Red Rock, Coffs CoastCredit: Destination NSW
Get back to nature on a wild walk
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From short walks to multi-day treks, New South Wales is full of incredible wild walks. Here are five terrific tramps in the state’s north to get you started. Prepare for your adventure by familiarising yourself with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service’s bushwalking safety tips and Australia’s Walking Track Grading System, and remember to pre-book to camp in NSW national parks.
Solitary Islands Coastal Walk, Coffs Coast
- Distance: 60km one-way
- Time: 3–4 days
- Track grade: 4
Cross golden beaches, hike up rocky headlands and stroll through lush rainforest on one of the most beautiful walks on Australia’s east coast. The Solitary Islands Coastal Walk takes you from Red Rock, at the northern end of the Coffs Coast, down to Sawtell, passing through Coffs Coast Regional Park, Moonee Beach Nature Reserve and Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve along the way.
Meet the resident kangaroos on the Look At Me Now Headland and bring your binoculars for a closer look at humpback whales from May to November. You can camp along the way or, if you prefer more comfort, Solitary Islands Coastal Walk Experiences offers transfers to local accommodations.
Minyon Falls Walking Track, Byron Bay Hinterland
- Distance: 13km return
- Time: 3–4 hours
- Track grade: 3
Walk among waterfalls, wildlife and wildflowers as you wind your way through UNESCO World Heritage-listed rainforest in Nightcap National Park, 90 minutes’ drive northwest of Byron Bay on the far North Coast. The Minyon Falls Walking Track leads you past the base of the 100m-high waterfall and, if you’re comfortable scrambling over some rocks, you can cool off with a swim at the base before heading back to the car park. Keep your camera ready for possible sightings of koalas, wallabies and goannas en route.
Minyon Falls is also set to become the end point of a four-day walk linking Nightcap National Park and neighbouring Mount Jerusalem National Park, which is expected to be completed in 2022. Known as the Tweed Byron Hinterland Trails project, the new network of tracks will also include areas for cyclists.
Diggers Camp Credit: Destination NSW
Coastline of Diggers Camp on the mid-north coast.
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Diggers Camp Credit: Destination NSW
Coastline of Diggers Camp on the mid-north coast.
Nightcap National Park, Whian Whian Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial overlooking Minyon Falls in Nightcap National Park, Whian Whian.
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Nightcap National Park, Whian Whian Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial overlooking Minyon Falls in Nightcap National Park, Whian Whian.
Eagles Nest Walking Track, Northern Tablelands
- Distance: 2.2km loop
- Time: 1–2 hours
- Track grade: 3
The Eagles Nest Walking Track in New England National Park starts 1,563m above sea level at Point Lookout (around 2.5 hours east of Armidale). Enjoy panoramic views over the verdant forest to the Pacific Ocean before climbing down into the Gondwana Rainforest.
See delicate ice sculptures created by water trickling over freezing rocks in winter, colourful wildflowers mingling with snow grass tussocks in spring, and orchids in Antarctic beech trees covered in moss throughout the year. Also keep your eyes peeled for spotted quolls, kangaroos, wallabies, gliders and possums, and when you reach Banksia Point be sure to look for the resident lyrebird. Twitchers will be pleased to know that the park is home to more than 100 other bird species.
Yuraygir Coastal Walk, Clarence Coast
- Distance: 65km one-way
- Time: 4–5 days
- Track grade: 4
Yuraygir National Park, a 70-minute drive north of Coffs Harbour on the Mid North Coast, has the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline in NSW, and the Yuraygir coastal walk guides you on a 65km trek inspired by the path of the coastal emu.
Keep an eye out for some of Australia’s most vulnerable wildlife, including the rufous bettong, a rabbit-sized marsupial also known as a rufous rat-kangaroo, as well as coastal emus.
With seven camping spots along the way you could do the whole walk in one stretch — north to south to keep the sun at your back is best — or you could simply choose one section for a day out.
Bald Rock Summit Walking Track, Tenterfield
- Distance: 3.2km loop
- Time: 1–2 hours
- Track grade: 3
Just outside of Tenterfield in the New England region, you can climb the largest exposed granite monolith in the southern hemisphere the easy way or the hard way in Bald Rock National Park. The Bungoona Walk is the slower, more gradual way and includes walking through huge boulders and up staircases made of stone. The Rockface Walk does what the name suggests — it involves a steep climb from the base to the summit, and is best for confident and fit walkers.
Both Bald Rock Summit Walking Track options lead to the same spot on the top of the rock that’s about 200m tall, with sweeping views of the countryside below.
Point Lookout, New England National Park Credit: Richard A Stanley
Scenic views across New England National Park from Point Lookout.
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Point Lookout, New England National Park Credit: Richard A Stanley
Scenic views across New England National Park from Point Lookout.
Red Cliff Beach, Yuraygir National Park Credit: Destination NSW
Kangaroos relaxing in Yuraygir National Park near Red Cliff.
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Red Cliff Beach, Yuraygir National Park Credit: Destination NSW
Kangaroos relaxing in Yuraygir National Park near Red Cliff.
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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.