Best 10 Hikes in NSW: Length, Hiking Time, Difficulty

Is NSW Good for Hiking?

NSW offers various hiking options, from easy walks to multi-day adventures. There are many beautiful places to hike, whether along the coastline, outback or in stunning national parks and reserves! Here are some National Parks that you might find interesting:

• Blue Mountains National Park offers 363hiking trails.
• Royal National Park offers 132hiking trails.  
• Kosciuszko National Park features 185hiking trails, including challenging tracks and walks that cater to all abilities.

These are for seasoned hikers seeking navigation and first aid skills on Grade 5 hikes. Bringing a compass, topographic map, and GPS would be great!

The weather in NSW tends to be more consistent between seasons compared to many other places, though there are significant differences across regions. There's no better excuse than to get outside this winter and take advantage of all the thrilling hikes available throughout the Northern NSW coastline and beyond. The following are a few explanations of why winter is the ideal season for hiking:

Because you won't sweat or be harassed by flies and mosquitoes, it's more pleasant. Wintertime feels especially good for walks since you don't have to stop and cool off all the time as you would in a humid environment.

How to Prepare for Hiking in NSW?

The NSW is a hiking destination that deserves attention. As you experience its breathtaking landscapes and navigate challenging paths through eucalyptus forests and alongside waterfalls, you'll appreciate its allure and recognise why it's a perfect spot for hiking. Before embarking on a hike in NSW, it is essential to undertake specific preparations.

Step 1: Learn About The NSW Hiking Grades

The Australian Walking Track Grading System (AWTGS) provides a way to rate how challenging hiking trails are in New South Wales (NSW). The ratings take into account the terrain, distance, and the experience needed for each trail:

Step 2: Plan Your Routes

When planning a hike in New South Wales (NSW), it is vital to research, check for closures, monitor the weather, and take the group into account.

Consult track notes and trip reports to gain insights into the trail, local flora and fauna, and what to anticipate. Additionally, you can explore websites such as AllTrails, We Are Explorers, and Trail Hiking Australia. Verify the status of closures for national parks, state parks, and state forests.

Review the weather forecast and river levels, and search for any bushfire alerts. Consider the fitness level, skills, and experience of the group. The optimal group size is four, though smaller groups can also work well.

Step 3: Pack Hiking Essentials

Packing light when hiking is best, but remember to include the essentials! Pack plenty of drinking water and some tasty snacks to keep your energy up, no matter the weather.

Please wear some comfy athleisure clothing! Keep your feet happy by choosing some comfy hiking or running shoes. The temperature difference in the mountain areas can be noticeable, so remember to pack a warm jacket. Wear sun-protective coats, hats, and sunglasses when sunny and hot outside. Pack a raincoat if you plan to hike during the rainy season.

Here are some more hiking essentials for NSW that you should consider packing:

Engaging in outdoor activities can pose risks, so it's essential to have emergency medicine on hand in case of an emergency. While outdoors in Australia, you might encounter venomous insects and wild animals.

Numerous first-time overnight hikers believe they can sleep on the ground, and we want to emphasise that this is not a wise choice. While you may excel at sleeping on firm surfaces, the ground beneath your tent is seldom going to be soft grass and is likely to be rocky or uneven; sleeping mats address this issue.

Jackery Portable Power Stations enhance the hiking experience by providing essential electricity, particularly for overnight adventures. 

Consider bringing a compact power station such as the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus or Explorer 600 Plus to keep your electronics charged (GPS devices, communication tools, and personal electronics) during your hiking trip. They are comparable in size to a book or a ball, making them convenient to carry wherever you go.

Step 4: Organise Your Backpack

When you start packing, begin with the heaviest items first. These should be placed near the bottom of your pack and as close to your back as possible to ensure optimal weight distribution.

Your sleeping bag mat and any cooking gear can also be stored at the bottom of your pack since you will only need to access these once you get to camp. 

To keep your gear organised, use waterproof dry bags. This will make finding what you need easy and protect your gear from getting dirty or wet.

Best 10 Hikes in NSW 

Hiking in New South Wales offers an array of scenic adventures. From the coastal wonders of Royal National Park and the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, with their stunning ocean views and sandy shores, to the rugged beauty of the Blue Mountains' Grand Canyon Track and Mount Solitary's panoramic vistas, NSW caters to all hiking preferences.

For alpine enthusiasts, Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk provides Australia's highest peak and alpine meadows to explore. The Great North Walk spans historical sites and diverse landscapes from Sydney to Newcastle. At the same time, Wollemi National Park's Canyons Loop offers secluded canyons and unique sandstone formations for those seeking remote and challenging hikes.

1. Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

Location: Coogee NSW 2031, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Website: Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

Length: 6km

Hiking Time: 2-3 hours

Grade: 2

Experience one of Sydney's most renowned walks, featuring stunning beaches, breathtaking cliff tops, and excellent cafes throughout the journey. The 6km walk typically requires two to three hours, depending on the frequency of your stops. However, you may also dedicate a whole day to the walk, allowing time to swim at each beach. 

In the winter months, this location is ideal for observing humpback whales during their annual migration along the coast. At Mark's Park, just south of McKenzies Point, you can enjoy the beauty of 2,000-year-old traditional Aboriginal rock carvings before heading to Tamarama Beach.

2. Grand Canyon Track

Location: Evans Lookout Rd, Blackheath NSW 2785, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Website: Grand Canyon Track   

Length: 6.3km loop

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Grade: 3

You'll find sandstone walls, lovely waterfalls, and plenty of native plants along the Grand Canyon track near Blackheath in the Blue Mountains. The historic loop track guides you right into the heart of this beautiful World Heritage-listed landscape. It's a cosy, exciting, and well-loved path that walkers have enjoyed since 1907.

Starting from the Grand Canyon car park, this lovely shaded track winds through native plants like ferns and golden wattles, staying close to the charming Greaves Creek. All these things come together to make this a delightful walk for the summer. 

3. Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk

Location: Kosciuszko Rd, Charlotte Pass NSW 2624, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Website: Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk   

Length: 18.6km one way

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Grade: 3

As the name suggests, the famous naturalist Charles Darwin often walked this trail as early as 1836. The trail begins at Wilson Park and leads to boardwalks and bushwalks through open forest, scrub and hanging bog until it reaches the track where it meets the Weeping Rock. The Charles Darwin Walk is popular with walkers because of the beautiful scenery and birds to watch, including honeyeaters, wrens and black crows.                    

4. Grand Cliff Top Walk

Location: Darwins Walk, Wentworth Falls NSW 2782, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Website: Grand Cliff Top Walk

Length: 19km

Hiking Time: 2 Days

Grade: 3

Embark on a 19km hike over two days along the Grand Cliff Top Walk, which beautifully connects Leura, Wentworth Falls, and Katoomba: experience Aboriginal culture, breathtaking lookouts, numerous waterfalls, and distinctive villages in the Blue Mountains.

Pay attention to the call of yellow-tailed black cockatoos known as Wumbarrung in the Gundungurra language. Wumbarrung serves as the guiding symbol for this walk. The flight is of excellent importance to traditional custodians and embodies the emotions and seasons of Gundungurra Country.  

The Grand Cliff Top Walk, which begins at Wentworth Falls and ends in Katoomba, is an excellent opportunity to explore a lot of the highlights of the Blue Mountains National Park, including Aboriginal culture, breathtaking lookouts, the Three Sisters, a tonne of waterfalls, and charming communities.  

5. Great North Walk

Location: Lane Cove North NSW 2066, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Website: Great North Walk   

Length: 250km one way

Hiking Time: 16 Days

Grade: 5

This is the ultimate multi-day hiking experience in NSW. At a staggering 250 km, the Great North Walk travels from Sydney to Newcastle, stopping in the national parks of Borrowra Valley, Brisbane Water, and Ku-ring-gai Chase. An extensive voyage like this one naturally includes many vistas and sceneries, including suburban neighbourhood scenes, lush bushland, urban jungles, and charming tiny country towns. 

6. Murramarang South Coast Walk

Location: 1 Pretty Beach Rd, Pretty Beach NSW 2257, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Website: Murramarang South Coast Walk   

Length: 34km one way

Hiking Time: 3 Days

Grade: 4

This thrilling new three-day walk begins at Pretty Beach, south of Ulladulla, and ends at Maloneys Beach, just north of Batemans Bay. It winds through coastal settlements, isolated beaches, and gumwoods within the stunning Murramarang National Park. Along the journey, you may spend the night in cabins or campsites. The NSW Wildlife Service and National Parks offer several multi-day experience packages that include choices for tours and transportation.

7. Tomaree Coastal Walk

Location: Shoal Bay Rd, Shoal Bay NSW 2315, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Website: Tomaree Coastal Walk   

Length: 27km

Hiking Time: 2-3 Days

Grade: 4

The Tomaree Coastal Walk is a new multi-day walking trail in the Port Stephens area that connects new and existing trails to create a continuous 27km walking track. It begins with the breathtaking panoramic views of Tomaree Summit at Shoal Bay. It ends at the largest mobile dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, the culturally significant Worimi Conservation Lands.

8. Green Gully Track

Location: V6VH+27, Yarrowitch NSW 2354, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Website: Green Gully Track   

Length: 65km loop

Hiking Time: 4-5 Days

Grade: 5

Plenty of the top multi-day walks in NSW are located hours inland. The Green Gully Track, located in the Northern Tablelands of the state's Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, is one such trek. There are several steep ascents and descents on this course, some on unstable terrain, so it's not for the faint of heart.

The fact that at least two hikers must make reservations for this endeavour sets it apart from other multi-day walks in New South Wales. Free-spirited explorers who like to live life daily and hike endlessly may find this upsetting, but it also ensures the area is manageable.  

9. Light to Light Walk

Location: New South Wales 2551, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Website: Light to Light Walk   

Length: 30km one-way

Hiking Time: 3 Days

Grade: 3

After putting your problems behind you, head towards the greatly underappreciated Sapphire Coast and the Light to Light Walk. This trail is a hidden treasure in Beowa National Park (previously Ben Boyd National Park). For those who are prepared to make the journey, it does, however, possess a wealth of riches, and you won't have to share them with many other hikers. 

10. Six Foot Track

Location: New South Wales, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Website: Six Foot Track   

Length: 46km one way

Hiking Time: 3 Days

Grade: 4

Across the country, long-distance hikers have developed a deep appreciation for the Six Foot Track. Please take note of the trail's name; it spans 46 kilometres from start to finish. Even traversing this land area was only sometimes feasible for humans. The name is derived from a historic horse-riding path that was notably wide and established in 1884. The Explorers Tree serves as the initial point of the tour in Katoomba.      

Jackery Portable Power Stations for Hiking

Elevate your NSW hiking experiences with Jackery Portable Power Stations. Jackery Portable Power Stations are designed for individuals who enjoy the outdoors and prioritise environmental sustainability and personal comfort. Your devices receive a secure method to access power while you are on the move.

Jackery guarantees that their Portable Power Stations utilise lithium-ion and LiFePO4 batteries for a reliable power source. With the addition of Jackery Solar Panels, these generators can harness the sun's energy. This positions them as a sustainable energy option for the stunning landscapes of the Blue Mountains.

Due to their portability, compact size, and impressive power, we suggest the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus and 600 Plus for hiking trips. With their use, you can rest assured that electricity will never be lost.    

Jackery Explorer 300 Plus

The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus is a great power option for hiking. It can power various outdoor devices, including GPS units and camping lights, thanks to its 300W output and 288Wh capacity. Also, it's just the right size to fit easily in your bag, like a little book!

• Portable Compact Powerhouse

While it may not be huge, it can power various hiking devices and electronics. For instance, it can keep your 60W GPS devices charged for 4 hours and your 20W headlamp running for 12.2 hours. Look at the working hours below; they highlight how beneficial they can be for your hiking trip!

• Safe Is Our Priority in Your Hiking

This power station features a one-of-a-kind Battery Management System (BMS). This device comes with 52 safety features and 12 BMS algorithms that team up to ensure the device and any connected appliances are kept as safe as possible. It also features four types of physical security to keep everyone safe while hiking. 

• SMART App Control

This model is impressive with its innovative app control feature, allowing users to manage the battery easily using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This makes it easier and more enjoyable to use. This feature lets you control the Explorer 300 Plus right from your phone, and you can set it up while on the go without needing to stop!  

The following are the working hours for using Jackery Explorer 300 Plus (288Wh) to charge your hiking electronics:

Jackery Explorer 600 Plus

The Jackery Explorer 600 Plus offers a remarkable output of 800W and features a strong capacity of 632Wh. Effortlessly power your essential hiking electronics, including mobile phones, communication tools, navigation devices, and camping lights. Make sure you possess all the essentials for a smooth journey.  

• Lightweight and Portable

This power station is remarkably lightweight at just 7.3 kg (16.1 lbs), offering an outstanding portable option for its power capacity. The sleek design includes a foldable handle, providing easy portability and convenient storage.

• Safety & Compatibility

This power station incorporates the ChargeShield 2.0 algorithm, crafted to improve charging efficiency and reduce the time needed to recharge the power station. The Explorer 600 Plus offers multiple output options, including AC outlets, USB-A, and USB-C, all crafted to integrate effortlessly with different devices during your hiking adventures.

• Multiple Charging Methods

The Explorer 600 Plus fully recharges in just 1.6 hours when connected to a wall outlet. Utilise the energy of the sun with SolarSaga 100W solar panels. Complete a full charge in only 4.3 hours with two panels, or opt for a single panel and take 8.5 hours. The system provides car charging capabilities, taking about 7.5 hours to finish.

The following are the working hours for using Jackery Explorer 600 Plus (623Wh) to charge your hiking electronics:

Tips for Hiking in NSW

Before hiking in NSW's wilderness, wilderness, there are two crucial parts to prepare for route planning and safety. You need to plan the route and check the weather to make sufficient preparations and ensure you know what to do if you're in danger.

Tip 1: Route Planning

You'll then need to sort out how you'll navigate the route. Even if the hike is listed as well-signposted, it's always best to take a map in case you get lost or stop it from happening in the first place! Physical maps are best and can be bought from most good hiking stores.

When planning a hike, you must prepare for the weather in two ways. The first is understanding the climate in which the hike is located. What time of year is it? How likely is rain, and will it be very cold or hot? 

It's essential to be aware of microclimates, too. High-elevation areas, like Kosciuszko National Park or even Blue Mountains National Park, can be significantly colder than sea-level areas. Outback areas such as Sturt National Park might be hot during the day but freezing overnight.

Tip 2: Pay Attention to Safety

Tell a few people who aren't coming on the hike where you're going, who's with you, and when you expect to be finished and back in phone reception. These people can help raise the alarm if you're not back in time.

Fill out a trip intention form online. This captures important details about your hike/trip and can be shared with NSW Police in an emergency. Your trip details will also be sent to your nominated person/s, with instructions on contacting NSW Police if you don't return on time.

Many multi-day hikes go with limited or non-existent phone reception, and sometimes even places that feel close to civilisation, like a deep valley, will have no service. With the help of satellites, Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) may transmit a distress signal in an emergency, enabling rescue agencies to find you.

Best Hikes in NSW FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the best hikes in NSW:

1. What is the longest hiking trail in NSW?

The Great North Walk, which spans 250 km from Sydney to Newcastle, passes through three national parks: Berowra Valley National Park, Brisbane Water National Park, and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.           

2. What is the NSW National Park cycling strategy?

The NSW National Park cycling strategy focuses on continuing to provide viable cycling experiences that are accessible and contribute to the physical and mental well-being of NSW residents and visitors. We will provide experiences and communication that improve the education of users about the natural and cultural heritage values within our parks.

3. What is the most challenging hiking trail in NSW?

New South Wales offers a variety of challenging hiking trails, including:

Main Range Walk is a challenging and well-known 14.6-mile trail in Kosciuszko National Park.  

Great North Walk: An 8.5-mile trail located in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.  

Cliff Top Track and Grand Canyon: A scenic 8.3-mile trail located in Blue Mountains National Park.  

Final Thoughts

As your journey through New South Wales comes to a close, the memories of its spectacular hiking trails linger as a testament to the beauty of nature. From the awe-inspiring vistas of the Blue Mountains to the coastal serenity of Royal National Park, NSW offers an unforgettable outdoor experience. Remember that many trails welcome furry companions, ensuring every family member can share the adventure.