete. The Coast track can be tackled in sections or, if you’re super-fit, in a day. It’s best experienced as a 2-day backpack trip with an overnight stop at North Era campground (advance bookings required).
Western Commission Track to Dubbo Gully (28.3km)
Duration: 2 days. Grade 3.
Western Commission Track to Dubbo Gully is a 28.3km, grade 3 hike located in the Dharug National Park, New South Wales. The hike should take around 2 days to complete. This two day walk follows a series of historic roads along clear and wide management trails. This walk explores the great views from Western Commission Track the sandstone handicraft on the Old Great North Road and the farming history of Ten Mile Hollow and also offers a side trip to Clare’s Bridge. Camping at the well-established Ten Mile Hollow campsite this walk is great for those who enjoy walking on trails visiting convict sites and early settlement historic places.
Womerah Range trail (48km)
Duration: 2 days. Grade 4.
Womerah Range trail is a 48km, grade 4 hike located in the Parr State Conservation Area, New South Wales. The hike should take around 2 days to complete. Explore the rugged and remote landscape of Parr State Conservation Area on foot, by mountain bike or in a 4WD along Womerah Range trail. This steep and sometimes sandy track makes for a challenging experience, especially if you’re cycling. Enjoy scenic views of cliffs, rocky outcrops and dramatic gorges from this ridgeline track though Hawkesbury sandstone country. Stop for a picnic along the way and gaze out upon McDonald Valley and nearby Yengo National Park.
