Ten best hikes in NSW, Australia

You’ve just arrived in stunning NSW and not sure where to start exploring? Or you’ve lived here a while – all your life – and keen to explore what else is out there? Here are ten hikes to get you started.

1. Blue Mountains Grand Canyon Track: This 6-kilometer loop trail takes you through lush rainforest, past waterfalls, and along the dramatic cliff edges of the Blue Mountains. Arriving at the foot of Wentworth Falls and climbing up the many (many) stairs on New Year’s Day is a fond memory I share with my cousin who was visiting from overseas.
2. Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk: Located in Kosciuszko National Park, this 13.8-kilometer return hike leads to the highest point in Australia, offering stunning alpine scenery along the way. You can take the shorter route from Thredbo, or turn it into a loop by starting in Charlotte’s Pass. Both options take you through the extraordinarily wild and beautiful high plains (and those snow gums…). Note that it can snow at any time of the year so check the weather and track conditions before hiking.
3. Royal National Park Coast Track: Stretching for 26 kilometers, this iconic coastal trail winds through the Royal National Park, showcasing breathtaking ocean views, sandstone cliffs, and secluded beaches. Most people do it as an overnight hike however I and my friends did it in a single day, taking around 8 hours. It’s a hike that can be accessed with public transport too, for those who are visiting Sydney and do not have a car.
4. Bouddi Coastal Walk: Located on the Central Coast, this 8-kilometer trail meanders along the coastline, passing through beautiful beaches, sandstone cliffs, and lush coastal bushland.
5. Six Foot Track: This historic 45-kilometer trail takes you from Katoomba to Jenolan Caves, passing through picturesque landscapes, crossing rivers, and offering scenic views of the Megalong Valley.
6. Thredbo Valley Track: Another hike in our Snowy Mountains. Starting from Thredbo, this 35-kilometer shared-use trail follows the Thredbo River, providing picturesque mountain views and opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife spotting. A good trail for those who want to spend more time in our high country.
7. Beowa National Park – Light to Light Walk: Spanning 30 kilometers, this coastal trail in the far south of NSW showcases spectacular ocean vistas, sandy beaches, and rugged headlands. As this trail is relatively flat, it can be done in a single day if you arrange transport to/from each end. You can also do this as an overnight hike, spinding a night in the middle. Who doesn’t want to fall asleep to sound of the waves?
8. Yuraygir Coastal Walk: Located in Yuraygir National Park between Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay, this 65-kilometer coastal track is the longest continuous coastal walk in NSW. It offers pristine beaches, wetlands, and diverse wildlife.
9. Grand High Tops Circuit – Warrumbungle National Park: Looking for something a little different and off the beaten track? Try this challenging 19-kilometer circuit that traverses the rugged terrain of Warrumbungle National Park, offering panoramic views of the volcanic landscape and iconic rock formations. You’ll feel far away from the world as you know it.
10. Mount Warning: Located in the far north of the state, this hike to the summit of Mount Warning offers stunning views of the surrounding hinterland and is a popular destination for sunrise hikes. Beware though – only those who see the sunrise from the summit in winter will be the first on mainland Australia to do so! In summer, watching the sunrise from the Byron Bay lighthouse is enough.

NSW has a variety of landscapes, spanning from subtropical forests to the drier landscapes in the south, from stunning coastlines to stunning dessert. These hikes will take you across the rich history and land which we share.

Note that, as these hikes vary in difficulty and length, please make sure to check their suitability and plan accordingly before embarking on any adventure. Happy hiking!