Sydney is famous for its stunning coastline, but Australia’s most popular city also boasts some amazing bushwalking tracks. The best part? You don’t have to venture far from the city to enjoy scenic bushland.
While the Blue Mountains to the west and the Royal National Park to the south offer fantastic bushwalks, there’s plenty of bushland waiting to be explored right in and around the city and its Harbour.
Listed by distance, from short to long, you can choose your favourite from this list of 17 beautiful Sydney bush walks!
Top 17 Sydney Bush Walks:
| Bush Walk | Distance | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | America Bay Track | 2 km (return) |
| 2 | Tambourine Bay Park to Warraroon Reserve | 3 km (return) |
| 3 | Harold Reid Reserve Track | 4 km (circuit) |
| 4 | Mermaids Pool Walking Track | 2.4 km (return) |
| 5 | Overcliff Undercliff Track | 4 km (circuit) |
| 6 | Blue Gum Walk | 4 km (circuit) |
| 7 | Lake Parramatta Walk | 4.2 km (circuit) |
| 8 | Forest Path | 4.5 km (circuit) |
| 9 | Seaforth Oval to Bluff Lookout | 5.5 km (return) |
| 10 | Resolute Beach Loop Track | 6 km (circuit) |
| 11 | Grand Canyon Walk | 6 km (circuit) |
| 12 | Manly Dam Walk | 7.3 km (circuit) |
| 13 | Narrabeen Lagoon Trail | 8.4 km (circuit) |
| 14 | Palm Jungle Loop Track | 8.5 km (circuit) |
| 15 | Lane Cove Riverside Circuit Walk | 10 km (circuit) |
| 16 | Sphinx Memorial to Bobbin Head Loop | 10 km (circuit) |
| 17 | Cowan to Brooklyn via Jerusalem Bay | 13 km (one way) |
1. America Bay Track
The America Bay Track is a short but highly enjoyable bushwalk in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. It’s only 1 km one way, but it packs a punch.
The walk starts with a short detour to a site with well-preserved Aboriginal engravings on a large and flat rocky area.
But the highlight of this scenic walk is the lookout facing America Bay at the end of the track. The views from this lookout are some of the best in the national park.
More information: America Bay Track.
| Walk stats: | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 2 km (return) |
| Duration: | 1 hour |
| Grade: | easy |
2. Tambourine Bay Park to Warraroon Reserve
If you’re looking for an easy but adventurous bushwalk close to suburban streets, the trail from Tambourine Bay to Warraroon Reserve will be a pleasant surprise.
This easy 3 km return walking trail passes through a pocket of scenic bushland, linking the suburbs of Longueville, Riverview, and Lane Cove.
The walk follows Tambourine Creek, which flows into Tambourine Bay, a northern tributary of the Lane Cove River.
More information: Tambourine Bay Park to Warraroon Reserve.
| Walk stats: | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 3 km (return) |
| Duration: | 1 hour |
| Grade: | Easy |
3. Harold Reid Reserve Track
The Harold Reid Reserve foreshore track is a family-friendly bushwalk in the small suburb of Middle Cove.
The walk explores the Harold Reid Reserve, a pocket of natural waterfront bushland on a Hawkesbury sandstone landform facing the calm waters of Fig Tree Cove. This not-so-well-known track is easy to navigate, but it’s a real bushwalk with an unsealed path and sections with uneven surfaces.
This walk can be extended by including (part of) the North Arm Track, a 6.5 km return bushwalk exploring the North Arm Reserve. This walk connects with the Harold Reid Reserve Track on North Arm Road.
More information: Harold Reid Reserve Track.
| Walk stats: | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 4 km (circuit) |
| Duration: | 1.5 hours |
| Grade: | Easy |
4. Mermaids Pool Walking Track
Mermaids Pool is a beautiful natural water hole with a waterfall on the Bargo River in the small village of Tahmoor, approximately 75 minutes southwest of Sydney.
The 2 km walking track to this spectacle is just as pretty, with stunning scenery to enjoy while hiking along the shores of the Bargo River.
Swimming in Mermaids Pool is strongly discouraged due to safety issues, but there are various other spots in the river where you can safely go for a quick swim.
More information: Mermaids Pool Walking Track.
| Walk stats: | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 4 km (return) |
| Duration: | 2 hours |
| Grade: | Easy / moderate |
5. Overcliff Undercliff Track
One of the most popular walks in the Wentworth Falls area in the Blue Mountains is the Overcliff Undercliff walking track. It’s a beautiful 4 km circuit walk through a variety of landscapes.
This walk can be started from the old Conservation Hut or from the Wentworth Falls Picnic Area on Sir H Burrell Drive.
While the Overcliff Undercliff Track doesn’t get very close to the Wentworth Falls waterfall, nor does it go deep into the valley, the beautiful scenery and valley views make this a fantastic bushwalk.
More information: Overcliff Undercliff Track.
| Walk stats: | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 4 km (circuit) |
| Duration: | 2 hours |
| Grade: | Easy / moderate |
6. Blue Gum Walk
The 4 km long Blue Gum Walk in Hornsby is a bushwalk that explores different landscapes and environments, characterised by high gum trees and beautiful green ferns.
This moderately challenging but family-friendly walking track is a true bushwalker’s delight, taking in creek crossings, gum forests, valley views, and much more. One of the highlights along this walk is the Fishponds, a series of scenic waterholes on Berowra Creek.
Since the Blue Gum Walk is a loop walk, there are multiple entry and exit points. However, the most logical starting point of this walking track is at the Rosemead Road picnic area in Hornsby.
More information: Blue Gum Walk.
| Walk stats: | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 4 km (circuit) |
| Duration: | 1.5 – 2 hours |
| Grade: | Easy / moderate |
7. Lake Parramatta Walk
Hiking in Lake Parramatta Reserve makes for a great day out, exploring 75ha of bushland surrounding a lake created by a historic decommissioned dam.
Lake Parramatta was created due to the damming of Hunts Creek in 1856. The lake is now a recreational area with four marked bush walking trails that combined form the 4.2 km Lake Parramatta Walk.
This circuit trail around the lake is moderately challenging but can be completed by anyone with a reasonable fitness level. It’s a fantastic Sydney bush walk with beautiful scenery to enjoy.
More information: Lake Parramatta Walk.
| Walk stats: | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 4.2 km (circuit) |
| Duration: | 2 hours |
| Grade: | Easy / moderate |
8. Forest Path
Opened in 1887, the Forest Path is a scenic and unpretentious bushwalking trail along the Hacking River in Royal National Park.
It’s a relatively easy 4.5 km trail with start and finish on Sir Bertram Stevens Drive in the southern section of the national park.
If you have extra time to spare, go and do the Palona Cave Walk, another great bushwalk that starts from the same spot on Sir Bertram Stevens Drive.
More information: Forest Path.
| Walk stats: | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 4.5 km (circuit) |
| Duration: | 1.5 – 2 hours |
| Grade: | Easy / moderate |
9. Seaforth Oval to Bluff Lookout
The 5.5 km return walk to the Bluff Lookout from Seaforth Oval in Garigal National Park is a challenging bushwalking adventure with panoramic views of Bantry Bay.
The first part of the trail is an easy descent towards the bay, followed by a scenic walk along the shoreline. The track then makes a steep ascent towards the Bluff Lookout, where you can enjoy fantastic views of the bay, Middle Harbour, and Sydney’s skyline.
Even though this walking track is relatively short, it is pretty challenging because of the climbs and sections with a rough surface, but overall, it’s a highly enjoyable bush walk.
More information: Seaforth Oval to Bluff Lookout.
| Walk stats: | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 5.5 km (return) |
| Duration: | 3 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate / hard |
10. Resolute Beach Loop Track
Resolute Beach in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is one of those secluded beaches in Sydney that you should visit at least once during summer.
This is a true hidden gem with amazing views of Pittwater and the Barrenjoey Headland, beautiful emerald green water, and usually very few tourists.
The 6 km Resolute Loop Track is an exciting bush walking track that leads to Resolute Beach via the West Head Lookout.
More information: Resolute Beach Loop Track.
| Walk stats: | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 6 km (circuit) |
| Duration: | 3 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate |
11. Grand Canyon Walk
The Blue Mountains has many fantastic walking tracks, but perhaps the most impressive one is the historic Grand Canyon Walk.
Officially opened in 1907, the 6 km long Grand Canyon walking track was the first of its kind and has since been challenged by thousands of bushwalkers each year. The trail meanders through lush rainforest, with several creek crossings and small waterfalls to take in.
While the track has some very steep sections, the Grand Canyon Walk can be undertaken by anyone with a reasonable fitness level, but bring a bottle of water with you.
More information: Grand Canyon Walk.
| Walk stats: | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 6 km (circuit) |
| Duration: | 3 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate / hard |
12. Manly Dam Walk
Surrounded by 377 hectares of bushland, Manly Dam Reserve is the largest freshwater lake in Sydney, created by the damming of Curl Curl Creek.
The pleasant bushwalking trail around Manly Dam is a 7.3 km circuit track with panoramic views of the dam and the large lake.
Although the circuit walk is relatively long, it isn’t a difficult hike. However, there are some steeper sections and some areas where the surface is a bit rough with loose rocks.
More information: Manly Dam Walk.
| Walk stats: | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 7.3 km (circuit) |
| Duration: | 3 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate |
13. Narrabeen Lagoon Trail
The Narrabeen Lagoon Trail is a stunning 8.4 km walking track on Sydney’s northern beaches, looping around a scenic lake.
This track is a popular weekend destination for walkers, runners, and cyclists, enjoying the beauty and serenity of this unique lake surrounded by thriving bushland.
It’s a relatively easy walk that is mostly flat and well-marked from start to finish. There are several cafes along the way, so you can combine this walk with a nice lunch.
More information: Narrabeen Lagoon Trail.
| Walk stats: | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 8.4 km (circuit) |
| Duration: | 2.5 hours |
| Grade: | Easy / moderate |
14. Palm Jungle Loop Track
The second bushwalk on this list that is in the Royal National Park is the moderately challenging, 8.5 km long Palm Jungle Loop Track.
This bushwalking track is particularly exciting because it passes through various types of landscapes and sceneries.
The trail takes in thriving rainforests, beautiful coastal views, and scenic cliff tops, with a quick visit to Burning Palms Beach as a bonus on a warm day.
The path is well-maintained and easy to follow from start to finish, with sections with metal boardwalks and a few steep sections with steps.
More information: Palm Jungle Loop Track.
| Walk stats: | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 8.5 km (circuit) |
| Duration: | 3 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate |
15. Lane Cove Riverside Circuit Walk
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.
The central section of the national park is home to the Riverside Walking Track and the Lane Cove Valley Walk, and these two bushwalks combined from the 10 km Lane Cove Riverside Circuit Walk.
It’s a moderately challenging 10 km loop walk along both sides of the Lane Cove River and is the perfect way to explore the natural beauty of this area.
More information: Lane Cove Riverside Circuit Walk.
| Walk stats: | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 10 km (circuit) |
| Duration: | 3 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate |
16. Sphinx Memorial to Bobbin Head Loop
The 10 km Sphinx Memorial to Bobbin Head loop via Warrimoo Track is an exciting bushwalk through various landscapes in Ku-ring-gai Chase NP.
One half of the loop (Warrimoo Track) follows the beautiful shoreline of Cowan Creek, while the other half (Bobbin Head trail) is mostly a fire trail through a forest of gum trees.
While this loop track can be started in Bobbin Head, a more logical place to start this hike is the Sphinx Memorial in North Turramurra. The best section of this loop track is the Warrimoo Track: beautiful forests, rock formations, mangroves, and scenic water views make this a fantastic bushwalk!
More information: Sphinx Memorial to Bobbin Head Loop.
| Walk stats: | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 10 km (circuit) |
| Duration: | 4 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate |
17. Cowan to Brooklyn via Jerusalem Bay
The 13 km walking track from Cowan train station to Brooklyn via Jerusalem Bay is a real bushwalking challenge.
This bushwalk through stunningly beautiful scenery forms part of the Great North Walk, an iconic 250 km track between Sydney, Hunter Valley, and Newcastle.
The best way to get to Cowan is by train, as the start of the walking track is opposite the train station. Follow the signs for Brooklyn and the Great North Walk to find the start of the track. Once in Brooklyn, you can catch the train back to Cowan.
More information: Cowan to Jerusalem Bay.
| Walk stats: | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 13 km (one way) |
| Duration: | 4 – 5 hours |
| Grade: | Hard |
More bushwalking guides:
These bush walks look great, thanks for sharing.
Thanks Sasha, glad you found this article helpful, happy bushwalking!
Do you have a list of dog friendly walks, it is very expensive and stressful for my dogs to be put in dog kennels.
Hello Cheryl,
Yes we certainly do:
https://sydneyuncovered.com/dog-friendly-walks-sydney/
We are adding walks to that list as we find more of them. Just keep in mind that a lot of bush walks in Sydney are in National Parks, and dogs are mostly not allowed there.