Search bushwalks Page 164

Environment

5 h 30 min, 8 h to 2 days

The Castle

12.9 km return

5 h 30 min, 8 h to 2 days

Starting from the Long Gully Carpark just off Long Gully Road, Yadboro, this walk leads to the summit of The Castle and back via the Castle Walking Track. This challenging walk provides spectacular views of the surrounding cliffs and plateaus in the Budawang Ranges. Starting in the rainforest, the hike ascends into dryer forest, then skirts the western edge of the Castle's lower walls with views of Mount Nibelung and Mount Owen. Heading up along cliffs, the hike climbs high above ancient forest before arriving at the large plateau of the Castle. Make sure you walk to the southern end for the best views of Byangee Walls. While the total distance is not significant, the climb of nearly 800m is capped by a series of exposed scrambles near the summit. Tracks, in general, are not signposted, and except for a few arrows that are scratched into rocks, navigation may be challenging. The trail is technical and diverse across varied terrain, with challenging rock scrambles and several rope sections toward the summit that aren't for the faint-hearted or inexperienced. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Caves

Environment

Lysterfield Loop to Lysterfield Hill

Lysterfield Loop to Lysterfield Hill

12.9 km circuit

3 h 30 min to 6 h

1 h 30 min to 2 h 45 min

Starting near the Mahogany Car park on Horsewood Road, Lysterfield, this walk loops around Lysterfield Lake, past Lysterfield Hills and back. Enjoy a peaceful walk around the lake and the surrounding hills, with fantastic nature and wildlife to admire. Many kangaroos can be spotted grazing on the lake's shoreline along the way. As you walk across the dam wall towards the end of the walk, you will get the best views of the lake. This walk has plenty of variety, with many flat sections and a couple of steep climbs easily handled on the well-maintained trails. Many signposts facilitate navigation. Keep in mind that this walk is very popular and can get rather busy on weekends. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Urban

Berowra to Cowan via Berowra Waters

Berowra to Cowan via Berowra Waters

13 km oneway

5 h 28 min to 6 h

With train station at each end this walk explores the ridges and valleys around Berowra Waters. There are plenty of excellent views, especially at Naa Badu Lookout and the many creek vantage points along the way. There are some solid climbs on this walk so be sure to allow enough time. Berowra Waters, in the middle of the walk, is a great place for lunch or an ice cream, by taking the optional side trip across the river, on the free car-ferry, which is a pleasant ride in itself. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Mount Remarkable Summit Hike

Mount Remarkable Summit Hike

13 km return

5 h to 7 h

Starting near the Melrose Campground at the end of Joes Road, Melrose, this walk leads to the summit of Mount Remarkable and back via the Mount Remarkable Walking Track. The hike to Mount Remarkable starts from the main trailhead at the Monument, past the caravan park. The terrain varies from lush green carpet, scree slopes, low-lying bushland and expansive dry eucalypt forest. As you ascend the mountain, you'll be rewarded with great views over the area. However, on the summit, there is no lookout, and dense vegetation obscures the view. The trail is long and slow, with a steady gradient winding around the side of the mountain. There are some challenging scree slopes with loose rocky terrain. The signage is clear, and the trail is relatively easy to follow. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Larapinta Trail, S7 Old: Ellery Creek South to Serpentine Gorge

Larapinta Trail, S7 Old: Ellery Creek South to Serpentine Gorge

13 km oneway

6 h to 2 days

Starting from the Ellery Creek South Day Use Area, Namatjira, this walk takes you to the Serpentine Gorge Car Park via the old southern alignment of the Larapinta Trail: Section 7. This is the former seventh section of the 223km long Larapinta Trail, starting/finishing at the Ellery Creek South Day Use Area. A relatively shorter and less demanding part of Larapinta, this track optionally takes you to the Serpentine Gorge itself along with great views of the West Macdonnell Range midway. The said gorge is sacred to the Western Arrernte people who call the place Ulpma. As it’s a less known location compared to the popular gorges in the area, you may have a more secluded and tranquilizing experience as you rest and take in the scenery. Although you can’t swim at the waterhole here, the Big Hole along Ellery Creek is quite close to the other trailhead. That permanent waterhole can be the perfect start/finish to the hike. Besides the waterholes, this track gives you an opportunity to spot the local/migrating birds as well as view interesting land formations. Let us begin by acknowledging the Arrernte people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Swim

Environment

Larapinta Trail, S8: Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet Dam

Larapinta Trail, S8: Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet Dam

13.1 km oneway

5 h to 2 days

Starting from the end of Serpentine Gorge Road, Burt Plain, this walk takes you to the Serpentine Chalet Dam trailhead via the Larapinta Trail (Section 8), visiting Counts Point along the way. This is the eighth section of the 223km long Larapinta Trail. This part of the Larapinta is quite scenic and lets you ride the ridgeline for continuous panoramic views over the surrounding arid land. Although it gets steep and rocky, the steps at the steep parts are well-made to ease the ascent/descent. The vegetation in the area is quite varied, therefore there’s almost always a plant species that is flowering. This helps feed the native animals such as the Common Brushtail Possum. There are two campsites midway that can be used to make this an overnight walk: Counts Point and Oxide Flat. Both have tent pads yet lack other crucial amenities such as water and toilets. Near the end, you’ll have a chance to visit the ruins of the old Serpentine Chalet which operated in the late 50s as well as the dam up north. Keep in mind that the Serpentine Chalet Dam trailhead is only accessible by a 4WD vehicle to a car park 1 km south of the trailhead itself. Let us begin by acknowledging the Arrernte people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Ruins

Environment

Breadknife and Grand High Tops Circuit

Breadknife and Grand High Tops Circuit

13.1 km circuit

6 h 30 min, 8 h to 2 days

Circuit

6 h 30 min, 8 h to 2 days

Starting from the car park at the end of Pincham Road, Warrumbungle, this circuit walk takes you to the Grand High Tops and the Breadknife, visiting many lookouts and stunning rock formations along the way. 90 metres tall but only 4 metres wide, the Breadknife is a truly astonishing sight to see. Almost every single stop on this walk offers panoramic views over the landscape, so try not to spend too much time in just one. Search the skies for wedge-tailed eagles and peregrine falcons (the fastest birds in the world). If you're here in spring, wildflowers such as orange pea flowers and purple hoveas can enhance your experience. Several campsites along the way allow you to make this an overnight walk. The Balor Hut is a historic hut that you can stay in, with toilets and a wood heater (you need to bring your own wood). Remember to take enough water and sunscreen. Let us begin by acknowledging the Wiradjuri, Kamilaroi & Wailwan people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Mount Brown Summit Loop

13.1 km circuit

4 h 30 min to 6 h 30 min

Mount Brown Summit Loop

Circuit

Starting from the Gate 3 car park at the end of Richman Valley Road, Quorn, this circuit walk takes you to the summit of Mount Brown via the Heysen Trail and the Mount Brown-Olive Grove Trail. The walk takes you past Waukarie Falls to Mt Brown summit. Take some time at the top to soak in the view from the lookout tower and read some information boards about Robert Brown in whose name the tower was built. All junctions are clearly marked, and there are usually printed walk brochures in the metal box at the trailhead. The track is relatively easy for the first couple of kilometres through the valley, and then a relentless uphill trek begins. Sturdy shoes are recommended, as some sections of this hike involve scrambling over rocky surfaces, which may become slippery after rain. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

4 h 30 min to 6 h 30 min

Environment

Starting from the Toodyay Caravan Park on Railway Road, Toodyay, this walk leads to Nardie Cemetery and back via the Bilya Walk Track. The Bilya Walk Track is a project by the "Toodyay Friends of the River" promoting the Avon River's cultural, heritage and environmental values. The marked and signposted track extends for about 6.9 kilometres from the Toodyay Caravan Park to Nardie Cemetery, providing opportunities to admire the town site's historic buildings. There is a grand array of birdlife and scenic vistas of the Avon River, and the diverse range of habitats provide for an exquisite range of wildflowers with some unique species. The John Masters Bird Hide, situated at Red Banks Pool, Lloyd Reserve, attracts many bird watchers, and walkers often pause to admire its design, peer through its windows to the river and read the informative posters depicting some of the birdlife in the area. Picnic facilities and seating have been installed along the track, providing excellent viewpoints to admire the Avon River. Extracts Weir and Millards Pool is quite close to the track. People usually watch the yearly Avon Descent from here. The track ends at the Nardie Cemetery, where most of the early settlers of Toodyay were buried. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Bilya Walk Track

13.1 km return

3 h to 4 h

Cafe

Environment

4 h 30 min, 7 h to 2 days

Starlights Trail

13.1 km return

4 h 30 min, 7 h to 2 days

Starlights Trail is a part of the greater trail, connecting Mittagong and Katoomba. This return walk takes you from Nattai Road through Nattai National Park and passes the Emmets Flat campsite. Let us begin by acknowledging the Gundungurra people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Environment

Bundeena to Marley Beach

13.1 km return

4 h 15 min to 4 h 30 min

Bundeena to Marley Beach

Return

Going from the small town of Bundeena, to one of the largest beaches in the Royal National Park, this walk has great views of the Coast as it heads south through the heath and along the rockshelf. The walk then descends to Marley Beach, which offers the opportunity to swim and explore the lagoon, before heading back to Bundeena. On a sunny day this track is a pure delight. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

4 h 15 min to 4 h 30 min

Environment

Ferry

Mpulungkinya / Palm Valley Track

Mpulungkinya / Palm Valley Track

13.1 km circuit

3 h 30 min to 5 h 30 min

Circuit

Starting from Palm Valley Campground, Namatjira, this circuit walk takes you into a gorge along Palm Creek, exploring the arid land of Finke River National Park along the way. Getting its name from the Red Cabbage Palms it’s home to, this part of the desert is unique in terms of flora. The said palms are only found here and some of them are more than 300 years old. There are also heaps of cycads and the occasional Ghost Gum along the track. The track is generally undulating and there are mattings placed by the rangers on the soft parts of the sand for better traction. The said rangers offer interactive events/activities from May to October which are a great way to socialize and learn more about the area. Keep in mind that there’s very little shade along the track. A 4WD vehicle with good clearance is required to get to the starting point. The road/track may be inaccessible after heavy rainfall, so check road conditions beforehand. You can use the commercial tours to come from Alice Springs if you don’t own a 4WD vehicle. The track can be started from the end of the 4WD road/track as well, shortening the loop. Let us begin by acknowledging the Western Arrernte people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

3 h 30 min to 5 h 30 min

Environment

The Andrew Hill Loop Walk, Kinglake National Park, starts near the car park of The Gums Camping Area, looping around Andrew Hill via Blackfish Way and the Andrew Hill Track. Enjoy an exhilarating hike around Kinglake National Park, primarily over wide gravel tracks, through varying forest landscapes, passing by cascading creeks, with plenty of nature and birdlife to admire. The park is home to various native birds, including Gang-gang Cockatoos, Lyrebirds, King Parrots and colourful Rosellas. Observe the blooming wildflowers in spring and discover fungi, mosses and lichens in wintertime. This hike is considered moderately challenging and has a lot of uphill climbs, providing a good workout. The track can be a bit slippery in some places after rain. On high fire danger days, it is advisable not to enter the park. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Environment

Andrew Hill Loop

13.1 km circuit

4 h 30 min to 6 h 30 min

4 h 30 min to 6 h 30 min

Run

2 h 15 min to 3 h 30 min

Crosslands to Berowra Waters

Crosslands to Berowra Waters

13.1 km return

5 h to 7 h

This return walk starts from the Crosslands Reserve and follows the Great North Walk along Berowra creek. The walk includes some boardwalks. After climbing up the side of the valley, the walk comes back down into Berowra Waters. Here you can enjoy lunch by Berowra Creek, at the Garden House restaurant, or catch the free car-ferry across the river to find the fish cafe. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Cafe

Environment