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Popes Glen, Pulpit Rock, Govetts Leap and Braeside Walk

Popes Glen, Pulpit Rock, Govetts Leap and Braeside Walk

14.3 km circuit

7 h 30 min to 10 h

This large circuit walk, from Popes Glen to Pulpit Rock, Govetts leap and along the Braeside Track, passes some of the most magnificent scenery in this part of the Blue Mountains National Park. From little, hidden places, like Boyds Beach, to the stunning Bridle Veil Falls and Govetts Leap Lookout, this track covers many of the areas highlights. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharug & Gundungurra people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Waterfall

Environment

Great West Walk: Parramatta to Seven Hills

Great West Walk: Parramatta to Seven Hills

14.3 km oneway

3 h 45 min to 6 h 30 min

14.3 km

Oneway

Walk

3 h 45 min to 6 h 30 min

Starting from Parramatta train station, this one-way walk leads through Parramatta Park with Australia's oldest colonial buildings and open parklands. Followed by the path along Toongabbie Creek where you can see and hear birdlife such as bellbirds and water hens, before finishing off at Seven Hills train station. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharug people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Davidson Park to St Ives Chase

Davidson Park to St Ives Chase

14.4 km oneway

5 h to 5 h 30 min

This walk, between Davidson Park and Warrimoo Ave, is a fantastic harbour side trip. The focus for the walk is the waterway views, scattered throughout. This walk is a great way to explore the valley between the suburbs and the interesting, diverse flora it contains. Let us begin by acknowledging the Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Waterfall

Environment

The Blue Tongue Bend Walk, Warrandyte, starts near Stiggants Reserve, at the end of Stiggants Street, leading along the Yarra River to the Yarra River Linear Reserve and back. Embark on a peaceful walk beside the river, where you can enjoy views of the water and the bushland, amid the sounds of the local birdlife. The dirt trail meanders along the river. There is also a picnic ground with barbeques, firewood and toilets. This track is well-formed and mostly wide and flat, with some narrow, hilly and rocky sections. It can be a little muddy and slippery after recent rains or in otherwise damp conditions. Overall, it is manageable for most people, and popular with families. Dogs are not allowed on this track. 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

Blue Tongue Bend Walk

14.4 km return

4 h to 6 h 30 min

Blue Tongue Bend Walk

Environment

Cabbage Tree to Carnarvon Gorge

Cabbage Tree to Carnarvon Gorge

14.5 km oneway

5 h to 6 h 30 min

Starting from the Cabbage Tree campground in Carnarvon Park, this walk takes you to the Carnarvon Gorge Visitor Centre via the sixth and last section of the 87 km Carnarvon Great Walk, visiting Jimmy’s Shelf and Devil’s Signpost along the way. With lovely views of Mount Acland and beyond, this track features scenic cliffs and impressive rock formations as well. The Demon’s Ridge combined with the Bulknaoo Cliffs can impress and challenge you at the same time. Once used by the stockmen of the time, this track connected the plateau and the nearby settlements at the time. The side trip to Boolimba Bluff Lookout(s) will reward you with more spectacular views. Keep in mind that you’ll need a permit to access Carnarvon Park and the said campsites. This walk is closed from the 1st of November to the last day of February. Bring some insect repellent to protect yourself from the mozzies(Australian slang for mosquitoes). Let us begin by acknowledging the Bidjara & Karingbal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Lake Judd

14.5 km return

6 h to 8 h

This walk leads to Lake Judd and back via the Lake Judd Track from the Red Tape Creek car park on Scotts Peak Road, Southwest National Park. Lake Judd is a deep, ice-carved lake surrounded by precipitous mountains. Just over three kilometres long, it is the largest glacial lake of the Southwest. It starts as a reasonably flat walk through a forest and then across button grass swamps, which is hard going, but the views across the swamps to Mount Anne make the experience enjoyable. The track ends at a large flat area for camping, just by the lake. This walk involves a river crossing, which may not be possible after heavy rain. Some sections of the track are often very wet and muddy. The final section to reach Lake Judd is uphill but not too strenuous. The track itself is reasonably well marked with a few sections that require some navigational skills. 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

Starting from Thomas River Campground, Cape Arid National Park, this walk takes you to Tagon beach and back, visiting Dolphin Cove and Little Tagon Bay along the way. The trail varies between a coastal heath and rocky headlands, with excellent views of the ocean. It is possible to spot different kinds of birds, including Hooded Plovers, Crested Terns and Oyster Catchers. You can also spot migratory whales between July and October. The texture of the walk traverses between natural pavements made up of rock materials such as granite, gravel and beach sand. Some parts may be flooded after heavy rain, and there are occasional steep sections. 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

Tagon Coastal Trail

14.5 km return

4 h to 6 h 30 min

Environment

Starting from the car park on Hurford Street, Dunsborough, this walk takes you past Curtis Bay, Castle Rock, Castle Bay, Meelup Beach, Point Picquet, and Eagle Bay via the Meelup Reserve Trail. Linking Dunsborough to Eagle Bay, the 7.8km Meelup Reserve Trail leads walkers along the coast to beautiful secluded beaches and impressive granite rock formations. Almost all of the beaches here are well-known, and their crystal clear waters are one of the main reasons for that. Small reefs and rocky outcrops provide good snorkelling opportunities. In spring, there are heaps of wildflowers and animals. Numerous vantage points along the way allow you to view whales, mainly from September to December. There are multiple turn-offs in the first kilometres of the walk that take you to small and relatively secluded beaches. One of the main highlights of the walk is the imposing Castle Rock. Further on the trail lies Castle Bay, with Sail Rock to the west and Castle Rock to the east. Those features combined with the panoramic ocean view makes this place quite picturesque. Have a picnic or a swim, and enjoy the refreshing ambience. From Castle Bay onwards, the beaches are larger; however, there are still some rugged sections that divide up the beaches. Meelup Beach is ideal for swimming due to the bay being protected. There are BBQs, picnic tables under trees and big grassy areas for family picnics as well. Another nice feature of Meelup Beach is that it is also where Meelup Brook runs into the ocean. The track from Meelup to Eagle Bay is relatively a bit more challenging, yet the ocean views get better as you get higher. This section features the only real ascent of the trail, although it isn't very long or difficult. After a downhill wander, stunning Eagle Bay looms in the distance. The trail continues through Reidle Park to the Eagle Bay Carpark, with a well-shaded boardwalk leading down to the beach. This is a fairly easy walk along a mostly flat trail with very little change in elevation. The trail is clear, well maintained and reasonably well signed. There are large panels at the start of the trail and markers all along the way. From Dunsborough, the track to Point Piquet is quite straightforward, but it can get a bit hard to follow after Point Piquet. You can either return to your vehicle via Meelup Reserve Trail, get a cab or do some car shuffling. 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

Meelup Reserve Trail

14.5 km return

4 h to 6 h

Swim

Environment

Bus

Eastern Stromlo Forest Circuit

Eastern Stromlo Forest Circuit

14.5 km circuit

4 h 30 min to 7 h

Starting from Stromlo Forest Park Carpark, Stromlo, this circuit walk explores the eastern woodlands of Stromlo Forest via various tracks, visiting Mount Stromlo and Willo Link Totem along the way. Stromlo Forest is home to a world-class multi-use facility, with the convenience of being just 15 minutes away(with a car) from the city centre. A haven for mountain bikers, Stromlo Forest Park has countless high quality MTB tracks, along with cross-country running tracks and walking tracks. The summit of Mount Stromlo will welcome you with panoramic views over western Canberra and Brindabella Range. Especially stunning at dusk and dawn, this spot can also be a great opportunity to watch for some cute little magpies. As you’re making your way back to the start, you’ll pass by the Willo Link Totem. This totem was erected in honor of James ‘Willo’ Williamson, a world champion mountain biker who was loved and respected by many. May he rest in peace. Keep in mind that the facility closes at 9PM in Daylight Savings Time, and 6PM otherwise. 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.

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Environment

Darri and Warrimoo Tracks to Mt Kuring-gai

Darri and Warrimoo Tracks to Mt Kuring-gai

14.6 km oneway

5 h 30 min to 6 h 30 min

14.6 km

Oneway

Walk

5 h 30 min to 6 h 30 min

Starting in North Turramurra, this walk follows the Darri and Warrimoo Tracks through Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and down along the picturesque Cowan Creek. Bobbin Head makes a great spot to take a break and have some lunch at the cafe, kiosk or picnic area. From Bobbin Head, the track continues through Apple Tree Bay, following Cowan Creek for a little while before climbing up and out of the valley to Mt Kuring-gai station. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darug people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Cafe

Environment

Careys Peak Walking Track

Careys Peak Walking Track

14.6 km return

7 h, 12 h to 2 days

Starting from Mount Barrington picnic area this day's walk leads along the eastern rim of the escarpment, past several summits and Careys Hut to Careys Peak lookout for splendid views over the Barrington Tops National Park. You can stay in the historic hut and make this a multi-day trip as well. Let us begin by acknowledging the Wonnarua people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Mambray Creek to Alligator Gorge Hike

Mambray Creek to Alligator Gorge Hike

14.6 km oneway

5 h to 2 days

Starting from the Mambray Creek car park at the end of Park Road, Mount Remarkable National Park, this walk takes you to Alligator Gorge via the Mambray Creek, Hidden Gorge and Kingfisher tracks. This challenging hike follows the course of the Alligator and Mambray creeks, which are a series of rocky beds and water holes, exploring the river red gum and native pine forests that line the creeks. The hike begins near the Mambray Creek Campground, winding along Mambray Creek past pools of permanent water, then follows the Hidden Gorge Track along Alligator Creek to the Hidden Gorge Campsite. The hike continues along Alligator Creek, following the Kingfisher Track past the Red Cliffs and the Blue Gum Flat Picnic Area, ending at the Alligator Gorge car park. This route can either be done one-way, leaving a car or arranging a lift at the Alligator Gorge car park, or as a return walk, staying overnight at Longhill Camp. This hike consists of gently undulating walking tails, suitable for moderate fitness levels, with rocky gorge sections, so sturdy footwear is essential. Dogs are not permitted in this 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.

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Environment

Wanna Dunes to Sleaford Mere

Wanna Dunes to Sleaford Mere

14.6 km oneway

4 h to 5 h

Starting from the intersection of Wanna Road and the Pillie Hut Powerline Track, Lincoln National Park, this walk takes you to Sleaford Mere. This challenging bushwalk initially meanders through inland low mallee woodland, climbing to a vantage point with panoramic views over the park before reaching the Brian Clarke Hut, an excellent camp shelter for bushwalkers. From there, the walk continues over the massive, wind-sculpted sand dunes of the Sleaford-Wanna dune system, then follows the Sleaford Bay coastline towards Sleaford Mere, passing across pristine white sandy beaches and along rugged limestone cliffs, with breathtaking views of the exposed Southern Ocean. The walk is part of the Investigator Trail, a long-distance walking trail consisting of several shorter connected trails within Lincoln National Park. Sleaford Bay has exposed, hazardous waters with large waves and dangerous rips, and is popular for surfing but not safe for swimming. This walk consists of wide and narrow walking trails and fire tracks, with uneven natural surfaces, compacted natural surfaces, sandy surfaces and short steep hills, suitable for moderate fitness levels, and can be done in either direction. 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

Birdwatching

Environment

Starting from the Springlawn Visitor Centre on Bakers Beach Road, Bakers Beach, this walk leads to Point Vision via the Bird Hide, Springlawn Lagoon, and Point Vision tracks. This walk takes you to the highest accessible summit of the Asbestos Range, and provides stunning coastal views across the Port Sorell estuary. The walk follows a clear and well-marked fire trail. The beginning takes you through gorgeous grassy, open wetlands before becoming quite steep on the way to the forested summit. Make sure to take the time to stop, rest and enjoy views across the park and distant ranges along your way. 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

Point Vision Track

14.7 km return

4 h to 7 h

Environment