With silly season fast approaching, earmarking a weekend or two for some nature therapy is kind of essential, and the best kinds of nature reset tends to involve a beautiful hike and a magical campsite under the stars. If you’re keen for a weekend in the open air but don’t know where to start, we’re here to help. We spoke with the good people from AllTrails and Hipcamp to get their pick of the best walks in NSW within easy striking distance of a campsite.
Esgate Pass to Lookout Walk (Ngula Bulgarabang Regional Park)
A short, sweet wander through soaring eucalypts and sandstone escarpments, the Esgate Pass Walk serves up classic Blue Mountains views without demanding too much sweat equity. Up for a challenge? The nearby Esgate Pass bush bash is a far more hairy adventure for the hardcore hikers only.
Nearby campsite: Megalong Valley Farm
Unicorn Falls Walking Track (Mount Jerusalem National Park)
This gentle trail ambles through lush subtropical forest before delivering you to Unicorn Falls – a dreamy cascade tumbling into a deep, emerald pool framed by mossy rock. As the name would suggest, this is the kind of walk where every turn feels enchanted, and the reward at the end more than justifies the muddy ankles.
Nearby campsite: Misty Mountain Kunghur
Horseshoe Falls, Oakland Falls and Burgess Falls Track (Horseshoe Falls Reserve)
A greatest-hits loop of three cascading beauties, this track threads through dense rainforest and damp, ferny gullies, with each waterfall offering its own misty, mood-boosting moment. It’s an easy-to-moderate wander with big payoff – ideal for days when you want maximum magic with minimal logistics.
Nearby campsite: Jila Campgrounds
Bangalore Falls Walking Track (Bindarri National Park)
Hidden deep in the wild heart of Bindarri National Park, this forest trail winds past towering turpentine trees and over trickling creeks before opening onto the dramatic drop of Bangalore Falls. Expect a bit of rock-hopping, a lot of green and a lookout that makes the whole thing feel wonderfully remote.
Nearby campsite: The Blue Lagoon
Middle Head Trail and Scotts Mountain Trail (Yarriabini National Park)
A ridge-top ramble with ocean glitter on one side and dense bushland on the other, this combined trail serves up sweeping views across Nambucca Valley and the Pacific. The climb is steady but friendly, and the panoramas from the top make it feel like you’ve stumbled upon one of the Mid North Coast’s best-kept secrets.
Nearby campsite: Missabotti Wia Ora
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