Whether you’re wanting to take charge of your health or you simply want the serenity and fresh air, walking is one of the best forms of exercises for our all-round health. With the Walk with The Weekly 30-day challenge kicking off in just a matter of weeks, it’s time to start planning out where you’re going to wrack up your walking minutes. No matter whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned walker, or whether you prefer the salty air of the coastline or the tranquility of the bush, we’re bringing you all the best walking trails across NSW to trek through. Keep reading for our picks.
01
Bondi to Coogee Walk
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
If you’re just getting into a walking kick, then you need to start off with a classic, easy walk. The Bondi to Coogee Walk is an iconic walking trail that takes you along Sydney’s stunning coastline. Along the six kilometre walk, you’ll get some of the best views of the beaches, and plenty of spots to grab a coffee or ice cream – because walking doesn’t have to be a workout every time. If you want to beat the busy crowds and catch a serene glimpse at the sunrise over Bondi, then be sure to attack the walking trail early in the morning.
02
The Grand Canyon Track
Difficulty: Moderate
Escape the hustle and bustle of Sydney for the unmatched serenity of the Blue Mountains in Sydney’s West. At the top of the Blue Mountains in Blackheath is the Grand Canyon Track – it’s an absolute must for anyone making a day trip to the mountains. Taking around 3-4 hours to complete, this trail winds through rainforests, deep canyons, and sandstone cliffs. There are a few semi-ledges which makes this a moderately challenging trek, but it is still one of the rare locations where you don’t need specialist hiking or abseiling equipment to explore a canyon.
03
Bouddi Coastal Walk
Difficulty: Moderate
Starting from Putty Beach, the Bouddi Coastal Walk takes you through bushland and along the coastline of Sydney’s central coast. Stretching 8.5 kilometres one way, there’s plenty of opportunities to stop off and cool down in the ocean. Unlike other coastal walking trails in NSW, this one is fairly under the radar, which means you won’t be walking amongst throngs of other people.
04
Kosciuszko Summit Walk
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Looking for a more challenging walking trail? Then how about conquering Australia’s highest peak? The Kosciuszko Summit Walk starts from Thredbo and leads you up to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko. Though this is a fairly challenging walk, it’ll be worth it once you’re at the peak where you’ll be treated to 360 degree views of some of NSW’s best natural landscapes. Taking just 6-8 hours to complete, this walk is well-marked and relatively gentle for a mountain climb, so it can be done in a day with a group or as a solo adventure.
05
Minnamurra Rainforest Loop Walk
Difficulty: Easy
The Minnamurra Rainforest Loop Walk is an easy, short but sweet trail that will totally immerse you into the beauty of the rainforest. You’ll walk along an elevated walkway where you’ll be surrounded by towering trees and bush wildlife. Taking only 1-2 hours to complete, the best part of the walk is the hidden waterfall and canyon views that you can watch from observation points along the way.
06
Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Any Home and Away fans out there? The Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk at Palm Beach is a short trail that takes you up to the historic Barrenjoey Lighthouse, where you’ll get uninterrupted views of Pittwater and the Central Coast. Though it’s a bit of a steep climb, you’ll certainly recognise the sights along the way as being the fictional landscape of Summer Bay.
