Top 5 Spring Walks in NSW

Top 5 Spring Walks in NSW

Season of snakes and small birds, spring in the NSW bush is rarely as spectacular as it can be in other parts of the world, but in some areas the bush tracks are festooned with flowers, and the amiable weather can suit short strolls or longer treks. It's a great time to be in the outdoors.

Here are five of my top recommendations for spring walking in this diverse state.

Waratahs aplenty near Pulpit Rock, Blue Mountains.

 1. Evans Lookout to Pulpit Rock, Blue Mountains
Virtually one continuous lookout along a spectacular clifftop, this 13km return walk provides stunning views of waterfalls, valleys, cliffs and one of the best opportunities to see NSW waratahs on a main track in the Blue Mountains. It undulates a little, but there are no large descents or ascents. The ending, Pulpit Rock, is surely one of the most underrated, dramatic features in the mountains. Access the walk via Evans Lookout Rd, Govetts Leap Rd or Pulpit Rock Rd.

The dramatic Pulpit Rock lookout.

2. Muogamarra Nature Reserve, Sydney
Usually only open for six weekends a year in spring, this wonderful refuge north of Hornsby has wildflowers galore (including NSW waratahs), Aboriginal engravings, lookouts and historic features. I've written a whole separate blog on this wonderful spot, which you can read here. If you're looking for something to do on a weekend in spring, I thoroughly recommend it.

3. Grand High Tops, Warrumbungles

Warrumbungle National Park. Amazing wildflowers in a dramatic volcanic landscape.

One of the most classic walks in NSW, through impressive volcanic country, this 16.5km loop walk was closed for some time after the devastatingly destructive fire of January 2013, but has recently reopened. Although the bush will take a long time to recover, there will be wildflowers out during the spring, and the views of features such as The Breadknife, Belougery Sprie, Crater Bluff and Bluff Mountains are some of the best in the state at any time of year.

4. Boomeri Camping Area to Shelley Beach Camping Area, Myall Lake

Best done as an overnight walk, this 25km return walk does involve a lot of slogging along a flat fire trail. But if you keep your eyes open, it will be a spring wonderland of wildflowers and wildlife, with birds galore, goannas, lizards, snakes and other surprises. The camping areas at Johnsons Beach and Shelley Beach are delightful, and worth hiking in for. Both on the shores of Myall Lake.

5. Light to Light Walk, Ben Boyd National Park

Ben Boyd National Park

I still believe this is the most spectacular coastline in NSW. It is right in the far south-east corner of the state, and this multi-day walk (probably best over 2 days) goes between two lighthouses, one of which you can stay in. The colours are extraordinary, from the orange and maroon rocks, to the turquoise and aqua water, and the wildlife is rich, with turtles, whales, wallabies, wombats and dolphins. It is relatively flat, easy walking, and there is a great camping area halfway, at Saltwater Creek. The worst thing is that the 32km walk currently has no organised transport to get back to the start, so you either need to do a long, long car shuffle, or walk both ways. Or you could just drive to Saltwater Creek, set up camp, and go for long day walks in each direction.

Full track notes and more information is provided on all these walks in my book, Top Walks in NSW. It's currently available for a bargain if you look around, and there's an e-version to download on your ipad.

See you on the track
www.kensbigbackyard.com.au