7 Most Scenic Bay Walks in Sydney

Discover Sydney’s best bay walks, showcasing the beautiful landscape and serenity of Sydney’s coastline and the Harbour.

With its extensive and diverse coastline, coupled with a breathtaking Harbour nestled right in the city’s backyard, Sydney offers an abundance of picturesque bays and secluded beaches.

One of the best ways to soak in this natural beauty is by exploring the many walking trails in and around Sydney Harbour.

We’ve compiled a list of seven of Sydney’s most scenic bay walks, perfect for taking in spectacular views while enjoying a refreshing workout.

1. Glebe Foreshore Walk

Blackwattle Bay Park in Glebe
Blackwattle Bay Park in Glebe

The 2-kilometre trail along the Glebe foreshore offers a relaxing walk with stunning views of Rozelle Bay, Blackwattle Bay, the Anzac Bridge, and the city skyline.

Several nearby parks and reserves provide perfect spots to unwind and soak up the serene atmosphere of this beautiful part of Sydney.

With a mix of on- and off-leash areas in the surrounding parks, the Glebe Foreshore Walk is also one of Sydney’s favourite dog-friendly trails.

More information: Glebe Foreshore Walk.

Walk stats:
Distance: 4 km (return)
Duration: 1.5 hours
Grade: Easy

2. Lavender Bay and Milsons Point Circuit Walk

Lavender Bay Parklands
Lavender Bay Parklands

This 2.5-kilometre circuit trail around Lavender Bay and Milsons Point offers stunning views of Sydney Harbour, the Harbour Bridge, and the city skyline.

A major highlight along this walk is the Broughton Street Lookout, one of Sydney’s most picturesque vantage points, offering sweeping views of Circular Quay and its iconic landmarks.

Another highlight is Wendy’s Secret Garden, a tranquil oasis filled with native plants and vibrant flowers, set against the spectacular backdrop of Lavender Bay and the Harbour Bridge.

More information: Lavender Bay and Milsons Point Circuit Walk.

Walk stats:
Distance: 2.5 km (circuit)
Duration: 1 hour
Grade: Easy

3. Cremorne Point Circuit Walk

Sydney Harbour views from Cremorne Point
Sydney Harbour views from Cremorne Point

The Cremorne Point Circuit is an easy 3-kilometre foreshore trail that offers stunning views of Mosman Bay, Sydney Harbour, and the city skyline.

Situated just 6 kilometres from the Sydney CBD, Cremorne Point is a peaceful harbourside suburb on the lower north shore. The walk begins and ends at the Cremorne Point ferry wharf, with an optional detour to Robertsons Point Lookout.

Along the way, you’ll discover several highlights, including the Robertsons Point Lighthouse, Cremorne Reserve, the historic MacCallum swimming pool, grand mansions, and picturesque gardens.

More information: Cremorne Point Circuit Walk.

Walk stats:
Distance: 3 km (circuit)
Duration: 1 hour
Grade: Easy

4. Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay Walk

Clifton Gardens Reserve at Chowder Bay
Clifton Gardens Reserve at Chowder Bay

The walking track from Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay is a scenic bay walk on Sydney’s lower north shore, offering panoramic views of Sydney Harbour.

This route forms part of the longer walking track between Taronga Zoo and Balmoral Beach, one of Sydney’s most iconic coastal and bushwalking trails.

To start, catch a ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo and follow the short walking trail to Bradleys Head.

From there, the walk winds along the shoreline, passing Taylors Bay and Clifton Gardens, before arriving at Chowder Bay, where you can enjoy a meal at one of the local cafes.

More information: Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay Walk.

Walk stats:
Distance: 2.7 km (one way)
Duration: 1 hour
Grade: Easy

5. Rushcutters Bay to Rose Bay Walk

Rushcutters Bay Park foreshore
Rushcutters Bay Park foreshore

Less famous than the walk from Rose Bay to Watsons Bay, the trail between Rushcutters Bay and Rose Bay is, in our view, a gem of a walk.

This walk highlights the best of Sydney Harbour, with scenic parks, quiet suburban streets, charming views, and historic grand mansions.

Starting at the picturesque Rushcutters Bay Park, the trail winds through the suburbs of Darling Point, Double Bay, and Point Piper, before concluding at the Rose Bay ferry wharf.

Throughout the walk, you’ll enjoy stunning city and water views, with plenty of cafes and restaurants along the way to stop for lunch or a coffee.

More information: Rushcutters Bay to Rose Bay Walk.

Walk stats:
Distance: 5.5 km (one way)
Duration: 3 hours (including stops)
Grade: Easy

6. Rose Bay to Watsons Bay Walk

Hermit Bay
Hermit Bay

The 8-kilometre walk from Rose Bay to Watsons Bay is one of the most scenic walks in Sydney Harbour National Park.

This picturesque trail winds past secluded beaches and quiet bays, such as the stunning Hermit Bay, while offering panoramic views of the city and Harbour.

You can easily park your car at either Rose Bay or Watsons Bay and catch a ferry back to your starting point. Alternatively, leave the car at home and take a train to Circular Quay, followed by a ferry to Rose Bay.

A highlight of this walk is the Hermitage Foreshore Track, a smaller section often regarded as the most beautiful part of the trail.

More information: Rose Bay to Watsons Bay Walk.

Walk stats:
Distance: 8 km (one way)
Duration: 3.5 hours
Grade: Easy / moderate

7. The Bay Run

King George Park foreshore in Rozelle
King George Park foreshore in Rozelle

The Bay Run in Sydney’s inner west is a classic bay walk, circling Iron Cove and passing through seven different suburbs.

While it may not be the most scenic walk in Sydney, it’s a hugely popular trail for walkers, joggers, runners, cyclists, and parents with prams.

As a circular route, the Bay Run can be started and finished at any point, and you can choose to go either clockwise or anticlockwise.

Highlights along the trail include King George Park, Leichhardt Park, the Iron Cove Creek pedestrian bridge, Rodd Park, the Henley Marine Drive foreshore, and the iconic Iron Cove Bridge.

More information: The Bay Run.

Walk stats:
Distance: 7 km (circuit)
Duration: 1.5 hours
Grade: Easy
 

7 Best bay walks in Sydney

 

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Author:

AJ Mens

AJ Mens is a digital publisher based in Sydney, Australia, and the editor-in-chief of Sydney Uncovered and Blue Mountains Uncovered.

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