Australia features summits worth hiking or walking up. You can immerse yourself in the beauty of Australia by walking and exploring its world-class walking tracks located in various cities such as Sydney.
The Blue Mountains is a range where mountain walks crisscross with heritage trails and wilderness views. There are various National Parks like Royal National Park which is considered as world’s second-oldest national park, offering sweeping coastal breath-taking views.
Whether you are a nature lover or seeking thrill and adventure, mountain walks are for you.
Below are some of the best mountain walks you can try when in Australia:
Mount Solitary, Blue Mountains
Mount Solitary is located in New South Wales, Australia. With this hike, you will need a sturdy pair of boots and determination to accomplish this tough walk. This is one of the toughest walks in the list and you need to conquer this nine-kilometre walk for six hours. However, the reward for completing the walk is seeing the breathtaking views of the mountain and seeing the eagles in the flesh. You can start the walk at the Federal Pass then follow the path of a former tramway track before heading to the rough path along Mount Solitary’s ridge, including a detour to Chinamans Gully. It is recommended that you start early to give you more time to relax at the summit.
Leura Cascades, Leura
Leura Cascades is located in Leura, New South Wales, Australia. This walk is tagged moderate because you can finish it within 30 minutes and you will arrive at a waterfall after. The walk involves a few short, steep hills and steps may require assistance but there are handrails. The popular tourist walk includes walking past streaming waterfalls, large ferns, some decent cliff-top views, and a lookout. Leura Cascades is easily accessible because it features designated parking and facilities and a picnic ground. Its car park is located on Cliff Drive between Katoomba and Leura. The area is well-posted with signs.
National Pass, Blue Mountains
National Pass starts the walk at the Wentworth Falls picnic area, and then you will pass by epic waterfalls and lookouts with sweeping views, before reaching the historic Grand Stairway. It offers scenic views of the many natural wonders of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park. As you start your walk, you can stroll over to Jamison’s lookout and take in magnificent views of the valley below. Going down the walk, you will enter Valley of the Waters which houses Empress, Silvia, and Lodore Falls. Once you climb back out of the valley then you can take a break at Conservation Hut and enjoy a warm cuppa.
Barrenjoey Lighthouse
Barrenjoey Lighthouse is located at Barrenjoey Head at Palm Beach on Sydney’s northern beaches. The lighthouse is accessible daily and open for guided tours every Sunday. Weekend walk at Barrenjoey Lighthouse offers a quick road trip up to Palmy, but climbing up the Barrenjoey Lighthouse will allow you to see the amazing views of the sea, Pittwater, and the national park. You can complete the walk in 1.5 hours.
Burning Mountain
Burning Mountain is a hill in New South Wales, Australia. It is also known as Wingen Mountain. Although it is more of a hill than a mountain, the burning part of it is spot on. There is a coal seam under the 30 meters of ground, which has been on fire for around 6,000 years. Its accessible 4.5 kilometers area will let you explore this phenomenon. You can check the impact of its burning feature on geology, animals, and plants. It is believed that its burning ground provides ghostly homes to little creatures to the red gums growing along cracks in the earth.
Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk
To see the majestic views of Sydney Harbour, you must take the walk from Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay. The walk will take you from Taronga Zoo to the beach and cafes at Chowder Bay. The walk will give you gentle bush track weaves around the harbor headlands. As you continue walking, you can see the Opera House and Harbour Bridge and watch the boats going to Bradleys Head Amphitheatre.
Circular Quay to Botanic Gardens
This walk showcases the architectural icons of Australia. It will take one hour from Circular Quay to Botanic Gardens. It offers some views of a windmill, aviary, and zoo. The walk is recommended for novice botanists, nature lovers, and some who need a break from the stress of the city.
About the author:
Candice Larson is a nature and travel enthusiast. She’s into writing as well and contributes to Holiday Inn Parramatta blog. Candice is juggling time between work and graduate studies.
