Best Hikes in NSW Australia: Bushwalks & Coastal Hikes

Looking for trails in New South Wales? You’ll find ten excellent options in this guide! We’ve included coastal hikes, bushwalks, and multi-day treks for the most avid hikers. And most trails are easily accessible with public transport, so they’re suitable for hikers without a car.

Whether you’re looking to go on a quick walk in a nature park or want to challenge yourself with a long-distance hike, we’ve got something for you. From Bondi Beach to the Blue Mountains National Park – here are the best hikes in New South Wales!

Tips For Hiking In Australia

Apply sunscreen generously. I’ve included several coastal walks that reward hikers with breathtaking views of the ocean. However, most of these hikes have very little or no shade whatsoever, so make sure to apply a truckload of sunscreen before you commit to a three-hour walk under the hot Australian sun. It’s also a good idea to bring a hat or a sun umbrella.

Bring bug repellant. I’m sure you’ve seen at least a few photos of giant bugs in Australia – well, most of them aren’t photoshopped. The climate in New South Wales is ideal for mosquitoes, flies, scorpions, and all sorts of insects. Bug repellant is a necessity everywhere in Australia, and it’s particularly helpful on hikes through forests.

Watch out for snakes. If you’re doing bushwalks or hiking through forests, be on the lookout for snakes. There are lots of them in Australia, and getting bitten by one is a sure way to end your hiking trip early. Be as loud as possible while you’re hiking in forested areas, and wear sturdy hiking boots. I’d also advise against loose and long pants – having a snake crawl up your pant leg is not something you want to experience in this lifetime.

Grand Canyon Track

Not to be confused with the Grand Canyon in Arizona, the Grand Canyon Track is a 5.8-kilometer loop hike in Blue Mountains National Park in New South Wales, Australia. This moderately difficult hike features a waterfall,  wildflowers, a forest, and a cave, so it’s quite rewarding even though it’s a relatively short trail.

This national park is home to many exciting hiking trails, but the Grand Canyon Track is by far the most popular one. It’s partly because of the amazing views you get to enjoy along the way, and partly because it’s not a very difficult trail.