Southern Highlands Walking Tours

If you enjoy walking and being close to nature, this experience is for you. We leave the car behind and walk into cool rainforest, quiet bush tracks, and open mountain landscapes. Along the way, we visit flowing waterfalls, deep valleys, and scenic lookouts inside national parks. This tour is about fresh air, movement, and really feeling the natural beauty of the Southern Highlands.

At Southern Highlands Walks, we offer two unforgettable walking experiences that showcase the natural beauty and diversity of the region — from dramatic waterfalls to lush rainforests and sweeping mountain views – Waterfall Hunt and  From Rainforest to the Mountains of Southern Highlands.

The South Coast–Illawarra is easy to reach by train, just over an hour from Sydney. The train ride provides a stunning scenic experience along what’s known as the Sea Cliff Coast. For timetable information, please click here. Tours depart from any train station between Thirroul and Wollongong.

The tour includes guided hikes of up to 5 kilometres, with uneven terrain and moderate elevation changes, making it best suited to confident and active walkers.

Waterfall Hunt

Explore the Southern Highlands’ most famous waterfalls, including Belmore Falls and Fitzroy Falls. This experience features scenic walks to multiple lookouts, offering sweeping views over the escarpment, dramatic gorges, and the beautiful Kangaroo Valley. Enjoy a relaxed, well-paced day with time to truly take in each location.

From the Rainforest to the Mountains of Southern Highlands

Experience the diversity of the Southern Highlands, beginning in the lush Minnamurra Rainforest and continuing to Carrington Falls. Enjoy a combination of rainforest tracks and escarpment lookouts with expansive views across Kangaroo Valley.

Waterfall Hunt

Track the falls, leave the path, find the wild.

Your Day of Waterfalls, Lookouts & Scenic Walks

The adventure begins between 8:30 and 9:00 am with a convenient pick-up from your chosen location between Thirroul and Wollongong, whether it’s a hotel, motel, or train station.

Our journey begins at Belmore Falls, starting from Hindmarsh Lookout, offering extensive views over the escarpment and into Kangaroo Valley. From the car park, we follow the signed track along the rim, stopping at several lookouts before reaching the final viewpoint overlooking Belmore Falls as it cascades into the valley below.

Next, we continue to Fitzroy Falls, one of the Southern Highlands’ most impressive natural landmarks. We visit the award-winning Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre, which provides insight into local Aboriginal culture, regional history, wildlife, and birdlife. From here, we take on the West Rim Walking Track to Renown Lookout, a scenic 4 km return walk, revealing beautiful views of Fitzroy Falls and Lady Hordern Falls as they flow through deep sandstone gorges, with far-reaching vistas across the Yarrunga Valley.

After taking in the stunning views at Renown Lookout, we continue our journey to the charming village of Robertson, nestled on the edge of the Illawarra escarpment. Known for its rich volcanic soil and high rainfall, Robertson is surrounded by lush green pastures and rolling countryside. Once part of the dense Yarrawa Brush rainforest, the area has a deep connection to both Aboriginal heritage and early European settlement.

Along the way, there will be opportunities to pause for a lunch, coffee or short break. With personalised guidance, the journey remains flexible and tailored to your interests.

This thoughtfully paced day showcases dramatic waterfalls, ancient escarpments, and diverse landscapes, offering a rewarding balance of gentle walks, optional hikes, and memorable viewpoints.

Timeline

Pick Up

Hindmarsh Lookout

Hindmarsh Lookout Belmore Falls Southern Highlands escarpment views Kangaroo Valley

Belmore Falls

Belmore Falls waterfall Southern Highlands escarpment views Kangaroo Valley lookout

Fitzroy Falls

Fitzroy Falls West Rim walking track lookout Yarrunga Valley views

Robertson

Robertson village Southern Highlands countryside green rolling hills rural town

Drop Off

From Rainforest to the Mountains of SH

Where the coast fades into rainforest canopy and waterfall cascades.

Your Day from Rainforest to Waterfalls

The adventure begins between 8:30 and 9:00 am with a convenient pick-up from your chosen location between Thirroul and Wollongong, whether it’s a hotel, motel, or train station. From there, we travel south along the scenic coastline before heading inland towards the escarpment and the lush landscapes of the Southern Highlands.

Our journey begins in the beautiful Minnamurra Rainforest, a rare subtropical rainforest within Budderoo National Park. We follow easy boardwalks beneath a dense green canopy, walking alongside the clear Minnamurra River. This peaceful setting is rich in birdlife and ancient plant species, offering a calm and immersive start to the day.

Next, we head to Jamberoo Lookout. From here, you can enjoy wide views over the rolling green Jamberoo Valley, stretching out towards the coastline. It’s a perfect place to pause, take in the fresh air, and appreciate the contrast between the mountains and the sea. We then take a break for lunch at the well-known Robertson Pie Shop (lunch not included).

We then continue to Carrington Falls, one of the region’s most impressive waterfalls. Here, the Kangaroo River drops dramatically over the escarpment into a deep gorge below. We visit several lookouts, each offering a different perspective of the falls, the rugged sandstone cliffs, and the surrounding forest.

Our final stop is Warris Chair Lookout, a striking clifftop viewpoint high above Kangaroo Valley. From here, you can take in far-reaching views across the valley and surrounding escarpment, making it a memorable place to finish the day and capture a few last photos.

This thoughtfully paced day blends gentle walks, scenic lookouts, and powerful waterfalls, with time to relax, explore, and enjoy each location without feeling rushed. It’s a well-balanced experience that showcases the natural beauty and diversity of the Illawarra and Southern Highlands.

Timeline

Pick Up

Minnamurra Rainforest

Jamberoo Lookout

Jamberoo Valley lookout scenic views Southern Highlands mountains and coastline

Carrington Falls

Carrington Falls waterfall Southern Highlands lookout rainforest cliffs

Warris Chair Lookout

Warris Chair Lookout Kangaroo Valley panoramic escarpment views Southern Highlands

Drop Off

Book Southern Highlands Walking Tour:

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Pricing

1 – 2 people    $500 AUD per Private Tour

3 people    $600 AUD per Private Tour

4 people    $700 AUD per Private Tour

5 people     $800 AUD per Private Tour

What’s included:  Private Guide, Vehicle, All Park Entries

What to bring:  Sunscreen, Hat, Water, Snacks, Comfortable Shoes

Gallery

Our tours offer an immersive experience exploring the stunning South Coast and Southern Highlands of New South Wales. Our itineraries serve as a guide and can be tailored to accommodate your specific interests and preferences.

Meeting Time and Location

We meet between 8:30 and 9:00 am at your preferred location — hotel, motel, or train station between Thirroul and Wollongong. Both the meeting time and location can be adjusted to suit your specific needs and preferences.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations must be submitted no later than 48 hours before the scheduled service or event.  (A transaction fee of AUD $5 will be deducted from the refunded amount to cover processing costs.)