Have you been feeling unmotivated to bushwalk this summer due to hot weather? To help you find some inspiration we have put together a list of cool walks for a hot day. Make sure you take lots of water and maybe choose a walk with a waterhole or beach along the way for a refreshing swim. You could also consider leaving for your walk early to beat the heat of the day or choosing a shorter, shady walk.
Burbie Canyon Walking Track – Warrumbungle National Park
Burbie Canyon Walking Track in Warrumbungle National Park is an easy 2km walk past a creek and through a sandstone gorge and is great for bird watchers. Read more.
Cape Byron Walking Track – Cape Byron State Conservation Area
You can enjoy spectacular views on the Cape Byron Walking Track which takes you to the lighthouse through rainforest, beach, grassland and clifftop. It is a fairly hard 3.7km loop track with lots of stairs and steep sections. If you prefer a shorter walk the track can be accessed at multiple locations. Cool off along the way with a refreshing swim in the ocean. Read more.
Dammerels History Walk – Moonee Beach Nature Reserve
Dammerels history walk is an easy 1.9km return walk where you can learn about the history of South Solitary Island and enjoy the scenic views. Keep an eye out for native wildlife as the reserve is home to eastern grey kangaroos, swamp wallabies and many bird species. Read more.
Fairfax Heritage walking track – Blue Mountains National Park
The Fairfax Heritage walking track is an easy 1.8km (one way) walk that is great for families and is wheelchair friendly. Enjoy spectacular views, majestic gum trees and beautiful wild flowers along the way. Read more.
Banks-Solander track – Kurnell area, Kamay Botany Bay National Park
The Banks-Solander track offers an easy 0.7km loop walk and the chance to observe native plants that were first recorded by Captain Cook’s botanists in 1770. If you prefer a longer walk the Banks-Solander track links to Cape Baily track and Yena trail. Read more.
Bald Rock Summit Walking Track, Bald Rock National Park
Bald Rock National Park is located near Tenterfield and features granite outcrops, walks and amazing scenery. The Bald Rock Summit Walking Track takes you up the largest granite rock in Australia and you will be rewarded with spectacular views across the park. You can choose either Bungoona walk which is medium difficulty or the harder option Rockface walk. More info here
Tomaree Head Summit Walk, Tomaree National Park
Tomaree Head Summit Walk is a 2.2km return walk that offers fantastic views to nearby Cabbage Tree and Boondelbah islands and the opportunity to view historic WW2 gun emplacements. More info here.
Grove Creek Falls Walking Track, Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve
Grove Creek Falls Walking Track is a 6km walk along Grove Creek to a lookout across the spectacular Grove Creek Falls. Highlights include birdwatching along the track including colourful parrots and rosellas. More info here.
Gap Beach Walking Track, Hat Head National Park
Gap Beach walking track is a challenging 6km walk with highlights including birdwatching, swimming and scenic views. Hat Head National Park is located near South West Rocks. More info here.
Minyon Falls Walking Track, Nightcap National Park
Minyon Falls Walking Track is a challenging 13km return walk through World Heritage listed rainforest in Nightcap National Park, Northern NSW, to the spectacular Minyon Falls with scenic views of the dramatic cliffs. Look here for more details.
Have a look here for more ideas for NSW day walks.