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Us Sydneysiders love the great outdoors: fresh air, Insta-ready views and those exercise-induced happy hormones. And, going by the recent data revealed by AllTrails, Easter is fast becoming the most popular time for Aussies to take a hike. In fact, the Easter long weekend last year was the biggest hiking weekend of the year. With the weather forecast for the long weekend looking dreamy, all signs point to another Easter weekend packed with bushwalks, coastal treks and mountain climbs.
Wondering why? Perhaps it’s because the weather in autumn is not too hot, not too cold – it’s just right (yes, we’re channelling Goldilocks). Maybe it’s because the kids are on school holidays. Or perhaps, in a post-Covid world, we’re embracing the outdoors more than ever. AllTrails certainly noticed – the site recorded a 57 per cent increase in Aussie users last year, along with a 50 per cent rise in trail listings nationwide.
Whether you're planning a scenic family stroll or a solo bushwalk, here’s a list of must-do NSW hikes to do. Bonus? It's the perfect way to earn more of those Easter eggs and hot cross buns. Speaking of which, you can even take the Easter egg hunting outdoors and make it a family-and-friends day out. Hop to it!
These were the most popular NSW hikes for Easter 2024
- Grand Canyon Track: Topping the list last year, this 5.8-km loop trail with waterfalls, lush vegetation and dramatic views takes around two hours.
- Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach Walk: Very popular with locals and tourists, this 12.4-km coastal walk connects two iconic beaches – don’t forget your swimmers!
- Snowies Alpine Walk: Main Range Walk: At 24.1 km, this is one for experienced hikers – but the sweeping alpine views of Mt Kosciuszko are well worth the burn.
- Spit Bridge to Manly Walk: You’ll get sandy beaches, ancient Aboriginal sites, panoramic harbour views and end in buzzing Manly in this 10.5km walk.
- Blue Gum Walk Loop: This family-friendly 4.2km walk through the Berowra Valley National Park includes a picturesque final kilometre lined with ferns.
- Lane Cove Riverside Walk: A 10.6-km loop meandering along the peaceful Lane Cove River – perfect for a quiet nature fix.
- Wentworth Falls, Fletcher's Lookout, and Rocket Point Lookout Track: A 2.7km walk in the Blue Mountains with waterfalls and lookouts galore.
- Porters Pass and Colliers Causeway: This 4.3-km loop features a bit of everything – rocky terrain, rainforests, and cascading waterfalls.
- Eagles Nest to Kosciuszko Summit: This 13-km hike climbs with an elevation gain of 400m ascends all the way to the top of Mount Kosciuszko, Australia's highest peak.
- Fortress Falls via Fortress Ridge Walking Track: This scenic trail near Blue Mountains National Park leads to a series of pools, so bring your bathers along.
Family-Friendly Hikes to Try:
- Lake Parramatta: This lovely lake circuit is home to plenty of native wildlife and is a popular spot to have a picnic.
- Barrenjoey Lighthouse: A short hike with big rewards – panoramic views of Palm Beach from the top, a historic lighthouse for company, and potential whale sightings in winter.
Keen to get walking? These are our favourite day hikes in Sydney.
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