Sydney might be my favorite city in the world. A pastime of mine includes hiking, coastal walks, which are abundant along Sydney, and being ocean-side. Even without a car, the ease, cleanliness, and frequency of public transit is glamorous compared to US cities. Although not all hikes are easily accessible by public transit, I was still able to encounter these highly recommended eight day hikes and walks in Sydney. You absolutely do not want to miss these if you’re an outdoor adventurer!
Royal National Park – Figure 8 Pools
Ever seen aerial footage of a spectacular rockpool shaped like an 8? That’s the Figure 8 Rockpool in Royal National Park, a coastal hike just outside Sydney. You’ll park at Garrawarra Farm, where there is a pay machine, and hike downhill before reaching Burning Palms Beach.
After you embark across the beach, a visible rock shelf is where you’ll begin your journey. You’ll meticulously dart around rocks and flirt with potentially lethal ocean waves. This is a daredevil-ish and adventurer’s hike, and please ONLY go at low tide. You can check the times ahead – it changes every 3-4 hours. Once safe along the bend of the rocks, immense waves will endlessly thrash along the bed of the cliff. The reward is worth it, with mines of aquamarine pools splattered across a bedrock parallel to the ocean, waves crashing over.
Wear sunscreen, bring water, and bring a swimsuit or maybe water shoes for the rock climbing.
Ku-ring-gai (accessible by Sydney Trains), Great North Walk
This 8.9 km/5.5 mi trail runs one-way from Mt. Ku-ring-gai to Berowra, and offers a solid day hike that will leave you breathless (literally) at some parts. I did this with a group of 8 hiking gals or so, and we moved at a rapid pace, making it even more challenging since I can lag with my cautious footing. You can park at one end of the trail, and upon completion, take the train back around to get to your vehicle (or catch the train home!).
Ku-Ring-Gai is a treasure trove within the Sydney greater area, and shouldn’t be missed for a relaxing, frills-free day of nature.
Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach
High on my list, this pleasant and breezy walk in Sydney runs from Taronga Zoo to Balmoral is a treat. Start by taking the ferry to the zoo, then at the end, cool down along the shores of Balmoral Beach. What could be better?
It’s 4-6 km depending on your route, and you’ll need to account for the numerous tempting cafes along the way that may divert you from the path.
Bring a snack for midway, and perhaps a swimsuit to enjoy the water.
Hermitage Foreshore Walk
Probably my favorite local walk in proximity to where I lived, at 2.2 km one way. On weekdays, this path has slow foot traffic but spectacular views.
Lining the affluent Rose Bay to Watson’s Bay suburbs, Hermitage Foreshore Walk is tucked off the side streets of the contemporary-chic Rose Bay houses, a turn away from New South Head Road. Begin at Bayview Hill Road, and you’ll pass pockets of small beaches that line the harbour, offering plentiful views of the Harbour Bridge.
This view is especially rewarding, and if you want to continue, you can walk to Watson’s Bay (where there is another walk). Enjoy a refresher at Watson’s Bay Boutique Hotel, or chow some fresh fish n’ chips at Doyles.
Note: This walk lines the harbour, meaning you’ll undoubtedly rendez-vous with prime front-row sunset viewpoints like Milk Beach, the ideal vantage point for a sublime sundown you’ll want to watch in Sydney. It’s 90% guaranteed to leave you in a trance.
Palm Beach
Palm Beach is more than a stone’s throw away from Sydney, but this northmost point of the Northern Beaches breeds stunning scenery and quaint coffeeshops. The Barrenjoey Lighthouse is an absolute treat, at just a 20 minute walk (one-way). Most visitors go for the view or the pics, but you can do this walk without all the necessary workout gear.
After your stroll, head back down and enjoy a coffee treat or glass of rose at Boathouse. They’re a lofty restaurant group with cafes dotting the Northern Beaches in their white, open-air, nautically-themed cafes prim with with white shutters and botanical decor.
North Head
If you’re craving some outdoor activity near Manly, North Head is the perfect fix-in for you at about 8 km, give or take as a loop.
Starting at Manly and walking past Shelly Beach, you’ll pass Fairy Bower Pool. At the main sight of attraction, panoramic views of Sydney Harbour await, and if you’re lucky, countless boats will be sailing away on a sunny day.
Top off your walk on the rooftop of Greenhouse, or on the patio of Wharf Bar.
Bondi to Coogee
If you don’t do this one, did you really visit Sydney? You can do this route vice versa (Coogee to Bondi), whichever way you prefer. This walk is 6 km, or 3.5 miles, and takes on average 1.5 hours one-way at a moderate pace. Finish at Coogee and settle into Coogee Pavilion for a happy hour drink or pizza on the patio. Or, finish up in Bondi and do some people-watching, then wander down Campbell Parade for a coffee or cocktail.
Gordon’s Bay (the key featured image) is one of many swimming bays or beaches you’ll brush past on the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk.
Spit to Manly
The epic Spit to Manly walk is one I truly miss. Requiring several hours, this 10 km (one-way) resembles a self-guided nature tour along the calm coastline of the Northern shore. You’ll get to appreciate Sydney’s clear-green waters lapping on shore as it twists along the northern harbour coast, through charming neighborhoods that releases you near the Manly wharf.
To get to the start of the walk from Town Hall, catch the bus (180, or check schedule) to Dee Why, and you’ll before crossing the Spit Bridge. If you don’t, you’ll enter the speedway, requiring you to cross many lanes of high-speed traffic which is time-consuming and dangerous. Therefore, try to exit before crossing the bridge, walk over and on your right, you will see this sign and a set of stairs that lead to a walkway underneath the bridge. Voila! That is the start (or the end) of The Spit to Manly walk.
Get directions here, and take the ferry back to Circular Quay:
There you have it. Enjoy these day hikes and walks in Sydney! Comment below if there are others I should know about.
