Search bushwalks in Greater Sydney Region, Page 121

Environment

The Cathedral Circuit, Cathedral Range State Park, starts near the Cooks Mill Campground, Taggerty, looping around the Cathedral Range via the Little River Track. Explore the Cathedral Range on this walk through the rocky mountains, visiting Cathedral Peak, South Jawbone Peak and Sugarloaf Peak. There are views of the surrounding landscape all along the way, which are especially stunning from the peaks. This circuit is very challenging, having steep rocky ascents and descents throughout. It can also be split into two days, which is a popular option among less experienced hikers. Some scrubs you have to brush through are quite prickly, and protective gear may help. 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

Cathedral Circuit

17.4 km circuit

6 h 30 min to 9 h 30 min

6 h 30 min to 9 h 30 min

Run

3 h 30 min to 5 h 30 min

Caves

Environment

A fantastic return walk with stunning views, this track leads along the Fortress Ridge, out to the cliffs above the Grose Valley. The views from the lookout and along the trail are superb, with the sheer cliffs and a deep valley to put it all in perspective. The track is popular with canyoners, who use it to access Fortress Canyon. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharug & Gundungurra people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Fortress Ridge Trail

7.4 km return

2 h 45 min to 3 h

Environment

Starting from the car park at the end of Lookout Road, Wallaman, this walk takes you to the Djyinda Lookout and the base of the Wallaman Falls via the Djyinda Walk track, visiting Herbert River Lookout along the way. With its 268 metre drop into a 20 metre deep rock pool, Wallaman Falls is the tallest single-drop waterfall in Australia. From the Wallaman Falls Lookout near the start, you’ll get a truly exceptional view of this huge waterfall. With the big vertical rock face and green scenery around it, the fall looks like a high-definition desktop background. After taking in that view, you’ll be heading down to the base of the waterfall via a narrow and steep track. Lift your head up every once in a while to have a chance to see rainbows from different angles. When you get to the base, the sheer size of the waterfall will surely dazzle you as the refreshing water spray cools you off. Swimming is not recommended due to falling rocks/boulders from the top. Take care around the base of the waterfall as the wet rocks can be extremely slippery, and try to avoid this hike after rain to be safe. Keep an eye out for snakes in warmer months. 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

Wallaman Falls

2.3 km return

1 h to 1 h 30 min

Waterfall

Environment

Starting from the car park at the end of Standley Chasm Road, Hugh, this walk takes you into the Standley Chasm and back partially via the Larapinta Trail Section 3, exploring the creek bed and vertical rock faces along the way. It goes without saying that the best time to do this walk is around noon, where the chasm is hit by the sunlight just right and create epic red/orange views that’ll warm you up inside. The 3-metre wide chasm is also known as ‘Angkerle Atwatye’, which means ‘Gap of Water’. You can run across multiple bird species, wallabies and lizards as you make your way through the creek bed. Keep in mind that you need to buy tickets from the kiosk for access. Wear grippy shoes as it is a little bit rocky underfoot. 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

Standley Chasm

2.1 km return

45 min to 1 h

Cafe

Environment

Starting from Booloumba Creek Day Use Area, Kenilworth, this walk takes you to the Strangler Cairn and back via the Conondale Range Great Walk Track, optionally visiting a barred up abandoned gold mine entrance along the way. A granite cairn made by renowned artist Andy Goldsworthy that has a strangler fig sapling planted on top of it, the Strangler Cairn stands 4 metres tall. With its strong way of construction, it’s believed that the structure will be able to withstand the crushing power of the fig encaging it. If it stays intact as predicted, this unique work of art will be of exceptional value to future generations. The subtropical rainforest mixed with wet sclerophyll forest is home to plenty of interesting wildlife such as goannas of different sizes. Keep an eye out for snakes as well. Depending on the weather and track conditions, you may need to park your vehicle 2-3 kilometres up north and cross Booloumba Creek twice on foot unless you have a 4WD vehicle with good clearance. 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.

Environment

The Strangler Cairn

5.1 km return

1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min

1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min

Mount Allan from Booloumba Creek Day Use Area

Mount Allan from Booloumba Creek Day Use Area

9.8 km return

4 h to 6 h

2 h 30 min to 3 h 30 min

Starting from Booloumba Creek Day Use Area, Kenilworth, this walk takes you to the summit of Mount Allan and back via the Conondale Range Great Walk Track, exploring the woodland of Conondale NP. The fire tower atop the summit provides you with lovely 360 views over the land, which makes this a great spot to watch the sunset. Notice the vegetation change as you ascend, with interesting fungi and strangler figs sprinkled throughout the track. The track is well-defined and signposted, with switchbacks to reduce the steepness. Nonetheless, it gets the heart pumping and gives you a good leg workout. Take plenty of water, especially on a hot and humid day. Depending on the weather and track conditions, you may need to park your vehicle 2-3 kilometres up north and cross Booloumba Creek twice on foot unless you have a 4WD vehicle with good clearance. 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

Thilba Thalba to Mapleton Cemetery

Thilba Thalba to Mapleton Cemetery

14.9 km oneway

9 h to 11 h

Starting from Thilba Thalba walkers’ camp, Gheerulla, this walk takes you to the Mapleton Cemetery (Delicia Road) via the fourth and last section of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk, visiting Gheerulla Falls and Ubajee viewpoint along the way. You’ll be met by exceptional views of Gheerulla Valley and the surrounding mountains as you walk out of Thilba Thalba. Take your time, enjoy the scenery and listen to the birds chirping by the water. Keep an eye out for signs of logging along the track and learn more about the history of the area. Both campsites have toilet facilities, although booking in advance is recommended. Look out for snakes and goannas. The creek can get dangerous after/during rainfall, so try to avoid those conditions. 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

Gawler Ranges Organ Pipes

1.1 km return

30 min to 45 min

Gawler Ranges Organ Pipes

Starting from the Organ Pipes car park off Yardea Road, Gawler Ranges National Park, this walk takes you to the Organ Pipes and back via the Organ Pipes Walk. Known for its spectacular rock formations, Gawler Ranges National Park is home to the magnificent Organ Pipes, formed over 1.5 billion years ago as a result of volcanic eruptions, and is rich in Aboriginal and pastoral heritage. The park's weathered landscape, characterised by jutting rhyolite pillars and large granite domes, is teeming with wildlife and protects several rare and endangered plant and animal species, including crimson mallee and the yellow-footed rock-wallaby. This short walk meanders through open eucalypt woodland to the Organ Pipes, a stunning natural amphitheatre surrounded by an ancient rhyolite outcrop. The walk begins near the Yandinga and Scrubby Peak campgrounds, which are suitable for tents, caravans, camper vans and camper trailers and have toilets and fire pits. This walk consists of narrow, gently undulating walking trails, with uneven natural surfaces and rocky sections, suitable for average fitness levels. 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

Great North Walk: Patonga to Wondabyne Station via Mt Wondabyne

Great North Walk: Patonga to Wondabyne Station via Mt Wondabyne

19.2 km oneway

7 h to 7 h 30 min

This walk explores some grand views, pleasant cascades, varied bushland and remote areas of Brisbane Waters National Park. From Patonga you will walk up the ridge and take a short side trip to enjoy the wonderful views from Warrah Lookout, before following a series of dirt roads and management trails to Patonga Creek in the heart of the national park. The walk then leads along a mix of trails and tracks mostly passing Mt Wondabyne, a worthwhile side trip, before crossing a few gullies with cool creeks and cascades. Past Myron Brook you will walk back down the waters edge at the remote and unique Wondabyne Train Station. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darkinjung & Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Blue Tiles Walking Trail (Molonglo Gorge)

Blue Tiles Walking Trail (Molonglo Gorge)

6.5 km return

2 h to 3 h 15 min

The Blue Tiles Walking Trail (Molonglo Gorge), located in Molonglo Gorge Nature Reserve, starts from Molonglo Gorge Road exploring the riverside to the picnic area near the crossing of Blue Tiles Road and River Road. The track follows the river all the way through, so you’ll be accompanied by the relaxing sound of the stream throughout the journey. A fellow train may also pass by and add to your experience as the track is opposite of the railways across the river. Ending in a picnic area with a lovely view of nature, freshly sprouted wildflowers can be a nice little surprise for the hikers visiting in spring. Beware of the rocky & narrow start and the steep declines as it can be challenging for some. Additionally, there might be a weed spraying in progress so refrain from eating anything you find along the way. 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

Spectacles Aboriginal Heritage Loop

Spectacles Aboriginal Heritage Loop

5.5 km circuit

1 h 30 min to 3 h

Starting from the car park on McLaughlan Road, The Spectacles, this walk takes you on a circuit around The Spectacles Wetlands. This is one of the two walks in the area, and it traverses through the wetland. You can enjoy the views the wetland provides you as you walk in between the bush settings and boardwalks, reading the informative signs about the Aboriginal Heritage (Nyoongar people). The area also hosts a variety of birdlife, and the flora is also diverse with wildflowers and fungi such as eucalyptus, wattle and paperbark trees. You might want to visit the area after some rain for a better experience. Additionally, dogs are allowed in the park considering they are on a leash. Let us begin by acknowledging the Nyoongar people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Pets

Environment

Mount Anne Circuit in Tasmania is a very hard, but also very rewarding walk. It is only suitable for very experienced and well equipped walkers that are self-sufficient. The walk starts from Scotts Peak Road and takes in many of the peaks in the area, Mount Anne ( the highest peak in Southwest National Park) being the main one. To make this walk a circuit you either walk or drive along Scotts Peak Road to the start of the walk. Let us begin by acknowledging the Palawa people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Mount Anne Circuit

22.5 km oneway

3 days to 5 days

Environment

Mount Schank Crater Rim Walk

Mount Schank Crater Rim Walk

2.4 km circuit

45 min to 1 h

Starting from the Mount Schank car park and picnic area off Mountain Path Road, Mount Schank State Heritage Area, this walk takes you on a circuit around the rim of Mount Schank via the Mount Schank Walking Trail. Generally regarded as Australia's youngest volcano, Mount Schank is a striking landscape feature south of Mount Gambier, rising approximately 100 metres above the coastal plain. Mount Schank's cone-shaped landform is a rare South Australian example of volcanic activity in recent geological time, with its original eruption taking place around 4,500 years ago, witnessed by local Bungandidj Aboriginal people. This hike climbs steeply up the dormant volcano, following a stone path built with locally sourced limestone, leading to a lookout point with panoramic views into the crater and across the surrounding countryside. From there, walkers can follow a rugged trail that circles the entire crater rim, passing an optional side-trip to the crater's lowest point. This loop consists of stone paths and narrow walking trails, with some short steep hills, exposed ledges and uneven natural surfaces, suitable for average fitness levels. Dogs are allowed on leash. 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 Sensation Beach Campground on the Misery Track, Coffin Bay National Park, this walk takes you to the coastline of Boarding House Bay and back via the Boarding House Bay Hike. This hike starts from the trailhead at the Sensation Beach Campground, which is accessible only by 4WD through Coffin Bay National Park, and follows old vehicle tracks through the spectacular landscape of the Whidbey Wilderness Area. The trail passes through coastal heath, samphire flats and mallee woodlands before reaching the rugged coastline of Boarding House Bay, which offers stunning views of cliffs, beaches and offshore reefs. From there, walkers can return via the same route or continue along the coastline to the southern headland, which offers excellent views of Point Whidbey. Swimming along this coast isn't advisable due to persistent waves, rocks, reefs and strong rips. This walk consists of gently undulating fire tracks, with some uneven natural surfaces, suitable for average fitness levels. 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

Boarding House Bay

21.5 km return

6 h to 8 h

Birdwatching

Environment