All-Time Best
Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
Australia's most famous urban coastal walk stretches 6 kilometers along dramatic sandstone cliffs, passing stunning beaches, ocean pools, and Aboriginal rock carvings. The path connects six beaches and offers breathtaking Pacific Ocean views, public art, and excellent cafes along the way.
Highlights
- Six connected beaches
- Dramatic cliff views
- Ocean swimming pools
- Aboriginal heritage sites
Blue Mountains Three Sisters Walk
Blue Mountains Three Sisters Walk
Explore the iconic Blue Mountains just 90 minutes from Sydney, featuring the legendary Three Sisters rock formation, dramatic valley views, and diverse bushwalking trails. The area offers everything from easy lookout walks to challenging wilderness treks through ancient rainforest.
Highlights
- Three Sisters rock formation
- Giant Stairway descent
- Scenic Railway and Skyway
- World Heritage rainforest
Royal National Park Coast Track
Royal National Park Coast Track
Australia's oldest national park offers this spectacular 26-kilometer coastal trail through pristine bushland, past secluded beaches, and along dramatic sandstone cliffs. The two-day hike (or challenging one-day trek) showcases the best of Sydney's natural heritage.
Highlights
- 26km coastal adventure
- Pristine beaches
- Wedding Cake Rock
- Bush camping options
Manly to Spit Bridge Walk
Manly to Spit Bridge Walk
This 10-kilometer harbour-side walk offers a unique perspective of Sydney, combining beaches, bushland, and stunning harbour views. The trail winds through Dobroyd Head and features Aboriginal engravings, secluded beaches, and diverse native wildlife.
Highlights
- Sydney Harbour views
- Aboriginal rock engravings
- Secluded harbour beaches
- Diverse birdlife
Grand Canyon Track Blue Mountains
Grand Canyon Track Blue Mountains
One of Australia's most scenic bushwalks, this 6.3-kilometer loop descends into a lush canyon filled with ancient ferns, overhanging cliffs, and mysterious caves. The trail through Blackheath offers an otherworldly experience of the Blue Mountains' unique geology.
Highlights
- Ancient fern groves
- Overhanging rock formations
- Magical atmosphere
- Loop track convenience
Sydney Harbour Bridge to Taronga Zoo Walk
Sydney Harbour Bridge to Taronga Zoo Walk
Combine Sydney's iconic landmarks with this scenic walk from the Harbour Bridge through Cremorne Point to Taronga Zoo. The path offers ever-changing harbour views, hidden beaches, and the chance to spot native birds and possums in foreshore bushland.
Highlights
- Opera House views
- Harbour Bridge crossing
- Taronga Zoo ferry
- Hidden harbour beaches
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Just 25 kilometers from Sydney CBD, this national park offers 100 kilometers of walking tracks through pristine bushland, past Aboriginal rock art sites, and along scenic waterways. The America Bay Track and West Head Lookout are particular highlights.
Highlights
- Aboriginal rock engravings
- Pittwater views
- Diverse wildlife
- Close to Sydney
Wentworth Falls Circuit
Wentworth Falls Circuit
This spectacular 5-kilometer circuit in the Blue Mountains showcases one of Australia's most impressive waterfalls, plunging 297 meters into the Jamison Valley. The track offers multiple viewing platforms and dramatic valley overlooks.
Highlights
- 297-meter waterfall
- Valley floor access
- Multiple lookouts
- Year-round flow
Palm Beach to Barrenjoey Lighthouse
Palm Beach to Barrenjoey Lighthouse
Walk to the tip of Sydney's Northern Beaches peninsula and climb to the historic Barrenjoey Lighthouse. The 2-kilometer trail offers panoramic views over Pittwater, Palm Beach, and the Hawkesbury River meeting the Pacific Ocean.
Highlights
- Historic lighthouse
- 360-degree views
- Whale watching spot
- Pittwater panoramas
North Head Sanctuary Walk
North Head Sanctuary Walk
Explore this dramatic headland at Sydney Harbour's entrance, featuring former military fortifications, endangered ecological communities, and sweeping ocean views. The walking trails reveal Sydney's military history alongside unique coastal heath ecosystems.
Highlights
- Military history
- Harbour entrance views
- Endangered wildlife
- Quarantine Station
Best of 2026
Sydney Harbour National Park Extended Trail
Sydney Harbour National Park Extended Trail
The newly connected trail system linking Sydney Harbour's foreshore parks has become the city's most popular hiking route in 2026. Enhanced signage and ferry connections make it easy to explore multiple sections of this 30-kilometer urban bushland network.
Highlights
- 30km connected trails
- Ferry access points
- Harbour beaches
- Aboriginal heritage sites
Blue Mountains First Nations Walking Tours
Blue Mountains First Nations Walking Tours
New Indigenous-led walking experiences in the Blue Mountains have gained significant popularity in 2026, offering authentic cultural perspectives on the landscape. These guided walks combine bushcraft, storytelling, and traditional ecological knowledge.
Highlights
- Indigenous-led tours
- Traditional knowledge
- Bush tucker tasting
- Cultural storytelling
Coogee to Maroubra Extension
Coogee to Maroubra Extension
The newly completed coastal walk extension from Coogee to Maroubra has added stunning new sections to Sydney's beloved coastal trail network. The route passes through Lurline Bay and offers dramatic cliff-top views and access to pristine ocean pools.
Highlights
- Newly completed route
- Ocean pool swimming
- Cliff-top views
- Connects to Bondi walk
Spring Hikes
Blue Mountains Wildflower Walks
Blue Mountains Wildflower Walks
Spring transforms the Blue Mountains into a wildflower wonderland, with native waratahs, banksias, and orchids blooming across the heathlands. The Leura Cascades to Gordon Falls walk is particularly spectacular from September to November.
Highlights
- Native wildflower displays
- Waratah blooms
- Waterfall views
- Peak September-November
Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Trail
Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Trail
The spring wildflower display in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park showcases over 1,000 plant species, many found nowhere else on earth. The Resolute Track and Gibberagong Trail offer the best wildflower viewing during the September-October peak.
Highlights
- 1,000+ plant species
- Endemic wildflowers
- Bushland photography
- Peak September-October
Summer Hikes
Bondi to Bronte Early Morning Walk
Bondi to Bronte Early Morning Walk
Beat the summer heat with an early morning walk along this popular section of the coastal trail. The sunrise over the Pacific is spectacular, and the ocean pools at Bronte offer a refreshing swim before the crowds arrive.
Highlights
- Pacific sunrise views
- Ocean pool swimming
- Avoid crowds
- Cool morning air
Blue Mountains Valley Trails
Blue Mountains Valley Trails
Escape Sydney's summer heat in the cool valleys of the Blue Mountains, where temperatures are typically 5-10 degrees cooler. The shaded Valley of the Waters walk offers waterfalls and lush rainforest perfect for hot days.
Highlights
- 5-10 degrees cooler
- Shaded rainforest
- Waterfall swimming spots
- Escape city heat
Fall Hikes
Mount Wilson Autumn Colors
Mount Wilson Autumn Colors
Australia's best autumn foliage display occurs at Mount Wilson in the Blue Mountains, where European deciduous trees create a spectacular tapestry of red, orange, and gold during April and May. The village walks showcase historic gardens and cathedral avenues.
Highlights
- Best autumn colors in Australia
- Historic gardens
- Cathedral of Ferns
- Peak April-May
Royal National Park Autumn Trail
Royal National Park Autumn Trail
Autumn's mild weather makes this the perfect season for the longer trails in Royal National Park. The Figure Eight Pools become accessible, and the cooler temperatures allow comfortable full-day hiking along the coast track.
Highlights
- Perfect hiking weather
- Figure Eight Pools
- Comfortable temperatures
- Full-day adventures
Winter Hikes
Sydney Coastal Walks Winter Sun
Sydney Coastal Walks Winter Sun
Sydney's mild winters make coastal walking a year-round pleasure. The Bondi to Coogee walk is particularly enjoyable in winter with fewer crowds, migrating whales visible offshore, and comfortable temperatures perfect for longer walks.
Highlights
- Whale migration season
- Fewer crowds
- Perfect temperatures
- Sunny winter days
Blue Mountains Winter Waterfalls
Blue Mountains Winter Waterfalls
Winter rains bring the Blue Mountains waterfalls to their most dramatic flow. The National Pass at Wentworth Falls and Govetts Leap at Blackheath offer spectacular displays of cascading water against the winter backdrop.
Highlights
- Peak waterfall flow
- Dramatic scenery
- Misty atmospheres
- Photography paradise
Frequently Asked Questions
The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is Sydney's most famous coastal trail, offering 6 kilometers of stunning cliff-top views, six beaches, and ocean pools. For a longer adventure, the Manly to Spit Bridge Walk offers 10 kilometers of harbour-side scenery. Both are accessible by public transport.
The Blue Mountains are approximately 90 minutes from Sydney by car or 2 hours by train from Central Station. Trains run regularly to Katoomba, the main gateway town. Many visitors also join organized day tours that include transport and guided walks to major attractions.
Sydney enjoys year-round hiking weather, but autumn (March-May) and spring (September-November) offer the most comfortable conditions. Coastal walks are pleasant year-round with mild winters. Summer can be hot, so start early or choose shaded bushland trails. Winter offers excellent waterfall viewing in the Blue Mountains.
Yes, most of Sydney's popular hiking trails are very safe and well-marked. Popular coastal walks see many other walkers daily. For longer bushland trails, inform someone of your plans, carry plenty of water, and download offline maps. Mobile phone coverage is good on most trails close to Sydney.
Sun protection is essential year-round - bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Carry at least 2 liters of water per person for longer walks. Wear sturdy shoes with good grip for rocky coastal and bushland trails. In summer, swim gear is useful for ocean pool stops. Check fire danger ratings before bushland hikes.