The Best Hikes in NSW to Try This Year
From the coast to the snow, these are the best hikes in NSW for when you're feeling adventurous.
NSW is blessed with some of the best hikes in Australia and today we're going to walk you through a bunch of them. From coastal meanders to snowy mountain passes, you'll find scenery to suit just about any adventure vibe.
What are you waiting for? Pack your snacks, boots and water and read on for the best hikes in NSW.
Best Hikes In NSW: Mount Kosciuszko
Mt Kosciuszko Two Ways
Kosciuszko National Park is home to Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. You can walk to the summit from both Thredbo and Charlotte Pass. If you fancy something nice and swift, start your hike with the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift in Thredbo.
The scenic chairlift ride will take you to the Kosciuszko walk, which winds past granite outcrops and wildflowers, across the Snowy River’s headwaters and above Australia’s highest lake to Rawson Pass. From here it’s a gradual climb to the peak, standing at 2,228 metres.
The longer summit walk begins in Charlotte Pass and takes six to eight hours return. You'll be treated to some of the most incredible views of alpine terrain so be sure to bring your phone fully charged! In winter the walk is snowbound and unmarked, but you can cross-country ski or snowshoe the route.
Guided walking tours are available too, offering various levels of adventure. You can join a guided walk to the top of Mount Kosciuszko with K7 Adventures and Thredbo Guided Walks. If you're feeling fancy, combine your wilderness walks with a stay in a luxury lakeside spa resort.
The Yarrangobilly River Walk
The Yarrangobilly River Walk, including a dip in the thermal pool, Starting from Glory Hole carpark, this walk links up with the Thermal Pool, making it a popular loop that can be walked in either direction. Head up the Caves Exit Road to the Thermal Pool carpark, then descend into the valley to the pool and picnic area. Pack your swimsuit to enjoy a relaxing dip in the spring-fed natural waters, then when you're ready, follow the track as it meanders upstream beside the Yarrangobilly River.
Best Hikes In NSW: Wollemi National Park
Glow Worm Tunnel
Looking for a short but sweet walk for the family? Hit the Glow Worm Tunnel trail in Wollemi National Park, near Lithgow, a 2.5-hour drive west of Sydney just beyond the Blue Mountains. Although a little steep in places, the 2km-return trail passes through beautiful forest before arriving at its spectacular centrepiece: a 400m historic (and very dark) rail tunnel, where thousands of tiny glow worms sparkle on the walls. Make sure to pack a torch. If you’d like a longer adventure with an expert guide, Wolgan Valley Eco Tours runs a half-day 9km guided option.
Best Hikes In NSW: Blue Mountains National Park
Grand Clifftop Walk
The newly opened Grand Clifftop Walk is a top pick for a weekend or long day hike. Offering some of the best views in the mountains and incorporating multiple lookouts and waterfalls, if you can only pick one, this is it.
Best Hikes In NSW: Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
The Aboriginal Heritage Walk
Step back in time in World Heritage-listed Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, just 40 minutes’ drive north of the city centre, where forested bush trails afford epic views over the Hawkesbury River, Pittwater and Barrenjoey Head. At least 800 sacred Aboriginal art sites can be found within the park. The Aboriginal Heritage Walk, a 4.4km loop, is a great introduction to rock art and engravings, including the impressive Red Hands Cave. To learn more about these sacred sites, and the Guringai Aboriginal people who created them, book a walk with Guringai Aboriginal Tours.
Best Hikes In NSW: Royal National Park
Winifred Fall Trails
For a quick walk, hit the Winifred Falls Trail. The two-kilometre scenic bushwalk of towering gum trees and lush banksia leads to a waterfall at the South West Arm Creek. This picture-perfect spot is ideal for picnics, but if you head another 300 metres downstream to the South West Arm Pool, you can relish in a large natural pool on hot summery days.
The Marley Track
If you're after something a little longer with creek crossings, freshwater pools, scenic lookouts and pristine beaches, try The Marley Track. This eight-kilometre walking trail (return) starts at Bundeena Drive and leads to Marley Beach. It passes by Deer Pool, a set of small waterfalls that run into a pool, which is as pretty as it sounds. At the end of the walk, choose between Big Marley Beach and Little Marley Beach, both equally worthy of a mid-hike dip.
The Coast Track
Keen for an even bigger challenge? The 26km The Coast Track will take you past some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in the state. You can tackle it in a day but if you're not quite confident in an 8.5 hour hike, you can settle in to camp overnight.
Loved this edit of the best hikes in NSW? Check out these South Coast hikes. Once you're done there, cosy up in one of these pubs with fireplaces for a pint.
