5 Best Walks to Take in Sydney

With more than 150 miles of inner harbor shoreline and countless ocean beaches, Sydney is a walker’s paradise with amazing views from all angles. The city was developed with a focus on public coastal access, allowing locals and visitors alike to take advantage of the beautiful sights. Although there are seemingly endless walks around Sydney and in the nearby national parks, my personal favorites are easy to get to from downtown (The CBD in Aussie lingo,) a perfect home base for a short visit.

These are the 5 best Sydney walks to take in some of what the city has to offer and make sure you want to visit again and again.

Barangaroo to Sydney Opera House Walk

• Distance: 2.5mi / 4.1km

• Difficulty: Easy — flat paved pathway

• Overview: Start at the Barangaroo House and walk towards the Sydney Harbor Bridge along the water, passing by the Barangaroo South dining district, Crown Casino, and Barangaroo Reserve foreshore park. Take in a view of the bridge from the less commonly seen backside before rounding the corner into The Rocks and seeing the Harbor Bridge in all its glory. From there, continue onwards through the hustle and bustle of the Circular Quay ferry terminals before arriving at the famous Opera House. For those looking for some extra mileage, keep walking toward the Royal Botanic Garden.

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

• Distance: 4.2mi / 6.7km

• Difficulty: Easy/Moderate — paved pathway with a few stairs and hills

• Overview: Start at North Bondi Fish to experience all of Bondi Beach and take in the surfers, beachgoers and famous TV-show lifeguards. Head past Bondi Icebergs Pool (paid entry to swim) on your way to Tamarama Beach before arriving at Bronte Beach for a quick dip in the ocean pool. Continue onwards to the Waverley Cemetery lookout before passing through Clovelly Beach and finally arrive at Coogee Beach. If the coastal beauty keeps you energized, the trail continues onwards with the next major beach being Maroubra (2.8mi further.)

Watsons Bay to Diamond Bay Walk via Hornby Lighthouse

• Distance: 4mi / 6.4km

• Difficulty: Easy/Moderate — mostly paved pathway with a few stairs and hills

• Overview: Start at the Watsons Bay ferry terminal, an easy trip from Circular Quay. Head north to Green Point Reserve for an amazing view of the harbor with the downtown skyline in the distance. Continue onwards across Camp Cove Beach to pick up the South Head Heritage Trail. Once on the trail, you will pass by Lady Bay Beach (caution potential nudists,) the Lightkeeper’s Cottages and the Hornby Lighthouse at the mouth of the Sydney Harbor. Take in the view of raw ocean power slamming into the rocks below before doubling back towards The Gap Lookout National Park. From there, walk beside the ocean cliffs southward through Vaucluse finishing at Diamond Bay Reserve

Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Walk

• Distance: 4.3mi / 7km

• Difficulty: Easy/Moderate — a combination of paved pathways and dirt trails with a few stairs and hills

• Overview: Start at the Taronga Zoo ferry wharf, a direct ferry from Circular Quay and set off towards the Bradleys Head Lighthouse and HMAS Sydney Memorial. The view of downtown and the Sydney Harbor Bridge is quite striking from here. Continue onwards past Taylors Bay and Chowder Bay to Georges Head Lookout where you will find a trail through Headland Park. When the trail crosses Middle Head Rd, keep going to Balmoral Park where you will walk across and finally reach Balmoral Beach. The beach is filled with swimming areas, cafes and restaurants.

Manly to Spit Bridge Walk

• Distance: 6.2mi / 10km

• Difficulty: Moderate — a combination of paved pathway, dirt trail, and beach

• Overview: Start at the Manly ferry terminal, a direct trip from Circular Quay and head west towards Federation Point to join the Fairlight walking trail. This will take you past the Fairlight Tidal Pool and Manly Boat Shed. The trail will change its name to the North Harbor Walk which l runs by Forty Baskets Beach and through the Dobroyd Headland. The headland is filled with amazing lookouts and untouched natural beauty. The final leg of the walk passes by Castle Rock Beach and Sandy Bay before reaching the Spit Bridge.

Barangaroo to Sydney Opera House Walk

CIRQ at the Crown Casino for rooftop cocktails, The Squire’s Landing for brews and bites, and the Opera Bar for iconic views.

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

Bondi Icebergs Club for cheap eats with ocean views, Iggy’s Pastries (minor detour) for famous croissants and Coogee Pavilion for trendy vibes at multiple venues

Watsons Bay to Diamond Bay Walk via Hornby Lighthouse

Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel for live music with harbor views, Dunbar House for high tea Friday through Sunday and The Grumpy Baker for a famous Aussie pie.

Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Walk

Ripples Chowder Bay for fancy fare on the water, The Boathouse Balmoral Beach for a laidback brunch, and Bathers’ Pavilion for upscale dining by the beach.

Manly to Spit Bridge Walk

Hugos Manly for fresh seafood by the water, Manly Pavilion for happy hour with a view and Afous Moroccan and Spanish Tapas (open Saturday and Sunday) for BYO lunch.