Best trails in Nattai National Park
Nattai National Park is located in the Macarthur and Southern Highlands regions of New South Wales. As the name suggests, it was established around the Nattai River valley, which is surrounded by tall sandstone cliffs and bush forests. It is part of both the Great Dividing Range and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Greater Blue Mountains Area.
Top trails
- (203)·Moderate·2.2 mi·Est. 1–1.5 hrThis adventurous trek into the Nattai National Park begins by following the Hermits Track from the outskirts of Buxton. The trail then descends through a diverse landscape of dry sclerophyll forest into a lush, shaded gully. The highlight of the journey is Dobsons Cave, a massive natural rock shelter that has provided a peaceful sanctuary for wanderers for decades. The terrain is a classic Australian bush track—rocky underfoot with several sections requiring light scrambling. While the...
- (181)·Moderate·7.8 mi·Est. 3.5–4 hrSpectacular cliff-edge views over the Nattai River are the ultimate reward on this bushwalk through the Southern Highlands. The journey begins on a straightforward fire trail before transitioning into a narrower single track that winds through dense eucalypt forest. During spring, the surrounding bushland transforms into a vibrant display of golden wattle and native wildflowers. The path can become quite overgrown in sections, so wearing long pants and sleeves is a smart move to protect...
- (153)·Hard·7.7 mi·Est. 4–4.5 hrMassive sandstone cliffs and a pristine river setting make this challenging track in Nattai National Park a rewarding adventure for experienced bushwalkers. The trail begins at the Nattai Road carpark and descends steeply into the valley, leading you through thick bushland to the grassy expanse of Emmett's Flat campground. While the distance is manageable for a day trip, many hikers find it more enjoyable as an overnight stay, allowing plenty of time to relax by the Nattai River or take a dip...
- (94)·Strenuous·12.2 mi·Est. 6–7 hrThis is a truly grueling and unforgiving expedition into the deep wilderness of Nattai National Park. This circuit demands not just high endurance, but expert navigational competency to manage the extreme, unmaintained conditions. The difficulty is defined by the severe wayfinding hazard: the Slott Way and Nattai River sections are notorious for being completely trackless and heavily overgrown, requiring hikers to engage in prolonged, difficult bush bashing and rock hopping. The danger of...
- (134)·Hard·6.4 mi·Est. 3.5–4 hrThis is a lovely hike taking you through Jellore State Forest, which is conveniently located near Mittagong and on the route from Canberra to Sydney. The trail starts on Soaps Flat Road and leads to the summit of Mount Jellore before returning. On top of Mount Jellore, you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Southern Highlands, the Blue Mountains, and even the Sydney CBD on a clear day. The majority of the trail follows a fire trail, with the last 150 metres being steep...
- (109)·Strenuous·9.9 miExperienced bushwalkers seeking a rugged wilderness test in Nattai National Park will find a formidable challenge on the track to Bonnum Pic. The route follows a dramatic sandstone ridgeline but requires significant self-reliance, as post-fire regrowth has made the trail overgrown and difficult to identify, often necessitating heavy bush bashing through prickly scrub. Navigation skills and a GPS are essential, as the path frequently disappears. The final approach to the peak involves...
- (78)·Strenuous·12.3 miTechnical rock scrambling and intense off-trail bushwhacking define this formidable wilderness trek through the heart of Nattai National Park. You will need expert navigational skills and a high level of endurance to manage the loop, which involves a punishing descent into the valley and a technical final ascent onto the narrow spine of Russells Needle. Because this is a strenuous journey through unmaintained terrain where the path is frequently obscured by thick scrub and fallen timber, the...
- (58)·Hard·10.7 mi·Est. 4.5–5 hrThis is an enjoyable trail through the Nattai National Park in the Southern Highlands Region of New South Wales, located not too far from the rural locality of Buxton. This out and back route begins and ends from the W41 Trail dirt road. From here it's a walk through a blue gum forest down to the river along a decent fire management trail the whole way.
- (43)·Moderate·6.3 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hrA super cool lookout within Nattai National Park, located in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales. This out and back route begins from the parking area on Natta Road W11E - not too far north out of the small town of Hill Top. The trail itself is a fire management road the whole way out to the lookout, where you'll be rewarded with stunning views out over the interesting rock formations in the area.
- (27)·Moderate·7.2 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hrEnjoy this easy walk through Nattai National Park, primarily following wide fire trails. The trail is generally in good condition, offering opportunities to spot kangaroos, birds, and wildflowers along the way. The main highlight is the beautiful viewpoint at the turnaround point, which makes for a perfect spot to take a break. Be aware that parts of the trail are clay and can become very slippery after rain.
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Frequently asked questions
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Attractions
- Forest trails in Nattai National Park
- Long trails in Nattai National Park
- Moderate trails in Nattai National Park
- Trails with no dogs in Nattai National Park
- River trails in Nattai National Park
- Strenuous trails in Nattai National Park
- Trails with views in Nattai National Park
- Wildflower trails in Nattai National Park
- Wildlife trails in Nattai National Park