Best time to visit New South Wales

Hiking in NSW in New South Wales

Satisfy your inner explorer with some of the most scenic hiking trails around New South Wales

Best time: March–November

Hiking in NSW
Hiking in NSW

Paired with a mild temperate climate, 2,137 km of coastline make NSW an unforgettable destination for sun-drenched beachside and clifftop hiking. Explore the natural wonders of NSW and let yourself be amazed by the UNESCO World Heritage areas.

The Bingi Dreaming Track takes its course through coastal scrub, forests, and lakeshores. You can spot a vivid wildlife on this track: wallabies, kangaroos, and native birdlife. If you walk the route from May to October, you can enjoy the stunning views of Montague Island and Mount Dromedary. This track has perfect length for a coastal weekend trip.

Tomaree National Park, situated on the north of Newcastle, appears as a peninsula stretching out into the Pacific. Cabbage Tree, Port Stevens, the Boondelbah Islands and other amazing sights can be observed from the Head Summit, a 2-km trail. You can even organize a small picnic on the top. If you’re hiking the trail between May and October, don't forget your binoculars—spotting whales swimming off the coast is a great bonus of this hike.

A 44-km Six Foot Track winds from Jenolan Caves to Katoomba and is considered to be one of the more rewarding hikes in NSW. The scenery is magnificent, and there’s a good chance to have it to yourself. The track is best walked in spring and autumn months due to the hot temperatures and bushfire hazards in summer and cold nights and higher chance of rain in winter.

And what about Mount Gower? When you see it, you'll naturally want to climb it as it is the highest mountain on Lord Howe Island. The route includes unforgettable views over Ball’s Pyramid, indigenous flora and fauna, and steep sections that require a rope to hold onto.

Although hiking in New South Wales is appropriate all year round, keep in mind that unbearable summer heat and frequent bushfires can spoil your impressions of a hike.

Practical info

What are the best times to visit NSW for hiking?

March to November are the best months to visit New South Wales for hiking. This period is usually characterized by mild weather, and you can avoid the summer heat and frequent bushfires, which can spoil your hiking experience. To avoid the cold conditions and a higher chance of rain, it is ideal to avoid hiking during the winter months in New South Wales. Show more

What are the unique features of the Bingi Dreaming Track?

Visitors who hike the Bingi Dreaming Track will tread on a 14 km coastal line trail that passes through various landscapes like forests, lakeshores, and coastal scrub. Hikers will have a chance to sight a diverse range of wildlife like wallabies, kangaroos, and native birdlife. From May through October, walkers will be able to enjoy the captivating views of Mount Dromedary and Montague Island. Show more

What is the best time to spot whales while hiking in Tomaree National Park?

The ideal time to spot whales while hiking in Tomaree National Park is between May and October. During this season, whales migrate along the coast. Hikers can seize the opportunity to view these majestic mammals. The Boondelbah Islands, Port Stevens, and Cabbage Tree are among the delights that are visible while hiking the trail to catch whale sightings. Show more

Why is the Six Foot Track considered one of the more rewarding hikes in NSW?

The Six Foot Track is a 44 km trail stretching from Jenolan Caves to Katoomba. The pathway is noted as one of the more rewarding hikes in NSW due to its awe-inspiring scenery. Unlike other well-known trails, the Six Foot Track is less crowded, which means hikers can cherish the more peaceful spaces along the way. We recommend walking the track in spring and autumn to avoid summer temperatures and bushfires and cold winter nights with a higher likelihood of rain. Show more

What should hikers expect when climbing Mount Gower on Lord Howe Island?

Hiking up Mount Gower on Lord Howe Island, the highest point on the island, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete. Once on the mountain, hikers will be rewarded with a remarkable view of Ball's Pyramid. The trail can be steep and requires a hold-on rope. Fitness ability is essential for the hike, but this excursion is worth the energy due to the indigenous flora and fauna sights that await hikers. Show more

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