From driving past spectacular fields of gold to stunning waterfalls and flower festivals, there are endless adventures to look forward to in NSW this spring and summer. One of our very favourite (and free) activities is exploring the many picturesque walking trails in town, from multi-day hikes to rugged tracks studded with waterfalls. Lush rainforests stretch across NSW and offer an excellent way to cool off and enjoy a quick break from reality. Walking through these dense rainforests is also an adventure that brings you up close to native flora and fauna, crystal-clear swimming holes, and beautiful waterfalls. Here are some of the best rainforest walks not too far from Sydney.
1. Grand Canyon Track, Blackheath
The Grand Canyon Track is one of the most iconic walking trails in all of NSW. The 6km loop trail offers a splendid route through sandstone walls, hidden waterfalls and rugged landscapes, and spectacular rainforest scenery. Located in the charming mountain town of Blackheath, Sydneysiders can get here within a quick 1.5-hour drive making it among the most accessible rainforest walks and an ideal weekend adventure. Read more about the Grand Canyon Track on the NSW National Parks and Service website.
2. Rainforest Loop Walk, Minnamurra Rainforest
Minamurra Rainforest is one of the dreamiest rainforest experiences you can have near Sydney with waterfalls, a diverse variety of local plants, and two suspension bridges that cross over a river. The 1.6km Rainforest Loop Walk or Lyrebird Loop Walk features viewing platforms and bridges set amid lush rainforest scenery. This rainforest experience is located at the Budderoo National Park which is also home to a turquoise-hued swimming pool and a hidden waterfall and swimming hole so there are plenty of things to do here if you just want to be out amongst nature.
3. Antarctic Beech Forest walking track, Barrington Tops National Park
The relatively underrated but stellar Antarctic Beech Forest walking track offers rainforest, waterfalls, and tranquil birdwatching opportunities in Barrington Tops National Park. While further away from Sydney, this is one of the best rainforest walks to discover if you’re hoping to get the place to yourself without the summer crowds. The 2.5km loop would take around an hour to 90 minutes to complete so it’s short enough to tackle on a weekend sojourn but still feels miles away thanks to its lush remoteness and breezy sub-alpine woodlands or snow gums. Find more information about this fabulous short walk here.
4. The Falls Walk, Budderoo National Park
Another Budderoo National Park walk, The Falls Walk delivers exactly what it promises. Cascades, rainforests, and stunning views. Combine it with the earlier mentioned Rainforest Loop Walk for maximum adventure. En route, you’ll find lush rainforest, cascades, and stunning canyon views from viewing platforms. The 4.2km return walk starts at the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre and can be completed within an hour or two. Find more info here.
5. The Couranga Track, Royal National Park
The Royal National Park is filled with many hidden gems but one that deserves more attention is the tranquil Couranga Track. The moderate, 10km return walk takes visitors through dense rainforest, heathland, and a palm forest without the usual crowds at the popular national park. It’s also easily accessible via public transport conveniently starting at Waterfall Train Station which you can reach in less than an hour from Central Station. The walk can take anywhere between 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours to complete if you want to move at a leisurely pace. Read more about this little-known gem here.