NSW's 7 ‘Great Walks’ revealed: How many have you ticked off?

Australia has some incredible multi-day hikes. But this list is putting NSW front-and-centre a hiking destination.

Australians love a hike, and we’re certainly spoiled for choice with an abundance of epic trails in each state. But Parks NSW is bringing the state front-and-centre with a new, official list of NSW’s ‘Great Walks’ . The list consists of the state’s best multi-day hikes, and comprises diverse landscapes from mighty alpine peaks to coastlines abundant with opportunities for spotting marine life. So, how many have you done? We break down the list below (from easiest to most difficult).

1. Grand Cliff Top Walk

The Grand Cliff Top Walk in the Blue Mountains has made a bit of a splash since it officially opened in March 2024, immediately topping AllTrails’ round up of the most popular hikes of the year. Indeed, the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains are known for its excellent hiking. Immerse yourself in this multi-day walk, which traces the clifftop taking in splendid views over two days. Best of all, the walk never strays far from mountain villages, so walkers have plenty of food and accommodation options.

2 days, 1 night
19 kilometres

The Grand Cliff Top Walk Undercliff Track in the Blue Mountains — Ditch the crowded lookouts on the new Grand Cliff Top Walk. (Image: R Brand/DCCEEW)

2. Tomaree Coastal Walk

Meander along the coast of Tomaree National Park in Port Stephens. Keep your eyes on the ocean – you’ll likely spot dolphins and whales here. Finish at Anna Bay and witness the fantastic Stockton sand dunes – the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. You also don’t have to rough it on this hike, as there are local villages and cafes along the way to cover all your accommodation and food needs.

2-3 days, 1-2 nights
27 kilometres

Spot whales on the Tomaree Coastal Walk.

3. Murramarang South Coast Walk

Take some time out on the glorious South Coast with this walk that traverses the coast between Ulladulla and Batemans Bay. Start at Pretty Beach and make your way to Maloneys Beach over 3-4 days, passing through forests of towering spotted gums. There are plenty of campsites and cabins for ease.

3-4 days, 2-3 nights
34 kilometres

an aerial view of NSW’s Murramarang South Coast Walk — Enjoy the scenery while following the Murramarang South Coast Walk. (Image: John Spencer/Department of Planning and Environment)

4. Light to Light Walk

Connect the coast along Beowa National Park between two heritage lighthouses that bookend the start and end of the hike. This walk in the far south of the state is close to the whale-watching town of Eden, so keep your eyes peeled for the marine wildlife that can often be seen from the shore.

3 days, 2 nights
32 kilometres

aerial views overlooking Bittangabee Bay in Beowa National Park, Green Cape — The beaches on the Light to Light Walk are lapped by turquoise waters. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Snowies Alpine Walk

The Snowies Alpine Walk connects pre-existing trails to create a one-of-a-kind multi-day hike that takes walkers through wildflower meadows and snow gum forests before summiting Mount Kosciuszko. There are accommodation options in historic towns like Thredbo (the off-season for skiiers is on-season for hikers).

4 days, 3 nights
56 kilometres

6. Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk

This hike in the Northern Rivers feels like being encased in a giant emerald. On the Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk, you’ll pass through World Heritage Gondwana rainforest and across ancient volcanic landscapes. There are secluded and beautiful campsites to stay at, but you’ll need to book them in advance to secure a spot .

4 days, 3 nights
42 kilometres

Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk Minyon Falls — The trail follows the rim of an ancient shield volcano and culminates at the spectacular Minyon Falls. (Image: D Parsons/DCCEEW)

7. The Green Gully Track

This remote loop in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park is for experienced hikers only. But it more than makes up for the challenge with breathtaking scenery, pristine wilderness, dramatic gorges and rivers. There are even heritage-listed stockmans huts to offer some reprieve: you don’t need a tent, just book a spot in a hut .

4 days, 5 nights
65 kilometres

Hobart has quietly become our coolest capital, but the real wonder lies just beyond the city limits.

In the cool shade of Kunyani/ Mt Wellington, Hobart has earned a reputation. Home to culture-defining Dark MOFO, the city blends rugged, raw wilderness and rule-breaking galleries. But, step beyond the thrumming capital’s border and you’ll find a new perspective: historic towns, Jurassic-era cliffs and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. With ALL Accor as your home away from home, fill your days with epicurean odysseys and wild scenery on the best day trips from Hobart.

Where to stay

Behind every good road trip is the perfect home base. Somewhere central to review your camera roll, make the most of Hobart’s dining scene and relax before setting off again.

For modern, Tasmanian-inspired design, book a stay at the Movenpick Hotel Hobart . Standing at the Salamanca Markets, look to the Hobart skyline and the award-winning hotel will catch your eye. As the third-tallest building in the CBD, the views across the harbour toward Antarctica are totally unique to your room. Here, end each day at the daily free chocolate hour (plus a free Movenpick ice cream for the little ones).

For a more budget-conscious option, head to the picture book, sandstone buildings of Macquarie Street. Nestled along the buzzing, historic streetscape, you’ll find Tasmania’s biggest hotel: the Ibis Styles . Return home each day to defrost in one of the hotel’s two saunas. Make use of the proximity to MONA, or take an easy stroll to the candy-coloured cottages of Battery Point between your adventures.

A stylish, Tasmanian-inspired bedroom at Mövenpick Hotel Hobart, your perfect base for relaxing after the best day trips from Hobart. — Elevate your Hobart stay with sleek style at Mövenpick.

1. Bruny Island

Craggy cliffs and tropical-hued, white sand beaches signal your arrival to Bruny Island/ Lunawanna-Alonnah.

Start your day trip at the island’s most iconic spot, the Neck Game Reserve. Scale the Trunganini steps to gaze out over the teensy stretch of land that juts through the sea connecting the two ends of the island.

Catch a rare glimpse of the white furred wallabies that call Bruny Island home at Adventure Bay. Then, for ocean-fresh oysters, pull into the drive-thru window at Get Shucked . Sample Bruny Island cheese at the cellar door before catching the ferry home with an esky full of local produce.

Bruny Island Neck is an isthmus of land connecting north and south Bruny Island. — Begin your adventure with a climb and a view. (Image: Elise Weaver)

2. Mount Wellington

At 1271 metres, Mount Wellington watches protectively over Hobart. Follow the winding road to climb through alpine forest and tufts of snow to reach the summit. Gaze down over Hobart and out to sea, or over your shoulder to the southwestern wilderness.

Reset your adrenaline with a mountain bike ride back down. Or, make like the locals and head into the mountain on foot. Try the hike to the Jurassic-period Organ Pipes which slips under the mountain’s magnificent dolerite cliffs (perfect for families thanks to the trail’s minimal incline).

For a view of Mount Wellington itself, hike nearby Cathedral Rock.

No matter where you are in Hobart you are never far away from the City's beloved mountain, Kunanyi / Mount Wellington — Climb through alpine forest to the summit. (Image: Paul Flemming)

2. Port Arthur

Constructed entirely by convicts, the manicured gardens and penal buildings of Port Arthur offer a day trip that practically hums with history.

The rugged, seagirt location was chosen for its difficult escape conditions. Now, you can cruise the coast below the towering, jagged cliffs of the Tasman National Park or wander the sloping fields of fragrant lavender.

Tickets to Port Arthur include a walking tour and harbour cruise. See the Isle of the Dead where 1000 men are buried in marked and unmarked graves. And Point Puer, Britain’s first prison for children.

The Port Arthur Historic Site is one of Australia's most important heritage sites and tourist destinations. Located on the scenic Turrakana / Tasman Peninsula in the south east of Tasmania, it offers a unique and essential experience for all visitors to the area. — Wander convict-built grounds and gardens. (Image: Dearna Bond)

3. Launceston

You’ll find Launceston at the confluence of three rivers after an easy 2.5-hour drive from Hobart. Launceston is a patchwork of old and new. Here, heritage streetscapes meet modern architecture.

Visit Cataract Gorge, the green, sun-dappled heart of the town and sacred meeting point for Tasmania’s indigenous communities. Pull up at roadside produce stalls that dot the Tamar Valley, or dine out. Launceston is, after all, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

Should the local wine scene persuade you, simply extend your time in Launceston at Peppers Silo (but definitely at least stop by the onsite restaurant, Grain of the Silo , for a farm fresh menu) or Mercure Launceston before heading back to Hobart.

Walk the sunlit paths of Cataract Gorge. (Image: Nick H Visuals)

4. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Take a 35-minute drive from your hotel and you’ll find Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary . This social enterprise is run by a team of extremely passionate Tasmanians with a mission to look after critically endangered species who have found sanctuary here after facing extinction on the mainland.

Choose to wander the sanctuary at your own pace or join a guided tour (free with your ticket) to come face to face with Tassie’s most iconic species. Tasmanian Devils, wombats and echidnas are part of the free tour. You can book up close encounters with your favourite animals, too.

Bonorong is a Sanctuary for wildlife run by a passionate team of like-minded people. We're a social enterprise: a little business with a big heart. — Snap a cuddle-worthy encounter. (Image: Tourism Australia)

5. Richmond Village & Coal River Valley

Richmond is a town that belongs in a snow globe. Fifty colonial-era, Georgian buildings have been painstakingly restored and turned into cafes, cosy restaurants and galleries. Visit Richmond Gaol , said to be the home of a prisoner so vile he inspired Charles Dickens to pen Oliver Twist’s Fagin.

Then, follow the Coal River as it flows past grassy, duckling-dotted knolls and under the iconic Richmond Bridge, the oldest bridge in Australia. From the crest of the bridge, see the oldest Catholic Church in Australia. The river crawls past many cellar doors, perfect for a day of wine tasting.

Richmond is a picture-perfect town in the Coal River Valley wine region, offering a glimpse into early colonial life, one of the best day trips from Hobart. — Trace the river through history and wine country. (Image: Fin Matson)

Plan your trip to Hobart and beyond with ALL Accor at All.com .

NSW‘s 7 ‘Great Walks’ revealed: How many have you ticked off?