Walk your way through history in NSW

From tracing the ancient songlines of Indigenous Australians to following in the footsteps of the first convicts sent to our shores, Spring is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors so get walking in NSW.

NSW offers a multitude of walking experiences which showcase the fascinating history and natural beauty of the State.

Here are just a few suggestions to enjoy a scenic walking holiday in Regional NSW:

Convict tales

Follow in the footsteps of Australia’s convicts by walking part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Great North Road track in Dharug National Park near Wisemans Ferry. Convict-built between 1826 and 1836 overlooking theHawkesbury River, the walk contains relics of convict life including preserved stonework, bridges and convict graffiti in the rock face. The 9km loop takes approximately 3-4 hours to complete with campgrounds available at Mill Creek and Ten Mile Hollow.

Songlines

Located in the Eurobodalla National Park on NSW’s South Coast, the Bingi Dreaming track is the perfect day walk taking hikers along a songline (dreaming track), a stunning coastal route visiting campsites and ceremonial and trade sites used by the Brinja-Yuin people. Approximately 13.5km each way, the walk starts at Congo Headland and leads all the way to Tuross Head through eucalyptus forests and heathlands. With ocean views and beautiful vantage points along the way, it’s very likely you’ll spot some whales.

Scale the tallest outdoor staircase in Australia

The Blue Mountains is a mecca for bushwalkers offering over 140km of trails and walking tracks. With stunning views of the Jamison Valley and Wentworth Falls, the historic National Pass in the Blue Mountains National Park ticks all the boxes for a Spring walk in the mountains. Considered one of the most iconic and historically significant tracks in the region, the impressive hand-built Grand Stairway is Australia’s tallest outdoor staircase.

Uncover the history of Ben Boyd

Take the Light to Light walk on the far South Coast to learn more about historical pioneer Benjamin Boyd. Spanning 30km each way, the cooler Spring weather is the perfect time to take in this multi-day walk with its amazing whale and bird-watching experiences. This walk starts at the historic Boyds Tower in the Ben Boyd National Park and ends at Green Cape Lighthouse, with campgrounds and accommodation along the way.

Indigenous rock art in the Outback

Located in the Gundabooka National Park near Bourke, the Mulgowan (Yappa) Aboriginal Art Site walking track gives walkers a fascinating insight into Indigenous rock art of the Ngemba and Paakandji people. The 1.4km track is challenging, taking walkers through bushland and boulders alongside fascinating rock paintings and significant ceremonial sites.

Lights on in Byron

Criss-crossing through beaches and coastal rainforest, the iconic Cape Byron walking track is a must-do for all Byron holiday-makers. Set aside a few hours to complete the 3.7km track, as you’ll want to take your time spotting dolphins, turtles and whales. Visit the Maritime Museum and the historic Cape Byron Lighthousewhich sits on the easternmost point of Australia. The Cape Byron area is also home to the region’s oldest midden at The Pass, a place of great cultural and archaeological significance to the local Indigenous people.