Now that lockdowns are slowly being lifted around Australia, it’s time to take advantage of the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the world we’ve all been missing!

 We’ve already looked at some of the positive effects that walking can have on the mind and body; now it’s time to celebrate by enjoying the outdoors – and maybe sneaking in a couple tasty treats along the way.

 Release your inner Nomad with these five local walks to refresh the soul!

 

Curl Curl Boardwalk to Freshwater Beach

Sydney

Running along the coastline, Curl Curl Boardwalk is a gentle, low-impact path suited for all ages and abilities, and it offers gorgeous views the whole way through.

 Start at the North end of Curl Curl Beach and take a dip in the Rockpool, walk the beach, and hop on the Boardwalk through the healthily maintained, but still wild, environment of the Northern Beaches.

The walk is also dog-friendly, so expect to make some new furry friends on your journey!

 Finish at Freshwater Beach, and treat yourself to a coffee at Baretto while you watch the surf.

 

Coogee to Bondi

 Sydney

One of Sydney’s famous coastal walks, the route from Coogee to Bondi deserves all its praises.

At six kilometers, it takes a solid two to three hours to complete, and with some steep sections and its fair share of steps, this walk is a little more challenging than the Curl Curl Boardwalk.

Take in beautiful beaches, cliffs, and some of Sydney’s most iconic views; and stop at one of the many cafes that pepper the path to take a break, relax, and recharge.

Here at Nomad we’re partial to Barzura. With a stunning view of Coogee Beach, this is the perfect first stop on your walk to Sydney’s most famous beach!

 

Valley of the Waters Track

 Katoomba

This six kilometer out and back trail will take you away from the coast, but will reward you with beautiful views of the Blue Mountains National Park.

The highlight of this trail, though, are the breathtaking waterfalls that will dot your path.

Sylvia, Empress, and Lodore Falls would be enough to more than satisfy any waterfall chaser, but the trail continues into the Jamieson Valley, home of the incredible Wentworth Falls.

Unlike our first two walks, this trail has a noticeable lack of cafes along the way, so make sure you bring water to stay hydrated, and snacks to stay energised! We recommend a protein-packed Chocolate and Peanut Butter Shake, and a couple bites of tasty dark chocolate as a reward.

 

Point Nepean

 Melbourne

The Point Nepean walk takes travellers to the very tip of the Mornington Peninsula in Nepean National Park, and with Bass Strait on one side and Port Phillip Bay on the other, this walk provides breathtaking ocean views.

More than just views, this walk also takes you deep into Australian history by passing through World War II defenses, turrets, and fortresses.

It also takes you to Cheviot Beach, where Prime Minister Harold Holt went for a swim in 1967, and never returned.

The Point Nepean walk is a winding trip through some of Victoria’s rich history, the ocean vistas are a beautiful bonus!

 

The Brisbane Riverwalk

 Brisbane

This water highway, suspended over the Brisbane River, is the shortest of our walks at just under one kilometer, but what it lacks in length, it makes up for in magic!

This pedestrian walkway is made just for cyclists and pedestrians, and is a great way to get out of the city streets.

The Riverwalk was built in 2014, after the 2011 floods washed away the original floating pathway that connected two of the city’s liveliest precincts, CBD and New Farm.

Follow the path to the Howard Smith Wharves, and you can continue your walk all the way to the Botanic Gardens!