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Starting near the Sassafras Mechanics Institute Hall, on Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Sassafras, this walk leads to Baynes Park and back via the Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track. Passing through cool temperate rainforest and gullies filled with ferns and eucalyptus trees, this walk allows you to appreciate nature in a peaceful and calm manner. Sassafras Creek is a constant companion on this walk, whether you are walking beside it or crossing over it. At all times, you are relatively close to the road, but the faint hum of traffic in the background doesn't spoil the walk. Road crossings are required at several points, and there are orange markers to guide you. There are also several creek crossings and boardwalks along the way. This walk is suited for people of average fitness levels. It can be tackled from either direction, done as a whole or divided into smaller sections. Dogs are allowed on-lead on this track. 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

3 h 30 min to 5 h 30 min

Run

1 h 45 min to 2 h 45 min

Pets

Environment

Urban

Bus

Northbrook Mountain via Lawton Road

Northbrook Mountain via Lawton Road

11.5 km return

4 h, 6 h 30 min to 2 days

11.5 km

Return

4 h, 6 h 30 min to 2 days

Run

2 h 30 min to 3 h 45 min

Starting from Mt. Glorious Road, Mount Glorious, this return walk takes you to the summit of Northbrook mountain via the Lawton Road(fire trail), visiting Northbrook Mt. Bush Camp along the way. You may huff and puff along the track and maybe think that this was a waste of time and energy, but those thoughts will leave their place to pure satisfaction as you reach the lookout at the top. Expect to see literally hundreds of kilometres over the gorgeous set of mountains covered with dense forests. As you might’ve guessed, this spot makes for some incredible sunsets as well. The campsite near the summit is also a delight, a place where you can peacefully spend the night. You’ll be able to see plenty of wildlife including some interesting bird species such as the eastern whipbird and pitch-black drongos. The birdsong throughout the track only implies there are much more species out there for you to see. If you choose to stay at the campsite, make sure you prepare accordingly as the site doesn’t have toilets or water. Keep an eye out for snakes. 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 Angorichina Village car park on Parachilna Gorge Road, Alpana, this walk takes you to the Blinman Pools and back via the Blinman Pools Walking Trail. Located in a rocky creek bed at the foothills of the Flinders Ranges, the Blinman Pools are beautiful natural pools that have been popular picnic spots since the 1800s. This moderately challenging walk follows the Parachilna and Blinman creeks as they wind through the rugged landscape, forming pools surrounded by aquatic plants below small waterfalls, with sheer cliffs providing a spectacular backdrop. From a small information shelter, the trail descends into Parachilna Gorge behind the village, passing abandoned ruins of settler dugouts and crossing several footbridges along the creek bed, with towering red river gums providing shade along the way. The two spring-fed creeks keep the first pool filled with water all year round, while the second pool is often low in summer but fills up after heavy rains. After spending some time enjoying the pools, walkers can head back along the same route. This walk mostly follows a rocky creek bed, with no formal track, some gentle hills, creek crossings and uneven rocky terrain, 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

Blinman Pools Walk

11.6 km return

3 h to 5 h

Environment

Starting from the Halls Gap Picnic Reserve on School Road, Halls Gap, this walk leads to the scenic Boroka Lookout and back via the Boroka Track. This walk starts by following Stony Creek on a narrow trail, then ascends along the side of Mt Difficult Range. There are unrivalled views over the Halls Gap valley, Mt William and Wonderland ranges, the farmland plains, the distant Lake Bellfield from the lookout. Go early to see the sunrise set the rugged landscape ablaze with shades of gold, crimson and bronze. There are a few picnic grounds near the lookout with toilet facilities, car parks and water stations. This is a challenging but highly rewarding walk, with a 600m climb that pays off the effort with its amazing views. 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

Boroka Lookout Track

11.6 km return

5 h to 7 h

Environment

Mt Majura to Mt Ainslie Circuit

Mt Majura to Mt Ainslie Circuit

11.6 km circuit

4 h to 6 h

Mt Majura to Mt Ainslie Circuit starts near MacKenzie Street, Hackett, explores the woodlands of Mount Majura Nature Reserve all the way to the summit of Mt. Majura, then guides you to the summit of Mt. Ainslie to then loop back to the start. You’ll feel like you’ve found a secret communications base after you make it to the top of Mt. Majura. The summit of Mt. Ainslie on the other hand welcomes you with its iconic view of the Australian War Memorial and beyond, angled in such a way that you can try to fool your friends with a well-taken selfie, saying that you’re in Washington D.C. Even if they don’t bite the bait, you’re going home with two summits made in one hike under your belt. The kangaroos and black cockatoos you may run into along the trail can be the icing on the cake. Be mindful that there are unexploded ordnance on the eastern side of the Nature Reserve, so stay on track to be safe. 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 end of Euodia Close, Barron Gorge, this circuit walk takes you to the Glacier Rock Lookout, then loops back to the start via Douglas, Gandal wandun and Smiths tracks. Crossing Stoney Creek multiple times, you’ll also visit Toby’s Lookout along the way. The panoramic view from the Glacier Rock Lookout will let you see almost all over Cairns. As you make your way through the dense rainforest, slow down and observe your surroundings to see how interesting the flora and fauna is. You’ll have a chance to see a cassowary, so keep an eye out for its droppings(feces). Echidnas and parrots reside in the area as well. If the timing is right, you’ll hear the rumble of the train and have the opportunity to catch some good frames. Don’t forget to bring swimmers so you can cool off in Stoney Creek after the hike. Try not to attempt the hike after/during rainfall, and bring hiking poles to relieve significant pressure from your knees. The area may be busy on weekends, so schedule for a weekday to avoid the crowd. 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

Glacier Rock Circuit

11.7 km circuit

4 h 30 min to 6 h 30 min

4 h 30 min to 6 h 30 min

Swim

Environment

Mount Crawford Forest Reserve Circuit

Mount Crawford Forest Reserve Circuit

11.7 km circuit

3 h to 5 h

1 h 15 min to 2 h 30 min

Starting near Chalk's Campground on Forest Road, Cromer, this walk takes you on a circuit within Mount Crawford Forest Reserve. This circuit walk takes you through the native and plantation forests around Mount Crawford. Keep a lookout for kangaroos, emus and colorful fungi along the way, and enjoy the beautiful sounds of birds singing. During spring months, there's an abundance of wildflowers along the trail. The terrain undulates gently, and the route consists of wide fire tracks and walking trails. There is clear signage throughout, and there's a boardwalk section along the creek toward the end. 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 Yellow Pinch Carpark on Upper Logan Road, Mount Barney, this return walk takes you to the Cronan Creek Falls and swimming hole, passing by two campsites along the way. Expect a secluded little swimming hole in a beautiful rainforest setting. Continue along the creekbed to find the hidden waterfall that is best viewed after decent rainfall. The interchanging vegetation is home to many wild animals, from House(Red) Finches and butterflies to wallabies and lace monitors. You’ll also be able to view Mt Lindesay and Mt Barney from the start. Keep in mind that recent rains can raise the water level and up the difficulty of the track. 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

Cronan Creek Falls

11.7 km return

2 h 30 min to 4 h

Environment

Starting from the Flaxton walkers’ camp in Kondalilla National Park, this walk takes you to the Ubajee campsite via the second section of the Sunshine Hinterland Great Walk, visiting Baxter and Mapleton Falls along the way. Get ready for a cool trip in the rainforest with heaps of canopy to shelter you from the sun on a hot summer day. Combined with the classic bushland parts, this diversity of fauna is favoured by many hikers. Both waterfalls have swimming holes that you can cool off in, but Baxter Falls is relatively more secluded than Mapleton. Speaking of, you can avoid the crowds by coming early. You’ll be able to hear kookaburras, owls and bellbirds as you make your way to Ubajee. Goannas can also be spotted basking in the sun or moving about along the track. Keep in mind that there may be an abundant number of leeches after recent rain. A moderate level of fitness and decent footwear 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

Flaxton to Ubajee

11.7 km oneway

6 h to 7 h 30 min

Environment

Nature, Echidna, Bakers Gully and Sundews Ridge Loop

11.7 km circuit

3 h to 5 h

Nature, Echidna, Bakers Gully and Sundews Ridge Loop

1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min

Starting from the Gate 11 car park on Piggott Range Road, Onkaparinga Hills, this walk takes you on a circuit around Onkaparinga River National Park via the Nature Trail, Echidna Trail, Bakers Gully Track and Sundews Ridge Hike. This challenging hike combines several trails in the eastern end of Onkaparinga National Park, with spectacular views over the narrow river valley of Onkaparinga Gorge. The loop was designed to stay on the same side of the river, which is often difficult to cross. The park protects some of the finest remnant vegetation in the region, providing habitat for native wildlife such as birds, koalas, kangaroos, possums and echidnas. The hike initially follows the Nature Trail through regenerating pink gum and grey box woodlands, then heads along the Echidna Trail, passing the ruins of an old cottage and a side trip to a seasonal waterfall. The hike continues along the Bakers Gully Track, descending to the river before returning along the Nature and Echidna trails, then follows the Sundews Ridge Hike past the Sundews Lookout, which offers great views over the river. This loop consists of fire tracks and narrow walking trails, with some short steep hills and creek crossings, 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

Starting from Mylett Street off D’Aguilar Highway, this return walk explores the woodlands of Glass House Mountains CP and Beerburrum West State Forest via the Old Wamuran Rail Track. The undulating track welcomes you with birdsong, and that birdsong is likely to stay with you throughout the journey. The various gum trees along the way are home to koalas, so keep an eye out for them as you make your way through. Dragonflies and butterflies may add some magic to your hike as well. The track provides good shade in the morning, but it gets hotter as the sun’s angle changes. Horse and mountain bike riders are also able to use this trail, so keep an ear out at all times. The track can be customized into a loop walk to avoid backtracking as there is an extensive web of trails in 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.

Environment

Old Wamuran Rail

11.8 km return

2 h 45 min to 5 h

Dead Horse Gap and Thredbo River loop

Dead Horse Gap and Thredbo River loop

11.8 km circuit

4 h 15 min to 5 h

This loop walk starts from Dead Horse Gap and does a large circuit up to the Eagles Nest Restaurant and down the Chairlift before returning along the Thredbo River. Along the walk there are stunning views from the top of the Rams Head Range, before the opportunity for lunch at Australia's Highest Restaurant, followed by an enjoyable chairlift ride down to Thredbo. There is then the tranquil snow gum forest surrounding the Thredbo River on the way back to Dead Horse Gap. 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

Cafe

Environment

Golden Staircase to Mt Solitary via Ruined Castle

Golden Staircase to Mt Solitary via Ruined Castle

11.9 km return

5 h 30 min to 7 h 30 min

11.9 km

Return

With quite significant hills, this is a great walk is for the day-walker looking for something more challenging than the average Katoomba cliff top walk. With fantastic views at Botting's Lookout, from the top of the Ruined Castle, and especially good views from Mt Solitary, this walk is well worth the time invested. 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

5 h 30 min to 7 h 30 min

Environment

Cathedral Mountain Northern Circuit Walk

Cathedral Mountain Northern Circuit Walk

11.9 km circuit

4 h 30 min, 6 h 30 min to 2 days

11.9 km

Circuit

4 h 30 min, 6 h 30 min to 2 days

From the parking area near Cooks Mill Campground in Cathedral Range State Park near Taggerty, this circuit walk takes you north along the Little River. The rocky walk leads past 6 side trips to peaks so plenty of opportunities for peak baggers and those who enjoy beautiful scenic views. If lucky, you'll come across wallabies and lyre birds. You can also make this a multi-day walk as there is a camp site near Blue Haze peak. 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

Mount Williams and PA-31 Wreckage from Kamerunga

Mount Williams and PA-31 Wreckage from Kamerunga

11.9 km return

4 h 30 min to 8 h

Starting from Stoney Creek Road, Kamerunga, this return walk takes you to the summit of Mount Williams where the fuselage of PA-31 Navajo is, visiting the North Peak along the way. You’ll be following Smiths Track for the first third of the walk, then go off-trail along the ridgeline for the rest of the climb. Expect a challenging hike up the ridgeline through the interchanging vegetation, only to find the historic plane wreckage of the PA-31-310 Navajo, along with the memorial. The plane crash happened in 1986 as the pilot miscalculated the route and hit the ridge whilst going through the cloud, leading to the death of all the 6 persons on board. May they rest in peace. As you go through the narrow track up the ridge, keep an eye out for colossal trees that have majestic buttress roots. You may run into cassowaries along the track as well. After around 750 metres of altitude, you’ll notice the environment get more humid as you hit the cloud line, especially if it’s overcast. The amount of leeches can go crazy after this point, so use gaiters and deet to protect yourself from them. Since you’ll be going off-trail, prepare well and start early to allow time for mistakes. Bring a topographic map and a GPS device to be safe. 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

Ruins

Environment