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. 

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

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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

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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

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

If you are short on time then the Bondi to Coogee walk has to be a classic and offers the best mix of beaches, coffee shops and the buzz of local life while Manly Heads is ideal for those interested in history and a quieter stroll. Depending on if you are staying on the Southern or Northern shore Spit to Manly and Rose Bay to Watsons Bay offer incredible views and swim spots of the Harbour. During my year living in Sydney, I walked these routes dozens of times come rain or shine and I can promise they never get old.