The Best Walks in Sydney, Australia

Jan 24

The beauty of visiting or living in Sydney Australia is the balance between it's bustling metropolis and the laid-back beach life that this city has to offer. Sydney Harbour is made up of 150 miles of natural bushland, picturesque beaches and pockets of gardens which are loved and enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. The city has plenty to offer it's visitors from Bondi Beach to the Harbour Bridge but there is nothing more enjoyable than walking the coastline with a coffee or tea, in hand as the ocean shimmers just next to you. Keep reading to find out the best and essential walks everyone should do when visiting Sydney, Australia.

**Bondi → Coggee**

Starting at the world-famous Bondi beach this is the most popular walk when visiting Sydney. This 6km trail from Bondi to Coogee will take around 2.5-3.5 hours one way depending on coffee breaks and photo stops as the trail runs along the coastline of the eastern suburbs. The views are continually stunning throughout as you pass through Sydney's classic beaches Bondi, Tamarama, Bronte and the smaller Clovelly beach which is next to my personal favourite Gordon's bay before arriving in Coogee. There is a clear man-made path from start to finish with a few steep areas as you make your way over some of the headlands but for the most part, it's an easy hike.
During my year living in Bondi, this was my go-to walk as I was lucky enough to have it on my doorstep. My favourite points have to be the view over Bronte from Bronte Drive and the jagged rocks at Tamarama point while Mackenzie’s lookout is the best spot to see whales, dolphins and seals during the winter months. On route, there are drinking fountains and toilets at each beach as well as coffee shops and small kiosks throughout. Slightly off track but well worth the detour is the vegetarian restaurant Pilgrims and Iggy's Pastries for the most freshly made croissants in the area.

This walk can be done in either direction but I would say there is a much bigger cafe and restaurant selection at Bondi so make sure to check out Bondi's best restaurants and cheap eats to find out the best spots. If ending in Coogee and looking for a spot to eat head to Coogee Pavillion. This building has the best views over the beach and is home to 4 different restaurants/bars depending on your budget and vibe.

Distance: 6km

Time: 2.5-3.5 Hours (One way)

Best Swim Spots: Bronte Pool + Gordons Bay

Best for: Sydney's most famous beaches and classic beach lifestyle

Don’t miss A Foodies Guide to the Best Restaurants & Cheap Eats in Bondi Beach, Australia & The Ultimate Guide to Sydney’s Bondi Beach, Australia

**Rose Bay → Watsons Bay**

Another route that starts in the Eastern suburbs but heads north is the Rose Bay to Watsons Bay trail which is 7.5km and hugs the coastline of Sydney Harbour. The route runs through one of Sydney's most affluent areas Vauclause and is well-maintained and secluded with a few areas that follow the pavement along quiet residential roads. The Hermitage Foreshore Reserve is nearer the start of the walk and has the best views over Sydney harbor with lots of quiet and grassy spots for picnics. This route is also home to two of Sydney's best non-touristy swim spots Shark Bay and Parsley Bay so pack a swimsuit and hang out with the locals. There are limited facilities along this trail with toilets and water fountains at Shark Bay and then when you reach the end at Watsons Bay Warf.

Watsons Bay Warf tends to be much busier as it's popular on the tourist ferry route. There are several food options such as Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, Bay Cafe and Seasoned but my personal favorite is Doyles on the Warf Takeaway which is perfect to have out on the grass in the sun. The trail does continue past the ferry point and goes right up to Hornby Lighthouse with the best harbor meets ocean views. This only adds 1.4km to the walk and will also take you to another one of Sydney's best and lesser-known beaches Lady Bay.

Distance: 7.5km (9km including Hornby Lighthouse)

Time: 2.5-3.5 Hours (One way)

Best Swim Spots: Shark Bay + Parsely Bay

Best for: Harbour Views, House Hunting + Local Life

Don’t miss The Best Secret Beaches in Sydney, Australia

**Spit → Manly**

Heading over to the north shore of Sydney now the Spit to Manly walk includes quiet paths, empty beaches and panoramic views of the harbour. Starting on the Spit bridge the beginning of the trail is marked and you can see some impressive houses and stunning yachts neatly tucked away in the bay. Around 10-15 minutes into the walk, The Sandy Bear cafe is a great spot to pick up a takeaway coffee but don't stay for too long as this 10km walk will take 3.5-4 hours in total.
The first 1/3 of the walk is close to the water and it's here that you will find the best swim spots with my personal favourite being around the Duke of Edinburgh Reserve. There are no changing facilities, car parks or toilets near the area which is what makes it so quiet but you just need to come prepared with a towel, your swimming cossie and plenty of water. Leave your hair to dry in the sun as the trail continues on to Dobroyd Heads. This stretch of the path has the best panoramic views of the harbor and is the perfect place to stop for lunch so bring a picnic to enjoy. Stick to the Dobroyd Lower Lookout path to stay on track and make sure to stop at Reef Bay for a view of Manly and the finish line.

The last 1/3 of the walk feels a little more residential as you pass yachts and houses facing the water but is equally as pretty if not a little busier. The two swim spots worth a stop off on this stretch are Fairlight and Delwood beach before finishing the trail at Manly Pier. Manly is a touristy spot so there are plenty of cafes, restaurants and fast food places to choose from all within a short walk of the high street.

Distance: 10km

Time: 3.5-4 Hours (One way)

Best Swim Spots: Duke of Edinburgh Reserve, Reef Bay, Fairlight and Delwood beach

Best for: Panoramic harbor view + quiet swim spots

**Manly Heads**

Starting at the gorgeous Shelly Beach this 10km walk will take around 3 hours and is best done during the winter months to increase your chances of spotting whales. The start is a signposted manmade path on a soft incline as you walk through bushland towards Old Quarry Swamp. After beautiful natural greenery, the trail leads through Barracks Precinct which is a series of deco buildings that was used during both world wars and is now The Army School of Artillery. Follow signs to the Fairfax lookout while passing the gun emplacements and memorial walk which have been created to educate visitors on the Australian involvement in both world wars and are used as a space of reflection for those who lost their lives.

The Fairfax lookout has to be the most beautiful spot on this trail with views across the harbor and Hornby Lighthouse. During the winter this is also where you can see whales on their migration to warmer climates. This section of the walk is a small circuit and has Bella Vista Café nearby if you fancy a break. Once complete you can either trace your footsteps and head back along the path to Shelly Beach or follow signs to Little Manly Beach bypassing Collins Beach before ending at the Manly pier to take a boat home.

Distance: 10km

Time: 3 Hours (One way)

Best Swim Spots: Shelly Beach + Collins Beach

Best for: History Lovers + Whale Spotting