For dazzling views of the Grose Valley and wombat spotting, head to Mount Banks. The 2.4-kilometre return trail starts at the Mount Banks picnic area and begins with a short yet steep climb before ascending gradually to the summit.

Set within the ancient Gondwana rainforests — a World Heritage Area — Careys Peak takes you through the best bits of Barrington Tops National Park. 

Burning Mountain (aka Mount Wingen) gets its name from a coal seam, 30 metres underground, that has been on fire for an estimated 5500 years. And, since the fire moves one metre every year, the landscape is continually changing. 

Wolgan Valley sits between Gardens of Stone National Park and Newnes Plateau. Somewhere in the middle is Donkey Mountain. Reaching its summit involves weaving your way through an adventurer's paradise, in and out of canyons, pagodas and caves.

Don't let the three-kilometre return hike to Pieries Peak fool you. It may not be long but it is steep. The challenging trail starts at Youngville campground and launches straight into action, climbing through rocky ridges, snow grass and rainforest.

The Budawangs are a three-hour drive from Sydney, so if you can't cut an early start, head down the night before and pitch a tent by the river at Long Gully campground.

Do go chasing waterfalls at Wentworth Pass walking trail. Located two hours from Sydney, the grade four hike is a five-kilometre loop that takes around four hours to complete. 

Located an hour north of Newcastle, the Bulahdelah Mountain boasts a relaxed 4.5-kilometre return hike up to the top of the mountain. Once you reach the summit, you'll be treated to expansive views of the surrounding bushland.