Sydney Nature Walks

Sydney’s busy urban center is surrounded by idyllic beaches, sweeping headlands, and rugged mountains, offering ample opportunities for hikes and walks. Escape the bustle and swap sightseeing for strolling with one of these scenic nature walks. 

Manly Scenic Walkway

Stretching six miles (10 kilometers) along the coast from the Spit Bridge in Sydney Harbour National Park to Manly Beach and the Northern Beaches, the Manly Scenic Walkway winds through the bush and along ocean-side trails with spectacular views.

Bondi Coastal Walks

The most scenic way to travel between Sydney’s south beaches is the coastal walk that runs between Bondi Beach and Coogee Beach. Passing Tamarama, Bronte, and Clovelly beaches, it’s dotted with dramatic viewpoints, swimming spots, and picnic areas. You can hike the entire track or walk a shorter section from beach to beach. 

Sydney Harbor National Park

The Manly Scenic Walkway isn’t the only hiking route in the Sydney Harbor National Park. There’s also the 2.5-mile (four-kilometer) Hermitage Foreshore track, the half-mile (one-kilometer) South Head Heritage trail to Hornby Lighthouse, and the Harbour Bridge to Spit Bridge walk, which passes Taronga Zoo.

Royal National Park

To up the mileage, adventurous hikers can head south of Sydney to the Royal National Park. Explore the highlands on the Uloola Track, which departs from the town of Waterfall, or spot migrating whales along the Bundeena and Otford coastal track.

Great North Walk

Sydney’s most challenging hike is the Great North Walk, a 155-mile (250-kilometer) long-distance trail that runs all the way from Sydney to Newcastle. Of course, you don’t have to tackle the whole trail—the short stretch from Hornsby to the Blue Gum Forest is particularly beautiful, or else there are plenty of options for half- or full-day hikes.