Best Walks of the Southern Highlands — 3rd Edition

🥾 Village Paths • Heathlands • Escarpments & River Valleys

Step into one of New South Wales’ most rewarding walking regions with Best Walks of the Southern Highlands (3rd edition) by Gillian Souter and John Souter, published by Woodslane Press. Fully revised and expanded, this authoritative guide is designed for walkers who want both confidence and context as they explore the landscapes between Sydney and Canberra.

With 45+ carefully curated walks, the book captures the full character of the Southern Highlands—historic villages and cool-climate gardens, wildflower-rich heathlands, forested gullies, dramatic escarpments, volcanic hills, and tranquil river valleys. It’s a region best discovered on foot, and this guide shows you exactly how to do it.

🌟 Why This Guide Is So Highly Regarded

This third edition excels because it strikes a rare balance: it is welcoming to beginners while remaining deeply satisfying for experienced walkers.

• 🥾 Over 45 walks covering a wide range of distances, terrain, and difficulty

• 📏 Clear walk metrics — distance, grade, ascent/descent, and realistic time estimates

• 🗺️ Easy-to-read maps and regional charts — take the uncertainty out of planning

• 🌿 Thoughtful local insight — flora, fauna, landscape notes, and regional character

• 👨👩👧 Family-friendly guidance — advice on walking with children and selecting suitable routes

• 🐕 Dog-walking notes — practical guidance for walkers bringing four-legged companions

• 🧭 Walking wisely tips — preparation, seasonal considerations, and safety advice

Whether you’re planning a gentle afternoon stroll or a full-day hike with elevation and challenge, the information is presented clearly and calmly—never overwhelming.

🗺️ What You’ll Explore

The walks are grouped by region, making it easy to tailor outings to your location, mood, and energy levels. Highlights include:

• 🏘️ Village & heritage walks — relaxed strolls through historic towns and cultural landscapes

• 🌼 Heathland & wildflower walks — open country that comes alive in spring

• 🌳 Forest & gully tracks — cool, shaded routes following creeks and rivers

• ⛰️ Escarpments & lookouts — rewarding climbs with sweeping views across valleys and plateaus

• 🌋 Volcanic hills & uplands — distinctive terrain shaped by ancient geology

Each walk is introduced with just enough narrative to help you understand why it’s special, followed by practical details that let you walk it with confidence.

🌿 A Deeper Sense of Place

Beyond directions, this guide builds a strong sense of the Southern Highlands as a living landscape:

• 🌱 Notes on native vegetation, wildflowers, and seasonal change

• 🦉 Insights into local wildlife and birdlife

• 📖 Touches of regional history and land use that enrich the walking experience

• 🗺️ Regional overview maps and charts that help you see how valleys, towns, rivers, and reserves connect

These elements transform each walk from a simple route into a story of landscape, climate, and culture.

Walks for Families, Groups & Mixed Abilities

One of the great strengths of this guide is its inclusiveness:

• 👣 Clearly identified gentle and accessible walks

• 🧭 Advice on walking with children, including safety and enjoyment tips

• 🐾 Guidance for dog owners, where appropriate

• ⚖️ A broad spread of difficulties, so groups with mixed abilities can still plan rewarding days out

This makes the book ideal for couples, families, walking groups, and weekend explorers alike.

📖 Book Specifications

• 📘 Title: Best Walks of the Southern Highlands (3rd Edition)

• ✍️ Authors: Gillian Souter & John Souter

• 🏛️ Publisher: Woodslane Press

• 📆 Release Date: 1 June 2025

• 📄 Format: Paperback

• 📐 Dimensions: 220 × 130 mm

• 📄 Pages: 240

• ⚖️ Weight: 460 g

Substantial enough for planning, yet compact enough to slip into a daypack or travel bag.

🎯 Who This Book Is For

• 🥾 Beginner walkers wanting clear, confidence-building guidance

• 🌿 Experienced hikers seeking variety and challenge close to Sydney

• 👨👩👧 Families & casual walkers looking for rewarding, manageable outings

• 📸 Nature lovers & photographers drawn to seasonal colour and changing light

• 🚗 Weekend travellers exploring the Highlands from Sydney or Canberra

If you enjoy walking as a way to slow down, observe, and understand a region, this guide is made for you.

⭐ A Trusted Companion for the Highlands

What sets Best Walks of the Southern Highlands apart is its calm authority. It doesn’t rush you, oversell difficulty, or assume expertise. Instead, it invites you into the landscape with clarity, respect, and encouragement—making it an ideal companion whether you’re discovering the region for the first time or returning to it year after year.

Ready to explore the Southern Highlands on foot?

From village lanes to escarpment edges, Best Walks of the Southern Highlands (3rd edition) gives you everything you need to walk this remarkable region with confidence, curiosity, and joy.
Add it to your pack and start exploring—one great walk at a time.