Fantastic Bushwalks in NSW National Parks

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Blue Mountains National Park Walks

Many of the best bushwalks in New South Wales are found in the spectacular Blue Mountains National Park. This vast and rugged region is home to one of Australia’s most iconic national parks and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. With its dramatic cliffs, deep valleys, waterfalls, and ancient forests, the Blue Mountains are a paradise for nature lovers, keen photographers, and hikers of all fitness levels.

Many of the best bushwalks in New South Wales are found in the spectacular Blue Mountains.

We fell in love with the charming town of Blackheath, which became our home base for much of our time in the Blue Mountains. While our hiking boots may have seen their best days, we now enjoy exploring at a more relaxed pace, taking time to appreciate the scenery — and with frequent visits to the Blackheath Golf Course. From there, we discovered many of the region’s outstanding walking tracks. There were far too many to mention them all, but highlights included the Grand Canyon Track, walks down into the Grose Valley, and the spectacular cliff-top walks around Katoomba.

Govetts Leap Lookout & Grose Valley Walks

Not far from Blackheath is Govetts Leap, one of our favourite spots in the Blue Mountains. This spectacular lookout offers sweeping panoramic views across the Grose Valley and its dramatic sandstone cliffs.

We stayed in the charming town of Blackheath most of the time, and a trip to the Govetts Leap lookout is a must. The lookout offers a view of the Grose Valley. The lookout is 3 km away from Blackheath, but it's easy to get there—take a short drive by car, walk through gorgeous bushland, or did bushwalks at moderately difficult Popes Glen trail.

We reached the lookout in various ways — sometimes by a short drive, and at other times by bushwalking. Options ranged from the easy Fairfax Heritage Track, which runs from the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre to the lookout, to the more challenging Popes Glen Track. We often returned the same way, or tackled the harder but very rewarding cliff-top track and the long Braeside Trail.

Govetts Leap to Pierces Pass is a fantastic 7-8-hour wilderness hike, a 4. grade, with a few challenging sections.

Over the years we did many bushwalks in the Blue Mountains, the Govetts Leap to Pierces Pass was the most challenging. It is a tough 7-8 hour trek through remote wilderness, graded 4 for its steep climbs and rough terrain.The first hurdle is a steep descent from the sheer cliffs from Govetts Leap into the Grose valley. We looked down, and thought it was impossible  but once we took the first step, it turned out to be perfectly manageable.

river crossings in the Grose Valley in Blue Mountains National Park, NSW

The descent down the 600-metre cliff was not physically demanding, but it required great care, as the trail included steep sections with stairways and narrow ledges. We paused many times to photograph the spectacular hanging swamps clinging to the cliff face. The real challenge began in the Grose Valley, where we had to cross the river multiple times as we made our way deeper into the wilderness.

The majestic Blue Gum Forest isin the Blue Mountains National Park

The majestic Blue Gum Forest marks the halfway point of the walk. Many hikers carry a tent and camp here overnight before continuing their bushwalk, but we travelled light with only food and water. We enjoyed a lovely lunch beneath the towering trees, accompanied by the constant chorus of cicadas. Afterward, we walked for another four hours, with the final stretch a long uphill climb. By the end, we were extremely thirsty, having completely run out of water — a clear reminder of just how demanding this hike can be.

Evans Lookout with sweeping panoramic views across the Grose Valley in Blue Mountains National Park, NSW

Evans Lookout is another outstanding viewpoint in the Blue Mountains, and we can never decide whether it or Govetts Leap Lookout offers the better panoramic views across the Grose Valley. The best solution is to visit both — take in the view at one lookout, then enjoy the beautiful cliff-top walk to the other. This scenic 3-kilometre track takes about 1.5 hours one way and is one of the finest short walks in Blue Mountains National Park.
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Grand Canyon Track

The Grand Canyon Track is one of the most popular bushwalks in Blue Mountains National Park. This fantastic and moderately challenging hike descends between towering sandstone walls carved over millions of years. The grade 3 circuit takes around three to four hours to complete. However, with so many stunning waterfalls, lush ferns, and sweeping valley views along the way, most walkers will happily spend longer on the track.

We started from Neates Glen car park to get down into the Blue Mountains NP, Grand Canyon, and out at Evans Lookout. We did it in both directions but prefer going down from Neates Glen and up to Evans Lookout.

We have completed the Grand Canyon loop both ways — starting from Evans Lookout (clockwise) and from Neates Glen (counter-clockwise). Based on our experience, and the advice of local walkers, we prefer starting from Neates Glen. While the initial descent to the canyon floor is steeper, the final climb out to Evans Lookout is much easier, making the walk more enjoyable overall.

The Grand Canyon hike passes nice waterfalls and lush vegetation, and it also provides places to rest in the shade.

Along the Grand Canyon hike, you’ll find cascading waterfalls, lush fern-filled gullies, sandstone walls, and cool, shaded spots that are perfect for a rest or picnic. On the way down to the bottom of the canyon, we stopped many times to enjoy the  magical atmosphere and shooting photos.

ome water crossings and sections of the track can be slippery.

In the canyon it is wet, even in summer time. WE watch carefully our next steps , not to lose our footings. There are  some water crossings and parts of the trail are very slippery.

Furthermore, you must cross Greaves Creek at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, and if you're lucky, you might spot a large, colourful crayfish. Climbing then up to Evans Lookout.

At the bottom of the Grand Canyon, you’ll need to cross Greaves Creek and if you’re really lucky, you might spot one of the huge, brightly coloured crayfish that live there. From there, we walked step uphill to Evans Lookout. There is as well a junction from were you can join bushwalks into the Grose valley.
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There are some other nice hiking tracks in the Blue Mountains NP. Walk the Federation Pass.

Historic Federal Pass Walk

Among our favourite hikes in the Blue Mountains is the Federal Pass trek. From Katoomba there our two bushwalks options.

Option 1: This hike begins at Scenic World. From there follow the Prince Henry Cliff walk to Echo Point and then down the Giant Stairway (998 steps!). Before you go down, make sure your knees are in perfect order, it is a knee-challenging descent! At the bottom follow the Federation Pass to the Cable Car station.

Option 2: We love this and highly recommend this route. To Echo Point, same way as option 1. Stay on the Prince Henry Cliff walk until the intersection to Leura Forest. From there descent along Linda Creek to the Leura Forest. From the Prince Henry Cliff walk you have a stunning view, but the part is different, is is lush, quiet gives you a mystical feeling.

Option 2: Descend to the beautiful Leura Forest by walking past Echo Point. Although it is a longer route, it is considerably easier on your knees.

After reaching Leura Forest it’s time for a break and this is a great spot to relax and enjoy the serenity.

The Leura Forest is an excellent spot to take a break before making the final 2.5-hour hike to the base of the Scenic Railway.

After your rest, continue the final 2.5-hour stretch to the bottom station of the Scenic Cableway. There are two bushwalks to the Scenic Cableway, via the Dardanelles or Federal Pass trek. Be sure to arrive before 4 pm to catch the last ride up otherwise, you’ll face a steep uphill walk after an already long day on the trail.

the steepest railway in the world is in Blue Mountains NP

This remarkable cable car the steepest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere is a fun and efficient way to return to your starting point. While the ride is thrilling, don’t expect sweeping views; it’s over quickly, and much of the journey passes beneath overhanging rocks. Still, it’s a great way to end the hike.

mushroom

We didn’t do only bushwalks, we also did mushroom foraging in the Blue Mountains. From Blackheath we headed to Oberon, one of the only two places in NSW we know where you can find pine mushrooms. We were lucky to gather both Saffron Milk Caps and Slippery Jacks, and we’ve harvested enough to last us at least a year. There’s another place where we’ve found the same mushrooms we used to pick back in Germany. Can you guess where?
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Warrumbungle National Park Walks

Warrumbungle National Park is in New South Wales. It is known for its stunning volcanic landscapes, rich wildlife, and stargazing. The main volcanic points are the Breadknife, Belougery Spire, and Bluff. The Park was declared as Australia’s first Dark Sky Park in 2016, for its exceptional night skies free from light pollution.

One of our first camping trips after arriving in Australia was in the Warrumbungle National Park near Coonabarabran in NSW. We stayed in a remote area halfway up the mountains.

The first camping trip we did after arriving in Australia was in Warrumbungle National Park, which is near the town of Coonabarabran in NSW. We stayed in a remote spot halfway up the mountains. It was incredibly peaceful, just one other camper was there. The site had basic facilities, including a wood fire pit and toilets. For having a showers. we had to hike 45 minutes down to another campsite.

We enjoyed beautiful walks and scenery but didn't have a digital camera. So we don't have as many photos as today.

The bushwalks and scenery were truly stunning. But since we didn’t yet have a digital camera, we took far fewer photos than we would nowadays

We did a couple of hikes there, the Breadknife and Grand High Tops Walk, but was challenging—about 5 hours for the 13 km. Beautiful panorama, and we were lucky to spot two Koalas

We tackled a couple of challenging bushwalks, including the Breadknife and Grand High Tops Walk, a 13km trek that took us about five hours. The panoramic views were stunning, and we were thrilled to spot two koalas.

The Warrumbungle is a wonderful place to spot native wildlife, including kangaroos, emus, and koalas. It can be risky to look for koalas by walking and looking into the trees rather than the ground.

The Warrumbungles are a fantastic place to spot native wildlife kangaroos, emus, and even koalas. But spotting koalas isn’t always easy; spend too much time scanning the treetops, and you might forget to watch your step!
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Bald Rock National Park Walks

Bald Rock National Park is named after the massive Bald Rock, the largest exposed granite rock in Australia. It is located near the border between NSW and Queensland.We loved the bushwalks between the granite landscapes and eucalyptus forests.

Then, on the way back from hiking in Lamington National Park, we stayed at a cute cabin for a couple of days. This is part of the 650-acre Spanish Hacienda near Bald Rock National Park.

On our way back from hiking in Lamington National Park, we spent a couple of days at Bald Rock Bush Retreat. It’s on a 255-hectare property near Bald Rock National Park, about 36 km from Tenterfield.The cabin was small but charming but very romantic. Overlocking a dam in the heart of the bush. It was incredibly peaceful, with nothing but the sounds of nature and an abundance of wildlife all around.

Climbing up Bald Rock Summit is a short but hard Grade 5 hike. At 1277 metres above sea level, this granite monolith is the largest in Australia.

We went.up to the Bald Rock Summit, which is a short but hard Bald Rock Summit. The toughest part is the start until you come out of the bush and meet the bottom of Bald Rock. From the summit, at 1277 metres above sea level, we had an unbelievably 360 degree view.

After climbing the summit, we walked to the Trig lookout, from which we had wonderful panoramic views

After reaching the Bald Rock Summit, we continued walking to the Trig Lookout.From there we had sweeping views of the New England highlands  and in the distance mountains of the Border Ranges. 

We hiked through a granite wonderland and a diverse range of flora. There are Red Stringybark, Banksias, Grevilleas and the rock surfaces are covered with diverse lichen and moss. Also, we spotted many beautiful Rock Orchids

Hiking the bushwalks in Bald Rock National Park is like walking though through a granite wonderland. We walked along Red Stringybarks, Banksias, Grevilleas trees and other native flora. Along the way, we found many beautiful Rock Orchids.

Bald Rock National Park there are large, free-standing rock outcrops. These Granite Tors have been sculpted by weathering and erosion. They come in interesting shapes as arches or bridges

Bald Rock National Park has some amazing granite tors. These huge, free-standing rocks have been shaped by the weather into cool things like arches and bridges.

During our hikes in Bald Rock National Park, we spotted beautiful Rock Orchids sometimes called Rock Lilies. Rock Orchids are incredibly adaptable in challenging rocky environments, like Bald Rock. The large clusters of creamy white to yellow flowers are stunning.

During our hikes in Bald Rock National Park, we came across beautiful Rock Orchids, also known as Rock Lilies. These hardy plants thrive in the park’s rugged, rocky terrain, showcasing stunning clusters of creamy white to yellow flowers.

We made a quick halt at the Crawney Pass National Park, close to Nundle, before ending our amazing trip, and we took a picture of the magnificent grass trees.

We made a quick stop at Crawney Pass National Park near Nundle to snap a photo of the awesome grass trees before wrapping up our amazing trip.
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