Sydney is one of those cities that truly offers the best of both urban life and natural beauty. And, no matter your travel style, exploring Sydney by foot is arguably the best way to experience its vibrant city, stunning landscapes and equally beautiful beaches. Luckily, you don’t need a car to access some of the best walking trails around Sydney. Here are some top walking trails near the city centre that are easily accessible by public transport or foot.
You might also like my other Australia Guides!
Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
Time: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
One of the most iconic walks in Sydney, the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is a must-do for any visitor. This trail starts at the world-famous Bondi Beach, easily reachable by catching the 333 bus from the city. As you walk along the stunning coastline, you’ll pass Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly, and Gordon’s Bay, each offering its unique charm and beautiful views. With plenty of cafes, ocean pools, and picturesque spots along the way, this walk perfectly combines leisure and adventure. You can of course do the walk in reverse too – by starting in Coogee and ending in Bondi, passing by the iconic Bondi Icebergs with both options.
Spit Bridge to Manly Walk
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Time: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
For those looking to combine a scenic hike with some of Sydney’s best views, the Spit Bridge to Manly Walk is a must-do. This trail takes you through lush bushland, past secluded beaches, and offers breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour. The walk begins at Spit Bridge and ends at the lively Manly Beach, where you can relax, grab a bite to eat, or enjoy a refreshing swim at Shelly beach – one of my favourite beaches in Sydney. Don’t forget your camera, as there are plenty of photo-worthy spots along the way.
The Hermitage Foreshore Track
Distance: 1.8 km (1.1 miles)
Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
For a shorter, yet equally scenic walk, the Hermitage Foreshore Track is an excellent choice. Located in the affluent suburb of Vaucluse, this trail offers stunning views of Sydney Harbour, including landmarks like Shark Island, Harbour Bridge, and the Sydney Opera House. The walk is accessible by bus from the city centre and takes you past both gorgeous scenary and historic sites. It’s a perfect trail for a relaxing afternoon stroll.
The Rocks to Barangaroo Walk
Distance: 2 km (1.2 miles)
Time: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Starting at the historic Rocks district, this walk takes you through some of Sydney’s most interesting urban landscapes. The route winds through the charming streets of The Rocks, past heritage buildings, and along the vibrant waterfront of Barangaroo Reserve. This area offers beautiful green spaces, public art installations, and fantastic views of the harbour. Easily accessible from Circular Quay, this walk is ideal for those who want to explore Sydney’s history and modern waterfront developments.
The Royal Botanic Garden to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair
Distance: 1.5 km (0.9 miles)
Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
One of the best walks for visitors staying in the city, this trail begins at the Royal Botanic Garden, a short walk from Circular Quay or Martin Place. Wander through beautifully landscaped gardens, past rare plants, and scenic ponds, until you reach Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. This historic site offers one of the best vantage points for views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. It’s a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and a great spot for a picnic – just watch out for the bin chickens!
Watsons Bay to Hornby Lighthouse
Distance: 1.5 km (0.9 miles)
Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Take a ferry from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay and enjoy a short, picturesque walk to Hornby Lighthouse. This trail offers stunning views of the harbour, the South Head, and the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, you’ll pass Camp Cove Beach, an excellent spot for a swim, and the historic Hornby Lighthouse, which has been guiding ships since 1858. This walk is perfect for a half-day trip combining ferry rides, scenic walks, and beach relaxation.
Cremorne Point to Mosman Bay Walk
Distance: 3.5 km (2.2 miles)
Time: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Starting at Cremorne Point, accessible by ferry from Circular Quay, this walk offers stunning harbour views and lush gardens. I may be biased, having lived near Cremorne for 10 months of my first year in Australia, but it really is a stunning walk. The trail follows the waterfront, passing by hidden coves, heritage homes, and scenic lookouts. You’ll also pass by Maccallum Pool – which is a free seawater pool with iconic Opera House views! It’s a peaceful walk that ends at Mosman Bay, where you can catch another ferry back to the city. This walk is perfect for those looking to enjoy Sydney’s natural beauty without venturing too far from the city center.
Harbour Bridge to Milsons Point
Distance: 2.5 km (1.5 miles)
Time: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Experience one of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks by walking across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Start at The Rocks and make your way across the bridge, enjoying panoramic views of the harbour, the Opera House, and the city skyline. Once you reach the other side, explore Milsons Point and Kirribilli, one of my favourite Sydney neighbourhoods! It’s such a lovely little corner of Sydney, filled with lovely cafes, restaurants, parks and the Saturday markets. It’s also a great photo spot during Jacaranda season! This walk is easily accessible by train or on foot from the city centre.
Barangaroo to Darling Harbour Walk
Distance: 2 km (1.2 miles)
Time: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Begin this walk at Barangaroo Reserve, a stunning waterfront park that showcases native Australian flora and offers great views of the harbour. From there, continue along the foreshore to Darling Harbour, one of Sydney’s most popular entertainment precincts. Along the way, you’ll pass through King Street Wharf and Cockle Bay Wharf, both bustling with restaurants, bars, and shops. This walk is perfect for those looking to combine nature with a taste of Sydney’s vibrant nightlife.
The Harbour Bridge to Spit Walk
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Time: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Combine Sydney’s iconic landmarks with stunning natural scenery on the Harbour Bridge to Spit Walk. Starting at the Harbour Bridge, this trail takes you through some of Sydney’s most beautiful suburbs, including Kirribilli, Neutral Bay, and Mosman. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour, pass by historic sites, and explore beautiful parks and reserves. The walk ends at Spit Bridge, where you can relax and take in the views before heading back into the city.
Bondi to Manly Walk
Distance: 80 km (50 miles)
Time: Multi-day
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
This is one heck of a walk – every time I saw people doing it I saluted them and their poor feet. The Bondi to Manly Walk is an epic multi-day journey that links two of Sydney’s most famous beaches. This trail takes you through some of the city’s most beautiful coastal and harbour-side areas, including Watsons Bay, South Head, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, as well as loads of secluded coves and beaches. While you can complete this walk in sections, it’s real challenge for those looking to see the best of Sydney on foot. If you’re not too fussed about walking the entire thing, the trail is very well-connected by public transport, making it easy to hop on and off as you explore different segments.
Kirribilli to Observatory Hill over Harbour Bridge
Distance: 3 km (1.9 miles)
Time: >1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Ok so *technically* this is just the Harbour Bridge to Milsons point walk, but in reverse. And the reason why I’m still including it, is because I think the views are way better this way round – especially just before sunset! Start your walk in picturesque Kirribilli, heading towards the Sydney Harbour Bridge. As you walk the bridge from this direction, you can enjoy stunning views of the Opera House and the city skyline. Once on the other side, continue through The Rocks, a historic area with charming streets and heritage buildings. Your walk ends at Observatory Hill, a beautiful park offering panoramic views of Sydney Harbour. This is one of the best spots for a picnic and watching the sunset.
Tips for Urban Walking in Sydney
- Stay Hydrated: Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: Good walking shoes are essential for exploring the city comfortably.
- Sun Protection: The sun in Australia is STRONG! Even on cooler days, use sunscreen, wear a hat, and bring sunglasses to protect yourself.
- Public Transport: Utilise Sydney’s excellent public transport system, including buses, ferries, and trains, to access these trails easily.
- Explore Local Cafes: Many of these walks are near great cafes and restaurants, so take the opportunity to enjoy some local cuisine.
While these are some of the easily do-able walking trails close to the city, there really is no shortage of amazing things to see and explore in Sydney! Whether you want to explore the history of Sydney, or find hidden gems in the city – there are so many great guided walking tours you can do!
Leave a Reply