13 of the best Sydney walks: From city strolls to coastal hikes

Sydney is a city that is particularly beautiful to traverse on foot, with its iconic harbour, lush bushlands and diverse natural wildlife. It’s no surprise then that there’s a wealth of stunning walks to choose from, no matter one’s fitness level.

Badu Mangrove Boardwalk

At Sydney Olympic Park, somewhat unexpectedly, is the largest mangrove forest on the Parramatta River. Check out their eerie beauty with an amble around the zigzag boardwalk etched with verse from poet Lorna Munro. This is probably not suitable for toddlers as there aren’t guardrails, but it’s a one-of-a-kind meander. Also a stroll away is Shipwreck Lookout where one can see the unusual sight of historical wrecks jutting out from the water.

Wulugul Walk

For a lunch hour promenade this stretch along the Barangaroo foreshore is something of a cityside oasis. The well-paved paths also make it a good fit for those with prams or accessibility requirements looking for a relaxing saunter. It runs from King Street Wharf through to Barangaroo Reserve, a lovely place to stop among the native plants to chill out, and it also passes by the charming Marrinawi Cove swimming basin.

Hermitage Foreshore track

For those wanting a shorter walk with picture-perfect views, this 1.8-kilometre route takes only half an hour to one hour to complete. It overlooks Sydney Harbour with postcard-like vistas of the bridge and city skyline. It’s worth packing a picnic to enjoy either by the 19th-century grandeur of Strickland Estate or at Nielsen Park and the thankfully reopened Shark Beach nearby. Due to the short length, this could be good for those with older children, however the stairs along the way make prams inadvisable.

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

For those who love wildlife and being immersed in bushland the heritage-listed Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park has many terrific walks to pick from, particularly for those with more hiking experience who are able to handle challenging routes. The medium difficulty 1.8-kilometre America Bay walking track takes visitors through scribbly gum and bloodwood even passing a small waterfall. Meanwhile, the harder 4.4-kilometre Aboriginal Heritage walk spotlights the ancient rock art and engravings in the park. And the short but challenging hike to Barrenjoey Lighthouse, built in 1881 and also featured in Home and Away, yields stunning views.

Glebe Foreshore Walk

This pleasant two-kilometre urban walk stretches from Bicentennial Park to Bridge Road winding past the waterfronts of Rozelle Bay and Blackwattle Bay. It’s particularly good for dog walkers with off-leash fun available at Blackwattle Bay Park along the route. Rather conveniently for foodies, one end has the eateries of Tramsheds close by, while at the other is Sydney Fish Market, so there are plenty of options for a post-walk nosh no matter which direction one goes.

Middle Head-Gubbuh Gubbuh to Georges Head walking track

This new three-kilometre walk six years in the making only opened in March and would suit history buffs wanting a real-life glimpse into Sydney’s military past along with the water views. Check out 1801 Fort, the oldest fortification built on the headland, along with World War II fortifications and the refurbished 19th-century former NSW School of Artillery buildings. The walk is graded on the easier side, so while the surface can be uneven it is suitable for those with little experience.

Cape Baily walking track

For beautiful views of sky and sea this four-kilometre track along sandstone cliffs in Kamay Botany Bay National Park is sheer delight. With an elevated track no walking experience is necessary, however it isn’t suitable for wheelchairs or prams. Along the track walkers might spot whales, dolphins, seabirds and reptiles, and it also passes by Cape Baily Lighthouse, which opened in 1950. Be sure to pack sun protection as there is no shade cover.

Lake Parramatta Reserve Lake Circuit

The reserve is a hotspot with families for its relaxed vibe and lovely scenery. The 4.2-kilometre Lake Circuit takes walkers around the water feature’s entire circumference in a two-hour journey of medium difficulty with plenty of chances to take in the area’s abundant wildlife. The circuit is actually an amalgamation of all the walking trails at the location, so those with young children or mobility issues can opt for the much shorter 300-metre Heritage Path to the Dam Wall Lookout. The swimming area closes for winter, but is due to reopen in late October this year.

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

Arguably the most famous stroll in Sydney both locals and tourists flock to this idyllic six-kilometre stretch. Don’t forget to pack some swimmers as it passes by some of Australia’s most beloved beaches, and also bring an appetite for the numerous trendy cafes along the way. The winter months are the best time to potentially spot humpback whales, while it becomes extra busy during popular outdoor art exhibition Sculpture by the Sea (running October 17 to November 3 in 2025). It’s an easy-to-medium walk that takes two or three hours to complete, but unfortunately is not suitable for prams or wheelchairs.

Binyang Matta Trail

Located at Western Sydney Parklands, Australia’s largest urban park, this 6.7-kilometre loop passes through grasslands, wetlands and forests. Binyang Matta is a Dharug name meaning place of birds so bring binoculars to potentially spot kites, parrots and kingfishers among the wildlife of the area. The walk features sealed paths and is graded at an easy level, so is a good choice for those with prams or accessibility requirements. There’s also an even shorter loop option of 1.9 kilometres that takes only half an hour to complete.

The Bay Run

This inner west seven-kilometre loop is very popular with those looking to get their heart rates up while also taking in the picturesque scenery and the relatively flat terrain also makes it family friendly. Be aware that it can get very busy, so those who don’t like crowds should avoid it on weekends and peak times. There are also cafes along the path for those wanting to refuel with a coffee or snack.

Spit Bridge to Manly Walk

This classic coastal walk (also known as the Manly Scenic Walkway) takes in some of the loveliest views in Sydney. En route walkers can spot an Aboriginal cave shelter and Aboriginal rock engravings at Grotto Point, plus there are ample beaches along the way if one wants to take a quick dip. Best of all the walk winds up in bustling Manly where one can savour an ice cream or frosty pint. The 10-kilometre trail takes approximately 3½ to 4½ hours to complete and is a medium level of difficulty.

Two Valley Trail Walk

Take a 13-kilometre hike from Campsie to Bexley North on the Two Valley Trail Walk, popular with inner south-west locals, as it winds through both the Cooks River Valley and Wolli Creek Valley. Developed by community groups, it’s a delightful strip of green among the suburban surrounds with plenty of wildlife on display, including a colony of flying foxes and lots of birdwatching opportunities.

Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every Monday, sign up here.