As the founder of We Are Explorers, Henry has done heaps of exploring. Here’s his round-up of the five best overnight hikes near Sydney, plain and simple, so you can get out there ASAP.

 

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Countries on which these adventures take place who have occupied and cared for these lands for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

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The Best Overnight Hikes Near Sydney

It’s funny isn’t it? The first move we make as we progress from crawling baby to child is to get up and walk. Yet it’s from this simple evolutionary step that we continue to derive one of life’s greatest pleasures.

The only difference age brings is more options – they extend to far wider frontiers than the confines of our playpen (and we no longer need a nappy… unless the camp cook-up was dodgy).

If you’re keen for an overnight hike near Sydney, you’re in for a more eye-opening treat than Augustus had in Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. I’ve strolled these hikes, all within a 3-hour radius of the city (and all accessible by public transport with a bit of extra walking), and they are my stand-out favourites thanks to their raw beauty, convenience, and seclusion.

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Looking Further Afield?

1. Bundeena to Otford – The Coast Track

Location: Royal National Park
Distance: 26km one way
Duration: 1 or 2 days
Difficulty: Intermediate

Please Note! There are some partial closures on the Coast Track. For further info see the National Parks website.

With magnificent white-cliff coastlines to hike along in the north and rugged, gym-free beaches to surf in the south (Garie Beach, North Era and South Era), the Royal National Park is something to behold.

Accessible by public transport (train to Cronulla, ferry to Bundeena, train back to Sydney via Otford), this gem of a trek has sprawling rainforests, hidden waterfalls, rock pools and a beachside campsite for those looking to spread the 26km trek over two days.

It’s becoming increasingly popular, for good reason! It’s one of the best overnight hikes in New South Wales, and it’s basically in Sydney!

Take This Hike: The Coast Track // Royal National Park (NSW)

2. Blackheath to Acacia Flat

Location: Blue Mountains National Park
Distance: 21.7km one way
Duration: 2 days
Difficulty: Intermediate – Advanced

@pearce_m

Leaving the quaint town of Blackheath, this overnight hike from Blackheath to Acacia Flat descends down the famous Grand Canyon (one of the best day walks near Sydney) before turning away from the crowds and heading deeper into the valley.

The quiet campground at Acacia Flat has some drop toilets, but that’s about it. It’ll just be you, the towering cliffs and the native Aussie bush – be ready for an early (golden) sunset!

Read more: 10 Best Sleeping Bags in Australia in 2023

The next day hikes out through the Blue Gum Forest, an extraordinary protected area that was nearly cleared for a walnut farm. And finally a tough hike out beneath the whispy wonder of Govetts Leap waterfall. This hike is an absolute classic slice of the Blue Mountains, NSW’s hiking mecca, and a fantastic introduction to overnight hiking. Put it on your list.

Take This Hike: Hiking Blackheath to Acacia Flat (NSW)

3. Bouddi Coastal Walk

Location: Bouddi Bouddi National Park
Distance: 17km return
Duration: 1 or 2 days
Difficulty: Beginner – Intermediate

@etchd

The Bouddi Coastal Walk is an undulating 8km beachcombing trek which makes for a beaut out-and-back overnight hike. Luckily it’s so pretty that hiking back the way you came won’t be a stress.

Two campsites are nestled on golden beaches along the Bouddi Coastal Walk: Little Beach and Putty Beach, both of which will have your friends furiously tapping the hearts on your Instagram feed.

Shipwrecks, wildflowers, whale-watching, deserted beaches… sounds like paradise to me!

Take This Hike: Escape From The City // Bouddi National Park (NSW)

4. Federal Pass to Mount Solitary Via Ruined Castle

Location: Blue Mountains National Park
Distance: 30km return
Duration: 2 days
Difficulty: Advanced

@jonharris_photography

Ever wanted to camp on top of a mountain? Mount Solitary’s your guy. Standing proud in the Jamison Valley, this massive, flat-topped mountain is within sight of Katoomba, but you’ll feel worlds away as you’re engulfed by birdsong, wind in the gums and your thumping pulse as you climb the Korowal Knife Edge ridgeline.

Read more: The 5 Best Camping Showers in 2023

Don’t underestimate this Blue Mountains overnight hike. With over 1000m of climbing, no guaranteed water at the top and a full 30km of hiking if you start from Katoomba Station, you’re in for an epic few days. Hiking Federal Pass to Mount Soliatary is no walk in a Sydney park!

Luckily, the views from the massive sandstone cliffs are worth every step.

Take This Hike: Federal Pass To Mount Solitary Via Ruined Castle // Blue Mountains (NSW)

5. Wondabyne to Patonga Via Pindar Cave

Location: Brisbane Water National Park
Distance: 23km to Patonga
Duration: 2 days
Difficulty: Intermediate

@andylewis_photography

First step, jump on a train north to Wondabyne, Australia’s only train station without road access. Have a swim at the end of the jetty to cool down, then hike up to the ridgeline, through wildflowers and scrubby heath, towards Pindar Cave.

You’ll cop views all the way to the ocean and down to Pittwater, but it’s fairly exposed so make sure you’ve got a good supply of H2O.

You can sleep in the epic Pindar Cave overhang (tent free if you’re not stressed about bugs) before hiking back to Wondabyne, or continue on to Patonga where you can get the ferry across to Palm Beach and the bus back to Sydney.

Pro tip: Have a beer while you wait for the ferry. You’ve earned it.

Kariong Brook Falls is a great place to cool off on the route to Patonga and you can camp out near Mt Wondabyne instead of the cave.

Take This Hike: Overnight Hike To Pindar Cave // Brisbane Water National Park (NSW)

Tips for an Overnight Hike

This your first time? How To Tackle Your First Overnight Hike

  • Pack plenty of water
  • Bring a map (here’s why)
  • A first aid kit is essential (and know how to use it!)
  • Personal Locator Beacons are lifesavers where there isn’t reception, you can often rent them
  • High energy snack bars are your best buddy
  • Leave No Trace (don’t be a tosser, take all rubbish with you)
  • Let friends know where you’re going, just in case the proverbial hits the fan

Read more: Packing List For An Overnight Hike

Overnight Hikes Near Sydney FAQs

How do you hike the Blue Mountains?

The best way to hike the Blue Mountains is to stay somewhere like Katoomba or Leura and use it as a base to explore shorter day walks and longer multi-day hikes. Visit NSW is a good place to start for some info on walking tracks and local info.

What walks Blue Mountains are open?

For the most up-to-date information on what walks are open in the area, check out the National Parks website.

Do you have to pay to walk around Blue Mountains?

No! There are no fees or charge for entrance to the Blue mountains National Park.

Is a hiking activity that lasts overnight?

When going on an overnight hike you will generally walk from the morning till the afternoon, then set up camp and spend the night in one place.

How much does it cost to take an overnight hike?

It really depends. It depends on how much gear you already have. Do you have a tent, sleeping bag, stove? etc. As a general rule gear designed for colder weather is more expensive. Check out this packing list for details on what you’ll need.

 

Feature photo by @pearce_m