New South Wales is a State worth its weight in BCFing gold! The perfect destination for any outdoor lover, this Aussie slice of paradise has it all. While its waterways are mickey mouse and its fishing’s first class, if you have a hiking itch that needs scratching, NSW is the remedy. Offering one of the most diverse landscapes you’ll find anywhere, from the stunning snowy alpine regions, the picture-perfect gorge country, and the drop-dead gorgeous beaches, what more could you ask for? And with almost 5 million hectares worth of national parks and reserves, it’s no surprise that you’d find more than a few ripper trails just waiting to be explored. The Team at BCF have put together a list of the top NSW hikes that you and the crew are sure to love. So don’t wait, grab the hiking boots and hit these cracker trails today!
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Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains National Park would have to be considered as one of the most beautiful destinations going around. Its spectacular scenery, rich plant and animal life, not to mention the fact it has hiking trails coming out its ears are just some of the reasons why this place is so popular. With so many trails on offer you’ll be spoilt for choice, and no matter what you’re looking for in a hike, the Bluey’s will have something to suit.
If you’re looking for a hike that’s suitable for most ages and skill levels, Lyrebird Dell Walking Track is a pearler. The 1.7km loop track makes for a great day out with the fam and is an easy way to recharge the batteries. Waterfalls, canyons, and sandstone caves are just some of the things you’ve got in store so don’t forget the camera.
For those of you wanting to get out and about with your four-legged friend, the South Lawson Waterfall Circuit is a paw-fect choice! This scenic dog friendly walking track is also a waterfall chaser’s dream, linking several of these puppies along a 3.5km track that you and your little mate will love. And for the serious hikers among us who are up for a challenge, the Grand Canyon Track should be your first pick. This 6.3km loop track gives you an intimate look at the World heritage listed Greater Blue Mountains, and the jaw-dropping scenery at its disposal. Luscious native vegetation, sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, creeks and so much more, just waiting for you to explore.
New England National Park
There’s definitely something special about the New England National Park! This is a simple slice of heaven, with its gorge-ous landscape making the ideal location for your next hiking adventure. Although the gorge country in this place is second to none, don’t think New England NP is a one trick pony. Home to the world heritage listed Gondwana rainforest and some of the most breathtaking lookouts you’ll find anywhere, get ready to have your mind blown.
Hiking trails come thick and fast in this part of the world, so lace up the boots, grab some water and let the fun begin. The Eagles Nest Track is one of the most popular walks in the park, spanning 2.5km this loop track is a winner for most ages and skill levels. Marvel at the natural flora, with Antarctic beech and snow gum forests lining the way. Don’t’ forget to take a geez at point lookout before you get stepping, a must-see destination for travellers and an easy 200m walk along a wheelchair-friendly track from the carpark.
For those with some hiking experience Wrights Lookout is another track not to be missed, offering first class panoramic views of Bellinger River below. This 3.4km return track also takes full advantage of the spectacular Antarctic beech forest with a sneaky waterfall thrown in for good measure. While you’re there, check out the Cascades Walking Track that travels down the valley below Wrights Lookout… Talk about picture perfect - the camera certainly won’t get a rest once you see the cascades and waterfalls this place has to offer.
Snowy Mountains
The Snowy Mountains make up a special slice of the New South Wales alpine region that everyone needs to experience. Home to Australia’s highest mountain peak and the State’s largest national park, the Snowies are jaw-droppingly beautiful and the perfect location for outdoor lovers to strut their stuff.
Although this winter wonderland is best known for the white stuff it produces each year, the snow is only part of the fun. For those who prefer to keep their feet on semi-solid ground, the walking trails this place has on offer won’t disappoint.
If you’re after something you can tackle in a few hours that’s suitable for most ages and skill levels, Bullocks Track should not be missed. Following along the Thredbo River, this 2.5km (one-way) track provides exceptional views of the rocky Ramshead Range. Keep your eyes peeled for the unique animal life on offer along this track, with kangaroos, wallabies, and platypus all making a regular appearance to the sharp-eyed hiker.
If family-friendly is the aim of the game the Porcupine Walk is a cracker! Spanning 5.7km return, this track offers some breathtaking views of both Thredbo Valley and Main Range. No matter what time of year you visit, this one will give you a completely different hiking experience. During the chilly season you’ll find it blanketed in snow, while the warmer months will see wildflowers in full bloom.
And rounding off the Snowies’ tracks is the Main Range Walk - a solid climb for the seasoned hiker. Taking in all the best that the alpine high country has to offer, this 22km loop track takes you through historic huts, glacial lakes, and even onto the summit of Mt Kosciuszko. What more could you ask for?
Border Ranges (Gondwana Rainforest)
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, the Border Ranges National Park came along and kicked things up a notch. Another drop-dead gorgeous location where hikers of all ages and skill levels can give the legs a solid workout. Lying on the New South Wales/Queensland border, this World Heritage Listed rainforest features cascading waterfalls, rugged gorge country, and lookouts so incredible they have to be seen to be believed.
When it comes to hiking trails there’s no shortage in this place, meaning the hardest decision you have to make is where to begin. For those of you in search of something on the easier side with no bushwalking experience, the Border Loop Walk is on the money. Perfect for the kiddies, this 1.5km loop track takes you beneath the rainforest canopy and onto the stunning Border Loop lookout, greeting you with views that will knock your socks off. Great for bird watchers and animal lovers alike, with a population of Koalas that call this place home and enjoy taking a kip in the canopy top above.
If you’ve got some hiking experience under your belt, Brindle Creek Walking Track may be more to your liking. This 6km one-way stunner has everything you’d expect from a rainforest walk. The waterfalls, swimming holes, picnic areas and pristine wilderness along this cracker of a track will have you feeling free as a bird. And for a proper taste of everything the Border Ranges has to offer look no further than the Booyong Walking Track. Spanning 9km one-way she’s a bit of a mission, but well worth every step. Take a look back in time as you retrace the steps of old loggers on this historic walk. Luscious ferns, meandering creeks and not to mention bird species only found in this neck of the woods, what’s not to love? Speaking of birds, this is another goer for any bird watchers out there, so remember to keep the bino’s handy.
Royal National Park
From the beach to the bush, you’ll find the lot in the Royal National Park. Australia’s oldest national park, this bad boy was established in 1879 and since then has helped many Aussies and travellers experience some of the best that Sydney’s south has to offer. Isolated beaches, stunning waterfalls and picture-perfect lookouts are just some of the things you’ll encounter once you get stepping.
Whether it’s your first time in a pair of hiking boots or you’re a trail junkie, there’s plenty for everyone in this epic part of New South Wales. If you’re new to the hiking game or have the little tackers in tow, the Forest Path will not disappoint. This relatively easy 4.5km circuit track loops around Forest Island as it takes you through lush rainforest and along the Hacking River. If the belly starts to grumble, Bola Creek makes an ideal picnic spot along the way.
If you’re after something a little more adventurous, the Wattamolla to Eagle Rock Walk is the answer! The 8.8km return hike is a great way to check out the rugged Royal Coastline and snap a pic of the world-famous Eagle Rock. Heading south from Wattamolla the track zig zags along the coast, taking full advantage of the natural flora and rugged cliff faces you encounter.
If hiking trails are your jam, the Coast Track should be high on the to do list. The jewel in the crown of the Royal National Park, this multi-day marathon between Bundeena and Otford showcases everything this stretch of coastline has to offer. Be warned, this 26km track is no Sunday stroll. Reserved for the hiking initiated, you’ll need a bit of experience in the boots before lacing up for this monster. It’s got everything from secluded beaches, countless lookouts, and swimming spots to die for. And if you’re hiking between the months of June and October, keep an eye out for the annual whale migration! These beauties love to hug this stretch of coast and there’s no better viewing platform than a lookout in the Royals.
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BCFing Experts
The BCFing Experts have done more than their fair share of boating, camping, fishing, hiking, four-wheel driving and much much more! Whether you're tackling tough tracks in Tassie or chasing big barra up North, the BCFing Experts have the know-how to make your next outdoor adventure a pearler
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