These Sydney Coastal Walks will take your breath away. From famous Sydney beach walks, such as the Coogee Bondi walk, to lesser-known gems on the Northern Beaches, these footpaths will take you to some of the most beautiful spots in the city. The options are endless, whether you’re after a short Sydney trek or a full-day walk. From the harbour to the clifftop, bush and beyond, here are among my favourites!
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When I arrived in Australia, I moved to Sydney due to its ease of public transport, and many of these coast walks are available by bus or train.
With its pristine beaches, stunning cliff walks and abundance of sea and harbour views, Sydney makes it hard to choose where to go first! With that said, let’s look at the best Sydney coast walks.
The Best Sydney Coastal Walks
HENRY HEAD WALKING TRACK (LA PEROUSE)
Out of all the Sydney coastal walks I’ve listed, I think this one was the quietest. Although it’s close to the city, it’s not very well-known.
Start at La Perouse car park, which is conveniently located where the bus will drop you off if you’re taking public transport. From here, follow the signs to the Henry Head Walking Track.
The first stops on the walk are Congwong Beach and Little Congwong Beaches, then onto stunning headland and ocean views and past the white lighthouse. NSFW: Just watch out penises at Congwong Beach. Erm, nope, I’m not joking. It’s a nudist beach. Surprise!
HOW LONG IS THE HENRY HEAD WALKING TRACK?
This 4km return walk will take around an hour.
HOW TO GET TO THE HENRY HEAD WALKING TRACK
Catch the L94 bus from Museum Station to La Perouse, which takes 36 minutes. Take the same bus back to Sydney.
Congwong Beach and the walking track on the Henry Head.
MANLY TO SPIT BRIDGE COASTAL WALK
With too many beautiful beaches along this walk to count and extensive harbour views, Manly to Spit Bridge might just be the most scenic walk in Sydney (and my favourite).
Plus, it’s the only walk on this list that passes Aboriginal sites along the way – be sure to check out the rock engravings at Grotto Point, which depict traditional life, such as kangaroos and hunting from over 1000 years ago.
The photos below were taken overlooking Clontarf Beach and the ferry from Manly to Sydney Harbour.
HOW TO GET TO THE MANLY TO SPIT BRIDGE WALK
From Wynyard Station, catch the 178 bus to Spit West Reserve (25 minutes).
Catch the ferry from Manly Wharf to Circular Quay from Manly to Sydney.
HOW LONG IS IT?
The Spit Bridge to Manly walk is 10km. It takes most hikers will around 3hr 45 minutes to complete.
OTHER COASTAL WALKS IN MANLY:
North Head Loop is a 10km loop that takes around 3 hours. It’s a fairly easy walk past historical sights such as army barracks and an old quarantine station across a stunning headland.
Manly to Mona Vale (via Long Reef) is a stunning 16-23km walk (route dependent) along the Northern Beaches.
Manly to Shelly Beach Walk is a short walk at 1.3km – or head just a little further to the Shelly Headland lookout. A nice walk combined with a beach day whilst checking out some of Manly’s cute cafes and snorkelling at Shelly Beach is the perfect way to cool off in Sydney in Summer.
CRONULLA BEACH WALK
Following the shoreline of the Cronulla peninsula, this gentle walk is a picturesque way to take in Sydney’s southern beaches and ocean rock pools. Enjoy watching the surfers take on the waves on your way around.
The Cronulla ocean pool is one of many in Sydney. In fact, with 35 ocean pools, Sydney has more than any other city in the world! Cape Town takes second place with 19 pools.
HOW TO GET TO CRONULLA BEACH WALK
The train from Central Station to Cronulla takes 50 minutes, followed by a walk to the beginning of the official beach walk.
HOW LONG IS THE CRONULLA BEACH WALK?
6km. Allowing for stops, the Cronulla Beach Walk should take around 2 hours.
BOTANY BAY COASTAL WALK
An alternative hike near Cronulla is the Botany Bay Coastal Walk. This track skirts around the cliffs from Kurnell to the Boat Harbour Aquatic Reserve before finishing at Cronulla. This 12.7km walk passes some beautiful scenery along the way, including the Cape Baily Lighthouse and nearby Cape Solander lookout, both in Sydney’s Kamay Botany Bay National Park.
BARRENJOEY LIGHTHOUSE TO PALM BEACH WALK
If there was one beach view I think many of us would choose as the ‘best in Sydney’, it would be Palm Beach! From Barrenjoey Lighthouse, there is a stunning 360 view over the small peninsula – as you can see in my photos below, which makes it one of the best sunset spots in Sydney, perhaps even New South Wales.
HOW TO GET TO BARRENJOEY LIGHTHOUSE
One of the tricky transport options on this list, Palm Beach is more a day trip than just a coastal walk. It will take at least 2 buses from the centre of Sydney, so it’s best to check google maps to see the most accessible route from where you live.
The complete drive from Sydney to Palm Beach will take around 2 hours, if not longer.
The actual walk starts from Governor Phillip Park car park – so super convenient if you’re coming by car.
HOW LONG IS THE BARRENJOEY LIGHTHOUSE TO PALM BEACH WALK?
The Barrenjoey Lighthouse to Palm Beach Walk is 3km return.
There are two walking tracks to choose from that lead from the car park to the viewing area at the lighthouse. Both tracks are relatively steep but should only take 30 minutes each way. The Smugglers Track is the steepest of the two options but also has slightly better views.
TARONGA ZOO WHARF TO BALMORAL BEACH WALK
Arguably the walk with the best harbour views and within easy reach of central Sydney, this walk is an excellent introduction to Sydney.
My highlight was Chowder Bay, an absolutely gorgeous coastal area and the perfect place to stop with a cool drink and take in the view.
HOW TO GET TO TARONGA BAY AND BALMORAL BEACH
The ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo Wharf takes only 15 minutes.
On the way back, you can walk fifteen minutes to a direct bus back to Sydney (the 230 or M30 – or simply catch the 238 bus from Balmoral Beach to Taronga Zoo Wharf and catch the ferry again.
HOW LONG IS THE TARANGA ZOO WHARF TO BALMORAL BEACH WALK
This easy 6.5km walk should take 2-3 hours.
BONDI TO COOGEE BEACH WALK
Sydney’s most iconic trail is a must-do for most visitors to the city, hitting many of Sydney’s most famous beaches and photogenic Bondi Icebergs.
Each of the beaches – Bondi, Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly and Coogee – is worth a stop in its own right and gives an insight into Aussie city life for those of us from a colder climate. (Well, sort of… I heard a LOT of British accents on this walk). The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk was also selected as one of the best things to do in Sydney on my list of activities chosen by locals!
If you’ve not spent long in Australia, the reddish cliff rocks juxtaposed against the deep blue sea will be particularly striking.
HOW TO GET THERE TO THE BONDI TO COOGEE BEACH WALK
It takes around 50 minutes to reach Bondi Beach from Sydney, depending on where you live. For example, you can catch the 333 bus from Museum Station, which takes 30 minutes. There are various bus routes, but the bus back from Coogee Beach to Museum Station also takes 30 minutes.
Parking areas can fill up quickly at popular times.
HOW LONG IS THE BONDI TO COOGEE WALK?
The Bondi to Coogee track is 6km long and takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete..
MORE COASTAL WALKS IN BONDI
To extend your walk, add the Maroubra to Coogee Walk. This stunning section of the coastline offers just as beautiful views but with fewer crowds. This is a 5km trail and should take around 90 minutes to complete.
Alternatively, if you’re short on time, split the time in half by doing just the Bondi to Bronte Beach Walk (2.5km) or Bronte to Coogee Walk (3.5km).
You can also walk all the way from Bondi to Manly! Although this 80km walk is not one to tackle in one day and is really made of many short trails – many of which are included in this list.
ROSE BAY TO WATSONS BAY WALK
Even closer to the Sydney centre than the Coogee Walk to Bondi, it’s a surprise that this isn’t the most well-known coastal walk in the city!
Unlike the above, it’s got near-constant views of the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. The boardwalks are beautifully maintained, and the final views at Watsons Bay (and its candy cane-striped lighthouse!) make it one to remember. It’s no surprise that Rose Bay is a popular spot for kayaking in Sydney, too.
HOW TO GET TO ROSE BAY AND WATSON’S BAY
Catch the 324 or 325 bus to Rose Bay from Town Hall Station.
Coming back from Watsons Bay is an excellent excuse to catch the ferry back to Sydney Harbour! The same bus (324/325) will take around 50 minutes. However, the ferry from Watsons Bay to Circular Quay takes 20 minutes.
HOW LONG IS THE ROSE BAY TO WATSONS BAY WALK
This 8km walk will take 3-4 hours to complete, depending on how many stops you take. Alternatively, it is a 10km walk to Watsons Bay lighthouse, which I would recommend. It took me 3 hours in total, including a stop for lunch.
OTHER COASTAL WALKS NEAR ROSE BAY & WATSONS BAY
As the name suggests, the Federation Cliff Walk is a clifftop walk that stretches 5km from Raleigh Reserve to Watsons Bay. From the 80m tall sandstone cliffs, you’ll have amazing views over the Pacific Ocean and Sydney Harbour. Be sure to stop at Macquarie Lighthouse along the way, undoubtedly one of the most photogenic places in Sydney.
Want a shorter walk? The Rose Bay Hermitage Foreshore Walk still has some of the best beach views and is only 1.8km long. Here are photos of the boardwalks, which consistently have views of the harbour to your left and the Parsley Bay suspension bridge. It shows you don’t need to walk far to enjoy one of the best beach walks; Sydney has you covered.
There are also many cute brunch spots and cafes nearby Double Bay. Or, for a real foodie experience, just go on a Sydney food walking tour instead.
CURL CURL BEACH TO DEE WHY TRAIL
An unexpected favourite on my list of Sydney coastal walks is Curl Curl Beach to Dee Why. If you’re a tourist or backpacker, it’s a chance to see a beautiful part of Sydney that most visitors miss. This might be top of my list in terms of wild, less populated pure coastal views. It really felt like getting out of the city!
HOW TO GET TO THE CURL CURL BEACH TO DEE WHY WALK
Whilst Northern Beach walks are perfect for anyone living in Manly (it’s a short bus ride from Manly to Curl Curl Beach or Dee Why).
If you’re coming from Sydney centre, head to Wynyard Station. Catch the B1 bus towards Mona Vale. You will have to change and get the 136 or 139 bus, but where you change depends on the time you’re catching your bus, so check google maps for an exact route when you leave. It should take around 70 minutes in total.
There is a direct bus from Dee Why to Sydney! Catch the B1 or 178 from Dee Why to Wynyard to Station.
HOW LONG IS THE CURL CURL BEACH TO DEE WHY TRAIL?
The Curl Curl Beach to Dee Why track is approximately 4km.
ALTERNATIVE SYDNEY COASTAL WALKS ON THE NORTHERN BEACHES
Continue walking from Dee Why to Narrabeen to extend the above walk. This is what I did. It’s great if you want to finish your walk at the sandy Narrabeen Beach, but otherwise is less scenic than the Curl Curl to Dee Why section.
A shorter walk from Curl Curl Beach to Freshwater Beach is a shorter 2km walk and another beautiful way to take in the beautiful Sydney North Beaches.
HIKING IN SYDNEY ROYAL NATIONAL PARK
There are quite a few routes in Sydney National Park. Two of the most famous are Bundeena to Otford Coastal Park and Eagle Head Rock to Curracurrong Falls.
On the Eagle Head Rock walk, your first sight of interest will be Providential Point lookout, just a few hundred metres in, but the whole walk looks incredible. And, of course, finishing up at the falls themselves is a highlight.
If you’ve got time for a challenge, the 26km Bundeena to Otford walk is the right fit! On the way, you will see the iconic Wedding Cake Rock, the pretty Wattamolla picnic area (from where you can also get to Providential Point lookout) and the Figure 8 Pools.
Be very careful if you choose to do the Figure 8 Pools walk – the pools are NOT safe to swim in, and many people get injuries as the waves drag you across the rocks.
HOW TO GET TO SYDNEY NATIONAL PARK
Sydney to Bundeena: Take the 50-minute train from Sydney Central to Cronulla, then catch a 30-minute ferry from Cronulla Wharf to Bundeena Wharf.
Otford to Sydney: Take the 50-minute train from Otford station to Sydney Central.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO HIKE IN SYDNEY NATIONAL PARK
Bundeena to Otford Coastal Park – 8km return, 3 hours
Eagle Head Rock to Curracurrong Falls – 26km, 1-2 days (the track is difficult in sections). Start early and equip yourself correctly if you want to complete it in one day.
OTHER AREAS OF INTEREST FOR SYDNEY HIKERS:
SYDNEY HARBOUR WALK
Are you looking for the most effortless coastal walk possible that doesn’t skimp on sights? Suppose you’re a tourist with little time in the city. In that case, you can walk from the historical The Rocks region, past the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, through the Botanic Gardens and finish up at this gorgeous view at Mrs Macquaries Chair.
KU-RING-GAI CHASE NATIONAL PARK
Unfortunately, a nightmare to get to on public transport but only a short drive from Sydney by car, Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park is home to many bushwalks. It’s a perfect Sydney day trip if you’ve got the time to see a lesser-explored part of the city. See the National Parks website for more details.
If you have time, head further North towards the Central Coast; the Bouddi coastal walk is another popular hike. At 8km, it’s famous for being one of the most beautiful trails in the area. Lookout for whales from Gerrin Point Lookout and relax at the many beautiful beaches along the way.
THE BLUE MOUNTAINS
I confess…The Blue Mountains are inland and thus not a location for ocean views! Expect sweeping vistas and valleys instead – it’s still worth mentioning to hiking enthusiasts in Sydney. The Blue Mountains is the most popular day trip from Sydney and is accessible via a direct train to Katoomba. In terms of hikes, there are numerous long and short hikes to do in the area, ranging from a 30-minute walk to the Wentworth Falls lookout, to a 2-day walk along the 6-foot track.
TIPS FOR HIKING IN SYDNEY
Remember to take plenty of sunscreen, comfortable clothes, a cap, and a reusable water bottle. Check out this day hike packing list for more tips.
Most of the trails are relatively straightforward, with well-maintained pathways, though occasional steep sections exist. Within the city, walking sandals or sneakers will do just fine. If you’re heading further afield, for example, to the Royal National Park or even just the North Head Sanctuary in Manly, you may prefer sturdier footwear.
As a solo traveller, I can confirm it’s very safe to hike alone in Sydney! If you’re not familiar with the area, just avoid walking in the dark – for example, if exploring after sunset.
Woww, honestly. You had me with that first picture of Congwong Beach!! I never thought about walks near the coast as an “attraction,” but now I think thats what im most looking forward to when I visit Sydney!
So sad our trip had to be cancelled but I have no doubts we will make it here in the future. Thanks for sharing this awesome list of things to do!
What a comprehensive guide. I like how you organized it. Definitely will be on my list when I visit
Beautiful Photos!
I’ve heard so much about Bondi beach and seen it a lot on IG too. Def going to go there, the sunset always look so amazing at that beach!