Search bushwalks in Blue Mountains National Park, Page 48

Following the Great North Walk and Berowra Creek through Berowra Valley Regional Park, this walk cuts straight through the length of the Park. The views are good, providing a broad idea of what this park has to offer. Conserve your energy for the section between Berowra Waters and Cowan as there are several solid hills. You can refill the tummy in Berowra Waters with a couple cafes to choose from. Note this walk was re-routed in early 2016 to go via the streets of Hornsby Heights. This re-route is due to the multi-agency decision to close the Fishponds to Steele Bridge section of the Benowie Track. This decision has upset many people and the protest continues. 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

Thornleigh to Cowan

35.9 km oneway

15 h, 18 h to 2 days

Environment

Ingalalla Falls, Kalamunda Native Forest Reserve and Mount Hayfield Loop

Ingalalla Falls, Kalamunda Native Forest Reserve and Mount Hayfield Loop

15.9 km circuit

3 h 30 min to 5 h

1 h 45 min to 2 h 30 min

Starting from the Ingalalla Falls car park off Hay Flat Road, Hay Flat, this walk takes you on a circuit around the Second Valley Forest Reserve past Ingalalla Falls, the Kalamunda Native Forest Reserve and Mount Hayfield. This challenging hike explores the natural creeks, waterfalls, pine forest plantations and native scrub within the Second Valley Forest Reserve. The hike begins with a short walk to Ingalalla Falls, following the creek upstream to the rock pools and waterfall, with several picnic tables dotted along the path. The hike continues to the north-eastern corner of the reserve, winding around the pine forest plantation, then heads west to the Kalamunda Native Forest Reserve, passing through the native scrub around Blackfellows Creek before climbing to the summit of Mount Hayfield. This loop consists mostly of fire tracks, suitable for moderate fitness levels, with some short steep hills. The tracks aren't well-signposted, so some sections may be unclear. The upper tiers of Ingalalla Falls are difficult to reach, as the trail is very steep and slippery. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on a leash. 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 Speculation Road this circuit walk takes you up the steeply Muesli Spur before reaching the plateau and Cobbler Lake Track. To reach Mount Cobbler summit follow the Mount Cobbler Walking Track through the tree line and a short steep section down and back up again before reaching the top. Back on the Cobbler Lake Track near Lake Cobbler campsite you can take a side trip to the Victoria’s highest waterfalls - Dandongadale Falls. If you want to make it a more enjoyable walk spend two nights on track - there are plenty of camp spots. Finish your walk along the Speculation Road with great views over the area before reaching the starting point. 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

Mount Cobbler

22.9 km circuit

8 h to 3 days

Waterfall

Environment

This short and fairly flat walk starts from the popular Honeman's picnic area and follows the Sid Pulsford Walking Track, then another trail to Warriwarri Lookout. The lookout is overgrown and provides no real view. A short distance beyond the signposted lookout is a rocky outcrop that provides some filtered views of the district. A nice walk through the dry ridge top forest, just don't expect grand views. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darkinjung & Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Warriwarri Lookout

2.2 km return

40 min to 1 h

Environment

Willunga Hill Summit Track

Willunga Hill Summit Track

2.5 km return

30 min to 1 h

Starting from the car park at the John Yeates Memorial Lookout off Victor Harbor Road, this walk takes you to the summit of Willunga Hill and back via the Willunga Hill Summit Track. This relatively easy walk follows a narrow corridor up Willunga Hill between Old Willunga Hill Road and Victor Harbor Road, passing through stands of pink gums. Thanks to the work of the Trees for Life Project, the Department of Planning, Transport & Infrastructure and the City of Onkaparinga, the area has protected 85 indigenous plant species. The trail begins at the John Yeates Memorial Lookout, which offers excellent views across Aldinga towards the ocean. Kangaroos and feral goats can often be spotted along the way. At some points, the trail passes along narrow ledges in close proximity to Old Willunga Hill Road. The trail ends at the hilltop trailhead of the Willunga Hill Summit Track on Brookman Road. This walk consists of gently undulating narrow walking trails and fire tracks, with some unclear and poorly marked sections, suitable for average fitness levels. 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

Pets

Environment

Chatswood Station to Mowbray Park

Chatswood Station to Mowbray Park

5.5 km oneway

2 h to 4 h

This walk leads down through the valleys beneath the houses, high on the ridge tops, to reaching the banks of the Lane Cove River at the Chatswood Golf Course. The walk then follows the scenic river, using boardwalks at times. The walk sees another side of Chatswood, with many natural treasures hidden along the way. Let us begin by acknowledging the Camaraigal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Urban

Starting from Redbank Gorge Carpark, Mount Zeil, this walk takes you to Mount Sonder Lookout and back via the Larapinta Trail (Section 12), crossing the usually dry Davenport Creek along the way. This mini version of the Mount Sonder walk is much shorter than the hike to the summit, yet still offers exceptional panoramic views all over the arid land. In fact, you don’t even need to make it to the lookout to get 360-degree views as the way up/down features them on many different levels. The lookout itself is quiet and relatively shaded, which makes it a great spot to have a peaceful picnic. Interpretive signposts inform you about the mountains and surrounding points of interest as you take in the scenery. The sunrise is exceptional if you manage to come that early. Redbank Gorge Carpark is accessible with a conventional vehicle, but a high clearance is recommended nonetheless. 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

Mount Sonder Lookout

5.1 km return

2 h to 2 h 45 min

Environment

Starting from the Lake Seppings Carpark on Golf Links Road, Seppings, this walk takes you on a circuit around Lake Seppings via the Lake Seppings Bird Walk Trail. Lake Seppings (or Tjuirtgellong, the place of the long-necked turtle) is a natural ecosystem within the city that provides a refuge for local native plants, animals and birds. The lake is regarded as an excellent place for bird watching, particularly for water birds. There have been 100+ bird species seen in and around the lake till now. The lake has a wide variety of vegetation around its margins. Bullrushes, sedges and reeds can be found at the foreshores. The fringing trees are a mixture of Western Australian peppermint trees, spearwoods, paperbarks, native willows and wattles. Banksias are also found around the lake. The information boards at the start of the walk give you an indication of what to expect, and that is mostly that Lake Seppings is a haven for birdlife. Along the route there are lookouts, interpretive signage, rest stops and a bird hide. It doesn't take long to reach the first lookout point, with a small boardwalk section leading out over the water, providing the first glimpses of the lake. A feature of the western side is the bird hide, a small wooden shelter perched over the lake where people can watch birds discretely. The lake narrows toward the southern end, and the path crosses the lake on a natural causeway approximately 250 metres before the southern tip. The last section leading back to the car park runs parallel to Golf Links Road. Towards the end, there's a wooden boardwalk right along the edge of the lake providing stunning views looking across the reeds and over the lake. This is a flat walk on a well-established dirt path, suitable for all ages and fitness levels, with wheelchair access with assistance to some of the lookouts. The Lake Seppings Loop is a thoroughly enjoyable walk for any bird watcher, or those simply looking for an easy walk in a pretty area. This is also a popular spot for locals to walk their dogs. Keep an eye out for snakes in the warmer months. There are multiple intersections without signage around the lake. Turning left at each one if walking anti-clockwise (or right if walking clockwise) will keep you on the basic lake circuit. 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

Lake Seppings Loop

2.8 km circuit

30 min to 1 h

Environment

Bus

Starting from Preston Beach Road, Preston Beach, this return track to the perimeter of Lake Preston leads you to a picturesque viewing platform nestled at the water's edge, offering glimpses of the diverse waterbird population that frequents the area. This leisurely stroll meanders through a lush fringe of swamp paperbark, providing a serene backdrop to your little lakeside trip. As you traverse the track, you may stumble upon the resident kangaroos. Set against the backdrop of Yalgorup National Park, Lake Preston is the nearest lake to the coast, stretching an impressive 20 kilometres towards Myalup. If you have the time, take the opportunity to marvel at the extraordinary thrombolites of Lake Clifton, a testament to the park's rich geological heritage. Let us begin by acknowledging the Pinjarup people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Lake Preston North

2.3 km return

30 min to 1 h

Birdwatching

Environment

Charlotte Pass to Mount Kosciuszko - Summit Trail

Charlotte Pass to Mount Kosciuszko - Summit Trail

18.5 km return

6 h to 7 h 30 min

Environment

Mount Taylor Zig Zag Loop

Mount Taylor Zig Zag Loop

3.9 km circuit

1 h 15 min to 2 h

Starting from Parkhill Street, Pearce, this circuit walk takes you to the summit of Mount Taylor via the Zig Zag Track, then descends and loops back to the start via various trails. Supposedly named after James Taylor(a squatter), Mount Taylor will reward you with lovely panoramic views of the Brindabella Range and southern Canberra as you make it to the top. Let the Telstra Tower above Black Mountain be your guide on this walk, as it can be seen from almost everywhere in the reserve. There are also plenty of scenic benches for you to sit on and take in the different views of Tuggeranong Valley. By the way, the Aboriginal expression Tuggeranong actually means ‘cold plains’, if you didn’t know. The area tends to be busy on weekends, so try to schedule the walk on a weekday if you want to avoid the crowd. 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

Pets

Environment

Mount Feathertop via Bungalow Spur

Mount Feathertop via Bungalow Spur

21.1 km return

9 h, 13 h to 2 days

Starting near the carpark on Feathertop Track, Harrietville, this walk takes you to Mount Feathertop and back via the Bungalow Spur Track. This scenic hike has a gradual ascent to The Razorback, then one steep part to the summit of Mount Feathertop, the second highest peak in Victoria. Rising to 1922 metres, it has incredible panoramic views over the surrounding mountains of the Alpine National Park. In winter, from about 1500 metres the track is usually covered in snow, and the summit region becomes a venue for extreme skiing. Due to the high elevation, the scenery changes all the way, featuring blanched gums and a granite summit. The Bungalow Spur was originally created for horses and has a manageable gradient. A popular option for climbing Mount Feathertop is to make it a two day walk, camping at Federation Hut. Weather conditions can change quickly, with very strong winds and blizzards. 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

Red Hands Cave and Axe Grinding Tour

Red Hands Cave and Axe Grinding Tour

4 km circuit

1 h 45 min to 2 h

This is a cultural walk with two significant sites being visited along the way. The walk leaves the quiet Red Hands Cave picnic area and winds down the valley to the Axe Grinding Grooves, once used by Indigenous Australians. The track then follows Campfire Creek up to Red Hands Caves and visits the magnificent cave paintings before returning to the picnic area for a bite of lunch. 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

Caves

Environment

Baroon Dam to Kondalilla Falls

Baroon Dam to Kondalilla Falls

9.4 km oneway

3 h 45 min to 5 h 30 min

9.4 km

Oneway

Walk

3 h 45 min to 5 h 30 min

Starting from the car park off Narrows Road, North Maleny, this walk explores the woodland of Kondalilla National Park, visiting many lookouts and Kondalilla Falls along the way. Expect to be dazzled by gorgeous views of nature from the several lookouts such as the Baroon, Narrows and Flat Rock. Besides the viewpoints, you’ll have a chance to spot some rare bird species and wild animals as you make your way through the lively forest. The scenic rock pools on both ends of the waterfall will be waiting for you to jump in and cool off as you take a break from your hike. Listen to the eastern whipbirds and take in the lovely scenery as the water rejuvenates your legs. Keep in mind that this walk can be reversed as well. And if you’re going to hike under wet conditions, remember to prepare well for the leeches. 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