Search bushwalks in New South Wales, Page 12

Environment

Bus

Starting across the car park on Lamington National Park Road, O’Reilly, this walk takes you to the Python Rock Lookout and back via the same-titled singular track, exploring the woodland of Lamington National Park along the way. Expect a peaceful and undemanding walk opening up to a lookout which provides you stunning views over southern Lamington, including Mount Razorback in the distance. The path up to the lookout is clear, shaded and quite suitable for kids. Allow time to take in the exceptional views, and maybe bring some snacks to have a scenic picnic in nature. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Python Rock Lookout

3 km return

45 min to 1 h 30 min

Environment

Castle Hill via the Goat Track

Castle Hill via the Goat Track

1.7 km return

45 min to 1 h 15 min

Starting from Hillside Crescent, Townsville, this walk takes you to the summit of Castle Hill and back via the Goat Track, which includes 1300 steps(one way). A great way to view the city of Townsville whilst getting in your daily cardio workout, this track features 360-degree views all over the hinterland and the coast. No matter how experienced you are, the sheer number of steps and the steepness are bound to make you feel your calves and quads. Although it’s demanding, the aforementioned views make this challenge quite worthwhile in the eyes of many. You’ll be able to see the Magnetic Island and beyond to the east as you catch your breath. Speaking of, a local legend says the American soldiers that were here during WWII offered to blow up the hill and use the debris to build a bridge all the way over to Magnetic Island. Keep in mind that you can also drive up to the summit and make this a one-way walk, if you arrange transport. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Starting from the car park on Sheoak Road, Crafers West, this walk takes you on a circuit within Belair National Park. The Adventure Loop Trail is the longest official trail in the park. As it descends into the valley, it then heads quite steeply up along a fire trail toward Yulti-Wirra Ridge for some great views over the area. This loop is suitable for walkers, trail runners, and mountain bikers. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Belair Adventure Loop

12.5 km circuit

3 h 45 min to 6 h

Belair Adventure Loop

Environment

Constitution Hill Circuit

Constitution Hill Circuit

5.7 km circuit

2 h to 3 h

Starting from the car park on Sir Samuel Griffith Drive(Tourist Dr. 7), Mt. Coot-tha, this walk takes you on a circuit around the Constitution Hill via the Honeyeater, Scorpion and Litchfield tracks. Enjoy this all-around hike as you go through the varying scenic woodland looking over western Brisbane. You’re likely to come across interesting wildflowers such as the Christmas Bells and White Honeysuckle. A nice, peaceful outing in nature featuring possible monitor lizard sightings along with other animals. Notice the change in vegetation as you pivot around the hill. The tracks are mostly wide and provide good cover from the sun, making this track somewhat suitable for running. You’ll get a good leg and hip workout if you decide to do so, but try to avoid midday to have a better experience. Don’t forget to visit the Mount Coot-tha summit as there are many amenities including an exceptionally scenic restaurant that you can watch the city of Brisbane from. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Pets

Environment

Starting from the David Brayshaws Hut off Boboyan Road, Mount Clear, this walk takes you on a circuit near the southern border of Namadgi National Park, visiting 3 historic huts in the process. David Brayshaws Hut will be your first stop on this journey, which was built in 1903 by Edward Brayshaw for grazing purposes. It was the home of Davey Brayshaw, who lived here until the end of his life(1931). Shortly after came Henry and Iris Curtis, working timber and fibro in the early 1930s. The hut was comprehensively renovated in the late 1980s. After visiting the first hut on the journey, you’ll leave the rural area and head into the eucalypt woodland along the track. You may come across kangaroos and wallabies throughout the hike, but you have to be stealthy to take close-up pictures as they’re not used to walkers. As you make it out of the forest and past the creek, the historic Waterhole Hut will appear in the distance. It has some old sheep yards and horse stalls nearby for you to explore. From here, the track meanders along Grassy Creek towards the Westermans Homestead. Known for its nostalgic bargeboards and stone chimneys, this hut was built in 1916 by Bruce Jeffrey. Two family members of the Westermans are buried up the hill. Keep an eye out for the Octopus Stinkhorn, a fungus that looks like an upside-down octopus(hence the name) with red tentacles. As a ‘plus’, it smells like cow dung. If you decide to come here in summer, cover yourself well and bring an insect repellent to be protected from the relentless flies. In winter on the other hand, remember to check the forecast to be safe against storms and drastic temperature drops. Expect to get wet feet in some areas around the walk regardless of the season, so an extra pair of socks or waterproof boots may come in handy. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

The Settlers Loop

9.2 km circuit

2 h 30 min to 4 h

Environment

Following the service trails, this track covers many of the major walking tracks on Botany Bay's south side. Thick eucalypts and ferns surround the trail and there are great views from the Yena Picnic Area - a good place to break, (although it lacks shade). This walk is a nice way to explore a fair bit of the park. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Muru and Yena Tracks

2.6 km circuit

1 h to 1 h 30 min

Cafe

Environment

Bus

Burning Palms Loop from Garawarra

Burning Palms Loop from Garawarra

8.3 km circuit

3 h 15 min to 3 h 30 min

8.3 km

Circuit

Walk

3 h 15 min to 3 h 30 min

This walk explores a variety of environments through the Royal National Park. From the old Garawarra farm, the walk heads along the Squeeze Way then down a ridge to Burning Palms. There is an optional side trip out to Figure Eight pools. Burning Palms offers a nice beach and a great place to rest. From the beach the walk heads back up to Garawarra via an open grassy ridge, then through a nice shady forest track. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Starting from the Penguin Island Jetty off Arcadia Drive, Rockingham, this walk explores Penguin Island via the Penguin Island Boardwalk and Walk Trail. Surrounded by crystal clear waters and blessed with sparkling white sandy beaches, Penguin Island lies in the heart of the spectacular Shoalwater Islands Marine Park and is reachable by a short ferry ride from the mainland. When the ferry arrives, there is a boardwalk, short jetty and ramp to access the ferry, making it suitable for prams/strollers and fully wheelchair accessible. Home to a host of wildlife, including the world's smallest penguins, this island offers a plethora of activities that can take visitors closer to the marine animals. The natural resources of the area are important both educationally and scientifically, along with the wildlife. Penguin Island also has a fascinating history, and there are many plaques that give insight and facts into the history of the island and its inhabitants. Take your time to swim, snorkel, picnic and explore the nature trails and beaches before catching a return ferry at your leisure. It's also possible to walk to Penguin Island from the beach at Shoalwater Bay along the sandbar, although this is not recommended due to changing tide and ocean conditions. When making your way around the island, it's important to stay on the boardwalks or beaches to ensure that the vegetation, birds nests and penguin burrows are not disturbed. Penguin Island closes for the winter penguin nesting season, the day after the WA public holiday. Rockingham Wild Encounters --which offers guided walks-- is not affected by this closure. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Penguin Island

1 km return

30 min to 45 min

Environment

Mt Kuring-gai to Calna Creek

Mt Kuring-gai to Calna Creek

9.4 km return

3 h 15 min to 4 h

From the ridge above Berowra Creek, this walk goes steeply down into the valley following Calna Creek. The narrow bush track section is quite beautiful with plenty of small creek crossings and sandstone overhangs. The grasslands section, just before coming to the junction of Calna and Berowra Creeks, is also very pretty. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Caves

Waterfall

Environment

5 h 30 min, 8 h to 2 days

The Castle

12.9 km return

5 h 30 min, 8 h to 2 days

Starting from the Long Gully Carpark just off Long Gully Road, Yadboro, this walk leads to the summit of The Castle and back via the Castle Walking Track. This challenging walk provides spectacular views of the surrounding cliffs and plateaus in the Budawang Ranges. Starting in the rainforest, the hike ascends into dryer forest, then skirts the western edge of the Castle's lower walls with views of Mount Nibelung and Mount Owen. Heading up along cliffs, the hike climbs high above ancient forest before arriving at the large plateau of the Castle. Make sure you walk to the southern end for the best views of Byangee Walls. While the total distance is not significant, the climb of nearly 800m is capped by a series of exposed scrambles near the summit. Tracks, in general, are not signposted, and except for a few arrows that are scratched into rocks, navigation may be challenging. The trail is technical and diverse across varied terrain, with challenging rock scrambles and several rope sections toward the summit that aren't for the faint-hearted or inexperienced. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Caves

Environment

Starting from LaTrobe Parade Car Park, Dromana, this circuit walk heads south crossing the Bunurong Track. The uphill start will get your heart racing. Take a side trip to Ministers Lookout to take a breather before continuing. There's plenty of wildlife to see and beautiful coastal views to enjoy. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Two Bays Walking Track

10.1 km circuit

3 h 30 min to 5 h

Two Bays Walking Track

Environment

Starting at Bark Hut this walk in Mount Kaputar National Park takes you on a circuit bushwalk, stopping at lookouts to get great views of the area and observe birds and fauna. If you get there with two cars, park one at Bark Hut and spare yourself the 2 km road bash, but there is another lookout on the road. Let us begin by acknowledging the Kamilaroi people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Kaputar Plateau Walk

7.6 km circuit

2 h 30 min to 4 h

Environment

This walk (or mountain bike ride) follows the Dargals Trail from near the Tooma Reservoir spillway to Paton's Hut. Most of this walk is through tall eucalypt forest before heading down to the edge of the Tooma Plain to find Paton's Hut. The iron hut was originally built in 1934 for grazing and was rebuilt in 2005, after the 2003 fires. The hut provides a great place to camp overnight or just rest before walking back. Let us begin by acknowledging the Wiradjuri people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Environment

Paton's Hut

5.6 km return

2 h, 4 h to 2 days

0 Let us begin by acknowledging the Anangu people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Liru walk

4.4 km return

1 h to 1 h 45 min

Heritage

Environment