An off-track loop through the pagoda country above Bungleboori Creek, weaving between sandstone walls, narrow slots and spring time heath in Newnes State Forest.

From first light on the Yadboro River, a long climb beneath The Castle leads towards Monolith Valley, a lost world of ancient pagodas and fern-filled gullies perched high in the Budawangs.

A long fire trail across Genowlan Mountain in Mugii Murum-ban passes through fern gullies, pagoda country and soaring cliffs before reaching the edge of the Capertee Valley.

From a remote camp on the Wolgan–Capertee Divide, a day of pagodas, dense regrowth, hidden sandstone architecture and vast views leads to Blue Rock Gap.

On Kings Tableland, a sandstone formation first noticed in passing became the starting point for a deeper exploration of cliffs, ledges and hidden under-cliff passages.

Beyond two well-known walking tracks lies a longer journey through waterfalls, tidal shoreline, sandstone shelters and cliffs rising directly above the waterways of Ku-ring-gai.

A pale rock platform first noticed in aerial photography led to map-like sandstone markings, hidden overhangs and an exploration beneath the main cliff line.

A journey along one of the Gardens of Stone's most remarkable skylines, where changing pagoda landscapes, immense cliffs and sweeping valley views matter far more than the destination itself.

Rising alone from the Wolgan Valley floor, Donkey Mountain is topped by a maze of pagodas, slot canyons and sandstone chambers. In 2022, not long after the devastating bushfires, we spent a day exploring only a small part of this extraordinary mesa.

Large groups bring energy to the bush. But a brief period of silence can completely change the way a group experiences a place.