Harbour
Bridge, Sydney’s Pride
Byron
Bay: The Beauty and the Bohemia
Katoomba
and the Blue Mountains
On
your next holiday head to Sydney, Australia, the most exciting city Down
Under
Walk
the Trails of New South Wales by Jenny Brewer
Walking the trails in NSW Experienced
bushwalkers are looking for challenges and diversity. Beginner bushwalkers
are looking for safety and beauty. New South Wales has some of the most
diverse walking tracks in Australia, and there is no doubt that there is
something available for everyone. A campervan holiday is perfect for the
flexibility to spend a few days at each national park if you wish, or base
yourself in one and enjoy all the walks available.
You have the choice of the
remote outback, famous mountains, magnificent coastlines and lush rainforests.
There are hundreds of national parks in New South Wales, with a multitude
of bushwalking tracks available for all levels of fitness. Close to Sydney,
there are beautiful trails in every direction. If you are picking up your
vehicle from the city, head to one of these parks to enjoy the magnificent
views. One of my favourites is the stretch from Turrumurra to Berowra,
which travels over close to fourteen kilometres of sweeping bushland and
rainforest not far from the city centre. Lane Cove National Park is even
closer, with a thirteen kilometre walk you can enjoy in stages or completed
in close to three hours.
One
of the most well known parks in New South Wales is the Blue Mountains,
close to an hour from Sydney. Plan at least a few days to enjoy all this
Australian wonder has to offer. There are plenty of camping grounds available,
and most trails start with a family friendly picnic ground. There are a
number of one kilometre walks which end in some spectacular views, from
one through to a forty two kilometre walk to Jenolan Caves.
You can get off the beaten
track to the interior of the park to experience some incredible canyons,
cliffs and gorges on some of the lesser known tracks. There are all types
of activities available as well such as mountain biking, abseiling and
caving. One four hour walk which is popular is the Ruined Castle walk.
You are rewarded with a 360 degree panoramic view of the Blue Mountains
at the summit, and it is fairly easy for most levels of fitness.
Another well known walk is
from Kanangra to Katoomba which takes close to three days to complete but
offers some of the best mountainous scenery. Katoomba is perfect if you
want to take day trips to the mountains and stay in one of the comfortable
caravan parks. It is the central hub of visitors to the mountains, with
the famous Three Sisters within easy reach, and the scenic skyway and the
Katoomba Falls all worth visiting.
Wollemi National Park is
huge and one of the best places to head to for thick forest, canyons and
cliff faces that stretch on as far as the eye can see. Dunns Swamp and
Wolgan River are popular camping bases, and just over an hour north west
from Sydney.
Close to the capital is the
Royal National Park, famous for being the second oldest national park in
the world. Fantastic for a day trip to escape the traffic, there are plenty
of walking tracks through the forests which take you to lookouts on the
cliffs, picnic areas and beaches for a refreshing swim. You can opt for
a two day walk taking in the park in all its diversity.
Head south close to 150 kilometres
to Jervis Bay National Park, where you will find all types of scenery and
attractions, including the lovely Lake Wollumboola. It is such a lovely
area to visit, with pristine beaches and walking trails through the tranquil
forests. You can take the White Sands Walk and then return by taking the
Scribbly Gum Track to enjoy the diversity of the park. Make sure you visit
Hammerhead Point which also has a great picnic area. There are caravan
parks in the nearby towns or in Booderee National Park nearby.
There are simply too many
national parks and walks in New South Wales to list, but choose a few areas
and base your holiday around them. You will not only have a relaxing holiday,
but experience incredible scenery, increase your fitness levels and spend
some quality time with your friends and family. A campervan and bushwalking
holiday is the ideal choice to make the most of the Australian outdoors
at its best.
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