Walk your way through history in NSW
From tracing the ancient songlines of Indigenous Australians to following in the footsteps of the first convicts sent to our shores, now is a great time to get walking in NSW.
Internationally recognised for its beauty and cultural importance, NSW offers a multitude of walking experiences which showcase the fascinating history and natural beauty of the State.
Recent statistics have revealed that the popularity of bushwalking continues to rise. With increases recorded in both visitors and visitor nights, NSW continues to attract travellers seeking nature-based tourism experiences.
Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase said Regional NSW offers Australia’s most diverse range of bushwalking experiences.
“As Australia’s most geographically diverse State, NSW is the ideal destination for a walking holiday incorporating UNESCO World Heritage-listed wilderness, Australia’s highest peak or almost 5 million hectares of National Parks and nature reserves,” Chipchase said.
Experience a piece of NSW’s history with a walking holiday in Regional NSW, with a few suggestions of fantastic walks in NSW.
Convict Tales
Follow in the same footsteps as Australia’s convicts by walking part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Great North Road track in Dharug National Park near Wisemans Ferry. Convict-built between 1826 and 1836 overlooking the Hawkesbury River, the walk contains relics of convict life including preserved stonework, bridges and convict graffiti in the rock face. The 9 km loop takes approximately 3-4 hours to complete with campgrounds available at Mill Creek and Ten Mile Hollow.
Songlines
Located in the Eurobodalla National Park on NSW’s South Coast, the Bingi Dreaming track is the perfect day walk taking hikers along a songline (dreaming track), a stunning coastal route visiting campsites and ceremonial and trade sites used by the Brinja-Yuin people. Approximately 13.5 km each way, the walk starts at Congo Headland and leads all the way to Tuross Head through eucalyptus forests and heathlands. With ocean views and beautiful vantage points along the way, it’s very likely you’ll spot some whales in Winter!
Scale the tallest outdoor staircase in Australia
The Blue Mountains is a mecca for bushwalkers offering over 140 km of trails and walking tracks. With stunning views of the Jamison Valley and Wentworth Falls, the historic National Pass in the Blue Mountains National Park ticks all the boxes for a Winter walk in the mountains. Considered as one of the most iconic and historically significant tracks in the region, the impressive hand built Grand Stairway is Australia’s tallest outdoor staircase.
Uncover the history of Ben Boyd
Take the Light to Light walk on the far South Coast to learn more about historical pioneer Benjamin Boyd. Spanning 30 km each way, the cooler Winter months are the perfect time to take in this multi-day walk with amazing whale and bird watching on offer. This walk starts at the historic Boyds Tower in the Ben Boyd National Park ending at the Green Cape Lighthouse, with campgrounds and accommodation along the way.
Indigenous rock art in the Outback
Located in the Gundabooka National Park near Bourke, the Mulgowan (Yappa) Aboriginal Art Site walking track gives walkers a fascinating insight into Indigenous rock art of the Ngemba and Paakandji people. The 1.4 km track is challenging, taking walkers through bushland and boulders alongside fascinating rock paintings and significant ceremonial sites.
Lights on in Byron
Framed by spectacular coastline criss-crossing through beaches and rainforest, the iconic Cape Byron walking track is a must-do for all Byron holiday makers. Set aside a few hours to complete the 3.7 km track, as you’ll want to take your time ocean spotting, with the water teeming with dolphins, turtles and in Winter, whales. Be sure to pay a visit to the Maritime Museum and the historic Cape Byron Lighthouse which sits on the easternmost point of Australia. The Cape Byron area is also home to the region’s oldest midden at The Pass, a place of great cultural and archaeological significance.
For more information on Winter walks in NSW visit www.visitnsw.com
Share your NSW walking adventures with Destination NSW on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook: Sydney @sydney, #ilovesydney; NSW #NewSouthWales
Latest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!