Step into nature: Why hiking for beginners is the perfect outdoor adventure

Hiking ticks all the boxes if you’re after an immersive experience in nature that’s fun, great for your mental health and physical fitness, and – a massive bonus – inexpensive.

From close encounters with wildlife, to exploring bushland and seeing wildflowers in full bloom across landscapes that’ll take your breath away, hiking connects you with nature while exploring.

Take that first step on a hike in NSW, and you’ll want to keep on going, finding other incredible places to explore on foot.

To get you started, here is our handy guide for hiking for beginners.

Hiking tips for beginners: Start easy and stay safe

As with any sport or activity, to get into hiking, you should gradually build up your confidence, skills and stamina. Choose easy, short-distance trails to begin with, and then make your way to more challenging ones.

Recognised hikes are usually graded by the Australian Walking Track Grading System (AWTGS) from Grade 1 (easy) to Grade 5, which is the hardest.

Like all outdoor activities, hiking is beholden to the weather. A hike that’s graded as easy could easily become a hard one if there’s been lots of rain and wind, and fog and mist can also hide things such as sharp cliffs and slippery slopes.

Always avoid hiking in extreme conditions, as accidents do happen, and trails are normally not close to help if it’s needed.

Hiking for beginners, or any level, should be enjoyable, and hiking with a friend or a group can make the journey fun, as there’s always someone to share the many discoveries you’re bound to make along the way. You can also help one another through any tricky parts.

If you’re hiking alone or with a friend, make sure someone else is aware of your plan, your hike’s location, and your expected return time, and avoid getting lost by sticking to the marked trail. This also protects the native flora and fauna, and yourself from potential threats that some species may present.

Most campgrounds have detailed descriptions of nearby trails on information boards, including wildlife and fauna you might encounter, the Indigenous heritage of the area, natural points of interest and historical landmarks. It’s worth reading these, as they prepare you for the type of terrain you’ll come across, and things you might want to see and photograph.

Hiking maps & apps

There are plenty of apps and PDFs you can download on an area before you head off, while you have connectivity. Give yourself time to go over your route and familiarise yourself with the trail.

The more you do it, the more joy you’ll get from hiking, but always keep your wits about you, and understand that nature and the weather can be unpredictable.

Hiking essentials for beginners: What to pack, and why

Depending on your interests, you’ll gradually create your own list of what you need and want to take hiking, but these hiking essentials for beginners are a great starting point that you can add to as you become more experienced.

Essential hiking gear for beginners should begin with your clothing, footwear and hiking accessories.

What to wear when hiking

Great hiking clothing should be breathable, with moisture-wicking layers, as even if it’s cool outdoors, you can easily get hot when hiking.

A hat and sunscreen are hiking essentials. Not only will they save you from being burnt, they’ll also help to protect you from sunstroke.

Even if it doesn’t look there’s rain on the way, pack a lightweight raincoat, just in case. Rain can come at any time, especially in the mountains and valleys.

Consider your feet

Comfortable hiking shoes or boots with a good grip are also hiking essentials, as you’ll encounter all kinds of terrain, such as trails that are rocky, slippery, dusty or steep.

Good shoes will not only improve your steadiness, they’ll also protect you from sharp objects, make crossing creeks and streams easier, and make steep ascents and descents more manageable.

You’ll also be on your feet for long periods of time, so the more comfortable your shoes, the more pleasant the hike will be, and the better your rest will be afterwards.

What to pack

A good backpack is essential for hiking, as you can pack everything else you need in it, and you don’t want to end up with a bad back or neck because you’re carrying things you don’t need to. You also need your hands for gripping things such as trees, railings and rocky outcrops while hiking, so a backpack frees your hands up.

Always pack a water bottle or hydration pack, snacks and/or a light lunch. You could lose your way and end up being out longer than you thought, so packing a few extra snacks and a good amount of water can’t hurt. It’s better to be looking at it, than for it!

Even on easy trails, accidents can happen, so a First Aid kit is an absolute hiking essential. It might not even be you who needs it. Your hiking buddy or someone you meet on a trail might have hurt themselves and need some assistance.

Before you head out, check if the trail you’re doing has connectivity, and if it does, you can use a navigational app on your phone as you go. If there’s no connection, pack a map so that you can keep a track of where you are, or download a directional PDF on to your device. Remember you may lose power, so maps can be very handy.

Pack a torch and/or a headlamp (even for daytime hikes) as there can be areas with heavy tree canopies, caves, and other areas in rainforests where visibility is low. Mist and fog can also present difficulties, so a torch comes in handy while navigating a trail.

Headlamps are great, as then you have your hands free for feeling your way around obstacles.

Hiking for beginners, helpful extras to pack

Hiking poles are particularly useful on uneven trails, as they give you extra balance and can be handy for moving aside growth across a track. Some bushes – such as blackberries with sharp thorns – can be pushed aside with a hiking pole so there’s no need to touch them and risk cutting your hands.

An emergency whistle and a GPS device are also handy hiking gear for beginners, as you never know when you need to call for help, and it’s always good to carry a compass so that you know which direction you are headed in. There’s nothing worse than doing circles when you lose your way.

Taking a lightweight towel and a blanket cover a few things at once. Firstly, hiking is meant to be fun, so if you’re passing a swimming hole or creek and you’ve worked up a sweat, have a swim and dry yourself off before hiking. There’s nothing worse that chafed legs from wet clothes.

You also might want to stop for a rest, snack or a picnic, and if cold weather sets in, you can wrap a light blanket over your shoulders for some extra warmth.

Don’t think that you need to buy expensive gear, as hiking for beginners should be affordable. There’s plenty of budget friendly gear out there, and thrift shopping is a great way to find top-quality hiking gear that’s fit for more adventures.

How to use hiking poles for beginners

You might feel that hiking poles are not something you need, but they have many benefits such as improved balance, reduced pressure on your knees (that can lead to strains), and overall, better posture. They’re particularly useful for hilly and mountainous trails. After giving them a go, you might start considering them an essential.

When using hiking poles, keep your elbows bent at 90 degrees, and plant a pole as your opposite foot steps forward. The pole’s tip should end up on the ground close to your foot.

Keep adjusting the pole’s height according to the terrain. The rule of thumb is that poles should be shorter for uphill and longer for downhill.

Hiking poles come in a range of styles, with some folding up so that you can store them in your backpack. Others can be shortened and attached to your backpack for when you don’t need them.

Best beginner-friendly hikes in NSW

NSW is home to an abundance of easy, incredibly scenic and accessible hiking trails. Here are some beginner-friendly options:

• The Spit to Manly Walk in Sydney is an iconic 10-kilometre hike with stunning coastal views and a well-marked path. It’s such a great way to see some of Sydney’s renowned harbour beaches.
• The Three Sisters Walk in the Blue Mountains is an 800-metre hike on a wide, paved track with awesome views. It’s usually busy, but one you should tick off your list.
• Bouddi Coastal Walkon the Central Coast is a moderate 8-kilometre hike with amazing ocean views and abundant birdlife.
• Lyrebird Loop Walk in the Minnamurra Rainforest on the South Coast is a relaxing, one-hour-long trail on a boardwalk through lush rainforest, complete with viewing platforms.
• Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Port Stephens is a 2.2-kilometre hike with rewarding panoramic views of Port Stephens and the coastline. It does have some steep sections, but is considered beginner friendly.
• Crystal Shower Falls Walk in Dorrigo National Park is a 3.2-kilometre rainforest trail with waterfall views straight out of a fairytale. It takes 1–1.5 hours and you can walk behind the waterfall for amazing views out into the rainforest.

Common mistakes beginner hikers should avoid

Hiking is a great addition to any camping trip, and you want it to be as enjoyable as possible. Avoid these common mistakes made by beginners, and you’ll be off on the right path.

• Wearing the wrong shoes: This leads to discomfort, possible injuries, and even long-term foot problems.
• Underestimating the trail: Check the distance and difficulty, know your limits, and take it one step at a time.
• Not bringing enough water or snacks: Stay well-fed and hydrated. You need energy for hiking, and you’ll sweat out plenty of fluids.
• Overpacking and not being organised: Keep things lightweight, simple, and organised. Just like camping, everything needs a place so it’s easy to find.
• Ignoring weather conditions: Be prepared for sudden changes and pay attention to any warnings by the experts.

It’s never too late to start your hiking journey

Hiking is one of the most rewarding outdoor activities that does little damage to your bank account. You have everything to gain by choosing a trail and giving it a red-hot go.

You don’t have to be super-fit or have all the fancy branded gear. Hiking is for everyone.

Check out Reflections Holiday Parks for some awesome places to base yourself while hiking some of the best trails in NSW. Then you’ll have a cosy cabin or campsite to return to after a great day out in the bush. Before you even pull off your hiking shoes, you’ll be dreaming of your next adventure in the great outdoors.