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 enthusiast.
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
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.
Best Hikes In NSW: Wollemi National Park
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: Yarrangobilly River Walk
You could easily do this walk in a couple of hours, but what’s the rush? There’s not a lot more enticing than a picturesque stroll along the Yarrangobilly River and 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.
Look out for lyrebirds, superb blue wrens, crimson rosellas and king parrots. If you're lucky, you might even spot a shy platypus in the river. They're most active around dawn and dusk.
The track then climbs up to meet Glory Arch walk. Turn right to return to Glory Hole carpark, or head left to explore the lofty chambers of South Glory Cave on a self-guided tour (you'll need a ticket from the Visitor Centre).
Best Hikes In NSW: Blue Mountains National Park
You could spend years hiking the Blue Mountains National Park, an hour’s drive west of the city, and still find new swoon-worthy vantage points — its UNESCO World Heritage-listed wilderness sprawls over 2,700 square kilometres. For a great introduction to it, explore the Katoomba region. The Three Sisters Walk is fantastic for families, as its 800m path is very accessible and leads to the spectacular rock formation that, according to Aboriginal Dreamtime stories, represents three girls turned to stone. Nearby, the moderate Prince Henry Cliff Walk (7km one-way) offers incomparable views of waterfalls and more than 20 lookouts over the Jamison Valley. For a challenging 46km option, take a guided two-day walk with Peak Potential Adventures along the Six Foot Track, built in the 1800s as a horse and cart track.
Best Hikes In NSW: Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
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
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.
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.
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.
