You will be surprised at how some of the most iconic and beautiful sites in Sydney are actually interconnected, and you can embark on this journey by foot! Whether you are into activities of the great outdoors, fishing, jogging, or simply taking a relaxed stroll, this list of scenic walks will ensure that you take advantage of what the beautiful city of Sydney has to offer.
This walk consists of bush trails that open up to a beautiful scenic view of the ocean and horizon. This trail is relatively challenging due to its steep gradient going down the trail, and is strenuous hiking back up. It is important to wear shoes that are fit for hiking to prevent any injuries and to make your walk more enjoyable.
This trail is 6 km in length and requires about 2.5 hours to complete. It starts from the old Garawarra Farm car park and heads down to the ridge through the National Park, to the coast. The walk then follows the coast, passing Burning Palms Beach, and goes around the base of the headland to the ocean rock platform of the Figure Eight Pools.
*Please take note that rock platforms can be very dangerous when there are strong currents. It is best to start your hike by 9am during low tide. If there is high tide, do not attempt to cross to the Figure Eight Pool. End your hike at Burning Palms Beach.
Starting Point: Garawarra Farm, Royal National Park, Audley NSW 2232
Ending Point: Figure Eight Pool, Royal National Park, Audley NSW 2232
This Eastern suburb coastal walk stretches along 6km of cliff tops and promises breathtaking coastal views. You can begin your walk at the iconic Bondi Icebergs at Bondi Beach. The entire walk take you approximately 1-2 hours at a relaxed pace. If you’re an early riser, try to start the coastal walk as early as possible to have a chance at catching the sunrise over the cliffs. You’ll be greeted by regular joggers in high spirits and who start their run as early as 5:30am.
This dynamic coastal walk consists of a number of steep stairs and gradients but there are plenty of rest stops that enable you to stop for a breather and reward yourself with the cliff top views.
Tip: Make your way up some flights of steps leading to Marks Park in Bondi which is a prime whale watching spot during the migration season months of May through to November. Also, don’t forget to bring your swimmers along this walk. You will pass through Clovelly Beach and Gordons Bay which are prime spots for snorkelling.
Starting Point: Bondi Icebergs, 1 Notts Ave, Bondi NSW 2026
Ending Point: Coogee Beach, Beach St, Coogee NSW 2034
The Rose Bay to Watson’s Bay Walk possesses a moderate level of difficulty, with an approximate walking time of 3-4 hours to cover 7.5 km at a leisurely pace.
Here are several walks you can take:
1. Rose Bay Wharf to Dumaresq Reserve (Rose Bay) – approx. 30 minutes
2. Dumaresq Reserve (Rose Bay) to Hermitage Foreshore Scenic Walk (Nielsen Park) – approx. 1.5 hours
Hermitage Walk is 1.4km and its secluded coves are perfect for swimming, fishing, and picnics. Bear in mind there are no fireplaces or barbecue pits.
3. Nielsen Park to Watsons Bay – approx. 2.5 hours
Known for its clear waters, smooth white sand, and a shaded promenade ideal for picnics. A loop walk out along Bottle and Glass Rocks offers spectacular views over the Harbour and Manly and takes only 10 minutes!
Click here for a detailed map of this area.
As you proceed along Watsons Bay, take a walk up the hill through the park to The Gap. This will link up with the Coast Walk, or you can stroll through this historic village to Green Point and Camp Cove.
Starting Point: Rose Bay Wharf, New South Head Road, Rose Bay NSW 2029
Ending Point: Watsons Bay, NSW 2030
For those looking for a light and easy stroll, the Fairfax Walk is ideal for its paved walk with a flat gradient, and also suitable for families and children. Located at North Head in Sydney Harbour National Park, it’s also a perfect spot for whale watching during whale migration season (June to July and August to October). This is a short walk of about 1km and will only take you about 30 mins.
This circuit connects three lookouts that provide amazing unobstructed views of the harbour, cityscape, and endless horizon. So photographers, bring your tripods and camera gear to get the opportunity to snap some postcard-like photos!
If you’ve been bitten by the adventure bug and 1 km is just not enough for you, feel free to continue on through North Head Sanctuary. From there, you can make your way down to Manly via the Manly Scenic Walkway or hop on the Bluefish track that leads to Shelley Beach.
Starting Point: Fairfax Walking Track, Manly NSW 2095
This easy walk takes you from Taronga Zoo to the cafes and beach at Chowder Bay. It covers a distance of 5km and will take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. This gentle bush track is well maintained and manageable for all fitness levels.
The route meanders around the harbour headlands and promises stunning views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. You will also be accompanied by harbour views of ferries scuttling past, as well as a beautiful stretch of nature where visitors have the chance to come close to a wide range of flora and fauna. You can also download an app directly from your Android or iPhone device that can assist you with the trail.
For those who feel the walk was not challenging enough, continue on the Harbour Bridge to the Spit Bridge walking track. Be aware, this track is 17 km one way and takes about 6 hours!
Starting Point: Bradleys Head, Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088
Ending Point: Chowder Bay Rd, Mosman NSW 2088
This leisurely 5 km walk requires about 3 hours of your time. However, you can choose to cover a small part of this walk (this will cut the time taken by half) such as the historic Macquarie Lighthouse, The Gap and its surrounding parkland at Watsons Bay or the Sydney Harbour National Park with its walk to Lady Bay and Inner South Head.
1. Christison Park to Signal Hill
This route contains wheelchair access to unobstructed views of sandstone cliffs, the city skyline, and the vast ocean. Macquarie Lighthouse – Australia’s earliest and longest continually operated light station can also be seen on this route.
2. Signal Hill to The Gap
The southern end of Gap Park offers some of the best views of Sydney Heads, the Harbour and the cityscape and is home to over 70 different species of native plants.
3. Gap Bluff to Camp Cove
From the lookout you can see Inner South Head with Hornby Light and the spectacular cliffs of North Head.
4. Camp Cove to Inner South Head
Historic buildings and fortifications spread throughout the Inner South Head landscape.
Starting Point: Christison Park, Old South Head Road, Vaucluse NSW 2030
Ending Point: Hornby Lighthouse, Inner South Head, Watsons Bay NSW 2030
Located just a 50 minute drive south of Sydney’s Central Business District, this track follows the Hacking River upstream from Audley and is closed to traffic to provide a great track for walkers and bikers. This trail is 10 km in length and would take approximately 3 hours to complete by foot. If you want to gain full experience of this trail, it is recommended you take your bike along so that you will have the chance to cycle over 15 different creeks and cover the area faster.
Visitors have plenty of opportunity to have a rest or have a picnic as there are three picnic areas along the track. At Palona Brook, there’s a short detour to explore the sandstone cave.
Starting Point: Lady Carrington Drive, Royal National Park NSW 2232
The Glebe Foreshore Walk commences at Bicentennial Park at Chapman Road and ends its route at the Sydney Fish Markets at Pyrmont. This walk links over 27 hectares of open space and gives visitors public access to Rozelle Bay and Blackwattle Bay.
The walk is accessible for walkers and cyclists, consisting of high quality parklands with diverse settings such as sports fields, adventure playgrounds, wetlands, and off-leash areas for pets. The Glebe Foreshore Walk also offers easy access to the water for passive recreational craft, protected heritage sea walls and stone docks, as well as Indigenous native plants.
The recent extension of this walk provides pedestrians and cyclists with easier access to Wentworth Park and the Sydney Fish Market.
Starting Point: Bicentennial Park, Chapman Rd, Annandale NSW 2037
End Point: Sydney Fish Market, Bank St & Pyrmont Bridge Rd, Sydney NSW 2009
Lake Parramatta Reserve is a 75-hectare bushland reserve located within 2 km of the Parramatta CBD. The entrance to the reserve is from Lackey Street, off Bourke Street in North Parramatta. Besides being a popular spot for public swimming, water recreation activities and picnics, Lake Parramatta offers a couple of scenic walks situated within the reserve.
1. She-Oak Track – approx. 1 hour 5 mins
This is an easy 1.5 km walk along the lake edge that loops back along the bitumen road through She-Oaks, majestic Sydney Red Gum and Blackbutt.
2. Banksia Track – approx. 1 hour 45 mins
This is a moderate 2.45 km walk with uneven surfaces and winds along the Eastern edge with views of the lake.
3. Lake Circuit – approx 1 hour 55 mins (return)
Another moderate 4.2 km walk (return) with uneven surfaces. There are wildflower displays from autumn to spring with a small rainforest close to the rear of the lake. Visitors are encouraged to visit the rainforest for encounters with native birds and animals.
Starting Point: Lake Parramatta Reserve, 28 Bourke St, North Parramatta NSW 2151
This walk provides stunning views of the coast and takes visitors through interesting beaches and coves and is situated just opposite the city’s urban jungle. It stretches for about 2 km and takes approximately 45 mins to complete. The foreshore tracks of Cremorne Reserve allow visitors to take in fantastic harbour views, beautiful gardens and Robertson Point Lighthouse. The beauty of this walk lies in the fact that large trees shade the entire route, so you don’t have to worry about the intense Aussie sun!
The path weaves around the shores of Shell Cove and will eventually lead to Sirius Park playground complete with a viewing deck. Feel free to stop by MacCallum Pool for a dip or to pump out a few laps right next to the skyscrapers that tower over the harbour on the adjacent side of the pool. There is also a beautiful patch of cultivated garden with benches provided for visitors to take in the mesmerising scenery, especially during sunset.
Starting Point: Bogota Ave, Cremorne NSW 2090
End Point: Mosman Bay Ferry Wharf, Mosman St, Mosman NSW 2088
So why not take a break from your electronic devices and step out of the house to enjoy these scenic walks. These beautiful gems guarantee that you will feel refreshed, relaxed, and accomplished by the end of the trail. This is much better than any form of therapy!
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