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The Monolith & Lake Catani Loop Walk

The Monolith & Lake Catani Loop Walk

9 km circuit

2 h 45 min to 4 h 30 min

9 km

Circuit

Walk

2 h 45 min to 4 h 30 min

Run

1 h 15 min to 2 h 15 min

Starting near the Gorge Car park on Chalet Road, this walk leads first to The Monolith, then loops around Lake Catani via the Gorge - Lake Catani Track. You'll be welcomed by the colossal balancing rock as you make your way to the top. Take your time to enjoy the spectacular 360-degree views of the plateau. Continue along a well-marked trail to Lake Catani, an idyllic spot surrounded by alpine ash and snow gum forests where there are plenty of pretty picnic nooks and wildlife to be spotted. In summer, you can hire a kayak and glide atop the pristine waters of Lake Catani or enjoy a swim to escape the heat. 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

Swim

Environment

Starting from the car park at the end of Glow Worm Tunnel Road, Newnes Plateau, this walk takes you on a circuit around the Wolgan Valley section of Wollemi National Park via the Glow Worm Tunnel Track, Old Coach Road and the Pagoda Track. This moderately challenging loop winds its way around the southwestern section of Wollemi National Park, above the Wolgan Valley, passing through lush rainforests, tree fern gullies and impressive rock formations, offering panoramic valley views along the way. The main highlight is the Glow Worm Tunnel, a 400m-long former railway tunnel inhabited by thousands of bioluminescent glow worms, which are highly sensitive to habitat disturbance and best seen in the curved tunnel's midsection. The walk begins along the Glow Worm Tunnel Track, crossing a footbridge over Tunnel Creek before reaching a junction with the Pagoda Track, then follows the creek to the Glow Worm Tunnel. After emerging from the tunnel, the track enters a rainforest section surrounded by tree ferns and high cliff walls, then veers away from the creek, offering sweeping views across the Wolgan Valley. Eventually, the track joins the Old Coach Road, climbing gently through dry eucalypt forest along the cliffside, then continues along the Pagoda Track before returning to the car park. This loop consists of wide and narrow walking trails and fire tracks, with uneven natural surfaces, compacted natural surfaces, creek crossings, short steep hills and steps. Suitable for moderate 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

Wolgan Valley Circuit

9.1 km circuit

2 h 30 min to 3 h 30 min

Wolgan Valley Circuit

9.1 km

Circuit

Walk

2 h 30 min to 3 h 30 min

Run

1 h 15 min to 1 h 45 min

Environment

Charles Darwin, National Pass and Nature Track walk

Charles Darwin, National Pass and Nature Track walk

9.1 km circuit

5 h to 6 h 30 min

This is a wonderful circuit walk that starting at Wentworth Falls Train Station. You kick off with a lovely stroll down Charles Darwin walk to Weeping Rock where you soon come to Queen's Cascades and the wonderful views in to the valley. Now we walk partway down the cliff on the Grand Stairway to follow the Historic National Pass exploring more amazing views and then some wonderful waterfalls on the way out of the Valley Of the Waters. Before following the Nature Track back towards the station there is a optional side trip to Conservation Hut if you want a lovely cafe lunch. This walk has a lot of steps so you do need to be fairly fit to enjoy it. 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

Waterfall

Environment

Larapinta Trail, S10: Ormiston Gorge to Finke River

Larapinta Trail, S10: Ormiston Gorge to Finke River

9.1 km oneway

3 h to 4 h

Starting from the car park at the end of Ormiston Gorge Access Road, Mount Zeil, this walk takes you to the Finke River via the Larapinta Trail (Section 10), visiting Hilltop Lookout along the way. This is the tenth section of the 223km long Larapinta Trail. This is the shortest section of the Larapinta which is quite undemanding, yet it lacks nothing in the aspect of view. From the Hilltop Lookout and throughout the walk, you’ll have exceptional views of Mount Sonder. Remember to cool off in the welcoming waters of the Ormiston Gorge Waterhole as well. There are multiple creek and river crossings but these will usually feel like you’re walking on a beach with soft sand as the creeks are typically dry. Look out for the veteran red gum trees along the river/creek beds. There aren’t any designated campsites midway, but the campsites at both trailheads have water, shelter and toilets. Keep in mind that there is no vehicle access to the Finke River trailhead. Let us begin by acknowledging the Arrernte people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Swim

Environment

Botany Bay Discovery Centre to Cape Baily

Botany Bay Discovery Centre to Cape Baily

9.1 km return

2 h 45 min to 3 h

This walk explores the heath and the great views between the Visitor Center and Cape Baily Lighthouse. The walk follows a mixture of service trails, bush tracks, rock platforms and sand dunes, as it makes it's way through the park. You will discover expansive views of the park and out to sea. There are even the occasional glimpses of the city. 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

Bus

Sturt Gorge River Trail(One-Way)

Sturt Gorge River Trail(One-Way)

9.1 km oneway

3 h to 4 h 30 min

1 h 30 min to 2 h 15 min

Starting from the end of Edgar Street, Bedford Park, this walk traverses the entire length of Sturt Gorge Recreation Park via the River Trail, taking in the rugged beauty of the gorge while passing through a variety of vegetation communities. The trails and junctions are fully signposted, and there are map boards at the trailheads. Learn about the old stone Horners Bridge. This is quite an adventurous walk, with numerous river crossings and some rock scrambling. After rain, expect the river to be higher, and the stepping-stones across the river crossings may become submerged. 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

6 h 30 min, 9 h to 2 days

The Stinson Wreckage

9.1 km return

6 h 30 min, 9 h to 2 days

Starting from Christmas Creek Road, Lamington, this return hike takes you to the Stinson Crash Site, visiting Westray’s Grave midway through. The walk also features lots of creek crossings along with a couple of waterfalls, and involves a decent amount of rock scrambling/hopping. In February 1937 a Stinson Model A airliner disappeared after taking off from Brisbane. It had set course for Sydney, but was nowhere to be found as the people of Australia remained shocked. The news made it to Lamington after a week, and Herb O'Reilly told his brother Bernard about it, along with where he thought it could be. Bernard climbed to the summit of Mount Throakban after spending a long night in the dense rainforest, and luckily spotted a burnt tree in the distance. He hastily made his way to the area in 3 hours, and heard a ‘Cooee’(a shout originated in Australia to attract attention) that alarmed him. He found Joe Binstead and John Proud, surprisingly alive after 10 days of being stranded. Four other men were there, lying dead on the ground. The surviving two told Bernard that Jim Westray - the englishman which was also on the plane with them - had gone to get help. Bernard left the men to seek aid. As he was making his way along Christmas Creek, he unfortunately found James Guthrie Westray’s lifeless body. He had fallen over a waterfall. He was buried by Christmas Creek, and the memorial commemorating him is still there to this day. Explore the gorgeous scenery as you delve into the saddening story of these people. The journey may be challenging, but the experience is well worth the hassle. Keep in mind that you can stay at the campsite near the wreckage and make this a multiday hike. Grippy trekking shoes are a must. Long sleeves and pants may also come in handy, as the track can be overgrown in parts. 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

Brandy Flat Hut from South

Brandy Flat Hut from South

9.1 km return

3 h 15 min to 5 h

Starting from the car park off Boboyan Road, Booth, this walk takes you to the Brandy Flat Hut and back via mostly a fire trail. Located in Namadgi National Park, this cosy little hut is one of the best alpine huts in ACT and sits beautifully in nature. Equipped with a fireplace and a toilet nearby, it surely is a convenient stop. You’ll probably spot lots of kangaroos and other wildlife as you go up and down the hills of Namadgi. And if by any chance you’re there on a foggy day, the walk transforms to a mysterious challenging adventure through nature. Just make sure you stay on the fire trail till the fog dissolves. Keep in mind that you have the option to make this a one-way trip as the fire trail is also accessible by motor vehicles. A 4WD vehicle is recommended. 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

Molonglo River Circuit, Weston Creek Pond

Molonglo River Circuit, Weston Creek Pond

9.1 km circuit

2 h 15 min to 4 h

Starting from the car park at the end of Kirkpatrick Street, Weston, this walk follows the Molonglo River all the way to Scrivener Dam, then loops back from the other side of the river. If you like being near water, this is definitely the walk for you. Enjoy the refreshing air around the ponds and the river while you get to know the surrounding districts. With undulating tracks and plenty of picnic spots, this can make for a great walk with the family. You might be lucky enough to experience the strong flow of water as it gushes out of the dam fiercely. Check the forecast beforehand to avoid dangerous situations due to heavy rainfall. 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

Urban

Starting from the Aroona Campground at the end of Aroona Valley Road, Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, this walk takes you to Red Hill Lookout and back via the Bulls Gap Track. One of South Australia's most popular tourist destinations, Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park is home to ancient rugged mountain ranges, dramatic gorges, peaceful tree-lined creeks and abundant wildlife. This moderately challenging walk initially follows a section of the Heysen Trail, then branches off and crosses Yuluna Creek before climbing to the lookout at the top of Red Hill, which offers spectacular views of the Aroona Valley, the Heysen Range and the ABC Range, with the peaks of Wilpena Pound in the distance to the south. The walk begins from the Aroona Campground, which is suitable for tents, caravans, camper vans and camper trailers and has toilets and fire pits. This walk consists of narrow walking trails and fire tracks, with uneven natural surfaces, compacted natural surfaces, steep hills and creek crossings, suitable for moderate 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

Red Hill Lookout

9.2 km return

2 h to 3 h

Environment

Nature's Window and The Loop Trail

Nature's Window and The Loop Trail

9.2 km circuit

2 h 30 min to 4 h

Starting from The Loop car park at the end of Loop Access Road, Kalbarri National Park, this circuit walk takes you past Nature's Window and along the Murchison River via The Loop Trail. Enjoy the view over the river through the stunning rock formation, then continue along the path across ridges and gorges. The track is challenging to follow at times, with markers becoming few and far between and situated on different elevations in parts. In summer, it can get extremely hot on the walk, so rather choose cooler 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

Swim

Environment

Starting from Square Rock Car Park, Paddys River, this walk goes through the woodlands of Namadgi National Park to Square Rock and back, passing by Smokers Flat along the way. When you make it to the top, prepare to be dazzled by the colossal rock formations and amazing views over Paddys River region. This walk is particularly gorgeous when snowing, with the chance of seeing beautiful wildflowers pierce through the white blanket. That being said, the cliffs are not fenced so be careful throughout the track. Additionally, the phone signal is close to non-existent, so plan accordingly. 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

Square Rock Track

9.2 km return

2 h 45 min to 4 h 30 min

2 h 45 min to 4 h 30 min

Environment

Starting from the car park at the end of Arkaroo Rock Road, Upalinna, this circuit walk leads past Arkaroo Rock via the Arkaroo Rock Walking Track. For a fascinating Aboriginal cultural experience, enjoy this entertaining and informative walk. It takes you to the cave Arkaroo Rock, full of Aboriginal paintings. A fence protects rock art, but camera lenses can easily fit through it. There are seats along the way where you can take a break and enjoy the views. There is clear signage throughout the trail, as well as interpretive signage at the car park trailhead. Sturdy shoes are recommended, as some sections are very rocky. 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

Arkaroo Rock Circuit

9.2 km circuit

2 h 45 min to 4 h 30 min

2 h 45 min to 4 h 30 min

Environment

Spit Bridge to Manly (Manly Scenic Walkway)

Spit Bridge to Manly (Manly Scenic Walkway)

9.2 km oneway

3 h 15 min to 3 h 45 min

9.2 km

Oneway

Walk

3 h 15 min to 3 h 45 min

The Spit to Manly walk is a classic bushwalk on Sydney's Northern Beaches. The walk follows a well-maintained track and provides beautiful views over Middle Harbour. This walk is great for those looking for exercise or just a stroll along the shoreline of Sydney Harbour. If you have time, the sidetrips down to Grotto Point and up to Arabanoo Lookout are definitely worth the effort. There are also a few places to get a bite to eat 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

Environment