6 Best hill training walks

This pleasant walk starts in the outskirts of St Ives and follows several tracks to explore a section of the Garigal National Park. The walk follows the Upper Cambourne Track down into Garigal National Park, then the Lower Cambourne Track into the valley, and the Bare Creek Track, through the forest. The walk then follows the Cascades Track to climb out of the valley. There is an optional side trip to the Cascades.

Total climbing: 204m

This Cowan to Brooklyn Station walk is a popular section of the Great North Walk, with scenery ranging from foreshore to ridge top lookouts. You will follow the Great North Walk from Cowan Station down to the picturesque Jerusalem Bay, then climb up over a series of ridges before descending into Brooklyn. This walk is a great one-way trip from station to station with numerous water views, including a circumnavigation of Brooklyn Dam whilst enjoying a wonderful diversity of flora along the way.

Total climbing: 654m

Ridge tops, grasslands, creek crossings and spectacular views are all part of this walk as it ventures from the ridge above Berowra Creek down to water level and back up again. Take the short and free ferry ride across the creek to get lunch at Berowra Waters. Conserve your energy for the steep sections between Berowra Waters and Cowan.

Total climbing: 1147m

This walk explores some grand views, pleasant cascades, varied bushland and remote areas of Brisbane Waters National Park. From Patonga you will walk up the ridge and take a short side trip to enjoy the wonderful views from Warrah Lookout, before following a series of dirt roads and management trails to Patonga Creek in the heart of the national park. The walk then leads along a mix of trails and tracks mostly passing Mt Wondabyne, a worthwhile side trip, before crossing a few gullies with cool creeks and cascades. Past Myron Brook you will walk back down the waters edge at the remote and unique Wondabyne Train Station.

Total climbing: 861m
Note: There is no car transport option from the end of this walk.

This walk explores a section of the Grose River and the flats around the superb Blue Gum Forest. The track then climbs up to Govetts Leap Lookout and along Pope’s Glen to Blackheath. The hard yakka will be rewarded by some superb views of blue gums, the gorge, waterfalls and cliffs. This walk is one where you’ll want to have a friend with a car (they can enjoy some shorter walks or the great cafes in the area) or hail a taxi.

Total climbing: 1225m

Vera Falls track takes experienced walkers to the end of the Valley of the Waters. The last half of this track is indistinct and rough in places, following a historic route. Vera Falls is a spectacular waterfall that can be viewed from the top or bottom. This track may become impassable after rain. A hot chocolate at Conservation Hut can be a nice way to finish off this walk.

Total climbing: 652m