A selection of some of the best bush walks in and around Sydney and New South Wales, including maps, pictures, highlights and characteristics.
The Coachwood Glen Nature Trail is a short and unpretentious bushwalk in the Megalong Valley area of the Blue Mountains.
The trail meanders through the beautiful landscape of the Coachwood and Mountain Ash forests, and includes a few crossings of the Pulpit Hill Creek.
Mermaids Cave is a large sandstone rock overhang located in a scenic forest environment, with a small waterfall to complete the setting.
A very short walk, via a steep staircase with over 100 steps, leads to this cave in uniquely beautiful natural surroundings.
The Bullimah Spur Track is a short but enjoyable and scenic bush walking trail in Bouddi National Park that leads to a beautiful lookout.
It’s a relatively easy walk starting from the Maitland Bay Information Centre, suitable for all ages and fitness levels, with more walks and lookouts nearby to make a day of it.
Minyon Falls is a stunning plunge waterfall that drops more than 100 metres into a deep gorge, located in Nightcap National Park not too far away from Byron Bay.
A beautiful 7.5 km loop walk through subtropical rainforest brings visitors to a natural swimming hole at the base of the waterfall, although you don’t have to do the full loop to reach the base.
The Maitland Bay Track is a short but steep bushwalking trail in Bouddi National Park that winds its way down from the Information Centre to the stunning and isolated beach of Maitland Bay.
Be mesmerised by the beauty of the national park as you hike through lush rainforest to the yellow sand of Maitland Bay.
Paradise Pool in Linden is a beautiful natural waterhole on Bulls Creek, which can be accessed via a short but moderately challenging walking trail.
A very pretty waterfall drops into this pool, which has experienced a strong increase in popularity as a swimming hole in recent years.
The Lockleys Pylon walking track is an exciting bushwalk in the Blue Mountains, offering scenic 360-degree views of the Grose Valley and beyond.
This part of the Blue Mountains is still relatively quiet and unspoiled, which makes the track to this unique landmark all the more enjoyable.
The Palm Jungle Loop Track in Royal National Park is a fascinating 8.5 km walking trail through various different types of landscapes and sceneries.
This moderately challenging trail takes in thriving rainforest, beautiful coastal views and scenic cliff tops, with a visit to Burning Palms Beach as a welcome bonus on a warm day.
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.