Wanting to challenge yourself and experience some of the best views New South Wales has to offer? We’ve done the hard work for you and collated our top picks for day hikes, all only a few hours from Sydney, with options to suit everyone. Let us know what your favourite hike turns out to be.
Blue Mountains (Grand Canyon Loop)
The Blue Mountains is known for its steep cliffs, tall eucalyptus trees and beautiful waterfalls. We recommend the Grand Canyon Loop where you’ll be starting from the Evan’s Lookout walking through lots of greenery, waterfalls and creeks. The trail isn’t too difficult but does have quite a few steps so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes.
Location: 62km west from Sydney CBD (1 hr drive)
Distance: 6km (3-4 hrs circuit)
Level of Difficulty: Medium
Find out more here.
Royal National Park (Coast Track)
The Coast Track at the Royal National Park is an action packed multi-day hike. You will walk through spectacular white-cliff coastlines, and arrive at surf beaches in the South. Along the way you’ll be treated to rainforests, hidden waterfalls and beautiful rock pools. There is also a campground on the beachside for you to stay overnight. If you wish to shorten the walk to a day trip, you can take the 8km loop from Bundeena Drive to Little Marley Beach that takes 2 hours and 30 mins to complete.
Location: 57km south west from Sydney CBD (1 hr 15min drive)
Distance: 26km (2 days - one way)
Level of Difficulty: Hard
Find out here.
Warrumbungle National Park
At the Warrumbungle National Park, we recommend the Breadknife and Grand High Tops walk. Classed as one of the best walks in NSW, you will get to see all sorts of wildlife and rugged volcanic landscape. You can see all it’s rock formations up close during your walk. There are a few steep climbs but the scenery you see at the end is worth the challenge.
Location: 524km north west from Sydney CBD (6 hrs drive)
Distance: 14.5km loop (5-6 hrs)
Level of Difficulty: Medium
Find out more here.
Kanagara Boyd National Park, Jenolan
Located near the Blue Mountains, the Kanangra-Boyd Lookout offers incredible views of Australia’s landscapes of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. You can take a 10min walk to the unfenced lookout from the Kanangra Walls car park. You’ll also be able to see all sorts of wildlife from eagles to red mountain devils. However, do note some areas of the park have been affected by the bushfires and may be closed so do some research beforehand.
Location: 180km west from Sydney CBD (3 hrs drive)
The McMahon’s Lookout Wentworth Falls
The McMahon’s Lookout Wentworth Falls walk is an easy and short walk to see these spectacular falls. You also will be able to view Lake Burragorang which is the water catchment for Sydney’s drinking water.
Distance: 1.6km
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Find out more here.
Bondi to Manly
This recently opened coastal walk is a must do if you want to see all the major historical sites all at once with plenty of added pit stops for swims or food or drinks. The track is split into 8 sections so you can decide where to start and where to stop. We recommend checking out the The Bondi To Manly Walk organisation’s website to see the various itineraries you can follow.
Location: Starting at North Bondi, 9km east from Sydney CBD (30 min drive)
Distance: 80km (various timings to complete different sections of the walk)
Level of Difficulty: Easy to medium
Find out more here.
Great North Walk - Watagans National Park
The Great North Walk is best suited for experienced bushwalkers due to its short steep hills and steps along the way. On the walk, you’ll pass through the Narrow Place lookout which will bring you to Quorrobolong to Ellalong, Cessnock, and Kurri Kurri. You’ll get to see large sections of bushland and wonderful birdlife.
Location: Heaton Road access, 158km north from Sydney CBD (2 hrs drive)
Distance: 10km one way (2-3 hrs)
Level of Difficulty: Hard
Find out more here.
Bouddi Coastal Walk
Located just over an hour away from Sydney, the walk stretches from Putty Beach to Macmasters Beach. You’ll be treated to amazing panoramic views of the ocean, shady rainforests, boardwalks and birdlife and so much more! Known as one of the most beautiful central coastal walks, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take your camera out for a few snaps.
Location: Little Beach Carpark, 102km north east from Sydney CBD (1 hr 30 min drive)
Distance: 8km one way (4-5 hrs)
Level of Difficulty: Easy to medium
Find out more here.
Wollemi National Park - Glow Worm Tunnel
What’s not amazing about a glow worm tunnel! Located in the Wollemi National Park, the track will take you through a tunnel that’s beautifully lit up by thousands of glow worms. A short and fairly easy walk, you’ll walk through a great landscape of tall forests, lush tree ferns and stunning rock formations.
Location: 255km north west from Sydney CBD (3 hrs 30 min drive)
Distance: 2km return (2 hrs)
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Find out more here.
Barrington Tops National Park
Named one of the best walks in Morton National Park, the Pigeon House Mountain walk can be quite steep in some areas but will treat you to spectacular views. On the hike, you’ll walk through forest, sandstone and heathland before arriving at the final cliff summit. You’ll get to see the Budawang Wilderness, alongside the Clyde River.
Location: Morton National Park, 274km south west from Sydney CBD (3 hrs 30 min drive)
Distance: 5.7km return (2-3 hrs)
Level of Difficulty: Medium
Find out more here.
Whian Whian Falls
The Whian Whian Falls are one of the must-do waterfalls to explore in NSW, located in the Whian Whian State Conservation Area. With a very short and easy walk, the hidden waterfalls have something for everyone, from jumping off the short cliffs to lazing around. There are some marine life in the waters but nothing harmful.
Location: Whian Whian State Conservation Area, 46km west from Byron Bay (1 hr drive)
Distance: 1 min walk
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Find out more here.
Of course, before heading out any adventure make sure you’re prepared. Check the park is open or for any changes with NSW National Parks. Check the weather and make sure you pack water, sunscreen, a waterproof jacket and always tell a mate where you're going. Last but not least, leave no trace.
*Header image of Blue Mountains via @rubyclaireee
