A selection of some of the best bush walks in and around Sydney and New South Wales, including maps, pictures, highlights and characteristics.
Federal Falls is a stunning waterfall in Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area near the city of Orange in the Central Tablelands region.
A moderately challenging circuit walking track, starting from the Federal Falls Campground, leads to the base of this waterfall, with scenic bushland to explore along the way.
The 5.5 km return walk from Seaforth Oval to Bluff Lookout is a challenging bush trail in Garigal National Park with fantastic views of Bantry Bay.
It’s an exciting hike with a few climbs and sections with rough surface to conquer, but the views from the lookout make it a worthwhile adventure.
The Valley of the Waters walking track is a moderately challenging hike in the Wentworth Falls area of the Blue Mountains that follows a creek into the valley.
This rather steep track is an absolute treat, taking in several beautiful waterfalls and cascades, including Empress Falls, Sylvia Falls and Lodore Falls.
The Forest Path is a pleasant 4.5 km long bush walking trail in the Royal National Park that loops around Forest Island, partly following the shores of the Hacking River.
With start and finish on Sir Bertram Stevens Drive, this relatively easy walking track passes through a patch of scenic rainforest, less than one hour away from the city.
The Weeping Rock circuit walk, starting from the Wentworth Falls picnic area car park, is a pleasant 1.5 km walking trail that passes several lookout points and small waterfalls.
The main lookout point on this track, the Fletchers Lookout, offers fantastic views of the waterfall and the Jamison Valley.
The Den Fenella Track is a 1 km bushwalking trail from the picnic area in Wentworth Falls to a small but scenic lookout point.
Even though it’s only short, the walk is a real treat, with lush rainforest, creek crossings, cascade waterfalls and panoramic views to take in.
The Overcliff Undercliff Track in the Wentworth Falls area of the Blue Mountains is a scenic 4 km long circuit trail taking in several lookout points.
This hike doesn’t descend into the valley and instead stays higher up on the cliffs, which makes it a far less challenging adventure than the Wentworth Pass, but certainly not less enjoyable.
The Curra Moors Loop Track is a 10 km circuit walk in Royal National Park that offers a good mix of scenic bushland and panoramic coastal views.
It’s a moderately challenging walking track that ticks all the boxes for those looking for a fun hike to do on the weekend while also getting a decent workout in.
The Bundeena Drive to Marley walk is a moderately challenging bush trail in Royal National Park that leads to two beautiful beaches.
The trail passes the Deer Pool, a small cascade waterfall and pool of water, before arriving at Little Marley Beach and Marley Beach on the Coast Track.
Often overlooked by tourists, Katoomba Falls is a beautiful segmented waterfall located between Echo Point and Scenic World in the Blue Mountains.
A short but picturesque circuit walking trail, starting at Scenic World, guides visitors through lush rainforest all the way to the waterfall, with panoramic views of Jamison Valley.