The Best Hikes in NSW to Try This Year

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: Byron Bay

Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk

Explore rainforests, waterfalls and volcanic landscapes during this brand new four-day walk near Byron Bay. Linking Mount Jerusalem and Nightcap national parks in the Tweed Byron Hinterland, the 42 kilometre Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk (which translates to ‘Old People’s Track’) takes hikers along the rim of an ancient caldera through Gondwanan rainforest and ends at the spectacular, 100 metre high Minyon Falls.

Taking four days and three nights, the track winds through three different parks, where you’ll pass through subtropical rainforests, wet and dry sclerophyll forests and tea-tree rocky scrub. Traversing the traditional lands of the Widjabul Wia-bal and Minjungbal Peoples from the Bundjalung Nation, the track holds significant and deep spiritual meaning, with ceremonial areas, creation sites and traditional pathways and camps along the way.

Camping spots are limited, so you’ll need to book in advance to secure your spot—and they’re sure to be popular. Buried deep in the forest, each carefully-crafted campsite features 11 raised sleeping platforms offering a guaranteed comfy spot to set up camp for the night.

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 

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: 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. 

Ruined Castle

Depending on whether the car park at Golden Stairs is open or not, you may need to start the hike at Narrowneck Lookout (add approximately another 8km for this). From the Golden Stairs car park you’ll descend into Jamison Valley. On the way you’ll score some great views of the Three Sisters. Be sure to take a moment in the valley to listen out for birdsong. After a steep upward climb you’ll arrive at Ruined Castle. If you fancy taking in the sweeping views from the top you’ll have to do a little bit of scrambling. From the top, you’ll be able to see all the way out to Wentworth Falls and Cedar Creek Valley. Be sure to bring a picnic so you can fuel up for the tough hike back!

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 

The Coast Track 

Keen for an even bigger challenge? The 26km 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. 

Best Hikes In NSW: Central Coast

Bouddi National Park Coastal Walk

Stretching across eight kilometres of rugged coastline from Putty Beach to MacMasters Beach, the Bouddi Coastal Walk is the perfect snapshot of the scenic Central Coast. Traversing beaches, boardwalks, rainforests, and secluded bays, the moderate hike is known as one of the best coastal walks in Australia. Don’t miss a spectacular photo opportunity at Gerrin Point Lookout for the chance to spot some migrating whales and sweeping ocean views.    

Best Hikes In NSW: South Coast

Pigeon House Mountain Didthul Walking Track

If you’re short on time but are after some 10/10 views, this 3.5-hour hike will deliver. Not for the faint-hearted, the hike ends with some rather steep ladders. If you’re an adventure lover, they just add to the fun! It’s a sweaty hike to the top but you’ll be rewarded with incredible panoramic views and the backdrop of your dreams.

Kiama to Gerringong 

This delightful coastal track is great if you’re a fan of shifting terrains. It will have you feeling as though you’re wandering the East Coast of England with plenty of lush green hills at every turn and rocky beaches aplenty. The 20km hike will take you past rock formations, hidden beaches and plenty of sweeping coastal vistas. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore multiple landmarks of the area including Kiama blowhole, Cathedral Rocks and Little Blowhole. Opportunities to take a dip at secluded beaches along the way abound so be sure to pack your swimmers! 

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.