New South Wales is Australia's oldest and most populous state, home to Sydney, iconic beaches, ancient national parks, and diverse landscapes. From the Blue Mountains to the Hunter Valley wine country, the state offers an extraordinary range of experiences for every type of traveler.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Three Sisters Walk and Scenic World Circuit
The most popular Blue Mountains walk starts at Echo Point with the iconic Three Sisters lookout and descends the Giant Stairway (300+ steps) to the valley floor, then returns via Scenic World's Scenic Railway or Walkway. The valley floor through Jurassic rainforest is extraordinary.
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2
Grand Canyon Walk
Despite its name, the Grand Canyon Walk is a spectacular circuit through a beautiful canyon with fern-lined slot canyons, waterfalls and hanging swamps. Often ranked as the best day walk in the Blue Mountains for its intimate rainforest scenery. Particularly beautiful after rain.
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3
National Pass Walk
One of the Blue Mountains' most celebrated walks, the National Pass was constructed in 1907 and traverses a dramatic cliff ledge below Wentworth Falls with spectacular views. The track visits Valley of the Waters gorge, multiple waterfalls and returns via the Conservation Hut cafe.
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4
Six Foot Track
The Six Foot Track is an historic trail originally built in 1884 as a bridle track to Jenolan Caves. The 45km route descends from Katoomba into the Megalong Valley, crosses the Cox's River and ascends to Jenolan Caves through beautiful rural and bushland scenery. One of NSW's classic multi-day walks.
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5
Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk
The walk to Australia's highest peak (2,228m) is a remarkable alpine experience through sensitive subalpine meadows and past glacial lakes. The walk starts from the top of the Kosciuszko Express chairlift at Thredbo (reducing walking distance to 18km return). The summit offers panoramic views across the Snowy Mountains.
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6
Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
Sydney's most popular coastal walk connects six beautiful beaches along the Eastern Suburbs cliff tops. The walk passes Bondi Beach, Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly and Gordons Bay before reaching Coogee. Outstanding ocean views, natural rock pools, and great cafes along the route make it one of Australia's best coastal walks.
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7
Manly to Spit Bridge Walk
One of Sydney's finest walking experiences, this track follows the shores of Sydney Harbour through bushland, past secluded harbour beaches and through Manly Dam Reserve. Starting at Manly Beach and ending at Spit Bridge (or vice versa), the walk offers stunning harbour views, Aboriginal engravings, and diverse wildlife.
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8
Royal National Park Coast Track
The coast track in the Royal National Park (the world's second-oldest national park, established 1879) is a spectacular two-day journey along dramatic sea cliffs, past remote beaches, through heathland and coastal forest. The track connects Bundeena to Otford with an overnight camp at North Era beach.
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9
Budderoo National Park - Minnamurra Rainforest Walk
A beautiful boardwalk loop through a spectacular rainforest gully in Budderoo National Park, just 90 minutes from Sydney. The walk includes an upper loop to the Minnamurra Falls and passes through lush rainforest with giant figs, lyrebirds and colourful birds. One of the most accessible rainforest experiences in NSW.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.
Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.
Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.