Explore Sydney’s CBD on foot with our guide to the best walks, featuring stunning views, historic paths, and must-see attractions.
Sydney is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and what makes it even better is how walkable it is. Many of the city’s iconic landmarks are conveniently within easy walking distance.
Exploring Sydney on foot is the perfect way to take in the highlights and truly experience the city’s unique vibe. Walking allows you to soak up the atmosphere and immerse yourself in the culture of this remarkable city.
To help you discover Sydney step by step, we’ve compiled a list of five of the best city walks, perfect for all ages.
If you’re a history enthusiast, don’t miss our guide to Sydney’s oldest buildings, all located in the heart of the city.
1. Sydney CBD Foreshore Walk

Sydney’s CBD is compact, making it easy to explore its iconic landmarks and top attractions on foot. Wandering through the city is one of the best ways to soak up its highlights and vibrant atmosphere.
Starting at Central Station, this walking tour showcases some of Sydney’s finest spots, including Darling Harbour, Barangaroo, Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay, the Opera House, the Royal Botanic Garden, the Domain, and Hyde Park.
The duration of this discovery walk varies based on your pace and the number of breaks you take. It can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours to complete, depending on how long you stop to admire the sights.
You can find the entire walk on this interactive map.
2. Cahill Walkway

Located above Circular Quay train station, the Cahill Walkway is a hidden gem offering a pedestrian path along the Cahill Expressway with breathtaking views of Circular Quay, the Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge.
The walkway is accessible via several entry points: the northern section of the Royal Botanic Garden at Macquarie Street, a lift located on the eastern side of Circular Quay, or the Bridge Stairs in The Rocks.
About halfway along the walkway, you’ll find the purpose-built Cahill Expressway Lookout. This viewing platform features information boards and benches, making it a great spot to relax and soak in the spectacular views.
3. Sydney Harbour Bridge Walk

No trip to Sydney is complete without walking across the Sydney Harbour Bridge at least once. Opened in 1932, this marvel of engineering boasts a unique design and remains one of Australia’s most recognised landmarks.
The Harbour Bridge Walk features a dedicated pedestrian pathway on the eastern side of the bridge. It begins at the Bridge Stairs in The Rocks and ends at the Bridge Stairs in Milsons Point.
Interestingly, the Cahill Walkway (mentioned above) seamlessly connects to the Harbour Bridge Walk. This allows you to stroll from the Royal Botanic Garden all the way to Milsons Point, enjoying Sydney’s most significant highlights along the way.
The official starting point for the bridge walk is the Bridge Stairs in The Rocks, housed in a striking art-deco building.
4. The Goods Line

The Goods Line is an urban walkway in Sydney’s CBD that follows the path of a once-bustling railway line, now transformed into a vibrant pedestrian thoroughfare connecting Central Station to Darling Square.
Starting at the end of the Devonshire Street Tunnel at Central Station, the walkway winds through a lively precinct home to educational, cultural, and media institutions.
Along the route, you’ll find a mix of engaging features, including bike paths, table tennis tables, study pods, outdoor workspaces, playgrounds, and a bright yellow communal table.
Interestingly, parts of the old train tracks have been preserved and are visible as you stroll along the Goods Line.
5. Barangaroo Foreshore Walk

Situated on the western edge of Sydney’s CBD, Barangaroo Reserve is a modern Sydney Harbour foreshore park and undoubtedly one of the city’s most picturesque green spaces.
This stunning urban park was developed as part of a major transformation project, which turned a former industrial site into the vibrant Barangaroo precinct, now bustling with business, entertainment, and leisure opportunities.
The Barangaroo Foreshore Walk, also known as the Wulugul Walk, is a 1.5 km shared path for walking and cycling. It stretches from King Street Wharf to the northeastern tip of Barangaroo Reserve, offering a scenic journey along the waterfront.
Barangaroo Reserve itself features a network of pathways spread across multiple levels. With no fixed starting or end points, visitors are free to wander and immerse themselves in the park’s scenic surroundings.
I love walking, and I love your page so much.
Thanks Emma!