From rainforest to desert; from mangrove swamp to alpine meadow; from coral reef to coastal heaths to mountains of eucalypt forests. Few other places in the world have the diversity of landscapes that New South Wales offers the bush or cross country walker. There are over two hundred national parks and reserves across the state, covering nearly five million hectares of land, all with walking tracks. Of these, more than twenty two national parks and over a million hectares of protected land lie within 150 km of Sydney itself, making the city a mecca for bushwalking. If you look on a map, a belt of green surrounds Sydney on all sides. Further afield, the coast of NSW and adjacent ranges are dotted with national parks and nature reserves.

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Six Foot Track, NSW Take in breathtaking Blue Mountains scenery and 200 years of history on this original 1884 horse track from Katoomba to Jenolan Caves.  Suitable for walkers of average fitness, the 45km route can be broken into day walks or conquered comfortably in three days.  True athletes can sign up for the tough and iconic Six Foot Marathon, but walking is the best way to absorb the scenery. Wind through fragrant bushland, past cliffs, caves and waterfalls. Spot kangaroos, wallaroos, echidnas, wombats, butterflies and many of the 150 bird species that live along the track. Camp along the way at three campgrounds, two with basic facilities, or pitch your tent in the tranquil bushland. The best time to walk is during spring and autumn, when you can avoid the summer heat and cold winter nights. 45km /3 days / short walks.

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Australian Alps Walking Track, ACT/NSW/Vic Cross three states, four national parks and some of Australia’s highest peaks on this tough long-distance walk. The trail follows the crest of the Australian Alps for 65km, from Walhalla in Victoria to Tharwa just south of Canberra. Wind up and down the Baw Baw Plateau, Mt. Howitt, the Bogong High Plains and the Cobberras in Victoria. Traverse the rugged mountains of Kosciuszko National Park in New South Wales and the rocky wilderness of Namadgi National Park near Canberra. Pitch your tent in the wilderness, stay in camping grounds, historic huts or alpine resorts close to the track. Do day treks or combine shorter, more manageable sections of the trail.  The end-to-end walk takes about 50 to 60 days and is strictly for the intrepid traveller. 650km/up to 50 days/day and multi-day walks.

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Barrington Tops, NSW Barrington Tops is full of contrasts. Carved out of an ancient volcano, it rises from near sea level to over 1500m. In the lower valleys, you'll find World Heritage-listed subtropical rainforests. Up on the plateau, there is sub-alpine woodland which regularly sees snow in winter. Most of the area is declared wilderness, and it's a well-known destination for bushwalkers. But the park is accessible even to those with limited mobility. Its excellent track network extends from short, easy walks to steep overnight treks. The park's varied environments are home to a wide range of plants and animals, and it protects more than 50 rare or threatened species. In this area, many northern and southern plants meet the limit of their range. Walking tracks | The Tops to Myall's Heritage Trail

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The Blue Mountains, NSW Because of their close proximity to the city of Sydney, the Blue Mountains are a mecca for both locals and visitors who enjoy bushwalking, canyoning or mountaineering to any degree of ease or difficulty. More than three million people come to Blue Mountains National Park each year. For many, it's enough just to find a lookout and gaze across the park's chiselled sandstone outcrops and hazy blue forests. Others walk or cycle along the cliff-tops and in the valleys, following paths that were created for Victorian-era honeymooners, or discovered by Aboriginal hunters many thousands of years ago. Over 140 km of walking tracks of all grades (some accessible for people with a disability) in diverse settings make the Blue Mountains a bushwalker's paradise. Many walking tracks wind their way through the area. Above the walking tracks, the cliff lines of the Blue Mountains stretch for hundreds of kilometres and there are plenty of people who like to haul themselves up them. Canyoning is extremely popular in Blue Mountains National Park, where there are picturesque chasms to suit every skill level. The Grand Canyon Track, for example, can be enjoyed without without specialised equipment or skills. With some 400 canyons, Sydney canyoners are certainly spoilt for choice here. Adventure recreation | Walking tracks | Canoeing | Walking track notes | Wentworth Falls walks | The Six Foot Walking Track

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Wollemi National Park, NSW This is the largest wilderness area in NSW and forms part of the recently declared Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area — a maze of canyons, cliffs and undisturbed forest. Descend to the Colo River on Bob Turners Track (4 km, 200 m descent, some steep sections) and enjoy the beaches in one of the state's longest and most scenic gorges. There are historic ruins at Newnes, across the Wolgan River from the camping area. The Glow Worm Tunnel is part of the old railway that serviced the area; access is from Clarence on the Bells Line of Road. Dunns Swamp has easy walks and plenty of opportunities for canoeing. Backpack camping is permitted throughout the park. Bookings and permits for camping are not required. Access: 100-250 km north-west of Sydney. Dunns Swamp is 20 km from Rylstone along Narrango Road; Newnes is 47 km north of Lithgow along Wolgan Road; and Bob Turners track starts off Putty Road 15 km north-west of Colo. Coorongooba is accessed from Glen Davis 35km north of Capertee. All roads are unpaved. Photo: Lithgow Tourism

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The Great North Walk, NSW A 250 kilometre bush walking track linking Sydney city with the Hunter Valley and Newcastle, The Great North Walk is a ‘one-stop-shop’ of the best scenery highlights NSW has to offer. Passing through a diverse range of natural habitats and bushland as well as rural and urban settings, including Sydney Harbour, Berowra Valley, Hawkesbury River, Watagan Mountains, Lake Macquarie and the Newcastle coastline, The Great North Walk is a must-see for bushwalkers and nature lovers alike. Wine lovers are also catered for, with 75 kilometres of link tracks connecting the walk to the Pokolbin vineyards and to the Sydney-Newcastle bus and railway lines. With camping grounds, water stations and other facilities scattered throughout, the walk boasts lookouts, rainforest, a plethora of diverse native flora and fauna, sandstone ridges, coastal terrain and well-maintained boardwalks.

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