Curracurrong Falls, Royal National ParkCredit: Destination NSW
Falls look spectacular from the Coast Track in the Royal National Park.
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As summer dials up the heat, there’s no better time to explore Sydney’s many stunning natural attractions. Embrace a sense of adventure as you follow sublime coastal hiking trails sprinkled with waterfalls and pristine beaches or tackle an invigorating bushwalk through rugged bushland to discover Aboriginal rock art and breathtaking vistas.
Be humbled by the royal treatment
Leave your everyday concerns behind you on the 50-minute drive south from central Sydney to the vast Royal National Park. (Or sit back and relax on a train to Cronulla, then ride the heritage ferry across to Bundeena, a seaside town at the northern end of the national park.)
Whichever way you get there, you’ll immerse in a landscape of heath, wind-swept brush and crashing waves as you follow scenic trails along the rugged coastline of Australia’s oldest national park.
Challenge yourself by tackling sections of the Royal Coast Track, which runs for 26km between Bundeena and Otford, taking in soaring rock formations, serene rockpools, towering waterfalls, dense rainforest, beautiful beaches and stunning ocean views (look for migrating whales between May and October). Make an adventure of your visit and walk the full Royal Coast Track over two days, camping at North Era overnight (bookings essential; check ahead for weather-induced closures).
Feel new in the big blue
Feel spoilt for choice of scenic hiking trails and swoon-worthy vantage points in the Blue Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed wilderness sprawling over 2,700 square kilometres an hour’s drive west of Sydney.
Ease into the mountains mood by following the short, family-friendly Three Sisters Walk on the outskirts of Katoomba, the largest town in the Blue Mountains. Gaze in wonder as the path leads to the spectacular Three Sisters rock formation that, according to a local Aboriginal Dreamtime story, represents three girls turned to stone.
Soak up incomparable views of waterfalls and the dense bushland of the Jamison Valley from more than 20 lookouts on the moderate Prince Henry Cliff Walk, a 7km one-way hike. Or push yourself to discover inner reserves of strength on a guided two-day, 46km walk with Peak Potential Adventures along the Six Foot Track, which was built in the 1800s as a horse and cart track.
Mesmerise the kids
Watch your kids’ faces light up when you tell them you’re all heading out on a glow worm hunt near Lithgow, a 2.5-hour drive west of Sydney just beyond the Blue Mountains. Follow the Glow Worm Tunnel trail in the rugged Wollemi National Park, embracing the challenge of a few steep sections on a 2km-return trail through beautiful bushland. Then plunge into the darkness of a historic 400m-long rail tunnel where thousands of tiny glow worms sparkle on the walls — make sure to pack a torch. Stretch out the adventure, and soak up the knowledge of an expert guide, on a half-day 9km guided walk to the tunnel with Wolgan Valley Eco Tours.
Summer in Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
People enjoying swimming at Wattamolla, Royal National Park Sydney
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Summer in Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
People enjoying swimming at Wattamolla, Royal National Park Sydney
Sunset, Wollemi National Park Credit: Destination NSW
Sun setting over the Cudgegong River in Wollemi National Park.
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Sunset, Wollemi National Park Credit: Destination NSW
Sun setting over the Cudgegong River in Wollemi National Park.
Reconnect with yourself
Follow the footsteps of hardy travellers of yesteryear on the Great North Walk. Surrender to a slower pace and spend more than two weeks completing this epic trail spanning 250km between Sydney and Newcastle, or dip into the track for a day or two to experience its diversity at your own speed. Fill your water bottles and begin the Great North Walk at Macquarie Place in the centre of Sydney city, cross Sydney Harbour by ferry, then pass through a series of national parks and state forests and hike around Lake Macquarie before finishing at Queens Wharf in Newcastle. Be kind to yourself and leave the heavy pack with the support crew each morning when you join a guided three-day hike with Life’s An Adventure.
Elevate your hike
Experience a sense of awe when you treat yourself to some of the state’s most spectacular coastal vistas on the Forest Walk to Sublime Point Track, along the Illawarra Escarpment south of Sydney. Brace yourself for this challenging trail with steep and laddered sections, as you begin at Coalcliff, about an hour by train from Sydney’s Central Station, before meandering through upland swamps and blackbutt forest, taking in panoramic views of Wollongong and beyond. Feel your thighs burning as you hike 16km to be rewarded by the sight of pretty Austinmer, and refresh with a re-energising swim at the village’s patrolled beach before boarding the train back to the city.
Immerse in an ancient Aboriginal landscape
Step back in time in World Heritage-listed Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, just 40 minutes’ drive north of the city centre, and take in epic views over the Hawkesbury River, Pittwater and Barrenjoey Head from the park’s many bushland trails. Let your imagination roam free as you follow Aboriginal Heritage Walk, a 4.4km loop that takes you to some of the 800-plus sacred Aboriginal art sites found within the park. Let your imagination roam as you gaze upon ancient rock art and engravings at the impressive Red Hands Cave. Gain a meaningful understanding of the original inhabitants of this natural wonderland, including the Guringai Aboriginal people, on a guided walk with Guringai Aboriginal Tours.
Austinmer Beach, Austinmer Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial overlooking Austinmer Beach with views through to Sublime Point.
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Austinmer Beach, Austinmer Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial overlooking Austinmer Beach with views through to Sublime Point.
West Head, Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park Credit: Andrew Gregory; Destination NSW
View from West Head lookout over to Barrenjoey Headland, Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park
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West Head, Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park Credit: Andrew Gregory; Destination NSW
View from West Head lookout over to Barrenjoey Headland, Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park
More Inspirational Stories
Lake Mulwala, MulwalaCredit: Alesha Jewel Bradford
Scenic sunset over Lake Mulwala in the Murray region.
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Keen for an extraordinary new adventure on your next escape? Head southwest from Sydney to Australia’s longest river, the Murray for a truly incredible array of experiences. Paddle steamer tours, kayaking, fishing, golfing, excellent local and seasonal food and wine, and stunning natural scenery await.
Sightsee on a paddlesteamer
While you can catch a paddlesteamer up the Murray on a one-hour cruise, to fully appreciate the waterway it’s hard to look past an overnight experience. Jump aboard PS Emmylou for one- to six-night itineraries to and from the Port of Echuca (the Discovery Centre here is worth a visit). The experience offers a leisurely look at life on the river, not in the least the staggering 600-year-old red gums that line the banks. When you dock, enjoy campfire breakfasts, guided bushwalks and visits to the cellar doors of the region’s top wineries.
Pick up some speed
Parts of the Murray are extremely wide, making the river ideal for waterskiing expeditions. The Southern 80 in Echuca Moama is an adrenaline-pumping pro-waterskiing event attracting some of the world’s top athletes. But anyone can give this high-octane activity a go, with local operators like Brett Sands Watersports offering professional instruction in waterskiing, as well as wakeboarding, knee boarding and barefooting.
Soak up serenity
A manmade reservoir 150km east of Echuca Moama, Lake Mulwala was created to control the flow of the river, and is today known for its ghostly gum trunks protruding from the water’s surface. The setting is particularly magical at sunset — weave your kayak through the eerie trees, on the lookout for nesting waterbirds, your soundtrack the chatter of cockatoos, corellas and kookaburras. Contact the Yarrawonga Mulwala Amateur Canoe Club for rentals and tours.
Explore on two wheels
For cyclists, Five Mile Mountain Bike Trail provides seven kilometres of purpose-built mountain bike tracks, shaded by enormous red gums. Situated in the Murray Valley Regional Park, just a few kilometres north of Moama, the route is great for riders of all experience levels, offering an exhilarating mix of terrain with drops, flowing bridges and wall rides — there’s also a skills area and a pump track.
Join the club
There are more than a dozen world-class golf courses fringing the Murray River — some of the most highly rated in regional Australia, in fact. Head to 18-hole Howlong Golf Resort for immaculate greens and fairways surrounded by native bush, particularly pretty in spring when everything blooms; there’s on-site accommodation, should you wish to linger. Corowa Golf Club also has a hotel alongside its 27-hole championship golf course, not to mention the cinema, clubhouse and pro-shop. And at Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort, you can choose to tee off from three different courses: The Murray, situated beside the river; The Lake, with views of Lake Mulwala; and the shorter Executive, ideal for beginners.
Dine on the water
From produce-driven cafés and restaurants to foodie trails, farmers markets, orchards, olive groves, wineries, whisky distilleries and craft breweries, the Murray region doesn’t disappoint on the food front. Get a taste for the diversity of offerings at Redgums, a moving dining room on the deck of the PS Emmylou. Enjoy local wines and seasonal produce as you cruise along the river, spotting native wildlife on the banks while you feast.
Murray Highlight Selects Credit: Destination NSW
A selection of visuals from the Murray region including Woomargama National Park, Lake Mulwala, Corowa Whiskey Distillery, Yarrawonga Golf Club, Blacksmith Provedore, Mulwala, Junction Moama, The River Deck Cafe, Albury,
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Murray Highlight Selects Credit: Destination NSW
A selection of visuals from the Murray region including Woomargama National Park, Lake Mulwala, Corowa Whiskey Distillery, Yarrawonga Golf Club, Blacksmith Provedore, Mulwala, Junction Moama, The River Deck Cafe, Albury,
PS Emmylou, Echuca-Moama Credit: Destination NSW
Couple aboard the Paddlesteamer Emmylou as it cruises along the Murray River.
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PS Emmylou, Echuca-Moama Credit: Destination NSW
Couple aboard the Paddlesteamer Emmylou as it cruises along the Murray River.
The Murray River, Barmah National Park Credit: Destination NSW
Kayaking on the Murray River, Barmah National Park
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The Murray River, Barmah National Park Credit: Destination NSW
Kayaking on the Murray River, Barmah National Park
Follow a foodie trail
With your tastebuds piqued, explore the Murray’s culinary offerings further on Tastes of Echuca Moama & District, which points out local wineries, distilleries, farm gates, cheesemongers, markets, coffee roasteries and more. Pick up a map from the Echuca Moama and District Visitor Information Centre in Echuca. While you’re seeking out local produce, make the detour to Corowa Whisky and Chocolate, set inside a 1920s flour mill and selling handmade blocks and bars made using Belgium chocolate, as well as a range of delicious distilled drops.
Find time for wine
A small grape-growing region on the banks of the Murray, centred on the twin towns of Echuca Moama, Perricoota is developing a reputation for producing premium shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay and fortified wines. Stop past the cellar door at Morrisons Riverview Winery, which also has a stellar restaurant and brewery. Visit St Anne’s Vineyards, where the rammed-earth cellar door overlooks a tranquil lake. And check out Restdown Wines — the organic vineyard also features a Wetland Walk, offering a glimpse of wildlife across the property.
Wine and dine in style
For an alfresco lunch of wood-fired pizzas and wine, head to Blacksmith Provedore at Lake Mulwala. The dreamy design — pastel-pink sun umbrellas on a grassy patio, light-and-bright interiors flecked with greenery — is only outshone by menus favouring local producers.
Also popular for its outside dining opportunities is The River Deck Café in Albury Wodonga, perched right on the water in Noreuil Park. The menu nods to the region — think fresh trout, house-cured meats and Murray cod.
Set up home on a houseboat
There’s no better way to take the pulse of the mighty Murray than by hiring a houseboat for a night or two — or a week. The good news is that anyone can do it — you don’t need a boat licence to captain one of these rivercraft. Pick your accommodation, whether a basic two-berth boat or a luxurious floating ‘hotel’ with a spa, air-conditioning and open-plan kitchen. Then kit it out with jet-skis, paddleboards, kayaks and fishing gear. Echuca Luxury Houseboats has a modern fleet of state-of-the-art boats to choose from, while Dinky-Di Houseboat Holidays offers good-value rentals, ideal for families (some are even pet friendly).
Sleep on dry land
Prefer not to sleep on water? Check in to the Perricoota Vines Retreat just north of Moama, its one- to three-bedroom timber villas overlooking vineyards and a lake. The Moama on Murray Resort and Echuca Moama Holiday Villas are other great options, offering self-contained villas and units in a serene bushland setting. For a romantic stay, Talo Retreat has traditional Mongolian yurts (circular tent-like structures) kitted out with domed skylights, timber floors, a kitchenette and spa. And Atura Albury offers modern hotel rooms with an industrial-chic design vibe.
Pitch a tent
Immerse yourself in nature at Benarca campgrounds, a free, pet-friendly camp and caravan site in the Murray Valley Regional Park — in addition to beautiful views of the river, the area is just a short stroll (or pedal) to the Five Mile Mountain Bike Trail. Enjoy fishing, birdwatching and hiking in the shade of the majestic red river gums.
Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort, Mulwala Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial overlooking Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort, Mulwala and the Murray River.
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Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort, Mulwala Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial overlooking Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort, Mulwala and the Murray River.
The Murray River, Credit: Destination NSW
Camping on the Murray River.
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The Murray River, Credit: Destination NSW
Camping on the Murray River.