The Ten Best Walks In and Around Sydney

Sometimes, we all need a break from the traffic and hustle and breakneck pace of the city. So it's a good thing that in Sydney, you don't need to go far to find a peaceful retreat in nature.

We've picked out ten of our favourite strolls in and around the city where you can unplug from the office, detach from your screentime and indulge in an afternoon of blissful calm this sunny season.

Recommended reads:
The Best Coastal Walks in Sydney
The Best Bike Rides in and Around Sydney
The Best Mountain Walks Near Sydney

NSW Parks

For Northern Strolls: Barrenjoey Lighthouse

This dreamy water-encircled walk takes you to Sydney's northernmost point: Palm Beach's Barrenjoey Lighthouse, built in 1881. There are two walking trails that will get there. Most people choose the easy route (a gentle, one-kilometre climb), but a few adventurous types tackle the Smugglers Track: a shorter, steeper scramble, following a trail built in 1850 to keep an eye out for water-borne smugglers.

Sat 91 metres above sea level, the lighthouse has 360-degree views of the Central Coast, Broken Bay and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Extend your walk near Sydney by strolling down Palm Beach and finish things off with a refreshing dip.

Malabar Headland; Chad Weston via Department of Planning, Industry and Environment

For Views of Botany Bay: Maroubra to Malabar

The Western Escarpment Walking Track in the Malabar Headland National Park is a one-kilometre walkway that connects Pioneers Park in Malabar with Arthur Byrne Reserve in South Maroubra. The Sydney walking track cuts through bushland and, at its highest point, affords some stunning views across the beach, the headland and Botany Bay.

It runs along the western edge of the Malabar Headland Rifle Range — but outside it, rather than within it. So, you don't have to worry about shooting days spoiling your fun, and you can go sauntering seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Fairfax Lookout; Image Credit: John-Yurasek via Department of Planning, Industry and Environment

For Echidnas and Secret Beaches: North Head

The historical ten-kilometre North Head walk may contain a driving path, but the true beauty of this trail is seen through the dirt road bushwalk. Beginning at North Head Sanctuary, walk through the former North Head Army Barracks before heading out into the bush. Echidnas and bandicoots lurk in the burnt orange and yellow brush before the wild path opens suddenly to a mix of coastal views.

The best views are located at the Third Quarantine Station Cemetery, which looks across to Middle Head and Manly, and the Fairfax Walk, which offers an expansive lookout point across the Tasman Sea. From here, it is easy to end your afternoon at Manly Beach, stopping at the petite Collins and Little Manly Beaches along the way.

Some areas of North Head are closed due to fire damage. Check the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website for up-to-date information.

Destination NSW

For a Walk Through History: Middle Head

While the multiple World War II batteries located at Middle Head certainly set this walk apart, it's the expansive views of the eastern suburbs, Middle Harbour and Manly that really make this trek worthwhile. The two-kilometre circuit is bordered by North and South Heads and set along sheer cliffs.

Climbing through underground tunnels and gun pits on the edge of the coast is a big part of the thrill here. You'll find these ruins throughout the Middle Head Fortification, and the surrounding cliffs give the remnants an eerie and significant impact. After you your Sydney walk, you can head to nearby Cobblers Beach to unwind.

The track is also being extended to connect with the Sydney Harbour Scenic Walk, so keep a look out for a more expansive version of this coastal trail by the end of 2023.

Destination NSW

For Harbour Views: Spit Bridge to Manly

When it comes to the best Sydney walks, this ten-kilometre coastal walk is a favourite with tourists. Begin at Mosman's Spit Bridge, where you'll follow the Middle and North Harbour shoreline paths along Fisher Bay to Clontarf Beach. From here, you'll enter the Sydney Harbour National Park at Castle Rock, and later hit Grotto Point, where you can view Indigenous rock engravings.

Gorgeous views at Arabanoo Lookout and plenty of beachside walks are also on the docket. Finish off with a dip at Manly Beach before taking that picturesque ferry ride back to Circular Quay. If ten kilometres isn't enough for you, the track continues down to Chowder Bay and can be linked up with the Bradley's Head track too.

South Head; Image Credit: John Yurasek via Department of Planning, Industry and Environment

For a Little Bit of Everything: Sydney Harbour Bridge to South Head

An odyssey of a walk, Sydney Harbour Bridge to South Head gives you everything our coastline has to offer. For 18 glorious kilometres (one way), the trail weaves through the secret beaches, harbour pools, rocky headlands and spectacular viewing points of the Eastern Suburbs.

On the way, you'll catch unmatched views of the Royal Botanic Garden, Mrs Macquarie's Chair, Nielsen Park, Double Bay and Vaucluse House. Finish with a clothes-free dip at Lady Bay Beach — which became Sydney's first legal nudist beach in 1976 — and a sunset picnic next to South Head's red-and-white striped Hornby Lighthouse.

Hamilton Lund via Destination NSW

For the Classic Sydney Stroll: Bondi to Coogee

The Bondi to Coogee walk is easily Sydney's most iconic walking trail. This six-kilometre trek gives tourists and locals alike a true sense of Sydney's coastal beauty. The hike's steep gradients are well spaced and hit each of the city's most loved beaches along the way — making this trip part-workout, part-beach bum afternoon.

Apart from the namesake beaches, the Sydney walking trail also hits Tamarama, Bronte and Clovelly. While the walk could be completed in as little as two hours, it is best enjoyed with long breaks by the ocean. Keep an eye out for the announcement of the next instalment of the trail's popular Sculpture by the Sea which finally returned in 2022 after a few years off.

Peter Sherratt via Department of Planning, Industry and Environment

For Bracing Cliff Views: Bundeena to Otford

If you're looking for more than a day trip, this 26-kilometre track around the Royal National Park boasts a combination of rugged bushwalks, sandy beaches and sandstone headlands with stunning ocean views. This two-day hike starts at Bundeena and concludes at Otford, with an overnight stay at North Era campground — be sure not to miss sunrise that morning.

Other highlights include the stunning Wattamolla Beach, the views at Eagle Rock lookout and the crystal-clear waters at Curracurrang Cove. This multi-day adventure is enjoyable year-round as long as you prepare appropriately, but there's no better time to complete this trek than on a warm sunny day, when the swimming is at its best.

Destination NSW

For an Out-of-Town Adventure: Kiama Coast

Make a proper escape from the city on the Kiama Coast walk. Its 22 kilometres of unspoilt south coastal brilliance stretches between the Minnamurra River mouth in the north and the cute town of Gerringong in the south. On this stunning Sydney walk, you'll visit wild surf beaches, rock formations, wetlands and, of course, the famous Kiama blowhole.

Then there's the volcanic formations at Cathedral Rocks, the basalt columns at the Bombo Headland and the stunning Werri Beach to look forward to. There are train stations at both ends too, so it's easy to get to and from the city.

Andrew Gregory via Destination NSW

For Picnics With a View: Balls Head Reserve

Set on the foreshore of Sydney Harbour, Balls Head Reserve affords exceptional views of the Harbour Bridge from the north, along with unbeatable picnic views overlooking the CBD. The reserve offers several bushwalking tracks (including one with wheelchair access), and highlights include an Indigenous waterhole and foreshore caves cut by squatters in the 1930s.

Once you're done exploring, head to the secluded park where public barbecues are at the ready. When you've finished grilling up your snags, hop back over to the rocky area and enjoy your picnic while watching the harbour boats mosey by.

Top image: Destination NSW.