Easy hikes and walks in New South Wales

The Wonga Walk is a 6-kilometre circuit that takes you through dense rainforests, under towering waterfalls, across boardwalks and footbridges, and to stunning viewpoints that look out across the surrounding mountains. It's the most popular walk in Dorrigo National Park, but the scenery and generally mud-free paved path make it a must do while in the area.

Crystal Shower Falls is the taller of the two waterfalls on the Wonga Walk and also the more popular one as some people choose to do a short out and back hike to this waterfall without visiting Tristian Falls further on. One of the main reasons being the fact there is a walking track you can take to get behind the cascade and view the waterfall from a unique perspective.

This picturesque waterfall tumbles over the rocks right in front of you as you cross the creek on a metal footbridge. The 20-metre drop is surrounded by lush rainforest, providing a verdant frame to the cascade.

Iron Cove Bridge is a concrete girder bridge in Sydney spanning Iron Cove, connecting the suburbs of Drummoyne and Rozelle, forming part of Victoria Road. The current structure opened in 1955, replacing an earlier swing bridge, and was designed to accommodate increasing vehicle traffic across Sydney Harbour’s inner waterways. It carries multiple traffic lanes along with pedestrian and cycle access, and is part of a busy transport corridor linking the inner west to the city.

The World War II gun emplacements on Tomaree Head were constructed in 1941 to defend Australia’s east coast. These reinforced concrete structures once housed large coastal artillery designed to protect Port Stephens and nearby strategic infrastructure. Today, the remains are among the most visible relics of the site, standing as a reminder of its military past.

Tomaree Headland stands at the southern entrance to Port Stephens, with its rugged cliffs dropping steeply into the sea. There are several walking paths that wind through the coastal bush, leading to lookouts that offer impressive views of the bay and coastline. Its elevated position made it a key defence site during World War II, with fortifications built to monitor and protect the coastline. Today, it remains a prominent natural landmark where its military history sits quietly within the landscape.

Shoal Bay is a sheltered coastal bay at the northern edge of Port Stephens, known for its calm, clear waters and gently curving sandy beach. Framed by surrounding headlands, including Tomaree Head, the bay is protected from strong ocean swells, making it popular for swimming and boating. From here, the view across the water is beautiful, inviting you to slow down and take in the scenery.

This large waterfront park has a lot to see. From the large car park there is a restaurants, like the Water's Edge Canberra and Portrait Cafe, and a huge mowed lawn and public restrooms. There is history to read up on like the Women's Reconciliation Place Artwork, and Commonwealth Place. There is a waterfront jetty and paved path and so much more!