Look no further. We've rounded up a list of seven perfect Saturday-morning hikes close to Wollongong, with something for everyone from the intrepid explorer to those making their first foray into the great outdoors.

An oldie but a goodie.

Begin at the Nowra Showground. The whole track is a return trip of about five-and-a-half kilometres, and includes views of the river, mountains and golf course.

There's also the opportunity for picnicking and bird watching along the way. Visit NSW says the walk takes about two hours. Details

For a cruisey 1km amble - with some cheeky stairs at the end - you could do worse than the Granit Falls walking track.

Turn into Twelve Mile Road about six kilometres north of Bendalong Road. Continue on the gravel road until you see the sign to Granite Falls.

Begin your walk. Once you've made it to the base of the lookout, there are stairs to climb before you're rewarded with a view of 63m high falls.

You can pack some snacks to have here before heading home - or, if you've only just whet your appetite for exploration, you can continue to the George Boyd lookout and Rainforest walk.

The walk is most spectacular in spring, when wildflowers are in bloom. Details

If you're up for a challenge, have a crack at the Clover Hill trail. It's a bit of a drive, but well worth it.

Take a slight left off the Princes Highway, 56 kilometres north of Nowra, onto Tongarra Road. At the roundabout, continue straight onto the Illawarra Highway, and in nine kilometres, turn left onto Clover Hill Road. The trail is on the left.

The six-kilometre round trip follows an old logging route that leads to Rainbow Falls, and three smaller falls upstream on the Macquarie Rivulet.

The trail passes through rainforest and open paddocks, with views of the escarpment as well as the falls.

Birds, wildlife and impressive native flora are abundant. The truly committed adventurer may wish to scramble upstream at the end of the track to access Rainbow Falls. Details

If you like a side of learning with your serve of the great outdoors, head down to Ulladulla and the Gondwana Fossil walk.

The guided walk starts from the grassed picnic area near Ulladulla Marine Rescue HQ, and takes about two hours.

Learn about the geological history of this continent and see the sharply preserved features of marine fossils that are 270 million years old.

The volunteer-run walk does require bookings, and a fee. Head here for enquiries.

Back a little closer to home is the Bomaderry Creek walking track.

Bomaderry Creek is a small oasis of bushland adjacent to Bomaderry. There are two tourist walks - a 5km return, and a one-and-a-half kilometre return along the western track.

The track follows Bomaderry Creek through sandstone cliffs, rock walls, overhangs and caves. The small gorge is rich in Aboriginal heritage and sheer sandstone faces

Visitor facilities include a grassed picnic area with sheltered tables, gas barbecue and toilets. Dogs are allowed on-leash. Details

The Munyunga waraga dhugan loop walk is a five-and-a-half kilometre trail through Booderee National Park.

Munyunga waraga dhugan means white-bellied sea eagles home camp in the Dhurga language of the Wreck Bay Aboriginal people.

Depending on the day, you can spot sea birds - including the white-bellied sea-eagle - penguins, seals, dolphins and whales from Governor Head - and if you're up early enough, you might catch a glimpse of the endangered eastern bristlebird.

The walk itself is free, but park fees apply for entry. Details

Last, but not least, is cult favourite Pigeon House Mountain Didthul walking track.

The popular walking track, in Morton National Park, was given dual name status in recognition of its cultural significance to Aboriginal people on the South Coast.

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) employee Rob Perry said this iconic walking track is known as one of the best walks on the South Coast - and anyone who's seen the view from the top will surely agree.

With some steep sections, the five kilometre return track is sure to give you a workout.

We've heard of people running to the top - but it's much nicer to take it easy (and perhaps pack some snacks).

From Milton, turn off Princes Highway, following signs marked Pigeon House (this will take you along Croobyar Road, Woodstock Road and Yadboro Road). The walk begins in the picnic area off Yadboro Road. Details