We’ve compiled a list for you of over thirty overnight and multiday walks in NSW. There’s something for everyone, whether you prefer camping or huts, family-friendly coastal walks, peak bagging circuits, wilderness walks for the hard-core, and more. So pack your bags and head out for a weekend walk close to Sydney, or a multiday hike further afield.
Best overnight coastal walks in southern NSW
You can walk the coast in any season – spring for wildflowers, summer for swims, winter for whales.
On the south coast of NSW, walk the 30 km Light to Light over three days, with an opportunity to stay in the lighthouse keepers cottage. The 34 km Murramarang South Coast Walk takes 2 – 3 days, camping or staying in off-park cabins.
Closer to Sydney, the 27 km Coast Track from Bundeena to Otford is a popular overnight walk, camp at North Era. Or, for a longer 67 km walk over 4 days, the Great Southern Walk continues to Wollongong with sublime views from the Illawarra escarpment.
Experienced bushwalkers can take on the 55 km challenge of the Nadgee Wilderness Walk over 4 days, camping.
Best overnight coastal walks in northern NSW
For families, or those new to multi-day hiking, who might want to stay in accommodation and carry a lighter pack, the two day 27 km Tomaree Coastal Walk near Port Stephens is a great choice. Or consider an overnighter walking the coast from Byron to Ballina.
Further north, the Yuraygir Coastal Walk and Solitary Islands Coastal Walk are longer walks around 65 km. Allow four days for each, with options for camping or accommodation. Enjoy the headlands and beaches, coffee shops in holiday villages, and swims along the way.
Overnight hikes and multiday walks close to Sydney
Close to Sydney, the Blue Mountains offers many overnight and multi-day walks, as do Kanangra-Boyd, Wollemi, Yengo, Nattai, Morton and Budawang National Parks.
Popular overnight and multi-day walks include the Mt Solitary traverse, the Grose valley (camping in the Blue Gum forest), the 46 km Six Foot Track from Katoomba to Jenolan Caves, and Kanangra to Katoomba.
If you are new to multi-day walking, or still working on your navigation skills, join your local hiking club, as their program is likely to offer a variety of interesting overnight hikes.
Experienced walkers can consult guidebooks for more ideas, or websites such as BushwalkingNSW and Hiking the World.
Best multiday bushwalks north of Sydney
North of Sydney, the Barrington Tops is cool in summer, with an opportunity of snow in winter. Popular overnight walks in this area include the Corker Trail, Careys Peak and Junction Pools.
The 65 km four day Green Gully Track explores the gorges of the Oxley Wild Rivers, sleeping in huts. There is a fee and the walk is limited to six hikers, but don’t despair if you can’t get a booking, there are other walks in the region.
The 30 km Guy Fawkes River Wilderness Walk can be done as an overnight or three day circuit, setting up camp beneath the river oaks on grassy terraces. New England Wilderness Walk is a similar distance over two or three days, with rainforest and off track creek walking.
Further north, the World Heritage Walk in Gibraltar and Washpool National Parks is a hidden gem. Allow three to four days to walk, or ride the 45 km circuit on your mountain bike, adding in another 15 – 20 km on side tracks to waterfalls and granite crags with epic views.
Best multiday hikes in the Snowy Mountains
Avoid the heat in summer and head for the hills instead, to walk among granite tors, snow gums and delightful alpine wildflowers.
The 55 km four days Snowies Alpine Walk is a new walk, from Guthega to Charlottes Pass and Perisher, staying in accommodation.
If peak bagging is your thing, pack your tent and allow 3 days for a 56 km circuit to bag the 10 highest peaks in Australia, including Mt Kosciusko. Or, summit Australia highest peak the hard way, from Geehi up Hannels Spur, camping overnight (approx 24 km).
Experienced bushwalkers can explore the remote wilderness areas of northern Kosciusko National Park. For example, for a 2-3 day walk you might summit Mt Jagungal. Or walk 125 km all the way from Kosciusko to Kiandra over six days, visiting heritage huts and wild camping.
Long distance trails for thru-hikers and section hikers in NSW
There are a number of long distance hikes across NSW. If you don’t have time for a lengthy thru-hike, pick out the highlights or walk them in shorter sections.
The Great North Walk begins at the Obelisk in Sydney, and finishes 260 kilometres later in Newcastle. Follow the waters edge on the Sydney Harbour and Coast Walk (120 km), or walk from Parramatta across the Blue Mountains on the Great West Walk (150 km)
The Great South Coast Walk stretches 660 km southwards from Sydney to Eden, while the 426 kilometre Hume to Hovell begins at Cooma Cottage (Yass) and ends at the Hovell Tree (Albury). The Australian Alps Walking Track takes you over the high country to Canberra.
The longest trail in Australia is the National Trail, favoured by horse riders. But this too has sections in NSW that make a great four to five days walk, such as the Guy Fawkes River valley, or the Macleay River and Kunderang Valley (stay in a 130 year old red cedar homestead!)
New overnight and multiday great walks in NSW
But wait, there’s more!
In the Tweed Hinterland, the Gudjuum Gulganyi Walk (39 km, 4 days) should be open for bookings in 2024.
The new Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk offers 46 km of glorious hiking over four days with rainforest, views and waterfalls is due to open in 2026.
Still in planning stages, a 90 km walk is proposed for the Wollemi Gardens of Stone.
Map of overnight hikes and multiday bushwalks in NSW
Tip: click the location marker (bottom right corner of map) and allow the map to access your location, then sort hikes by distance!
Download our list of overnight hikes and multiday walks in NSW
Guidebooks and other references for more hikes
Of course there are many more overnight and multi-day hikes in NSW. Get yourself a guidebook for a local area – buy online from Woodslane using the discount code YVONNE15.
