Last updated: August 21, 2022
We have listed the 25 best hikes in and around Sydney, from comfortable and scenic coastal walks to exciting and adventurous bushwalking trails.
Hiking in Sydney is the best way to fully enjoy and appreciate the sheer beauty of this great city. You can walk the beaches, the mountains, the bush, and of course the magnificent Sydney Harbour.
With Sydney’s near-perfect climate, you can go outside and conquer a scenic walking trail any time of year. And with so many different hikes to choose from, there will always be a new walking track to discover.
Read on, as we reveal the 25 best hikes in and around Sydney.
Top 25 Sydney Walks:
| Hike | Distance | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | America Bay Track | 2 km (return) |
| 2 | Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk | 2.2 km (circuit) |
| 3 | Lake Parramatta Reserve Circuit Hike | 4.2 km (circuit) |
| 4 | Wentworth Pass | 5 km (circuit) |
| 5 | Cape Baily Track | 6 km (return) |
| 6 | Resolute Beach Circuit Walk | 6 km (circuit) |
| 7 | Grand Canyon Hike | 6 km (circuit) |
| 8 | Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach Walk | 6.5 km (one way) |
| 9 | Prince Henry Cliff Walk | 7 km (one way) |
| 10 | Malabar Headland Circuit Walk | 7 km (circuit) |
| 11 | Manly Dam Circuit Walk | 7.3 km (circuit) |
| 12 | La Perouse Circuit Walk | 7.5 km (circuit) |
| 13 | Wattamolla to Eagle Rock Track | 8 km (return) |
| 14 | Hanging Rock Track | 8 km (return) |
| 15 | Rose Bay to Watsons Bay Walk | 8 km (one way) |
| 16 | Narrabeen Lagoon Trail | 8.4 km (circuit) |
| 17 | Manly North Head Circuit Hike | 9.5 km (circuit) |
| 18 | Spit Bridge to Manly Walk | 10 km (one way) |
| 19 | Lane Cove Riverside Circuit Hike | 10 km (circuit) |
| 20 | Watsons Bay to Coogee Walk | 13 km (one way) |
| 21 | Cowan to Brooklyn via Jerusalem Bay | 13 km (one way) |
| 22 | Federal Pass Walking Track | 13 km (one way) |
| 23 | Coast Track from Bundeena to Otford | 26 km (one way) |
| 24 | Six Foot Track | 45 km (one way) |
| 25 | Bondi to Manly Coastal Hike | 80 km (one way) |
Top 25 Sydney Walks
Pick your favourite from the below list of 25 walks and hikes in Sydney, from exciting and adventurous bushwalks to short and scenic coastal trails.
They are ordered based on distance, starting with the shortest one.
1. America Bay Track
The short but very exciting America Bay Track in the West Head and Basin precincts of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is the perfect hike for the whole family.
It has all the characteristics of a classic Sydney bushwalk, with great scenery to enjoy from start to finish.
The highlight of this easy 2km track is the lookout at the very end, which offers beautiful views of America Bay.
But there is much more to enjoy before reaching this lookout, such as Aboriginal engravings, a couple of small waterfalls, a few creek crossings, and beautiful natural scenery.
| America Bay Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 2 km (return) |
| Duration: | 1 hour |
| Grade: | Easy |
2. Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk
The hike up to the Barrenjoey Lighthouse is a popular walking trail in Barrenjoey Headland, the northernmost part of Palm Beach in Sydney’s Northern Beaches region.
There are actually two walking tracks to the Barrenjoey Lighthouse on top of the hill, from where you can enjoy stunning ocean views. It’s best to follow one trail to the top and use the other trail to head back down to the beach.
The heritage-listed sandstone lighthouse, standing tall and proud at 113 metres above sea level, was built in 1881 and has been an iconic Sydney attraction for many years.
The views from the Barrenjoey Lighthouse are superb, and stretch as far as Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park to the west, Broken Bay to the north, and Sydney’s coastline to the east.
| Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 2.2 km (circuit) |
| Duration: | 1.5 hours |
| Grade: | Easy / moderate |
3. Lake Parramatta Reserve Circuit Hike
The Lake Parramatta Reserve is home to a few walking tracks, but the best one is the circuit hike around the lake that is formed by a decommissioned dam.
Lake Parramatta was created as a result of the damming of Hunts Creek in 1856. The lake is now a recreational area with three marked bush walking trails, a large picnic area, and a swimming enclosure.
The two shorter walks are much easier to do than the full circuit walk, so these are great options if you don’t want to do too much bushwalking.
| Lake Parramatta Reserve Circuit Hike | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 4.2 km (circuit) |
| Duration: | 2 hours |
| Grade: | Easy / moderate |
4. Wentworth Pass
One of the most popular and most challenging hikes in the Wentworth Falls area of the Blue Mountains is the Wentworth Pass walking track.
It’s a beautiful and adventurous 5km circuit hike that starts and ends at the Conservation Hut, passing through a section of the Valley of the Waters.
The track continues through the valley before climbing up the Slack Stairs at the actual Wentworth Falls waterfall. From there, the trail continues to the top of the waterfall via the Grand Stairway.
You can find more info about the Wentworth Pass and other hikes in the Wentworth Falls area in our Wentworth Falls visitor guide.
| Wentworth Pass | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 5 km (circuit) |
| Duration: | 4 hours |
| Grade: | Hard |
5. Cape Baily Track
The Cape Baily Track is perhaps one of Sydney’s best kept secrets. It’s a scenic coastal hike in Kamay Botany Bay National Park, starting at the Cape Solander Lookout all the way to the Cape Baily Lighthouse, just north of Cronulla.
This enjoyable track is a 6 km return coastal adventure with all the right ingredients. Panoramic ocean views, high sandstone sea cliff walls, a classic lighthouse, the Cape Baily Track really is a magnificent coastal walk.
What’s great about this hike is that it doesn’t attract the big crowds that other popular hikes do, such as the Bondi to Coogee walk, even though the scenery is just as impressive.
The track is 6 km long, but you can extend this amazing walk further around the Kurnell peninsula and even to Cronulla Beach.
| Cape Baily Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 6 km (return) |
| Duration: | 3 hours |
| Grade: | Easy |
6. Resolute Beach Circuit Walk
Resolute Beach in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is one of those secluded beaches in Sydney that you should visit at least once in your life.
With amazing views of Pittwater and the Barrenjoey Headland, beautiful emerald green water, and virtually no tourists around, this is a true hidden gem.
The 6km Resolute circuit hike is an exciting bushwalk that brings visitors to Resolute Beach via the Resolute Picnic Ground.
The trail also includes the West Head Lookout, which offers breathtaking views of Pittwater, Broken Bay, Barrenjoey Headland, Palm Beach, and the Central Coast.
| Resolute Beach Circuit Walk | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 6 km (circuit) |
| Duration: | 3 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate |
7. Grand Canyon Walk
Regarded as one of the most impressive walking tracks in the Blue Mountains, the Grand Canyon Walk will leave a long-lasting impression, as you make your way through lush rainforest with several creek crossings and small waterfalls.
Opened at the beginning of the 20th century, the 6 km long Grand Canyon walking track was the first of its kind and has since been challenged by thousands of hiking enthusiasts each year.
While the track has some very steep sections, the Grand Canyon hike can be completed by anyone with a reasonable fitness level, as long as you bring enough water with you.
What’s great is that the cooler temperatures in the valley make this trail a pleasant adventure during the warmer summer months too.
| Grand Canyon Walk | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 6 km (circuit) |
| Duration: | 3 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate / hard |
8. Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach Walk
One of the most enjoyable Sydney Harbour walking tracks is the trail from Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach. This 6.5km track meanders through a stunning landscape with secluded beaches, picturesque bays, impressive lookouts, and historical sites.
An interesting highlight is Bradleys Head, home to the foremast of HMAS Sydney, a light cruiser that was broken up on Cockatoo Island in 1929.
The foremast was erected at Bradleys Head in 1934 and now serves as a monument for all Australian ships lost and all Australian sailors killed at war.
The best way to get to Taronga Zoo is by ferry from Circular Quay. The ferry trip crossing Sydney Harbour is a great experience, and during weekends you can take advantage of the $8.05 cap on all public transport travel.
| Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach Walk | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 6.5 km (one way) |
| Duration: | 2.5 hours |
| Grade: | Easy / moderate |
9. Prince Henry Cliff Walk
The Prince Henry Cliff Walk is an adventurous 7km walking trail between Scenic World in Katoomba and Gordon Falls Lookout in Leura.
It follows the cliff edge overlooking Jamison Valley with lots of beautiful lookout points along the way where you can enjoy some of the best views in the Blue Mountains.
Named in honour of the third son of King George V and Queen Mary, the Prince Henry Cliff Walk was completed in 1936 after several years of construction.
Some of the highlights of this walking track include Katoomba Falls, Katoomba Cascades, the Three Sisters, Leura Cascades, and the Olympian Rock lookout point.
| Prince Henry Cliff Walk | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 7 km (one way) |
| Duration: | 3.5 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate |
10. Malabar Headland Circuit Walk
The 7km circuit trail around the Malabar Headland National Park is one of Sydney’s newest hikes, and perhaps also one of the best hikes you can do in the Sydney area.
What is particularly great about this walk is that it is both a bush walk and a coastal walk, with fantastic panoramic views to enjoy from start to finish.
The circuit trail consists of the Boora Point walking track that follows the beautiful coastline of the headland, and the Western Escarpment walking track that meanders through scenic bushland.
It’s certainly not a challenging hike, with a clear walking path and various boardwalks, but it does take a few hours to complete. And with Maroubra Beach just around the corner, there are plenty of options for a good feed and a refreshing drink after completing this hiking adventure.
| Malabar Headland Circuit Walk | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 7 km (circuit) |
| Duration: | 2 hours |
| Grade: | Easy / moderate |
11. Manly Dam Circuit Walk
The scenic hike around Manly Dam is a 7.3 km circuit bush trail offering panoramic views of the dam and the lake created by it.
Surrounded by 377 hectares of bushland, Manly Dam Reserve is now known as the largest freshwater lake in Sydney. The lake was created as a result of the damming of Curl Curl Creek to create a water supply for the local area.
Manly Dam Reserve is now a popular recreational area with many activities in and around the lake, such as swimming, hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, and water skiing.
The hike itself is rather long but not super difficult, although there are some steeper sections to conquer, plus some sections where the surface has lots of loose rocks.
| Manly Dam Circuit Walk | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 7.3 km (circuit) |
| Duration: | 3 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate |
12. La Perouse Circuit Walk
The La Perouse circuit walk is a fantastic mixed coastal and bushwalking track that takes in several highlights, landmarks, and historic sites.
Cape Banks, a rocky headland that can be accessed via a small footbridge, is the main highlight of this walk. The landscape on the headland is raw, and is even home to the remnants of a shipwreck.
The circuit walk also takes in several beaches, such as Congwong Beach, Little Congwong Beach, and Cruwee Cove Beach, in addition to various lookout points.
The length of the walk is approximately 7.5 km and, overall, is reasonably flat. Good hiking shoes are recommended though, as the track passes through bushland and over rocky cliff areas.
| La Perouse Circuit Walk | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 7.5 km (circuit) |
| Duration: | 3 hours |
| Grade: | Easy / moderate |
13. Wattamolla to Eagle Rock Track
A scenic coastal walk starting at Wattamolla Beach in the Royal National Park brings hikers to Eagle Rock, an iconic landmark that strongly resembles an eagle’s beak.
This hike is part of the 26km long Coast Track between Bundeena in the north and Otford in the south of Sydney’s oldest national park.
Eagle Rock is not the only unique sight you get to explore at the end of this walking track. Next to Eagle Rock is Curracurrong Falls, one of the very few waterfalls in the world that flows directly into the ocean.
When the winds are strong, the water can often be pushed back up, which makes for a pretty spectacular sight!
| Wattamolla to Eagle Rock Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 8 km (return) |
| Duration: | 3 hours |
| Grade: | Easy / moderate |
14. Hanging Rock Track
While the hike to Hanging Rock may not be super exciting, seeing this iconic landmark from close by against the backdrop of the Grose Valley and surrounding escarpments makes for an incredible adventure.
If you had never heard of Hanging Rock before, it’s essentially a large sandstone object hanging out from a cliff above the valley. It really is a spectacular sight.
The walking track to the Baltzer Lookout is a 4km management trail through bushland with a couple of viewing points. At the end of the track is The Baltzer Lookout, which stands at the edge of Burramoko Head, the walled termination of the Burramoko Ridge above Grose Canyon.
From the Baltzer Lookout, it’s only a short stretch to Hanging Rack. Be mindful that this short section is quite steep with a bit of rock scrambling, so please make sure you’re wearing good shoes.
| Hanging Rock Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 8 km (return) |
| Duration: | 3.5 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate |
15. Rose Bay to Watsons Bay Walk
The trail between Rose Bay and Watsons Bay is one of the most scenic coastal walking tracks in Sydney Harbour National Park.
The walk takes in secluded beaches, beautiful parks, and picturesque bays, with amazing panoramic views of the city and the harbour to enjoy along the way.
The beauty of this walk is that you can park your car at Rose Bay or Watsons Bay, and catch a ferry back to where you started. Ferry services frequently run between Watsons Bay and Rose Bay.
Part of the Rose Bay to Watsons Bay walk is the popular Hermitage Foreshore walking track, which runs between Bayview Hill Rd (just north of Rose Bay) and Nielsen Park in Vaucluse.
| Rose Bay to Watsons Bay Walk | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 8 km (one way) |
| Duration: | 3 hours |
| Grade: | Easy / moderate |
16. Narrabeen Lagoon Trail
The scenic Narrabeen Lagoon Trail is a stunning 8.4km circuit track around Narrabeen Lakes in Sydney’s northern beaches.
Completed in February 2015, this track is now a popular weekend escape for walkers, joggers, cyclists, and parents with prams, enjoying the natural beauty and serenity of this idyllic lake surrounded by thriving bushland.
Narrabeen Lakes is also referred to as Narrabeen Lagoon because the lake is essentially a coastal lagoon, separated from the sea on the other side of Ocean Street.
The area around the lagoon has been a popular camping and leisure spot since the beginning of the 19th century, when the tram line was extended to Narrabeen, making transport to the area so much easier.
| Narrabeen Lagoon Trail | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 8.4 km (circuit) |
| Duration: | 3 hours |
| Grade: | Easy / moderate |
17. Manly North Head Circuit Hike
The circuit hike around Manly’s North Head is the second part of the Manly Scenic Walkway, with the Spit to Manly Walk being the first section.
It’s one of the most fascinating hikes in Sydney because it offers a good mix of beautiful natural scenery, incredible coastal and Harbour views, secluded beaches, and a bit of history.
One of the highlights is the popular Fairfax Lookout, from where you get to enjoy the best views of Sydney Harbour, the ocean, and the city skyline in the far distance.
What’s great about the North Head Walk is that it starts and ends in beautiful Manly, so there will be plenty of options for some great food and a cold drink after completing this hike.
| Manly North Head Circuit Hike | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 9.5 km (circuit) |
| Duration: | 4 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate |
18. Spit Bridge to Manly Walk
The hike from the Spit Bridge to Manly Beach is a beautiful 10km coastal trail, past secluded inner harbour beaches, through native bushland and around picturesque bays, offering panoramic Sydney Harbour views.
As mentioned, this hike forms part of the 19.5km Manly Scenic Walkway, one of the most exciting coastal walks in Sydney and New South Wales.
One of the highlights along the Spit to Manly Walk is Clontarf Reserve, a scenic park area with excellent picnic and BBQ facilities and a swim-friendly beach.
For the best views along the track, head to the Crater Cove and Arabanoo lookout points at Dobroyd Head. Both these lookouts offer incredible views of Sydney Harbour, North Head, and South Head.
| Spit Bridge to Manly Walk | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 10 km (one way) |
| Duration: | 4 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate |
19. Lane Cove Riverside Circuit Hike
Located only 20 minutes north-west of the Sydney CBD, Lane Cove National Park is a large pocket of scenic bushland surrounding the banks of the Lane Cove River, which flows into Sydney Harbour.
A picturesque 10km circuit walk along both sides of the river makes for an excellent way to explore the natural beauty of this national park.
Popular with walkers, joggers, and cyclists, Sydney’s metropolitan Lane Cove National Park extends from Pennant Hills in the north to East Ryde in the south.
This central part is home to the Riverside Walking Track and the Lane Cove Valley Walk (part of the Great North Walk) that together form a moderately challenging yet pleasant 10km circuit trail.
| Lane Cove Riverside Circuit Hike | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 10 km (circuit) |
| Duration: | 4 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate |
20. Watsons Bay to Coogee Walk
The 13 km coastal hike between Watsons Bay and Coogee Beach consists of two sections.
The first part is the walk between Watsons Bay and Bondi (also known as the Federation Cliff walking track), and the second part is the popular Bondi to Coogee walk.
These coastal walks are relatively easy, so combining the two makes for a fantastic coastal hike with excellent public transport options at both ends.
This particular hike encapsulates the unique beauty of Sydney’s coastline, with lots of great beaches and beautiful coastal views to enjoy from start to finish.
| Watsons Bay to Coogee Walk | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 13 km (one way) |
| Duration: | 5 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate |
21. Cowan to Brooklyn via Jerusalem Bay
The challenging bushwalk from Cowan train station to Brooklyn via Jerusalem Bay is a true bushwalker’s delight, as the track meanders through beautiful bushland scenery.
What’s great about this hike is that both Cowan and Brooklyn have a train station on the same line, so you can start this walk at either end and catch the train back to where you started.
One of the highlights along this walk is Jerusalem Bay, not too far away from the Cowan train station. It’s a very scenic bay, part of Cowan Creek, that makes for a great swimming and picnic spot.
If this 13 km hike is perhaps a bit too challenging, you can also just do the return hike to Jerusalem Bay, which is much shorter, and you still get to enjoy a good bushwalk.
| Cowan to Brooklyn via Jerusalem Bay | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 13 km (one way) |
| Duration: | 5 hours |
| Grade: | Hard |
22. Federal Pass Walking Track
Another classic hiking adventure that deserves a spot in our list of best Sydney hikes, is the historic Federal Pass in the Blue Mountains, between Leura Cascades and the Ruined Castle in Katoomba.
The Federal Pass walking track is 13km in length and follows the base of the cliffs, passing through dense forests with a few picnic spots along the way.
If this hike is a bit too long, there are some entry and exit points that allow you to complete the walk over multiple days. Each entry and exit point involves a steep climb out of, or descent into, the valley.
Some of the highlights you get to enjoy along this hike are Leura Forest, Katoomba Falls, the Landslide, and the Ruined Castle.
| Federal Pass Walking Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 13 km (one way) |
| Duration: | 6 hours |
| Grade: | Hard |
23. Coast Track from Bundeena to Otford
The incredible Coast Track between Bundeena and Otford in Royal National Park is a true once-in-a-lifetime hiking experience. It is perhaps the most iconic coastal trail in New South Wales, but with a 26 km distance, it does require some preparation.
From scenic lookout points and waterfalls to natural swimming holes and isolated beaches, the Coast Track takes in all of the good things we would expect from an iconic coastal walk.
The Coast Track can be started from either Bundeena in the north or Otford in the south of Royal National Park. Because of its distance, the best way to get there is by using public transport.
And while some hikers can certainly complete this walk in one day, it’s a good idea to combine this hike with an overnight stay at the North Era campground.
| Coast Track from Bundeena to Otford | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 26 km (one way) |
| Duration: | 1-2 days |
| Grade: | Hard |
24. Six Foot Track
If you’re a passionate hiker and a fan of camping overnight in the bush, the Six Foot Track in Sydney’s Blue Mountains should be on top of your list of adventures.
The historic 45 km long Six Foot Track follows a 19th-century bridle trail between the old Explorers Tree in Katoomba and the Jenolan Caves, crossing the Megalong Valley and the Coxs River.
Most hikers will need three days to complete this epic trail, but it can also be completed in two days or even in one day if you’re up for it. There are various free camping sites along the way where you can safely set up your tent.
One of the landmarks on this hike is the Coxs River Suspension Bridge, otherwise known as the Bowtells Swing Bridge. This fantastic piece of engineering was built in 1992 as an alternative crossing for when the river is overflown.
| Six Foot Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 45 km (one way) |
| Duration: | 2-3 days |
| Grade: | Hard |
25. Bondi to Manly Coastal Hike
With such an amazing and unique coastline, Sydney has no shortage of exciting coastal hikes. The 80km hike between Bondi Beach and Manly Beach is essentially an uninterrupted chain of several shorter coastal hikes.
The Bondi to Manly walking trail was officially opened in December 2019, with lots of signage along the way to make sure you won’t get sidetracked.
Because this hike is so long, most people will want to complete it in stages. In our guide to the Bondi to Manly Walk, we have divided this hike into six smaller sections that can all be completed in one day.
Conquering this incredible and unique coastal adventure can take anywhere between two and six days, depending on your fitness levels. But one thing is for sure; you will be experiencing the absolute best of Sydney Harbour!
| Bondi to Manly Coastal Hike | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 80 km (one way) |
| Duration: | 2-6 days |
| Grade: | Hard (due to distance) |
National Pass is closed until further notice, but as an alternative do Wentworth Pass (slightly longer) and finish with the Valley of the Waters track. It’s a stunning walk with metal ladders to descend, waterfalls galore, and jaw dropping scenery.
Follow the National Pass track until you hit the boarded up section and then split off from there to Wentworth Pass (it’s all signposted).
Great tip about the Wentworth Pass walking track, thanks Adventurer.
So I like walking along the embankment. Sydney is a very beautiful city, I like to come there sometimes on weekends, I live nearby. I really like Narrabeen Lagoon Trail, it is very beautiful and calm there. Nice camping site, I enjoy spending time there with my family. Hope we can come there soon. I haven’t even heard of some of the hikes and places on this list, it’s interesting to visit them too. Thanks!
Thanks so much, glad you like this list. There are so many great hikes in Sydney, so it’s hard to pick the best ones, but hopefully the above 25 hikes are a good reflection of what Sydney has to offer.