Sydney is blessed with hundreds of walking trails from casual easy strolls to more full on day hikes. We’ve made our way through over 70 trails so far, camera in hand to create a comprehensive list of the best.
We’re going to share a mix of walks which take you around the harbour, through the bush or along the coastline near Sydney.
There’ll be a mix of easy to more challenging trails, so there will be something for you, whatever you’re looking for. We’ve also got tons more suggestions for you in our guides dedicated to Sydney’s best harbour walks, trails through the bush, and along the coast.
The Best Sydney Walks
As avid hikers, we created a list of trails we wanted to do, and one by one hiked them all (well not all, we’ve added to the list since then…). We’ve whittled these trails down to create a bucket list of the best for you! In no particular order, here are the walks we think are the must do’s in Sydney.
We’ve graded them easy - hard relative to the other tracks on this list. Easy doesn’t necessarily mean flat, as it’s hard to find a truly flat trail in Sydney!
If there’s any great ones you know of that haven’t made the list, let us know in the comments below! We’re always on the lookout for fab trails!
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1. Wattamolla to Eagle Rock (Royal NP) - Easy, Coastal
2. The Forest Path (Royal NP) - Easy, Bush Walk
3. Cremorne Point Walk - Easy, Harbour Walk
4. Resolute Track (Ku-ring-gai NP) - Moderate, Bush Walk
5. Wentworth Pass (Blue Mountains) - Hard, Bush Walk
6. Hornsby Blue Gum Forest - Moderate, Bush Walk
7. Cape Baily Track - Easy, Coastal Walk
8. Spit to Manly - Moderate, Harbour Walk
9. Dr Darks Cave (Blue Mountains) - Moderate - Hard, Bush Walk
10. Basin & Mackarel Circuit (Ku-ring-gai NP) - Moderate, Bush Walk
11. Taronga to Balmoral Beach - Easy, Harbour Walk
12. Figure of 8 Pools (Royal NP) - Moderate, Coastal Walk
13. Gibberagong Track (Ku-ring-gai NP) - Moderate, Bush Walk
14. Bondi to Coogee - Moderate, Coastal Walk
15. The Grand Canyon (Blue Mountains) - Moderate, Bush Walk
16. Wattamolla to Little Marley (Royal NP) - Easy, Coastal Walk
1. Wattamolla to Eagle Rock, (Royal NP) - for the best waterfall in Sydney
Type: Coastal Walk
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 8.8km
Elevation: 235m
Highlights: A twin waterfall which drops into the ocean, cliff-top views & the iconic Eagle Rock
If you’re going to do one walk in Sydney, make it this one.
The trail from Wattamolla to Eagle Rock is a relatively easy walk, but it’s magnificent from start to finish. With outstanding sea views, the chance to visit Sydney’s most incredible waterfall - which cascades directly into the ocean - and the most iconic rock formation in Royal National Park, it really does have it all.
If you’re looking to be blown away then look no further. The trail runs along the clifftops for much of the way, and you’re never short of a stunning view. Eagle Rock and Curracurrong Falls at the end are the cherry on top.
We love to time this walk so that we end up at Eagle Head Rock for sunset and then we walk back under the stars. It adds a touch of magic to an already exceptional trail.
As the majority of the walk is on metal boardwalk it’s really easy going and any climbing is gradual.
Here’s our full trail guide.
2. The Forest Path (Royal NP) - for the most magical rainforest
Type: Bush Walk
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 4.4km
Elevation: 86m
Highlights: Stunning rainforest on a flat & easy path
This walk is magical. If you love forests you are going to be in awe that this patch of pristine rainforest lies so close to Sydney. You feel like you’ve been transported to another world!
It doesn’t have any of the beaches or big views normally associated with Royal National Park’s best walks, but it has an atmosphere like no other.
It wowed me from the moment I set foot on the trail and got better and better with every step deeper into the forest.
With towering Cabbage tree palms, hanging vines and huge tropical plants that sometimes attempt to take over the path, it feels truly wild.
I fell in love with this walk, and I often have to push it from my mind when I’m looking at what walk to do next so that I can continue my mission to walk every trail in Sydney!
You can see more on the trail in our dedicated Forest Path guide.
3. Cremorne Point Walk - for an exquisite secret garden
Type: Harbour Walk
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 3.3km (including the lighthouse)
Elevation: 91m
Highlights: Harbour views and a very special secret garden
The Cremorne Point Walk is our go-to walk on this list for anyone wanting a leisurely stroll. This is the easiest walk on our list, but it doesn’t compromise at all on wow factor.
With absolutely jaw dropping harbour views, a truly wild and beautiful secret garden, a lighthouse, and the chance to stop for a wine or a coffee part way, it’s hard to believe that it’s only 3km!
It’s flat for almost the entire walk, so it’s perfect for when you’re looking for something relaxing, but still want it to be a great walk.
We recommend diverting briefly over to Mosman Bay as part of this walk, which we detail in this guide.
If you go this way, not only do you get to see more of this beautiful and quiet part of the harbour, but you also pass some pretty bushland, including our favourite little bridge which feels a million miles from the city.
4. The Resolute Track (Ku-ring-gai NP) - for 3 outstanding beaches
Type: Bush Walk
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6.6km
Elevation: 295m
Highlights: Robinson Crusoe Beaches, wild bush and Aboriginal art
Wild beach lovers should look no further than the Resolute Track. This is your chance to get a glimpse of the Robinson Crusoe life, as you can only access this bush fringed beach on foot (or private boat…!). However, this trail isn’t just about the beach, there’s lots of variety as well.
You’ll visit Ku-ring-gai’s most famous lookout, a cave with some well preserved Aboriginal rock art as well as those three incredible beaches.
The majority of the walk is through pretty bushland, before you have the chance to cut down to the beaches. If you want to shorten the walk you can pick one or two of them, rather than all three.
If you only pick one make it Resolute Beach. It has a wild and jungly vibe, but perfectly calm water for swimming. It feels like you’ve arrived in Jurassic Park.
The trail is well maintained to the first two beaches, but a little rougher to the third, Mackerel Beach. There’s a reasonable amount of climbing involved but that can be lessened if you choose to visit only one beach.
You can read our full guide to Resolute Beach and the Resolute Loop here.
5. Wentworth Pass (Blue Mountains) - for sensational waterfalls on an adventurous track
Type: Bush Walk
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 7.3km
Elevation: 419m
Highlights: Countless waterfalls, stunning views and an adventurous workout
This hike is nothing short of incredible.
It’s one of the harder trails on our list but boy are you rewarded. You’ll walk on a track cut into the side of the cliff with some truly jaw dropping views of the Jamison Valley.
As well as seeing the majestic Wentworth Falls from the top, you’ll also go right down to its base, where you can even take a little paddle in the pool it streams into!
As well as Wentworth Falls, you’ll visit a series of other beautiful waterfalls, which are so deep in the bush that it feels like you are finding hidden treasures in an enchanted forest. It truly is one wow after another.
On top of that the forest itself is a beauty, with towering tree ferns, hanging vines and dense vegetation.
It also involves a touch of adventure with several ladders (which we think are more like steep staircases) and foot holds cut into the rock. It’s not easy but there is no scrambling or particularly tricky terrain.
You can read more in our Wentworth Pass trail guide.
6. Hornsby Blue Gum Forest - for the majestic blue gums
Type: Bush Walk
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 4.5km (add 2.4km return if coming from Hornsby station)
Elevation: 171km
Highlights: Incredible blue gums and valleys of ferns
Who would have thought that one of the best walks in all of Sydney lies not in one of the more famous national parks, but in a bit of bushland right by Hornsby town centre?
We’ve walked this trail several times and every time it has left us in awe.
You’ll walk through valleys of ferns, alongside overhangs that look like honeycomb and of course In-between the majestic blue gums.
It’s hard to believe that a trail so short can be so varied, and every step is a genuine delight. There’s even a touch of adventure with a little easy scrambling.
The path is a mixture of well formed dirt track and the odd rocky section, you can read more about it in our detailed Blue Gum Walk guide.
7. The Cape Baily Track (Botany Bay NP) - for incredible whale watching ops
Type: Coastal Walk
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 6.9km from Cape Solander or 9.3km from Polo Street
Elevation: 72m
Highlights: Clifftop views, the lighthouse and an epic whale watching
We spent much of June following the whales around every possible location we could think of, and the Cape Baily Track was by far our favourite.
The close up encounters we had beside the cliff tops are moments we’ll never forget, but this walk isn’t only good for whale watching.
It’s also a gorgeous track which hugs the cliff edge for outstanding ocean views before finishing at the picturesque Cape Baily Lighthouse.
Gone are the days when this trail was a bog fest, it’s now got metal boardwalk for much of the way, which makes the whole walk a breeze.
We loved this walk so much, we did it twice within two weeks, and we don’t live in the area! If you’re looking for a gorgeous easy trail, with barely any climbing and a well formed track for much of the way, pick this one.
Here’s our full Cape Baily Track guide. If you love the sound of this walk, but it’s too short for you, you can extend it along the Botany Bay Coastal Track.
8. Spit to Manly - for a little bit of everything
Type: Coastal Walk
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 9.6km not including side trails
Elevation: 283m
Highlights: Secret beaches, a little history, harbour views and Aboriginal engravings
The Spit to Manly track is a fabulous all rounder and is a must-do for anyone who lives in - or visits - Sydney.
Gorgeous bushland: check.
Fabulous beaches: check.
Secret beaches: check.
Indigenous history: check.
Incredible harbour views: check.
I could go on.
It really is a wonderful walk and the fact you can access it so easily by public transport is something that amazes me every time we do it.
We’d recommend adding on the side trails which we detail in this post, because most people don’t, and you feel like you’ve found your own secret spots.
Washaway Beach is one of the best in Sydney, yet it’s rarely visited because it’s down an innocuous side trail with no sign post!
The track is in great condition throughout but it does have a reasonable amount of climbing, particularly for a harbour walk. You can make a whole day of it by stopping for a coffee at Clontarf and a swim at one of the many great beaches along the way.
9. Dr Dark’s Cave (Blue Mountains) - for the most unique spot in the mountains
Type: Bush Walk
Difficulty: Moderate for Fortress Ridge, hard when combined with the cave
Distance: 10.7km
Elevation: 469m
Highlights: Finding a place frozen in time
Dr Dark’s Cave is a walk like no other and if you love your hikes a little off the beaten track, then this is the one for you. It feels like a bit of a treasure hunt.
We’re not sure how such a diverse and exciting trail flies so far under the radar, but it does. The walk has two truly sensational views (which you’ll likely get to yourself), as well as the chance to visit a really unique spot.
Dr Dark’s Cave is a Blue Mountains legend. Dr Dark and his family used to spend months at a time living in the cave in the 1930’s and it remains today as if they just got up and left, planning to return.
All the pots and pans, bedding and tools are still exactly where they left them, there’s even a game of backgammon!
I absolutely love this spot, it’s fascinating and just wonderful that’s it has been left as is, for everyone to enjoy.
The walk itself is predominantly on a good trail and is not too difficult, but the track down to the cave is unruly and involves a couple of scrambles.
We’ve detailed everything, including the cave coordinates in this post.
10. The Basin and Mackerel Circuit (Ku-ring-gai NP) - for more wild wallabies than you can count on both hands
Type: Bush Walk
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 7km
Elevation: 189m
Highlights: An adventurous trail with stunning beaches and wildlife!
We’ll start by saying you need to walk this trail at, or close to low tide unless you want to swim a large part of it!
We tried it two hours before low tide and had sections which were up to our thighs - which to be honest was good fun, but might not be for everyone!
Back to the trail - for the first few kilometres it’s nothing special (apart from one excellent Aboriginal engraving site) and you’d be forgiven for wondering why on earth we put this one our best walks in Sydney list, but it isn’t long before it gets a whole lot better.
You’ll see a great viewpoint before arriving at a fantastic beach and rock hopping (or wading….) your way past several smaller beaches, until you reach wallaby central. AKA the Basin Campground.
It’s not a case of if you’ll see wallabies but how many! It’s such a great experience to sit and observe them in the wild and as they are not shy like most in the park, you can watch them for some time.
Most of this track is not signposted so we’ve detailed the route in this guide. It’s not difficult, but the rock hopping can be slippery and for that reason going bang on low tide will make it easier.
11. Taronga to Balmoral - for incredible harbour views and great snorkelling
Type: Harbour Walk
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 6km or 7.2km including side trails
Elevation: 176m
Highlights: Secret beaches, inner city bushland and stunning harbour views.
The Taronga to Balmoral Beach track is one of the prettiest harbour walks in Sydney.
If you’re incredibly lucky you’ll begin the walk being serenaded by gibbons from the nearby zoo - a memory I’ll definitely never forget! But even if you don’t get lucky, there is a whole lot to love about this trail.
You’ll visit some incredible beaches (including a couple of secret ones if you take the side trails), one of Sydney’s best snorkelling spots (with an excellent chance of seeing seahorses), and get some fantastic harbour views as you make you way along the picturesque bush track.
You can even explore some underground tunnels for a look into Sydney’s military history at Georges Head.
It’s an easy walk on a well maintained trail, which is flat for the majority of the way. You’ll pass numerous lovely picnic spots, or you can grab lunch at the fab Boathouse Cafe at the end.
Here’s our full trail guide with what not to miss along the way.
12. Figure of 8 pools (Royal NP) - for an iconic swimming spot
Type: Coastal Walk
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6.4km
Elevation: 246m
Highlights: The Figure 8 Pools - Sydney’s most unique swimming spot.
The Figure of 8 Pools are truly unique and visiting here at sunrise was one of our favourite experiences in seven years living in Sydney. We ventured down in the dark on a cold winter morning, and were greeted by a spectacular sunrise, breaching humpback whales and no one else around!
However, this is a somewhat controversial inclusion in our list, because visiting the Figure of 8 Pools can be dangerous. It doesn’t have to be though, and we’ve detailed exactly how to have a safe trip in this post.
Back to the walk itself, and it really is a great adventure for such a short trail. You begin in a gorgeous stretch of forest with definite jungle vibes, think huge Cabbage tree palms and other tropical plants, before coming out of the forest to one of Sydney’s best views.
Catching a glimpse of the majestic Burning Palms Beach from above is always a treat and descending to the beach itself still makes me say ‘wow’ despite visiting many times.
Rock hopping to the Figure of 8 Pools is more challenging, and can only be done at low tide. It’s well worth the effort though, when you’re soaking in the picturesque ocean pool, with panoramic ocean views. We like it best for sunrise when you can generally get the entire thing to yourself.
13. Gibberagong Track (Ku-ring-gai NP) - for Tropical North Queensland vibes
Type: Bush Walk
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 12.8km
Elevation: 304m
Highlights: That into the wild feeling with amazing swimming spots
You don’t have to walk far along the Gibberagong Track before you feel like you’ve left Sydney behind and strolled right into the wilds.
The rainforest vibes along this track made us feel like we were walking back in Tropical North Queensland, with huge mossy boulders and hanging vines. It’s easily one of the best walks in Ku-ring-gai.
There are several amazing and little known wild swimming spots - one complete with rope swing if you’re feeling adventurous - and a series of picturesque overhangs as you follow the emerald creek to Bobbin Head.
There are even some Aboriginal engravings and axe grinding grooves just before you hit the mangrove boardwalk at the end of the trail (or halfway really as you have to walk back!).
It’s a fairly rough track in places and your whole body gets a bit of a workout as you climb over boulders, but there is nothing too tricky involved.
You can read more in our detailed trail guide.
14. Bondi to Coogee - for amazing ocean views
Type: Coastal Walk
Difficulty: Easy - moderate
Distance: 5.5km
Highlights: The iconic beaches and clifftop views
This is the most well known walk in Sydney, but that’s for good reason. This was the first walk we did in Sydney and it was the perfect introduction to this incredible city.
It’s wildly popular, so if you want to feel a bit of serenity along the way, you’ll want to go very early morning, catching a sunrise in this area is always very special!
The path hugs the cliff tops for much of the way, with incredible ocean views and great whale (in season) and dolphin watching opportunities.
You’ll pass many of Sydney’s most popular beaches, as well as an incredible snorkelling site.
The swirly rock formations are incredible to look at, and it’s the kind of trail you can spend all day on, stopping at various beaches and for coffee along the way.
The track is paved and very well maintained, so whilst it isn’t flat, it’s still fairly easy. You can read our insider tips for the trail here.
15. Grand Canyon (Blue Mountains) - for feeling like you’ve entered into a fairytale
Type: Bush Walk
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6.5km
Elevation: 300m
Highlights: A stunning canyon walk which feels like entering another world
This is easily one of the best walks in the Blue Mountains and we love it so much that we’ve lost count of how many times we’ve done it!
There’s just something about it when you start heading into the mossy green canyon and rock hopping over the various creek crossings. The sounds of the birds and the running water give it a real feeling of tranquility.
It feels like you’ve entered a fairy grotto.
Although you start at one of the best lookouts in the Blue Mountains this trail isn’t about big views, but rather soaking up the atmosphere in the canyon.
The track is in great condition, and there’s no difficult terrain, but there is a fair amount of ups and downs and one final steep climb out of the canyon at the end.
For the most part, the trail is lovely and shady, which definitely makes it easier. It’s definitely one of the most spectacular walks in the mountains and a must on any Sydney hiking bucket list.
You can read our full trail guide, which contains a secret that nobody tells you about the Grand Canyon here.
16. Wattamolla to Little Marley (Royal NP) - for stunning views and wild swimming
Type: Coastal Walk
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 7km
Elevation: 177m
Highlights: Stunning clifftop views and wild beaches
This is a beautiful coastal walk which takes you to one of our favourite beaches in Royal National Park.
Along the way you’ll pass Wattamolla Dam, which is a great wild swimming spot with incredible views, and walk through heathland full of birdlife.
You’ll come out to the cliff tops, which offer great whale watching ops, before winding your way down the incredibly photogenic curved boardwalk to Little Marley Beach.
Little Marley is a real beauty and a fantastic place to sit and watch the waves crash against the shore. If you have more energy we’d highly recommend walking another 650m along the flat boardwalk to Big Marley Beach, which is wild and exciting.
Overall there is a little climbing involved, but for the most part it’s a flat walk, on very well maintained metal boardwalk. No need to watch your feet on this track!
Here’s our detailed trail guide on the walk to both Little and Big Marley Beaches.
Before you hike
Here’s a few things you should consider before heading out on your walk.
The sun & heat
The midday sun can be brutal in the warmer seasons, so we recommend starting early or late to avoid the worst of the heat and exposure. Always take a lot of water, a hat and sunscreen.
Google Maps
The great news is that virtually all of these trails are on Google Maps. I have downloaded the offline maps all round Sydney, which means that even if I don’t have signal, I can still see where I am. Google Maps is a great way of checking where you are on the path and ensuring you don’t get lost.
National Park fees
The Blue Mountains doesn’t have park fees (unless you choose to visit somewhere like Red Hands Cave), but almost all of Ku-ring-gai and Royal NP charge a $12 per car per day fee. You can get an annual pass for $65 which is worth it if you plan on going to either of these parks more than five times in a year.
Closing times
The majority of trails on this list are open 24 hours a day, but the walks in West Head in Ku-ring-gai (Resolute Track & the Basin and Mackerel Circuit) have a gate that closes around sunset. There’s a fine to re-open the gate.
Packing suggestions for hiking in Sydney
Having the right gear can make a huge difference, especially when hiking in Sydney. Here’s what we pack and have relied upon for years:
Sunscreen: Cancer Council Active. With a high SPF, but not the greasy feel of other sunscreens. Makes a big difference when you’re working up a sweat on a sunny day! Check it out on Amazon
Good Rain Jacket: North Face This is an essential item we always pack in our bag! This jacket from North Face is designed to keep you dry but also comfortably warm (many rain jackets will make you feel like you’re in a sauna). Check it out on Amazon
Day Pack: Osprey Talon 22 (we’ve owned this for years). Check on Amazon or direct with Osprey
Hiking Boots: Merrell Moab (for men and women). We’ve both used these for over three years and they just keep going. Check them out on Amazon
Trekking poles: We’ve used Black Diamond for years as they are light, solid and durable. Check them out on Amazon.
Reusable water bottle: To avoid single-use plastic. Check them out on Amazon
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What’s your favourite walk in Sydney? Any of our recommends you disagree with? Let us know in the comments below!
