A selection of some of the best bush walks in and around Sydney and New South Wales, including maps, pictures, highlights and characteristics.
Wentworth Falls is one of the most popular bushwalking destinations in the Blue Mountains. The name Wentworth Falls refers to the famous 3-tiered, 187m high waterfall, but it is also the name of the town where the waterfall is located.
There are lots of different hikes to choose from in the Wentworth Falls area, some very short and others quite long and challenging. In addition to walks, there are also several lookout points with spectacular views to enjoy in Wentworth Falls.
The Malabar Headland circuit walk is a fascinating and enjoyable track exploring the Malabar Headland National Park south of Maroubra Beach.
This hiking adventure consists of two smaller trails, the Boora Point walking track following the beautiful coastline, and the Western Escarpment walking track through bushland.
The Federal Pass walking track is one of the most historic and most challenging walks in the Blue Mountains, exploring old bushland trails in the Katoomba and Leura area.
This classic hike follows the base of the cliffs, from Leura to the Golden Stairs and Ruined Castle, passing through dense forests with great picnic spots along the way.
The historic Six Foot Track is a challenging but exciting multi-day hike, starting at the Explorers Tree in Katoomba all the way to the Jenolan Caves, crossing the Megalong Valley and the Coxs River in the Blue Mountains.
This once-in-a-lifetime experience is a true adventure for bushwalkers, taking in a variety of landscapes and habitats, and with great overnight camping options.
The 3km trail to the Naa Badu Lookout from Berowra train station is a moderately challenging walking track through thriving bushland, heading towards the Berowra Creek Valley.
The panoramic valley views from the lookout point in Berowra Heights are well worth the effort it takes to get there.
Sydney is well known because of its beautiful coastline, but Australia’s biggest city is in fact also home to some of the best bushwalking tracks. What’s great is that you don’t actually have to go far away from the city to enjoy some native bushland.
The Barrenjoey Lighthouse walk is a popular hiking trail in Barrenjoey Headland, the northernmost part of Palm Beach in Sydney’s Northern Beaches region.
There are two walking tracks that go all the way up to the Barrenjoey Lighthouse on top of the hill from where you can enjoy stunning ocean views.
Looking across Pittwater to the west, you can spot the West Head Lookout, another beautiful place to visit for the best panoramic views.
Balls Head Reserve in the Sydney lower north shore is a true bushland oasis overlooking the beautiful Sydney Harbour.
The reserve is home to a number of different bush walking tracks that combine natural beauty with great views across Sydney Harbour, taking in the CBD skyline, the Harbour Bridge, Goat Island and surrounding peninsulas.
Next door neighbour Waverton Peninsula Reserve is a must-visit too, as its rich history, serene walking trails and panoramic views will not disappoint.
Read moreDiscover Balls Head Reserve and Waverton Peninsula Reserve
The Maitland Bay track is a short but steep bushwalk in Bouddi National Park that winds its way down from the Information Centre to the stunning beach of Maitland Bay.
Be mesmerised by the beauty of the national park as you hike through the rainforest all the way to the yellow sand of Maitland Bay. Stroll along the beach to Bouddi Point and discover some of the remains of an old shipwreck.
The Blue Mountains is a true paradise for bushwalkers, with literally hundreds of beautiful hikes to choose from. Some of these tracks have been around for more than a century, while others have only been opened to the public in recent years.