Sydney's Best 15 Walking Trails For Your Bucket List

Continue reading for our curated Bucket List of Sydney's top hiking trails.

For further information including directions to each of these locations and attractions, click through to the listing on our Aussie Bucket List website or app, and scroll down to the bottom to see their locations pinned on Google maps. You can then easily get directions from your current location to each of the walking trails listed below.

About Destination

Location

Sydney is located on Australia’s east coast in the state of New South Wales, stretching along the Tasman Sea. It sits around 880 kilometres north-east of Melbourne and roughly 940 kilometres south of Brisbane, making it a central gateway to the country’s eastern seaboard. The city is built around one of the world’s largest natural harbours—Sydney Harbour—which opens directly to the Pacific Ocean and shapes much of its geography, lifestyle, and transport links.

Sydney’s metropolitan area extends from the Blue Mountains in the west to the coast in the east, and from the Hawkesbury River in the north to the Royal National Park in the south. This positioning places the city at the intersection of coastal beaches, national parks, river systems, and sandstone plateaus, giving it immediate access to diverse natural landscapes. Its coastal location also delivers a temperate climate, with warm summers, mild winters, and year-round outdoor appeal, reinforcing Sydney’s role as Australia’s largest and most internationally connected city.

Natural Beauty and Biodiversity

Sydney’s natural beauty is defined by a rare mix of coastline, harbour, bushland, and waterways, all woven directly into the city’s fabric. Golden ocean beaches, dramatic sandstone cliffs, and the iconic harbour sit alongside expansive national parks, creating a setting where nature is never far away. From coastal headlands and hidden coves to river systems and forested valleys, the landscape feels both raw and accessible.

This diversity supports an impressive range of biodiversity, with native bushland home to birdlife, marine species, reptiles, and mammals found nowhere else in the world. Whales migrate past the coast each year, while seagrass meadows, rock platforms, and estuaries sustain rich marine ecosystems. On land, eucalypt forests and heathlands shelter species such as wallabies, echidnas, and powerful owls. Sydney stands out for how seamlessly urban life and nature coexist, offering genuine wilderness experiences within minutes of the city centre.

Tourism and Attractions

Sydney’s top tourism attractions combine world-famous icons with standout natural experiences. The Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge dominate the harbour skyline and remain must-see landmarks, while ferry rides across the harbour offer one of the most scenic ways to explore the city. Nearby, Circular Quay and The Rocks showcase Sydney’s historic heart through waterfront dining, museums, and heritage streets.

Beyond the harbour, Sydney’s appeal extends to its beaches and outdoor lifestyle. Bondi Beach, Manly, and Coogee attract visitors with golden sand, coastal walks, and surf culture. Cultural precincts, vibrant food scenes, national parks, and year-round events round out the experience, making Sydney a destination that balances global icons with laid-back coastal energy.

Climate

Sydney has a temperate coastal climate that supports an active, outdoor lifestyle year-round. Summers are warm to hot, with average daytime temperatures typically ranging from the low to high 20s, while winters are mild, rarely dropping below the low teens. Humidity is most noticeable in summer, often tempered by cooling sea breezes along the coast.

Rainfall is fairly evenly spread throughout the year, helping to sustain the city’s bushland, waterways, and coastal ecosystems. Sunshine is abundant, and extreme weather is relatively rare compared to many global cities. This reliable, comfortable climate is a key reason Sydney is enjoyed in every season, whether for beach days, bushwalks, or harbour-side exploring.

TOP 15 Walking Trails for your Sydney Bucket List

1 - Kellys Falls

Image credit: Nick Cubbin © OEH

Kelly’s Falls, located in Stanwell Tops in New South Wales, is a picturesque waterfall set within lush subtropical rainforest. Part of the Illawarra Escarpment, the falls cascade into a serene pool surrounded by dense ferns, eucalypts, and towering trees, creating a tranquil, natural retreat. Easily accessible via a short walking track from the nearby car park, Kelly’s Falls is a popular spot for bushwalking, photography, and enjoying the peaceful sounds of flowing water. Its location near the escarpment also offers glimpses of the surrounding coastal landscape, making it a hidden gem for nature lovers exploring the region.

Add Kellys Falls to your Aussie Bucket List HERE.

2 - Figure 8 Rockpools

Image credit: Claire Competiello | OEH

The Figure 8 Pools in the Royal National Park, south of Sydney, are a series of naturally carved rock formations shaped like the number eight. Located along the park’s rugged coastline, these tidal pools are filled by ocean waves and surrounded by dramatic sandstone cliffs and coastal bushland. Accessible via a challenging walk along cliff-top trails and rock platforms, the pools attract visitors for swimming, photography, and hiking. They are best visited at low tide and calm seas, as conditions can be dangerous, making them a rewarding destination for adventurous nature lovers seeking a unique coastal experience near Sydney.

Add The Figure 8 Pools to your Aussie Bucket List HERE.

3 - Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

Image credit: Samantha Porter - Aussie Bucket List

Walking trail: 6km one way | grade 2 | 2-3 hours

The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is one of Australia’s most famous shoreline trails — a spectacular 6 km journey showcasing rugged sandstone cliffs, turquoise ocean views, historic baths, golden beaches and endless places to stop, swim and explore. If you’re looking for the ultimate Sydney bucket list experience, this walk delivers a perfect mix of scenery, culture, food, swimming spots and photo opportunities.

The spectacular Eastern Beaches Coastal Walkway in Sydney’s eastern suburbs is one of the city’s most popular walking routes, enjoyed by millions each year. While there were gaps between Clovelly and La Perouse, a key missing link was recently completed with the construction of an iconic sixth-hole buggy boardwalk at the prestigious NSW Golf Course. Delivered by FORGE in collaboration with Antoun Civil and Thompson Berrill Landscape Design for Randwick City Council, this new structure also serves as a pedestrian bridge, allowing walkers to safely traverse the golf course on the La Perouse headland while enjoying uninterrupted coastal views.

Whether you’re a local chasing a sunrise workout, a visitor wanting the “real Sydney”, or a family looking for an easy half-day adventure, this coastal trail earns its legendary status every single time.

Add Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk to your Aussie Bucket List HERE.

4 - Manly to Spit Bridge Scenic Walkway

Image credit: NSW Parks and Wildlife | Simone Cottrell | David Finnegan

Walking trail: 10km one-way | 3.5 - 4.5 hours | grade 3

Many people argue the Manly ferry is the most beautiful way to arrive in Manly — but the real showstopper is the Manly Scenic Walkway. This iconic coastal track begins at Spit Bridge in Mosman and delivers one of Sydney’s most rewarding harbour walks. Hugging the edge of Middle and North Harbour, the trail winds past a string of postcard-worthy bays including Fisher Bay, Sandy Bay and Clontarf Beach. From here, the route enters Sydney Harbour National Park at Castle Rock before wrapping around Dobroyd Head, where the scenery shifts to rugged cliffs, native bushland and sweeping harbour views. Along the way, keep an eye out for ancient Aboriginal rock engravings at Grotto Point and pause at Arabanoo Lookout for one of the best vantage points on the harbour. The walk continues past hidden gems like Reef Beach and Forty Baskets Beach — perfect spots for a refreshing swim — before finishing in the heart of Manly. After the final stretch, there’s only one thing left to do: reward yourself with an ice cream along the Manly Corso. You’ve earned it.

The Manly Scenic Walkway also forms part of the epic Bondi to Manly Walk, an 80-kilometre coastal journey linking two of Sydney’s most famous surf beaches and showcasing the city at its scenic best.

Add this hike to your Aussie Bucket List HERE.

5 - Dobroyd Head Coastal Walk

Image credit: FORGE

Walking trail: Grade 4 | 2.4km loop

The Dobroyd Head Coast Walk is one of Sydney’s most rewarding coastal bushland trails, offering sweeping views over North Harbour, Manly, and the Pacific Ocean. Located within Sydney Harbour National Park, this picturesque walk winds through native heath, eucalypt forest, and rugged sandstone outcrops, making it a must-do adventure for anyone exploring Sydney’s northern coastline.

This trail is famous for its lookouts over Forty Baskets Beach, Reef Beach and Manly Cove, its rich Aboriginal heritage, and its relaxed mix of bushwalking and coastal scenery. Whether you’re chasing sunrise views, a gentle half-day hike, or the perfect harbourfront photography location, Dobroyd Head delivers every time.

Add this hike to your Aussie Bucket List HERE.

6 - Cape Solander

Image credit: NSW National Parks

If whale watching is on your Sydney bucket list, Cape Solander is hard to beat. Perched on the edge of the Royal National Park coastline, it’s widely regarded as one of the city’s top land-based whale watching locations. The peak season runs from June to July, when humpback whales migrate north to warmer waters — and on a good day, they can pass within just a few hundred metres of the shoreline.

Cape Solander is named after botanist Daniel Solander and features a purpose-built lookout with a viewing platform that offers uninterrupted ocean views. Informative signage explains the different whale species seen in Sydney waters, and during the migration season, knowledgeable volunteers are often on hand to help spot whales and share insights.

The headland also works perfectly as a starting or finishing point for a coastal walk through the surrounding national park. Beyond whales, it’s an excellent place for birdwatching or simply soaking up the vast ocean horizon.

For anyone who loves wildlife encounters, coastal scenery, and the raw beauty of Australia’s outdoors, Cape Solander more than earns its place on the Aussie Bucket List.

Add Cape Solander to your Aussie Bucket List HERE.

7 - Swing Bridge Loop Walk

Image credit: FORGE

Walking trail: 800m loop trail | 20 minutes | easy

The Pye’s Creek Swing Bridge Loop Track in Cherrybrook, NSW is a peaceful bushwalk that feels worlds away from suburbia. Tucked within the Berowra Valley bushland, this scenic loop follows tranquil creek lines, shaded forest trails, and sandstone outcrops before reaching its standout feature — the gently swaying suspension bridge over Pye’s Creek.

The walk is suitable for most fitness levels and is especially popular with families, offering a mix of wide tracks, natural bush scenery, and a sense of quiet adventure. Birdlife is abundant, and after rain the creek and surrounding greenery come alive, adding to the track’s appeal. Easy to access yet rich in natural charm, the Pye’s Creek Swing Bridge Loop Track is a rewarding short escape for anyone wanting to slow down and reconnect with nature just north of Sydney.

Add the Swing Bridge Loop Walk to your Aussie Bucket List HERE.

8 - Narrabeen Lagoon Trail

Image credit: FORGE

Walking trail: 8.6km one way | 2 - 3 hours | easy (no steps)

If you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the surf and sand of Sydney’s Northern Beaches, the Narrabeen Lagoon Walking Trails offer a perfect retreat into nature. Encircling the picturesque Narrabeen Lagoon, these trails provide a scenic, family-friendly loop that’s ideal for walkers, runners, cyclists, photographers, and anyone looking to immerse themselves in Sydney’s stunning coastal wetlands.

Located just minutes from the suburbs of Narrabeen, Cromer, and Warriewood, the trails are easily accessible yet feel wonderfully removed from the hustle of the city. They are a hidden gem for locals and travellers alike, offering a mix of boardwalks, shared-use paths, open lawns, and bird-filled wetlands — all surrounded by native bushland.

Add Narrabeen Lagoon Trail to your Aussie Bucket List HERE.

9 - Nawi Cove Boardwalk at Barangaroo

Image credit: FORGE

Nawi Cove embodies the perfect union of city and nature. It’s a calm sanctuary tucked into Sydney’s harbourfront, blending ancient cultural stories, native ecology and architectural beauty. Whether you're after a peaceful walkalong the waters edge, a photogenic spot by the water, or a quiet corner for a small event, Nawi Cove is both a hidden retreat and a symbol of Sydney’s deep connection to its Indigenous heritage.

Add Nawi Cove to your Aussie Bucket List HERE.

10 - Curracurrong Waterfall and Eagle Rock

Image credit: (David Finnegan OEH)

Walking trail: 10km loop | 4 - 5 hours | grade 4

For walkers chasing a tougher coastal adventure, the Curra Moors Loop Track in the eastern section of Royal National Park delivers on every level. This invigorating hike combines physical challenge with raw coastal scenery, where rugged sandstone cliffs rise above the ocean and sweeping views unfold at every turn.

The trail winds through open forest filled with scribbly gums and angophoras before transitioning into low heathland that feels exposed and wild. Birdlife is a highlight here, with species such as the Lewin’s honeyeater and eastern spinebill commonly seen feeding among the native plants. Visit in spring and the track comes alive with flowering hakeas and other wildflowers, filling the air with natural fragrance.

One of the walk’s standout moments is Curracurrong Falls, where water spills dramatically over the clifftop toward the sea. A short side trip also leads to Eagle Rock, a striking coastal formation worth the extra effort. As the track continues south toward Garie North Head, keep scanning the ocean during migration season — whales are often spotted offshore.

With picnic spots and uninterrupted coastal panoramas, the Curra Moors Loop Track is a must-do for experienced hikers who want to experience the Royal National Park at its most rugged and rewarding.

Add Curracurrong Waterfall and Eagle Rock to your Aussie Bucket List HERE.

11 - Taronga to Balmoral Walk

Image credit: Harbour Trust

Walking trail: 6km | 2 - 2.5 hours 

Headland Park in Mosman offers one of Sydney’s most scenic harbourside walks, perfect for combining nature, history, and stunning views. Meander along tranquil trails through native bushland and take in a series of lookout points that frame Sydney Harbour at its best. Along the way, discover historic military sites, including old gun pits, underground tunnels, and brick workshops that hint at the area’s past defensive role. The highlight is Georges Heights Lookout, where sweeping vistas stretch from Sydney Heads and the Pacific Ocean to the eastern suburbs and city skyline.

For a refreshing break, stop at Chowder Bay for a swim or snorkel, or finish your walk with a dip at nearby Balmoral Beach. You can pack a picnic or enjoy a bite at one of the cafés and restaurants scattered along the route. The walk is around six kilometres and usually takes about two hours, making it a perfect half-day escape from the city.

Add Taronga to Balmoral Walk to your Aussie Bucket List HERE.

12 - Fairfax Walk, North Head

Image credit: NSW National Parks | John Yurasek

Walking trail: 1km loop | 30 mins | easy

The Fairfax Walk is an easy yet incredibly rewarding stroll that delivers some of the best views on Sydney Harbour. Located at the northern end of North Head, this short, sealed loop follows the clifftop and circles the headland, making it accessible while still feeling impressively scenic.

Along the route, you’ll visit three lookout points that showcase classic Sydney vistas — sweeping ocean horizons on one side and uninterrupted harbour views stretching back toward the city skyline on the other. It’s the kind of scenery that defines Sydney, all without the need for a long or challenging hike.

Well suited to families and visitors of all ages, the Fairfax Walk includes sections that are wheelchair friendly. It’s also a prime spot for land-based whale watching, with humpback whales commonly sighted during their northbound and southbound migrations from June through to October.

For those keen to extend their adventure, the track links into the wider North Head Sanctuary. From here, you can continue down toward Manly, connect with the Manly Scenic Walkway, or take the coastal route to Shelley Beach — turning a short walk into a full day of exploring.

Add Fairfax Walk, North Head to your Aussie Bucket List HERE.

13 - Wedding Cake Rock

Image credit: NSW National Parks | David Croft

Walking trail: approximately 5.6k return | 1.5 - 2 hours

Wedding Cake Rock is a popular and very fragile rock formation located along the challenging Coast track in Sydney's Royal National Park. Experience the beauty of this natural wonder without risking your safety. Located around 1 hour's walk south of Bundeena, Wedding Cake Rock is a highlight along the famous Coast track. The pure white rock stands out against the harder sandstone of the coastal cliffs - its sharp edges and deep cracks giving it a unique shape, like a slice of cake perched high above the pounding ocean. The white colour is caused by iron leaching, which makes the sandstone layers dangerously soft, prone to cracking and at very high risk of collapse. For your safety, please don't stand or sit on the rock, or venture too close to cliff edges.

Getting there is half the adventure, as you tackle the steep and rocky track through coastal bush land, home to spring wildflowers, swamp wallabies and bird life. The track traces the coastal cliffs, offering sweeping ocean views perfect for whale watching - and plenty of vantage points to take incredible photos of Wedding Cake Rock without compromising your safety.

On your way home, return along the track to Bundeena, or continue past Wedding Cake Rock down to Marley Beach.

Add Wedding Cake Rock to your Aussie Bucket List HERE.

14 - Bouddi Coastal Walk

Image credit: NSW National Parks | John Spencer

Walking trail: 8.5km one way| 3.5 - 4.5 hours | grade 3

The Fairfax Walk is an easy yet incredibly rewarding stroll that delivers some of the best views on Sydney Harbour. Located at the northern end of North Head, this short, sealed loop follows the clifftop and circles the headland, making it accessible while still feeling impressively scenic.

Along the route, you’ll visit three lookout points that showcase classic Sydney vistas — sweeping ocean horizons on one side and uninterrupted harbour views stretching back toward the city skyline on the other. It’s the kind of scenery that defines Sydney, all without the need for a long or challenging hike.

Well suited to families and visitors of all ages, the Fairfax Walk includes sections that are wheelchair friendly. It’s also a prime spot for land-based whale watching, with humpback whales commonly sighted during their northbound and southbound migrations from June through to October.

For those keen to extend their adventure, the track links into the wider North Head Sanctuary. From here, you can continue down toward Manly, connect with the Manly Scenic Walkway, or take the coastal route to Shelley Beach — turning a short walk into a full day of exploring.

Add Bouddi Coastal Walk to your Aussie Bucket List HERE.

15 - Glebe Foreshore Walk

Image credit: Destination NSW

Walking trail:  4.8km | 1 - 2 hours | easy grade

The Glebe Foreshore Walk is a scenic riverside route stretching from Bicentennial Park to the Sydney Fish Markets at Pyrmont, offering more than 27 hectares of open green space along Rozelle Bay and Blackwattle Bay. This shared path is perfect for both walkers and cyclists, winding through well-maintained parklands, waterside spots, and areas featuring Indigenous native plants. Along the way, you’ll see historic sea walls and stone docks that hint at the area’s maritime past, while easy water access makes it ideal for kayaking or other passive recreational activities. Dog owners can enjoy off-leash areas between Pope Paul Reserve and Ferry Road, making it a versatile and family-friendly outing.

Add Glebe Foreshore Walk to your Aussie Bucket List HERE.

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Article by Samantha Porter - Aussie Bucket List Founder & Travel Writer

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