Hikes in New South Wales

What comes to mind when you think of New South Wales, Australia? We can guess the first thought that likely popped into your head: Sydney. Ah yes, that bustling metropolis with the postcard Sydney Opera House. It might be hard to leave Sydney's glittering array of city delights, but it’s vital to take advantage of the state's range of outdoor activities.

Follow the New South Wales coastline for quintessential water activities, such as swimming, snorkelling, diving, and surfing. Once you've had your H20 fix, mountains await.

Swap your snorkel for hiking boots and head to Blue Mountain National Park, a folktale-like setting with epic viewpoints and dreamy forests. Then there's the Great Dividing Range lines New South Wales' backdrop. It stretches along 3,500 km!

Other notable activities include ripping across the sand dunes in Port Stephens via quad or camel or paddling the Murray River. New South Wales makes for quite the outdoor adventure destination for all ages!

What’s New in 2027

• Check the official track alerts before you go, as closures are common. At any given time, a number of Blue Mountains walking tracks are affected by closures, from storm damage, landslides and rockfalls to fire-trail and boardwalk upgrades, and some run for months. Before you commit to a walk, check the live NSW National Parks alerts for Blue Mountains National Park, as popular tracks and lookouts do close, sometimes at short notice.
• Blue Mountains National Park is free to enter, and hikeable year-round. Unlike some New South Wales parks, there’s no general entry fee here, though a few popular spots (such as the Katoomba and Scenic World car parks) charge for parking. The park sits high and cool above Sydney, so it walks well in any season: autumn and spring are the most comfortable, summer brings heat, storms and bushfire risk, and winter is crisp and clear, occasionally frosty. Many trailheads are a short walk from stations on the train line out of Sydney, so you don’t strictly need a car.
• Come prepared for the bush: fire bans, snakes and big drop-offs. Bushfire season runs roughly October to March, when total fire bans and smoke can close trails, so check conditions and never light a fire when a ban is in force. Venomous snakes are active in the warmer months (give them room and they’ll move on), leeches appear in the damp gullies after rain, and many tracks run along cliff edges and steep stairways, so watch your footing and keep children close.

The Best Hikes in New South Wales

• Three Sisters Track to Lady Game Lookout Walk: A short walk taking in the Blue Mountains’ most famous sight, the Three Sisters, with phenomenal scenery packed into a brief outing. Expect some stairs to get the heart going. A perfect first taste of the mountains.
• Grand Canyon Track: One of the most popular walks in the park, a lush green descent past historic sandstone walls and waterfalls to a scenic viewpoint over the Grose Valley. A rewarding loop through classic Blue Mountains canyon country.
• Wentworth Falls, Fletcher’s Lookout and Rocket Point Lookout Track: A short, kid-friendly route linking a string of lookouts, Jamison, Wentworth Falls, Fletcher’s, Rocket Point and Princes Rock, with the falls as the highlight. Big views for little effort.
• Valley of the Waters to Wentworth Falls Walk: A moderately challenging walk through the lush Valley of the Waters to Wentworth Falls, with a montage of waterfalls and forest along the way. Bring snacks for younger walkers.
• Cliff Top Track and Grand Canyon Walk: A spectacular half-day combining clifftop views with a descent into the Grand Canyon, and a decent workout to earn them. The kind of scenery that leaves most walkers saying just one word: wow.
• Lockleys Pylon Walk: A relatively easy walk to a superb 360-degree view of Mount Hay, Mount Banks and the Grose Valley from atop the pylon. Access here depends on Mount Hay Road, which is subject to closures for works, so check the current track alerts before you set out.
• Burramoko Fire Trail to Hanging Rock: A fairly flat trail out to Hanging Rock, where the rock leans dramatically over the valley to create one of the most picturesque scenes in the park. The straightforward path is quickly forgotten once you reach the view.
• Sassafras Gully, Victory Track, and Magala Gully Loop Walk: A peaceful loop through a lush, shaded gully alongside a creek, with a couple of crossings that can get wet and soggy after rain. A quieter corner of the mountains near Springwood.
• Ruined Castle and Mount Solitary via The Golden Stairs Walk: A challenging out-and-back for stronger walkers, descending the Golden Stairs into the Jamison Valley toward the Ruined Castle rock formation and Mount Solitary, with nearly 1,000 m of climbing on the return. Carry plenty of food and water.

When Is the Best Time to Hike in New South Wales?

Sitting high above Sydney, the Blue Mountains are cooler than the coast and walkable all year. Autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November) are the most comfortable, with mild days and, in spring, plenty of birdlife and blossom. Summer (December to February) can be hot, with afternoon storms and heightened bushfire risk, so start early and check fire conditions. Winter (June to August) is crisp and clear, occasionally frosty, and a fine time to walk if you pack layers. Whenever you come, mountain weather can change fast, so bring warm and waterproof gear.

Other Outdoor Activities in New South Wales

Hiking is only the start. Along the coast you can swim, snorkel, dive and surf, while inland the Blue Mountains are a hub for canyoning, abseiling, rock climbing and mountain biking. Further afield, you can ride the dunes at Port Stephens by quad bike or camel, or paddle a stretch of the Murray River. Whatever your pace, New South Wales has an adventure to match.

Plan Your Trip to New South Wales

The Blue Mountains are one of the highlights of hiking in Australia. If you would rather have the planning handled, browse our adventure tours in Oceania.