Which NSW Great Walk is right for you?

Everyone loves an adventure – and nothing satisfies that craving quite like a multi-day hike. The thrill of the trail, the satisfaction of pushing your limits and the chance to reconnect with nature’s quiet power. We’re talking crisp alpine air that makes every breath feel like a reset. The rhythmic crash of waves lulling you into the best sleep of your life – yes, even on a camping mat! And the pure wonder of sitting beneath a sky ablaze with stars. Spending a few days in the great outdoors really has a miraculous ability to make you feel new again.

All this, and more, is waiting for you on a NSW Great Walk – the ultimate way to discover the diverse beauty of this spectacular state. From challenging remote trails through some of the world’s most ancient and precious rainforest, to more relaxed jaunts along the coastline, NSW national parks have routes for all adventure styles.

Prefer to pair your epic views with a cracking cup of coffee? There’s a walk for that. How about summiting Australia’s highest mainland peak, or watching the sun rise over the ocean from your tent? We’ve got that covered too. Or maybe all these options sound equally amazing, and your real problem is choice paralysis – we don’t blame you!

If you need more help selecting the multi-day hike that’s right for you, you’ve come to the right place. Read on for all the info you need to choose your next adventure.

What’s your experience level?

Ask yourself: when’s the last time you hiked for several days with all your gear on your back? If the answer is never, ease your way into multi-day walking with one of our beginner options. It’s a good way to get a taster for overnight hiking without going full Bear Grylls.

Who are you travelling with?

The age and experience level of your companions will influence your track choice. To stay safe (and avoid carrying kids across the finish line), we recommend catering to the lowest common denominator in your group, AKA the youngest or least-experienced person. That way, everyone wins!

How comfy do you want to be?

When it comes to accommodation, our multi-day walks offer a range of options: from wooden sleeping platforms (for those who prefer the al fresco life), to fully-equipped cabins (for those who prefer to end their day with a hot shower). For some walks, you can also base yourself in a nearby village and tackle the track at your own pace.

Tomaree Coastal Walk, Port Stephens

Experience a slice of paradise without straying too far from the comforts of civilisation on Tomaree Coastal Walk. Tracing the coastline between Tomaree Mountain and Birubi Point Aboriginal Place – where you’ll find an artwork that celebrates the cultural significance of Worimi Country – this hike shows off the splendour of the NSW east coast, passing secluded white-sand beaches and prime whale watching vantage points.

We reckon the view from Tomaree Head Summit is one of the best in the state, if not the country, and definitely worth the climb. With accommodation and cafes located in villages along the track, this walk is perfect for a spontaneous, yet comfy, nature getaway.

Conquer: 27km over 2-3 days.

Close to: Nelson Bay and Port Stephens.

Discover: A coastal landscape rich in culture and spectacular summit views.

Stay: In a holiday park or nearby villages.

Grand Cliff Top Walk, Blue Mountains

If you’re going to tackle just one multi-day walk, this beginner-friendly, icon-packed trek through the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains is our pick. Bookended by the charming mountain towns of Wentworth Falls and Katoomba, the walk features almost too many highlights to mention, so here are just a few: lookouts perched on the valley’s edge, surging waterfalls, a fern-filled grotto and, of course, the instantly recognisable sandstone peaks of the Three Sisters.

This grade 3, 19km walk is the shortest and easiest NSW Great Walk, which means you’ll spend less time sweating and more time soaking in the scenery (though you can still expect a good workout with plenty of stairs along the track). It’s also easy to access via public transport from Wentworth Falls Station. Talk about ticking all the boxes.

Conquer: 19km over 2 days.

Close to: Wentworth Falls, Leura and Katoomba.

Discover: The best bits of the Blue Mountains.

Stay: In nearby villages.

Murramarang South Coast Walk, South Coast

Not too easy, not too hard, but juuust right – Murramarang South Coast Walk is perfect for those who are ready to take their multi-day hiking up a notch. Winding through forests of spotted gums and Burrawang trees with the bright blue ocean never far from view, it’s the ultimate bush meets beach adventure. After a day on the track, you can choose to kick back in comfort at a beach cabin or pitch your tent at coastal campgrounds where you’ll fall asleep to the gentle drumming of waves. Either way, you’ll be sharing with the cute local residents (eastern grey kangaroos) who call this lovely patch of the NSW South Coast home. Select campgrounds also include access to swish facilities like BBQs and hot showers – luxury!

Conquer: 34km over 3-4 days.

Close to: Ulladulla and Batemans Bay.

Discover: Spotted gum forests skirted by sea.

Stay: In cozy cabins or campgrounds along the track.

Light to Light Walk, Far South Coast

As you head further south along the NSW coast, the landscape begins to change. The cliffline gets more rugged, the forests become sparse and windswept, and the ocean turns a sparkling shade of sapphire blue. If remote and beautiful are at the top of your multi-day hiking checklist, then keep reading. Hugging the coastline between the historic Boyd’s Tower and Green Cape Lighthouse, this moderate coastal walk is best suited to experienced multi-day hikers looking for a new nature challenge.

The track snakes along striking red-rock cliffs that are distinctive to this part of the coast, passing protected bays (perfect for a quick dip) and rocky outcrops (perfect for spotting whales, sea eagles and migrating ocean birds). At night, you’ll rest and refuel at seaside campgrounds equipped with comfortable sleeping platforms. Pure paradise.

Conquer: 32km over 3 days.

Close to: Merimbula and Eden.

Discover: The wild beauty of the NSW Far South Coast.

Stay: At campgrounds along the track.

Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk, Tweed-Byron Hinterland

Until very recently, it wasn’t possible to venture deep into this miraculous pocket of rainforest on the NSW North Coast. But now, thanks to this fairly epic hike, you can spend four days soaking in the splendour of World Heritage Gondwana rainforest. This challenging walk crosses three national parks, taking you from the lush greens of the rainforest floor – where gentle cascades and birdsong soundtrack your journey – to high ridge lookouts with views across a caldera formed by an ancient volcanic eruption.

You’ll need to be fully self-sufficient for three nights of remote camping and, yes, there are leeches. But we promise the reward of discovering a place unlike any other in NSW, and maybe even the world, is more than worth it.

Conquer: 42km over 4 days.

Close to: Byron Bay and Ballina.

Discover: Lush green rainforest brimming with life.

Stay: At campgrounds along the track.

Snowies Alpine Walk, Snowy Mountains

When you think of NSW nature destinations, the Australian Alps probably isn’t the first thing that pops into your mind. But this impressive state is home to a truly spectacular alpine environment, and the Snowies Alpine Walk is one of the best ways to discover it. This bucket-list-worthy multi-day walk is made up of four individual day walks, including an unforgettable trip to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest mainland peak.

It stays cool on the mountain in summer, which makes this a refreshing option in warmer weather (just make sure to pack the right gear for the conditions). For optimal photo ops, plan your visit in spring to see alpine wildflower meadows in full bloom. At 56km, it’s no small feat, but don’t let that deter you; with a range of accommodation options available, there’s plenty of flexibility to tackle this track at your own pace while soaking up all that the Snowies region has to offer.

Conquer: 56km over 4 days.

Close to: Jindabyne.

Discover: The alpine roof of Australia.

Stay: In National Parks cabins or campgrounds, or in the ski resorts of Guthega, Charlotte Pass and Perisher.

Green Gully Track, Northern Tablelands

Calling all hardcore hikers: this is the NSW Great Walk for you. If steep inclines, rugged terrain and creek crossings get your blood pumping, pack your bag and set out on this memorable trek through one of Australia’s largest gorge systems. Your accommodations are also uniquely Aussie – restored stockman’s huts that offer a window into the country’s past and come equipped with sleeping essentials, which means you won’t have to carry a tent. Winning!

You won’t get lonely in this wildlife hotspot, with wallabies and possums aplenty, but also because you’ll need to walk as part of a group. Bookings are essential, and can be made for groups of up to six people, so rally the troops ‘cause it’s time for your next adventure.

Conquer: 65km over 4-5 days.

Close to: Walcha.

Discover: Fern-lined gullies and dramatic gorges.

Stay: In heritage huts along the track.

So there you have it: irrefutable proof that NSW is the number one destination for epic nature walks. Now you’re armed with all of this information, we will pass the baton to you to embark on your very first multi-day walk, or add a new nature challenge to your long list of accomplishments. With these incredible multi-day walks on offer across the state, we bet you won’t be able to stop at just one.

Still don’t know which NSW Great Walk is right for you? Take the quiz