Whether you like to breathe in the fresh coastal air or immerse yourself in the bush, there are some really fantastic walks across Sydney. Around every corner of our beloved harbour there’s a view just waiting to be admired. Ranging from easy to a little more difficult, we have put together a list of our top 8 walks in Sydney for you to enjoy.
Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay
Length: 4km
Time: 1.5 hours
A great one for a weekend morning, there are elements of this which will take you through some denser bush. If you start the track near Taronga Zoo and marvel at the sweeping views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, then follow the weaving trail around through Taylors Bay and onto Chowder bay.
Bondi to Coogee Walk
Length: 6km
Time: 2.5 hours
This is one of the most popular walks in Sydney so it can get a little busy. It is definitely worth the crowd though, with breathtaking views of the coastline the whole way along. There are lots of stairs so this one isn’t advisable to do with a pram. If you start off in Bondi, you’ll pass through Waverly Cemetery, Gordons Bay, and several clusters of the rock pools until you reach Coogee.
Hermitage Foreshore Walk
Length: 1.8km
Time: 30 minutes
This is a short and definitely sweet stroll along the foreshore with lots of photo opportunities. It is relatively easy the whole way will either paved or timber boardwalk and a few steps. Make more of a morning of it by doubling back for the return trip.
South Heritage Trail: Watsons Bay to Hornby Lighthouse
Length: 2.8km return
Time: 1 hour
This is an easy walk up to the historic lighthouse and light keeper’s cottage – past old military cannons and sandstone gun emplacements. You can start at the Watsons Bay ferry, following the footpath along the beach and then up the cobbled stone paths.
Botany Bay Coastal Walk
Length: 12km
Time: 4.5 hours
This is more of a challenge but is well worth the sweat as you follow the coast all the way to Cronulla. Start in the Kamay Botany Bay National Park, from the end of Polo St, and follow the trail. There are some unmarked bits of the track so forward plan your route and pack a map just to be safe.
Manly to Spit Walk
Length: 10kms
Time: 4 hours
This one offers the best of both worlds, with the path leading through the bush of the coastline until you come out either side to the bustle of Manly or the Spit Bridge –which have some great lunch options. At the highest point of the climb, you’ll find Aboriginal rock engravings of a kangaroo, whale, and small fish at Grotto Point. Make sure you pack lots of water and sunscreen for the walk.
Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk
Length: 2km return
Time: 1 hour
This is a short but strenuous trek up a steep sandy trail with steps but it’s well worth the work. The view at the top is incredible. You’ll see out to the Hawkesbury River and Broken Bay and if you do this in winter, you may even spot a humpback whale or two.
Cowan to Berowra via Berowra Waters
Length: 12.9km one way
Time: 6 hours
This trail isn’t just a quick decision made on Saturday night, you really need to prepare for it. Take lots of water, sturdy shoes, and lots of snacks to keep up your energy. There’s lots and lots and lots of stairs, a little bit of rock climbing with stirrups built into them to help you, and uneven ground to stomp. However, it’s well worth the work with lots of fantastic lookout opportunities.
