16 Best Bushwalks Near Sydney 2025 Edition

Leave the crowds crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge behind, throw on your hiking boots, and enjoy one of the best bush walks in NSW (possibly, the world?) this weekend.

We Are Explorers acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Countries on which these adventures take place who have occupied and cared for these lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

If you’re heading bush it stands to reason that you’re going to have to put a bit more distance between you and the city. But trust us when we say that the pay off is well worth the extra minutes on the train or kilometres in the car.

Secluded trails, no sounds but birds overhead, and the occasional falling leaf… it’s bliss out there in the Aussie bush. And some of the best bush walks near Sydney are only a couple of hours away!

16 Best Bushwalks Near Sydney

1. Perrys Lookdown to Blue Gum Forest Track Bushwalk

Location: Blue Mountains National Park
Distance: 4km return
Duration: 3-4 hours
Time from Sydney: 1 hour 40 minutes
Level of difficulty: Advanced
Traditional Custodians: The Darug and Gundungurra people

This delightfully tough blue gum walk gets extra points because you have the option to camp overnight at Acacia Flat Campground, spreading the experience over two days.

While it’s only 4km return, this challenging walk on the western edge of the Blue Mountains National Park involves a rough track and plenty of incline. Explorer Helen confirms that descending 656 metres in 2km comes at a price, and that price is jelly legs!

The views over the Grose Valley from Perrys Lookdown make all the effort worthwhile.

@helenjohnston173

2. Wedding Cake Rock Bushwalking Trail

Location: Royal National Park
Distance: 6.8km return
Duration: 2-3 hours
Time from Sydney: 1 hour
Level of difficulty: Intermediate
Traditional Custodians: The Dharawal people

The Wedding Cake Rock Bushwalking Trail is a well-known Sydney bushwalk, that leads walkers to a white sandstone rock formation that – you guessed it – looks like a big ole’ slice of wedding cake.

The walking track is technically part of The Coast Track, so it’s part coastal walk and part bush walk. It has plenty of great views leading up to the official lookout point too.

Starting early to avoid the crowds is recommended.

As a bonus, this one is easy to access via public transport. Catch a train from Sydney to Cronulla, then a ferry to Bundeena. The trail starts from Bundeena.

Warning: Wedding Cake Rock involves some dizzyingly tall cliffs and we all know what that means. Get too close to the edge and you might just find yourself auditioning for a new role as a human pancake. Thankfully safety fencing is here to save the day (and your life). Stick to the path and you’ll make it home in one piece — probably!

Don’t be that guy and ignore the safety railings – no photo is worth your life | Shot by @johnseb via Flickr | License

3. Stepping Stone Crossing to Cascades Bushwalking Trail

Location: Garigal National Park
Distance: 5.2km return
Duration: 1-2 hours
Time from Sydney: 30 minutes
Level of difficulty: Intermediate
Traditional Custodians: The Guringai people

The Cascades in Garigal National Park are the result of several little creeks converging and feeding a steady flow of freshwater over an expansive rock platform into Middle Harbour.

Explorer Steph is a big fan of the Cascades and rates them as one of the best places for Sydney-siders to get their fill of NT-style swimming holes.

Steph has detailed many options to reach the Cascades, including just rocking up at the car park or taking a very short trail. But with so much Sydney bush to explore, for the best bang for your buck you should try the longer option of the Stepping Stone Crossing route.

Note that swimming in Middle Harbour Creek is not always recommended due to algae and other contaminants. Check the ratings for Chinamans Beach before you visit (it’s the closest government water quality testing site on Middle Harbour Creek).

@stephsomebody

4. The Great North Walk

Location: From Sydney to Newcastle
Distance: 250km one way
Duration: 14-16 days
Time from Sydney: Starts in central Sydney
Level of difficulty: Intermediate to advanced
Traditional Custodians: Multiple, including the Eora, Dharug, and Darkinjung people

Ok, ok, calm down, we’re aware this one starts in the CBD. As far as Sydney bush walks go, this obviously isn’t first one to come to mind, but at 250km in length it arguably includes the most actual bushwalking out of every trail on this list.

As well as passing through multiple national parks, there are a few places that hikers repeatedly identify as highlights. From the scenic Little Digger Track in Brisbane Water National Park, to the longer Berowra Track, and the rock engravings in Yarramundi Reserve – you’ll have plenty of fodder to make your hiking mates green with envy.

Explorer Jason tackled the entire length solo and completed it in just ten days – which is incredible, but definitely not the most common way to approach this walk. You’ll be passing through multiple national parks, observing local wildlife in super remote locations, and bearing witness to some stunning scenery only available to those willing to take on this behemoth of a trail. Excited yet?

@jaseinthewild

5. Didthul/Pigeon House Mountain Walking Track

Location: Morton National Park
Distance: 5km return
Duration: 3-4 hours
Time from Sydney: 3 hours
Level of difficulty: Intermediate to advanced
Traditional Custodians: The Yuin people

Explorer Ruby reckons the coastal walk to Didthul/Pigeon House Mountain is one of the best walking trails on the entire NSW coastline (Yes, even better than the America Bay Walking Track). Pretty big claim, but not without cause.

You’ll be covering 455m of elevation in just a couple of hours so this is no stroll on the northern beaches, or comfortable rainforest walk. You’ll be putting in the hard work but it’s all worth it for the panoramic views of the Budawangs at the top.

Making the trip to the nip in Morton National Park is rapidly becoming a must-do walking track for all Sydney bushwalkers. Have you been? Let us know what you thought in the comments.

@jonharris_photography

6. Ruined Castle Walking Track Bushwalk

Location: Blue Mountains National Park
Distance: 6.6km return
Duration: 4-5 hours
Time from Sydney: 2 hours
Level of difficulty: Intermediate to advanced
Traditional Custodians: The Darug and Gundungurra people

Note: This walk is currently closed due to landslides, check the NSW National Parks website for current status.

The Ruined Castle Walking Track takes you deep into the Blue Mountains to a chunky rock formation. It’s a tough workout so make sure you’re prepared. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at the top of the rock and extend your break gazing down upon panoramic views of the Jamison Valley.

Explorers Matt and Kat were pretty keen on this track, but they also wanted to extend their bush walk. They walked along the Federal Pass and Mount Solitary Walking Track, enjoying the Ruined Castle Walking Track on the way.

The best place to start this one is at the Golden Stairs car park, which has free parking. As a more difficult hike this one tends to be a bit quieter. Take a PLB and make sure you let your people know when to expect you home.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

@jonharris_photography

7. Lane Cove Riverside Bushwalk

Location: Lane Cove National Park
Distance: 5km one way
Duration: 2-3 hours
Time from Sydney: 30 minutes
Level of difficulty: Beginner to intermediate
Traditional Custodians: The Darug people

Grab your family and hit the Lane Cover Riverside Bushwalk for a relaxing day among nature on a well-maintained trail. Expect to see plenty of lush greenery and lots of birdlife as you follow the river.

Keep your eyes peeled for echidnas and wallabies as you pass through open areas, and pack a picnic to make use of the park benches and BBQs available in the national park.

A great reason to head here for a bushwalk is that you can access many great bushwalking tracks from the same trailhead. From Terry’s Creek Walking Track, which is an easy 2km return, to the quieter Carisbrook Creek Track, which is 4km return, there’s a bonus walk for everyone in the group.

Psst! As well as being home to plenty of great Sydney bush walks, Lane Cove National Park is also the perfect place to mix it up and spend some time kayaking, swan pedal boating (yes, it’s a thing!), or cycling. Visit the Lane Cove Boatshed to organise equipment hire if you don’t have your own.

@elaschreibt

8. Mount Ku-ring-gai Track to Berowra Station Bushwalk

Location: Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Distance: 10km one way
Duration: 4-5 hours
Time from Sydney: 50 minutes
Level of difficulty: Intermediate to advanced
Traditional Custodians: The Guringai people

The Mount Ku-ring-gai Track to Berowra Station Bushwalk is a scenic walk through the heart of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. The one-way trail provides a varied mixture of lush forests, creek crossings, and elevated viewpoints, so it’s pretty perfect for those who like to mix it up. It’s hard to believe you’re less than an hour from Sydney on this one, it feels super remote almost immediately.

Track conditions are typically pretty good, but it’s a rugged trail so you’ll want hiking boots for ankle support. Steep sections and rocky terrain are relatively frequent on this one too so make sure you’re carrying plenty of water, have your first aid kit, and have notified someone of your plans so they know when to expect your return. Better yet, hike with a mate!

If you’re new to bushwalking or are unsure about your fitness levels, this isn’t the ideal bushwalk to start with! Aim to hit this one in spring or autumn to avoid the heat of summer making it harder than it needs to be.

Shot by Steph Henderson

9. Wondabyne to Patonga Bushwalk

Location: Brisbane Water National Park
Distance: 23km one way
Duration: 8-9 hours
Time from Sydney: 1.5 hours
Level of difficulty: Advanced
Traditional Custodians: The Darkinjung people

The Wondabyne to Patonga Bushwalk is a ripper of a bushwalking challenge! You can expect great views of the Hawkesbury River, the occasional goanna, and plenty of dense bush to overcome. It’s also got plenty of ways to choose-you-own-adventure with options to make it shorter or longer.

Explorer Brooke and her mates did a shorter, 12.3km version of this walking track, starting in Wondabyne and camping overnight at Pindar Cave. They described their route as ‘packing a lot of quirk into 24 hours’. Go on, head over and have a read.

Want another variation? Explorer Brandon and his crew combined multiple walking trails (plus a ferry and a train!) in Brisbane Water National Park to enjoy a 22km bush walk from Little Wobby to Wondabyne Train Station.

Starting at Wondabyne Railway Station and ending at Patonga Beach, the Wondabyne to Patonga Bushwalk offers you a reward for a hike well done on a platter. Don’t just finish at the beach, plan on staying for a day or so and treat yo’ self. With swimming opportunities, great cafes, and coastal views to enjoy, it’s a no brainer.

@brandon.decosterd

10. Cape Banks Walking Track

Location: Kamay Botany Bay National Park
Distance: 7km return
Duration: 2-3 hours
Time from Sydney: 1.5 hours
Level of difficulty: Intermediate
Traditional Custodians: The Dharawal and Eora people

As far as bush walks with historical significance go, the Cape Banks Walking Track in the La Perouse area is a goodie. Your walk will start at Congwong Beach, leading you along the coast until you reach Cape Banks – an ideal whale watching spot!

Once you’re on the trail, you’ll have the opportunity to see many historical sites, including the remnants of a WWII bunker.

History buffs should also keep an eye out for the 1937 shipwreck of the SS Minmi off the coast as you walk. At Henry Head Battery you can check out the gun emplacements and underground tunnels – but make sure to respect gated areas and prioritise your own safety when exploring these sites. Cape Banks Battery also has gun emplacements and observation towers.

This coastal bushwalk near Sydney is also great for birders, with plenty of bird species to observe. Pack some layers as it can get quite cool walking with the sea breeze. If you head there in the warmer months, make sure to save some time to take a dip!

11. Lyrebird Gully Circuit

Location: Berowra Valley National Park
Distance: 9km loop
Duration: 3.5-4 hours
Level of difficulty: Intermediate to advanced
Time from Sydney: Approximately 1 hour
Traditional Custodians: The Guringai people

Explorer Erin reckons that the Lyrebird Gully Circuit is one of the most underrated bush walks in Berowra Valley National Park. You can start the trail from either Mount Ku-ring-gai or Berowra Train Station, but she recommends starting from Mount Ku-ring-gai Station.

While this one is more difficult than your average single-day bush walk, it oozes natural beauty, even on the steep hills. You’ll pass by sandstone escarpments, traipse through deep gullies, a squeeze along narrow bush tracks. Expect variety because the bush surrounding the track is constantly changing, and there’s plenty of up and down to push past.

Will you see lyrebirds? It’s called ‘Lyrebird Gully Circuit’ for a reason! These birds are shy and the best time to see them is early morning or dusk. You’ll need to walk quietly and keep your distance. Stay patient and you may just be rewarded!

@erinlrooney

12. Sphinx Memorial to Bobbin Head Loop Track

Location: Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Distance: 10km loop
Duration: 3-4 hours
Level of difficulty: Intermediate
Time from Sydney: 35 minutes
Traditional Custodians: The Guringai people

As far as Sydney bush walks go, this one is very convenient, and is located well within a one-hour drive from the Sydney CBD. Plus, Explorer Steph rates the Sphinx Memorial to Bobbin Head Loop as achievable for most reasonably fit people, so you should be able to rally up some company to join you pretty easily.

Along the way, you’ll walk through the Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden, known for its huge array of floral species. Depending on the season, you can see a vibrant display of native Australian wildflowers.

Aside from the wildflowers, a few cute native animals, and the chance to see an Egyptian-style monument carved by a WWI veteran are all highlights you can expect on the Bobbin Head bush walk. Make sure to swing into the shops on Bobbin Head road to grab some trail snacks!

Shot by Steph Henderson

13. Jibbon Track Bushwalk

Location: Royal National Park
Distance: 4km return
Duration: About 1-1.5 hours
Time from Sydney: 1 hour 10 minutes
Level of difficulty: Beginner
Traditional Custodians: The Dharawal people

Located at the northern tip of the Royal National Park, the Jibbon Track is a short but exciting walk that begins on Bundeena’s Jibbon Beach and loops its way around the point.

There are Aboriginal sites, engravings depicting animals, fish, and humans, and middens to find along the way. Keep an eye out but keep a respectful distance to avoid damaging them. Dramatic sandstone cliffs provide excellent scenery when you’re not whale watching from the cliff tops!

Take the Cronulla to Bundeena ferry to get there, bring your swimmers and picnic basket to make a day of it.

@kinkou.creative

14. Glow Worm Tunnel Track Bushwalk

Location: Wollemi National Park
Distance: 4km return
Duration: 2-3 hours
Time from Sydney: 3 hours
Level of difficulty: Beginner
Traditional Custodians: The Wiradjuri people

The Glow Worm Tunnel Track in Wollemi National Park is an enchanting bushwalk leading to a disused railway tunnel filled with glow worms. The 4km return trail offers an easy family-friendly adventure through lush rainforest and striking sandstone cliffs.

Once you’re inside, the tunnel comes to life with the glow from the worms creating a magical, dancing dot effect on the inner walls. Whatever you do, don’t forget to take a torch! It’s too dark and unsafe to enter without one, but try and keep it pointing at the ground to protect the glow worms, who don’t like light.

The walk to the tunnel just as scenic, with a mixture of pretty forest and remnants of the old railway line to observe.

Perfect for those seeking a short yet memorable bushwalk, the Glow Worm Tunnel Track is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience one of nature’s most fascinating light shows.

As a perk, you can also complete this bushwalk on two wheels! WAE head-honcho Henry and his mates rode there on mountain bikes and described it as ‘pretty.friggin.cool’. Have you been? Let us know what you thought in the comments!

@rubywood

15. Bundeena to Otford Bushwalk

Location: Royal National Park
Distance: 26km one way
Duration: 2 days
Time from Sydney: 1 hour 10 minutes
Level of difficulty: Advanced
Traditional Custodians: The Dharawal people

Note: A bunch of sections of The Coast Track are currently closed due to rockfall and erosion. Please check the NSW National Parks website for the most current updates and to plan hiking sections of the track that are open.

The Bundeena to Otford Bushwalk, also known as The Coast Track, is a challenging and spectacular 26km trail through Royal National Park. This gem of a bushwalk has sprawling rainforests, hidden waterfalls, rock pools, and a beachside campsite for those looking to spread the adventure over two days.

It has some of the most stunning coastal scenery in New South Wales, with key highlights including Wedding Cake Rock, Marley Beach, and the tranquil waters of Wattamolla.

This demanding trail is ideal for experienced hikers seeking an adventure that combines gorgeous scenery and physical challenge. Whether camping overnight or tackling it in a long day, the Bundeena to Otford Bushwalk is an unforgettable journey through one of Australia’s oldest national parks, and is definitely one of the best bushwalks near Sydney.

@adrianmascenon

16. Blackheath to Acacia Flat Bushwalk

Location: Blue Mountains National Park
Distance: 22km return
Duration: 4-5 hours
Time from Sydney: 2 hours
Level of difficulty: Intermediate
Traditional Custodians: The Darug and Gundungurra people

The Blackheath to Acacia Flat Bushwalk in Blue Mountains National Park is a rewarding 11km one-way/22km return walk that offers a blend of stunning escarpment views and serene valley scenery. Starting from Blackheath, the trail descends into the Grose Valley, passing through dense forests and alongside picturesque creeks.

Hikers will enjoy the diverse landscapes, from towering sandstone cliffs to tranquil fern gullies. The walk culminates at Acacia Flat Campground, which is a beautiful and peaceful camping area nestled by the Grose River. This track is perfect for those seeking a moderate hike with the option to camp overnight and feel completely removed from civilisation.

Don’t miss Govetts Leap Lookout, the Blue Gum Forest and the Grand Canyon – they’re highlights for a reason.

Ideal for the reclusive bushwalkers looking to explore the less-traveled paths of the Blue Mountains, the Blackheath to Acacia Flat Bushwalk offers peace and quiet with views for literal days.

@pearce_m

Essential Gear for Bushwalking Near Sydney

• First aid kit
• Hiking boots
• Raincoat
• Water bottles – always take more water than you think you’ll need
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Phone or PLB – preferably both

Make sure you’ve got absolutely everything you might need with our overnight hike packing list.

FAQs Best Bushwalks Near Sydney

What’s the best bushwalk in the Blue Mountains National Park?

Now you’ve opened a can of worms. The Blue Mountains National Park has some of the best Sydney bush, and there are so many incredible walks to enjoy that we made a list! Start there, and let us know in the comments if you want more suggestions.

What’s the best bushwalk in Sydney’s Royal National Park?

The best Sydney bushwalk in Royal National Park has to be The Coast Track. It’s 26km one-way and can also be split into a number of shorter bush walks.

What’s the best bushwalk near Sydney Harbour National Park?

The best bushwalk near Sydney Harbour National Park is along the Hermitage Foreshore Track. It’s 3.6km return, takes less than two hours, and gives walkers excellent views of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge.

What are the best overnight Sydney bush walks?

There are heaps of excellent overnight Sydney bush walks to enjoy. Six Foot Track always comes up when we hear this question. And you’ll definitely want to check out Blackheath to Acacia Flat.

Where is America Bay Walking Track?

America Bay Walking Track is one of our favourite Sydney bush walks and is located in the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, about a 90-minute drive from the CBD.

What’s the closest bushwalk to Sydney Harbour?

The closest Sydney bush walk to Australia’s most famous harbour is the Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay Walk, which is 8km return.

What bushwalks are in the lower Blue Mountains?

Some great bushwalks in the lower region of the Blue Mountains are Red Hands Cave Track, Jellybean Pool, and the Sassafras Gully Loop.

More Places to Walk Near Sydney

• Most Beautiful Coastal Walks Sydney Has to Offer
• Best Hikes Near Sydney
• Best Walks Accessible by Train Sydney
• Dog Friendly Walks Sydney
• Best Day Walks in Sydney
• Best Overnight Hikes Near Sydney

Header photo @rubywood

Table of contents photo @pearce_m