The best walks in NSW: trails, views & wild escapes

Leaves and twigs crunch under your hiking boots as thin shards of light spear a dense canopy of foliage above, leaving the path in front of you dappled in golden light.

There’s a salty ocean breeze, the sound of waves crashing against rocks, and the scent of eucalyptus in the air. A kangaroo bounds through the bushland, and as you round a corner and look out across the ocean, a dolphin flits in and out of the water below.

This is just a taste of the natural beauty you’ll encounter on some of the best walks in NSW, whether you choose a challenging multi-day bush hike, or a breezy coastal stroll.

Our guide highlights the best short trails, scenic lookouts and longer bush walks in NSW. No matter what type of walker you are, you’re sure to find something that’ll take your breath away.

Yuraygir Coastal Walk on the North Coast

Yuraugir Coastal Walk is on the traditional lands of the Yaegl and Gumbaynggirr people. Starting at Angourie Surfing Reserve, five kilometres south of Yamba, it’s a 65-kilometre one-way walk that can be completed in one go, or in smaller sections for the less experienced.

The unforgettable walk is a photographer’s dream, where you follow the ancient paths of the endangered nomadic coastal emu by following the emu footprint markers from Angourie to Red Rock.

Along the way, encounter amazing scenery including an abundance of native wildflowers in the heathlands, littoral rainforests with burbling creeks, lagoons and a marine park.

During whale migration season from June to October, spot whales from Durrangan Lookout, which was named after a powerful female spirit from Aboriginal dreamtime stories, believed to haunt the ocean on stormy nights.

Base yourself at Reflections Red Rock for a well-earned rest after your trek, with campsites, cabins and glamping tents to choose from.

Cook up a feed in the camp kitchen and unwind with a game of table tennis before exploring the nearby beach. It’s a great spot for fishing and has loads of walks in the surrounding bushland.

Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Port Stephens

For lovers of the great outdoors, a visit to Port Stephens wouldn’t be complete without fitting in the short yet challenging Tomaree Head Summit Walk.

Considered one of the best walking trails in NSW due to the epic views of Shoal Bay and the coastline, the 2.2-kilometre return track is steep and takes around 45 minutes.

With breathtaking panoramas of Port Stephens, Boondelbah Island and beyond, it’s one of the most photographed locations in the region.

Pack binoculars, as dolphins are regular visitors in the water below, and the picnic tables at the summit make for a top lunch spot. The walk is also great for sunrise or sunset, so get your camera ready.

History lovers should check out the historic World War II gun emplacements on the headland, which can be accessed on the Fort Tomaree Walk. They are the last remaining indication of the coastal defence station built here during WWII.

Interpretive panels near the emplacements tell the story of the 500 army personnel stationed at the barracks, set against a beautiful ocean backdrop.

Tomaree Head is close to Reflections Jimmy Beach, which is a perfect beach-front holiday park for a relaxed post-hike stay.

There’s accommodation to suit every taste – from glamping tents, villas, tiny homes and simple campsites – and a resort-like pool where you can cool off. The campsites are dog-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along for the adventure.

Bouddi Coastal Walk on the Central Coast

When it comes to the best coastal walks in NSW, it’s hard to beat the Bouddi Coastal Walk.

This 8-kilometre one-way trek through Bouddi National Park from Putty Beach to MacMasters Beach boasts an unforgettable blend of rainforests, boardwalks, beaches and ocean clifftops that create a hiking heaven.

It’s a relatively easy hike with plenty of rest stops, so everyone can give it a whirl and soak up the endless natural beauty.

Stop at Gerrin Point Lookout for some whale watching (during the May to November migration) and be rewarded with panoramic views of Maitland Bay and the Bouddi National Park Marine Extension, with a backdrop of the Bouddi Grand Deep rainforest.

Check out the SS Maitland paddle steamer shipwreck at the eastern end of Maitland Bay. It left Sydney in 1898 but was hit with the worst gale in 20 years and sadly never made it to its destination in Newcastle.

This much-loved NSW coastal walk has plenty of shady rainforest areas for some respite from the hot sun, well maintained picnic areas, and lovely swimming spots, including the crystal-clear waters of Putty Beach and Maitland Bay.

The Bouddi Coastal Walk is popular with those from Sydney enjoying a Central Coast getaway, and twitchers will love the huge array of birds you’ll see and hear along the way.

Light to Light Walk on the South Coast

For a popular multi-day walk in NSW, check out the Light to Light Walk on the beautiful Sapphire Coast near the town of Eden.

The 30-kilometre trail spans from Ben Boyds Tower at Boydtown to Green Cape Lighthouse (the southernmost lighthouse in NSW) and features plenty of secluded beaches, with bright red rocky shores and platforms to take in amazing ocean views.

The walk weaves through Beowa National Park (formerly known as Ben Boyd) and is typically completed over two to three days with remote camping or lodge stays at night.

The landscape continually changes from banksia woodlands and heathlands dotted with wildflowers, to tea tree groves and stands of gumtrees.

Pack your swimmers and cool off with a swim in the secluded Saltwater Creek Beach, or in the clear waters of Bittangabee Bay. You won’t be the only one enjoying the waters – spot seals, seabirds, and migrating humpback whales depending on the season.

For a more somber stop, visit the shipwreck memorial for the SS Ly-ee-Moon, which ran aground at Green Cape in 1886, tragically killing 71 passengers.

To make the most of your hike, stay at Reflections Eden before or after a hike, which is surrounded by beaches and on the shores of Lake Curalo. There’s a range of cosy cabins, and powered and unpowered campsites.

Dorrigo National Park Walks in the Coffs Coast Hinterland

A one-hour drive from Coffs Harbour will have you at Dorrigo National Park – a World-Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest renowned for its waterfalls, picture-perfect picnic spots, and abundant birdlife.

There are so many amazing walks to choose from in this park, each offering a new perspective of the rainforest and its inhabitants.

On the famous Crystal Shower Falls Walk, follow the trail to the fairytale-like waterfall, where you can stand inside the rocky cavern behind the cascade. Lush rainforest will tower all around you, home to fruit doves and other colourful birds.

The Wonga Walk is a longer 6.6-kilometre trek along a shaded walking track where you’ll be surrounded by an incredible array of 600-year-old trees. Marvel at bursts of colourful fungi and sculpture-like tangles of vines as you listen to bird calls and pass by waterfalls while on a suspension bridge.

It’s a perfect walking track in NSW for families and day trippers, and one of the most popular destinations in NSW.

Stay in a cabin, tiny home or on a camp site at Reflections Moonee Beach and drive inland for the day. It’s not every day you can enjoy the rainforests, waterfalls and then azure waters on white-sanded beaches all in one day.

Lennox Head to Ballina Walk in the Northern Rivers

The Lennox Head to Ballina walk is a 13-kilometre trail connecting these two seaside fishing towns. With gorgeous beaches, picturesque headlands, and bustling cafes at either end, it’s a popular pastime for friends spending a day outdoors.

The walk can be broken into sections or tackled as one longer trail. You can also do a guided Indigenous tour run by Kris – a local Nyangbal man of the Bundjalung nation who loves to share the fascinating stories, customs and history of his people.

Traverse headlands soaring 60 metres above the waves, making it a great spot to look for migrating whales. The walk also passes rivers, wetlands, secluded beaches and dune vegetation, offering the chance to see what makes the NSW coast so special.

Stay at Reflections Lennox Head or Reflections Shaws Bay – both waterfront pieces of paradise where you can turn your walk into a weekend getaway, and walk as much, or as little as you like.

Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk in the Snowy Mountains

Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk is the highest trail in Australia, reaching an altitude of 2,228 metres from the summit. To tackle this bucket-list hike, you’ll need to walk the 18.6-kilometre return loop from Charlotte Pass.

Ascend the steep mountain and be rewarded with swathes of native bushland, historic settler huts and beautiful rock formations. The best time to attempt this walk is from December to March, when the snow has melted, and the wildflowers are in full bloom.

At the summit there’s unbeatable 360-degree views as far as the eye can see, all the way to Rawson Pass, Mount Townsend and down into the Geehi Flats.

Murramarang South Coast Walk in the Batemans Bay area

The 34-kilometre multi-day Murramarang South Coast Walk will take you from Pretty Beach to Maloneys Beach.

Winding through forests, across clifftops, along beaches, and through Indigenous sites and past wildlife habitats, the walk can be done over three days –– and there’s eco-accommodation and camping sites along the way.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the South Coast, where striking rock platforms, secret bays, gumtree forests and clifftop trails are waiting to be explored. Stay on the lookout for native wildlife, including kangaroos and a plethora of birds.

If you’re looking for a broader coastal itinerary, Reflections Bermagui has cabins, stylish tiny homes and campsites so you can chill for a few days and explore more South Coast walks and attractions.

Tips for walkers exploring NSW

When embarking on any of these amazing walks, make sure you have the right equipment and clothing. Wear proper footwear, as even short tracks can be rugged and uneven, and take a hat and sunscreen, as even in winter the sun can be fierce.

Pack water, snacks and a backup charger for longer routes, and layers of clothing for colder nights.

Always respect local signage and trail closures, as they’re provided for your safety. Most importantly, check the track difficulty before setting out, and don’t attempt a trail beyond your capabilities. Work your way up to the longer, more challenging ones. Get your full packing list here

Start planning the hike of a lifetime

The best walks and trails in NSW offer more than just steps – they’re an awesome way to explore NSW’s coastlines, forests, cliffs and beaches, while lapping up the serenity of the great outdoors.

Whether you’re after a short coastal stroll or a multi-day hike, it’s fun to get outside and breathe in fresh air. NSW offers so many incredible walks, meaning you’re sure to find the right one for you. Check out our beginners guide to hiking here

Conquer a trail of your choice, kick those boots off and relax in comfort – there’s usually a Reflections Holiday Park not far from the trail’s head, with a hot shower, a meal by the camp fire, and a good night’s sleep awaiting.