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

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 Bro

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 sect

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 trail

Total climbing: 861m

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

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.

Total climbing: 652m