25 Best Day Walks in Sydney 2025

Who said you have to leave the city to find a good place to walk? Sydney is home to an abundance of waterside walks and national parks to play in. These are the best walks within 90 minutes drive of Sydney, guaranteed.

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.

Best Day Walks in Sydney in National Parks

1. The Coast Track – Bundeena to Otford

Location: Royal National Park
Distance: 26km one way
Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced
Time from Sydney: 1 hour 10 minutes
Traditional Owners: The Dharawal people

This walk is the Queen of all the trails in Sydney – if you don’t believe me, just check its location – the trail winds along the rugged coastal cliffs of the Royal National Park. It’s one of the best spots to enjoy Sydney’s coastline and unique formations like Wedding Cake Rock.

Traditionally the Coast Track is completed in two days, with a night camping at North Era Beach to break up the trek. This plan also allows you plenty of time to enjoy stops on Burning Palms Beach, Garie Beach, and Marley Beach. If it’s a little too busy for your liking, consider a short 1.5km walk to one of Sydney’s more secret beaches – Little Marley Beach.

But if you’d rather speed along this adventurous trail, you absolutely can complete this walk in a day! Pack a can-do attitude and prepare for an early start!

Both trailheads are accessible by public transport, which may just be the jewel in the crown.

@adrianmascenon

2. Karloo Walking Track

Location: Royal National Park
Distance: 10km return
Difficulty: Intermediate
Time from Sydney: 55 minutes
Traditional Owners: The Dharawal people

Karloo Walking Track is another Sydney walk that’s accessible by public transport – it’s a pretty common feature for walks in the Royal National Park. This nice bush walk through native heathland begins at Heathcote train station, passing by Karloo pool and concluding at the tranquil Uloola Falls. Pack your cossies!

There’s a campground close by the falls if you’re eager to stay the night.

You can either walk back the way you came, or take a different route along Uloola walking track to end up at Waterfall train station instead.

@thetantrap

3. Jibbon Walking Track

Location: Royal National Park
Distance: 4km return
Difficulty: Beginner
Time from Sydney: 1 hour 10 minutes
Traditional Owners: 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 and middens to find along the way and dramatic sandstone cliffs to gawk at (when you’re not whale watching from the cliff tops that is!).

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

Photo by Melissa Bowyer

4. Mount Ku-Ring-Gai to Berowra

Location: Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park
Distance: 10km one way
Difficulty: Intermediate
Time from Sydney: 45 minutes
Traditional Owners: The Darramuragal people

This great walk from station to station is perfect for a day trip minus the car. Taking off from Ku-ring-gai traino and trekking through dense woods, you’ll cross paths with an Aboriginal midden, before the path begins to follow the banks of Cowan Creek.

A steep ascent back up the hill will land you at Berowra train station for your journey home. Make sure you slap on the sunscreen because you’ll likely hit the hill just in time for the midday sun.

Shot by Steph Henderson

5. America Bay Walk

Location: Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park
Distance: 1.8km return
Difficulty: Beginner
Time from Sydney: 50 minutes
Traditional Owners: The Darramuragal people

If you’re looking for a short walk that gives you bang for buck, America Bay will have you rolling in it. This short but super sweet scenic walk will have you spotting wildflowers, waterfalls, and Aboriginal sites and engravings as you wander your way to the lookout over the Hawkesbury River.

For more walks like this, check out our list of the Best Bushwalks Near Sydney.

@aedanodonnell

6. Palm Beach to Barrenjoey Lighthouse via Smugglers Track

Location: Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park
Distance: 3km return
Difficulty: Beginner (short but steep!)
Time from Sydney: 1 hour
Traditional Owners: The Darramuragal people

Fancy a walk to the tippity top of Sydney? The sandstone walls of Barrenjoey Lighthouse above Palm Beach are a beautiful addition to already stunning views from the city’s northernmost point.

Trek up the hill from Palm Beach to this historic lighthouse, turn around and breathe in the sweeping views of Ku-Ring-Gai National Park, and the Pacific Ocean, of course. If you visit between May to November, it’s prime time for whale watching! When you finish the walk you’ll be back at Palm Beach – the perfect spot to take a swim.

@thetantrap

7. Jerusalem Bay Hike

Location: Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park
Distance: 11km one way
Difficulty: Intermediate
Time from Sydney: 50 minutes
Traditional Owners: The Darramuragal people

This challenging walk makes up a section of the Great North Walk (Sydney-Newcastle) and boy, is it a breath-taker! Sydney walks truly don’t get much better than this!

The hike can be started from either end of the track – Cowan or Brooklyn Train Stations – but no matter which way you take it you’re gonna have to grind to get that heightened view. It’s all worth it once you’re gazing over one of Sydney’s most iconic beaches, the magnificent Jerusalem Bay.

@thetantrap

8. Lane Cove Riverside Circuit

Location: Lane Cove National Park
Distance: 10km loop
Difficulty: Beginner
Time from Sydney: 25 minutes
Traditional Owners: The Guringai people

Strolling along Lane Cove River is the perfect way to spend a day surrounded by frondy friends, without working up a serious sweat.

Start this flat walk out on the south bank of the river by the weir near De Burghs Bridge and meander your way into the tranquil bush as the river tinkles and twinkles alongside you. To get back, simply hop, skip and jump your way across the river (at Lane Cove Weir) and return along the north bank.

If you’re a twitcher (and even if not) there’s an abundance of native birds to spy.

@elaschreibt

9. Jingga Walking Track

Location: Dharawal National Park
Distance: 2.4km return
Difficulty: Intermediate
Time from Sydney: 1 hour 5 minutes
Traditional Owners: The Dharawal people

Jingga Walking Track is a mint summer walk – a short, steep trudge down to a massive waterhole, with plenty of places to perch up for a picnic. The small but strong Jingga Falls flow over the weir and calmly spread out across the open pool. Jump in from the cliff top or bush bash down to the water’s edge. Just make sure you bring a drink bottle!

The walk back up is a slog, but all the best walks involve a little extra effort!

@thetantrap

10. Minerva Pool walking track

Location: Dharawal National Park
Distance: 2.4km return
Difficulty: Beginner
Time from Sydney: 1 hour 10 minutes
Traditional Owners: The Dharawal people

Traditionally for the local Dharawal People, Minerva Pool is a sacred place for women. Although men are allowed to hike the track, it’s requested that they don’t enter the water of the pools. So guys, this might be one of the best walks in Sydney, but if it’s a hot day, maybe leave this one for the chicks – you’ll just be teasing yourself otherwise.

@thetantrap

11. Malabar Headland Circuit Hike

Location: Malabar Headland National Park
Distance: 7km
Difficulty: Intermediate
Time from Sydney: 30 minutes
Traditional Owners: The Bidjigal and Gadigal people

This walk connects the Boora Point walking track and Western Escarpment walking track to loop around the entire Malabar Headland. It rolls dramatic coastal cliffs with stunning views, whale watching, spring wildflowers, and native heathland into a sublime day circuit.

The Boora Point circuit is closed every Saturday and the 3rd Sunday of every month, so this bush walk is perfect for a week day mission.

Explorer Daniel liked this region so much he walked from Maroubra to La Perouse on a 16km mission. His favourite part of the walk was the Malabar Headland, it’s just that spectacular.

@travelmademedoit_

12. Mooray Track and Bullawarring Walking Track Circuit

Location: Heathcote National Park 
Distance: 5km loop
Difficulty: Intermediate
Time from Sydney: 1 hour
Traditional Owners: The Dharawal people

The Mooray Track and Bullawarring Track are two separate walks that can be combined into a simple loop that begins and ends not far from Waterfall station in Heathmont.

Trekking through scrubby heathland, which erupts with wildflowers in spring, this hike has a few challenging ascents and a stack of native birds to spot. Stop in at Kingfisher Pool on the way for a picnic and a freshwater frolic.

There’s a campground close by the pool if you’re craving a weekend-long nature fix.

@pearce_m

13. Spit to Manly Walk

Location: Sydney Harbour National Park
Distance: 10km one way
Difficulty: Beginner
Time from Sydney: 30 minutes
Traditional Owners: The Eora and Daruk Aboriginal Nations

One of the best walks in Sydney, the Spit Bridge to Manly coastal walk showcases the natural beauty of the city. Starting out on the north side of Mosman Spit Bridge, this hike follows the cliff edge and coastline around Manly to conclude at Manly Wharf.

Take the plunge at famous beaches only accessible by foot, ogle at the harbour vistas and take a detour to Grotto Point to witness Aboriginal engravings. While mostly in Sydney Harbour National Park, parts of it traverse through Garigal National Park too.

Added bonus: with a bit of organisation, the whole walk can be accessed by public transport AND there are toilet facilities at Manly and Clontarf beaches! Howzat!

@tim_ashelford

14. Hermitage Foreshore Walk

Location: Sydney Harbour National Park
Distance: 1.8km one way
Difficulty: Beginner
Time from Sydney: 25 minutes
Traditional Owners: The Eora and Daruk Aboriginal Nations

The Hermitage Foreshore Walk is a short and easy walking trail that rambles along the coastline from Nielsen Park to Rose Bay, taking in a bunch of Sydney Harbour’s most iconic sights, including the Sydney Opera House.

From Sydney Harbour Bridge to Shark Island, it’s a great way to get acquainted with Sydney Harbour. Walkers (and runners!) will also pass through the suburbs of Vaucluse and Rose Bay where the scenery is mostly multi million dollar mansions. But it’s not urban for long! This cruisy harbour walk passes by no less than five beaches as well as a handful of great parks to picnic in!

Shot by Ben Fong

15. Glenbrook Gorge Track

Location: Blue Mountains National Park
Distance: 3km return
Difficulty: Intermediate
Time from Sydney: 50 minutes
Traditional Owners: The Dharug and Gundungurra people

On the westernmost reaches of Sydney, Glenbrook Gorge juuust scrapes its way into the city. But boy, is it worth including.

This walk descends through bush down Glenbrook Gorge and rock-hops its way along the creek bed. You can either climb up out of the gorge at the end of the track, or retrace your steps and treat yo’self with a sweet splash in Jellybean Pool on the hike back.

@erin.mcgauley

16. Cascade Trail Walk

Location: Garigal National Park
Distance: Approximately 5km return
Difficulty: Easy
Time from Sydney: 30 minutes
Traditional Owners: The Guringai people

The Cascade Trail is a pretty walk that begins at Davidson Park and winds through lush bushland to the tranquil Cascades picnic area. This family-friendly trail follows Middle Harbour Creek, and gives regular glimpses of cascading waterfalls and pools along the way. Pack a picnic and make an afternoon of it!

@stephsomebody

The Best Walks in Sydney (That Aren’t in a National Park)

From the Northern Beaches to Sydney’s south there are a bunch of walking trails that are stunning and scenic, but just don’t fall into a national park.

17. The Bay Run

Location: Rozelle, Lilyfield, Haberfield, and Drummoyne
Distance: 7km
Difficulty: Beginner
Time from Sydney: 10 minutes
Traditional owners: The Gadigal and Wangal people of the Eora Nation

Perfect for nature lovers in Sydney’s Inner West, the Bay Run around Iron Cove is a flat and accessible loop track with plenty of urban variety. If you like water views and the option to walk, run, or ride, it’s a great option and perfect for getting outdoors pre-work or on a lunch break.

There are access points within several Inner West suburbs, so jump on the path anywhere you can and just follow the people! And just because it’s got the word ‘run’ in its name doesn’t mean that’s how you have to experience it. This is one of many Sydney walks and runs.

18. Lake Parramatta Circuit Track

Location: Lake Parramatta Reserve
Distance: 4.2km loop
Difficulty: Beginner
Time from Sydney: 25 minutes
Traditional owners: The Darug people

You might not realise it, but Parramatta houses a 75 hectare reserve with a sweet, snaking lake in the middle of it.

This short walk loops up and around the bends of Lake Parramatta and is a great bush walk for families or anyone in need of a leisurely stroll. You can even take your dog!

The walk meanders past she-oaks, native Australian trees, and the Parramatta Dam. The picnic area by the carpark has BBQ facilities and even a spot to swim.

19. Bondi to Coogee

Location: Bondi, Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly, Gordons Bay, and Coogee
Distance: 6km
Difficulty: Beginner
Time from Sydney: 20 minutes
Traditional Owners: The Gadigal and Bidjigal people of the Eora Nation

Have you even been to Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs if you haven’t walked the Bondi to Coogee? Taking off from the city’s most well-known beach, this perfectly paved walk boasts sandstone cliffs, expansive ocean views, and a multitude of unique swim spots.

If you’re a fan of ocean pools this is definitely the Sydney walk for you! Both Coogee Beach and Bondi Beach are stunning beaches in their own right, but they also feature multiple ocean pools for those seeking a bit more protection from the waves.

Head over at the right time of year and you might just catch the installations of Sculpture by the Sea. This hike is kid and fur-kid friendly as well.

@thetantrap

20. Federation Cliff Walk

Location: Dover Heights to Watsons Bay
Distance: 7km
Difficulty: Beginner
Time from Sydney: 25 minutes
Traditional owners: The Gadigal and Bidjigal people of the Eora Nation

Starting from Bondi Beach but heading north this time, the Federation Cliff Walk is a simple but stunning walk from Sydney’s most famous stretch of sand to the gorgeous Watsons Bay. As far as beach walks go, it’s right up there with the most memorable.

A less crowded coastal hike, this walk passes historic sites like Macquarie Lighthouse, hidden climbing crags, and most importantly, dramatic 80m high sandstone cliffs.

@thetantrap

21. Cronulla Foreshore Circuit

Location: Cronulla Beach, Shelly Beach, and Oak Park
Distance: 6km
Difficulty: Beginner
Time from Sydney: 50 minutes
Traditional owners: The Dharawal people

If you’re down south in the Shire, the Cronulla Foreshore Circuit is the coastal walk for you. Traditionally this hike starts at North Cronulla Beach and follows the track clockwise, but if train is your transport of choice, it’s simpler to start at Gunnamatta Park and head anti-clockwise.

The walk winds around the coastline of the entire Cronulla Peninsula, along the edges of Port Hacking down to Hungry Point and back up beside the Pacific Ocean. You’ll pass through multiple parks and reserves and cross some of the Shire’s best beaches.

@travelmademedoit

22. Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach

Location: Mosman and Balmoral
Distance: 6.5km one way
Difficulty: Beginner
Time from Sydney: 25 minutes
Traditional owners: The Cammeraygal people

Getting to the start of this walk is an adventure in itself! Take the ferry from Circular Quay across Sydney Harbour to the epic waterside Taronga Zoo and start wandering your way along the paved path by Athol Road.

Along the way you’ll be treated with the classic views of Sydney Harbour Bridge as well as perfect pockets of bush and secluded bays. There are historic military relics to spot, plenty of places to picnic, and views of the city skyline too.

Best to head around a few headlands before taking a dip to avoid pollution from the harbour.

Shot by Dan Schnelle

23. Nielsen Park to Watsons Bay Walk

Location: Vaucluse to Watsons Bay, including parts of Sydney Harbour National Park
Distance: Approximately 4km one way
Difficulty: Easy
Time from Sydney: 25 minutes
Traditional owners: The Gadigal and Birrabirragal people of the Eora Nation

The Nielsen Park to Watsons Bay Walk primarily in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs is one of Sydney’s nicest short urban and beach walks featuring panoramic views of Sydney Harbour. Begin at Nielsen Park’s Shark Beach, known for its calm waters and shaded picnic spots.

As you approach Watsons Bay, you’ll spot glimpses of the Harbour Bridge and Sydney’s iconic skyline in the distance. Along the way, you can explore hidden coves that dot the coastline. Watsons Bay has multiple cafes so you can reward yourself at the end!

@thetantrap

24. Narrabeen Lagoon Bush Walk

Location: The Northern Beaches
Distance: 8.4km
Difficulty: Easy
Time from Sydney: 40 minutes
Traditional owners: The Guringai people

Fancy an entire lap of the Narrabeen Lagoon? Keen beans can do an 8.4 kilometre loop of this beachside inlet, lapping up cultural, historical, and ecological knowledge along the way. If you’re really keen, you can extend your outing and jump in a kayak for a post-walk float.

That’s if you can slow down your canine cousin for a few minutes. It’s a shared dog-friendly trail so your bestie can come with. As far as dog-friendly Sydney walks go, this one is a beaut!

@_anna_wall

25. Burraga Loop Track in Bidjigal Reserve

Location: Castle Hill
Distance: 5.2km
Suburb: Moderate
Time from Sydney CBD: 40 minutes
Traditional owners: The Darug people

Bidjigal Reserve is named after the Bidjigal clan of the Darug people, in fact Burraga is the Darug word for bandicoot. The reserve in the north-western suburbs of Sydney, near Castle Hill and Baulkham Hills, was created to protect the Aboriginal heritage of the area, as well as the diverse wildlife within.

The Burraga Loop Track is a dog-friendly walk and at just over 5km, it’s a perfect escape from the city without ever having to leave.

FAQs Walking in Sydney

Is Sydney a walking city?

Yes. Sydney is a wonderful city to walk in. As well as having very walkable waterside and street-side paths, Sydney also has many walking tracks just outside the city.

Can you go hiking in Sydney?

Yes! Sydney is a unique city as there are plenty of options to hike close to the CBD. You can do a darling harbour walk, visit Manly in the north, walk Otford to Bundeena near Cronulla in the south plus heaps more, especially in the Royal National Park and the Blue Mountains!

Is it safe to walk in Sydney?

Yes! Sydney is set up to be very pedestrian orientated in the CBD but as always keep your wits about you and obey traffic rules. Traversing Sydney’s bushland is similarly safe. Make sure you wear appropriate clothing and take plenty of water when you go out walking on more remote trails.

How long is the Spit to Manly walk?

The walk is 10km long and should take around three hours to complete.

How long is the Coogee to Bondi walk?

The Coogee Beach to Bondi Walk is 6km and should take around 2.5-3 hours to complete.

What Sydney Walks are in the Blue Mountains?

The closest Blue Mountains walk is the Glenbrook Gorge Track, but if you venture a little further you can enjoy the Three Sisters Walk and Wentworth Falls Walking Tracks without driving more than a couple of hours from the Sydney CBD.

What Sydney walks have the best views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge?

If you’re chasing bridge views, you’ll want to prioritise these Sydney walks: Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach, Spit Bridge to Manly, and the Hermitage to Foreshore Walk. As a bonus, you’re likely to catch good shots of the Sydney Opera House on these walking trails too!

Does Sydney have a mangrove boardwalk?

Yep, the Badu Mangroves are located within Sydney CBD and are a great spot to escape the hustle of the city.

Can you walk around Sydney Harbour?

Yes you can! The Sydney Harbour circle walk takes in 26km of gorgeous harbour views with 45km of optional loops.

More Great Walks Near Sydney

• The 20 Best Hikes Near Sydney
• Dog Friendly Walks Near Sydney
• Coastal Walks in Sydney
• Best Overnight Hikes Near Sydney
• Best Walks Accessible by Train Sydney

Feature photo by @travelmademedoit_

Table of contents photo by @franmagiera