Sydney, Australia is a vibrant city that offers a unique blend of urban charm and natural beauty. After years of world travel, I still believe it’s the world’s most beautiful city in terms of its natural setting. With its stunning harbour and iconic landmarks, it is an ideal destination for travellers who love culture and nature in equal measure. So, pull on some comfy walking shoes and let’s look at some of the best Sydney walks and Harbourside hikes.
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Why explore Sydney on foot?
There are many reasons to explore Sydney on foot. In addition to its natural beauty, Sydney boasts walkable weather year-round. The outdoorsy lifestyle of many Sydneysiders means that urban footpaths (sidewalks for our North American friends) are everywhere, greenspaces are abundant and there are a plethora of hiking trails.
Sydney’s compact layout makes it easy to navigate on foot, allowing you to immerse yourself in its vibrant inner city and discover local gems along the way. From the historic streets of The Rocks to the bustling waterfront at Darling Harbour or the serenity of the Botanical Gardens. A safe and efficient public transport network, makes it easy to get further afield. You can reach many great bush walks with stunning Harbour perspectives via the ferry system. Trains and buses will take you to hiking tracks with coastal vistas and sandy beaches.
Best Sydney Harbour hikes
Sydney Harbour is a treasure trove of hiking trails that offer breathtaking views. The Harbour, which is a drowned river estuary, has over 240-km (150-mi) of shoreline. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, these top-rated hikes are not to be missed. Lace up your hiking boots, grab your camera, and get ready to explore! The best Sydney Harbour hikes are listed below from shortest to longest.
Milson’s Point to Lavender Bay (with Wendy Whitely’s Secret Garden) walk
This is a short and easy Sydney walk is about 2.5-km (1.5-mi) return. You can access Milson’s Point via train or ferry, then walk along the foreshore taking in the beaming entrance of Luna Park and North Sydney Olympic Pool (under construction until mid-2024). Along the path, look out for small sculptures of some of Australia’s most beloved characters from local pop culture including Bib and Bub, Ginger Meggs, the Magic Pudding, Felix the Cat and Blinky Bill.
A set of stairs will take you up the slope to Wendy Whitely’s Secret Garden. The garden was initiated by local resident Wendy Whitely. In the depths of grief following her husband’s death, Wendy began to clean up the abandoned, overgrown railroad next to her house. Enjoy this enchanting, public green space is is now maintained largely by volunteers. Return the way you came or via the streets behind the garden.
Local’s tip: If you’re walking on the weekend, time your visit with the Kirribilli Markets.
Cremorne Point Loop Walk
Cremorne Point provides a short 3.3-km (2-mi) Sydney Harbour walk that takes you on an easy and scenic circuit with a couple of optional detours. From the city, take the ferry to Cremorne Point Wharf to start. Alight the ferry at Cremorne Point Wharf and go up the stairs to start your walk. Close to the starting point you’ll find public toilets, a children’s playground and picnic tables. Wander the short distance to Robertsons Point Lighthouse. Then double back and start your walk up the eastern side of the peninsula following the Cremorne Reserve Pathway.
You’ll enjoy excellent examples of Federation Arts and Crafts architecture on your left, and Mossman Bay views on your right. Look out for the Lex and Ruby Graham Gardens which make a great detour down to the shoreline. You’ll need to use the streets at the northern end to go between Hunts Lookout and Cremorne Reserve (or vice versa). Then continue back down the western side of Cremorne Reserve to return to the ferry. Take your swimsuit if you want to enjoy a dip at McCallum Rockpool.
Balls Head to Lavender Bay trail
Balls Head feels like it’s a million miles from the city, until you pop your head out of the bush and the Sydney skyline is right there. Take the train to Waverton Train Station where you’ll start your 4.5-km (2.8-mi) walk to McMahons Point Wharf. Visit the Coal Loader first. This unique community space hosts a number of events from markets to yoga. The facility promotes sustainability with various educational programs ranging from indigenous knowledge to technology and innovation. It’s a cool facility established on an ex-industrial site.
Continue on to Balls Head Reserve. The Sydney Red Gums really standout in the bushland. There are a couple trails and lookouts with vistas extending across the Harbour. After a lap of the headland Reserve, make your way to Berrys Bay Lookout. Skirt Berry Bay through Sawmillers Reserve onto Blues Point with a mixture of trails and street walking. Finish up looking out with some of the most direct views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach hike
This 7.2-km (4.5-mi) one-way trail begins at Taronga Zoo and winds its way through Sydney Harbour National Park to Balmoral Beach. As you walk, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the harbor, encounter native wildlife, and pass by picturesque beaches. There are also remnants of WWII military history along the trail.
This relatively easy hike takes about 2-3 hours to finish and is best enjoyed on weekdays to avoid crowds. Take a ferry to Taronga Zoo Wharf to start your hike. Take a 30-minute bus ride back to the city at the end. Alternatively, extend your walk another 3-km (1.8-mi) by walking back to Mossman Bay Wharf and returning via ferry.
Rose Bay to Watsons Bay trail
Take a 7.5-km (4.6-mi) wander from Rose Bay Wharf up to Watsons Bay. The path is a combination of walking trails, boardwalk and street walking (footpaths). Hug the Harbour shoreline for distant city views and quiet beaches. There’s plenty of places to stop for a picnic too.
Highlights include the Hermitage Foreshore Walk, Neilson Park, Greycliff House and Parsley Bay Suspension Bridge. Since this walk looks west, it’s a great end of day wander for sunset watching. Grab a seafood dinner at Doyles on the Wharf before jumping on the ferry back to town.
Note: If you are hiking late in the day, be sure to check the ferry schedule in advance. Ferries from Watsons Bay stop relatively early in the day, and you might need to take the privately-owned ferry service instead. This will require a separate payment (you cannot use your Opal card)—credit cards are accepted.
Spit Bridge to Manly hike
This 10-km (6.2-mi) trail starts at the Spit Bridge and takes you to the popular beach suburb of Manly. Along the way, you’ll be treated to secluded beaches, ancient indigenous sites, open bushland and finally, ocean views. From the gorgeous sandstone coves of Sydney Harbour, you’ll cross through elevated scrubland with impressive grass trees and gorgeous native flowers. Spot the 1920s fishermans’ shacks from the lookout over Crater Cove before you descend down to water level. Finish the walk by skirting lovely beaches to Manly Wharf. From there, it’s a short walk across the isthmus to arrive on Manly Beach.
This Grade 3 hike takes around 3-4 hours to complete and is best enjoyed during spring or autumn when the weather is mild. It’s about a 40-min bus ride from the city (depending on traffic), out to Spit Bridge and you can take the express Manly ferry back to the city at the end. Technically you could do this hike in either direction. However, there are more options for food, transport and swimming at the end of you hike if you finish in Manly.
Wulugul Walk
The complete Wulugul Walk takes in 14-km (8.6-mi) of Sydney’s foreshore from Woolloomooloo to ANZAC Bridge. It’s an easy, paved walk with little elevation gain. The route is easily accessible by public transport at various points, so you can pick and choose which section you want to cover.
I like the section from Barangaroo Wharf 1 to Hickson Road Reserve. The 3.5-km (2.2-mi) stretch takes in Barangaroo Reserve, Walsh Bay, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, with views to the Opera House—all in less than an hour’s walk. Continue to Circular Quay for ferries and trains.
Another great segment of the Wulugul Walk is Circular Quay to Finger Wharf in Woolloomooloo. This is another 3.5-km (2.2-mi) section that takes less than an hour. You’ll pass the foot of the Sydney Opera House, skirt the Royal Botanic Garden and enjoy Harbour views from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair.
The paved path makes Wulugul an easy Sydney walk, although it can be busy. Sunset is a great time to take in the west-facing views from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. Otherwise try to go in the early morning before the city wakes up.
Top tips for walking in Sydney
- Wear comfortable and supportive walking shoes. If you’re bush walking or taking a coastal trail, it is best to wear covered shoes. Our snakes and spiders are for real!
- Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses are essential. Unfortunately, Australia has the one of the world’s highest rates of skin cancer. Like our wildlife, our sun is no joke.
- Check the weather. Sydney has a humid, sub-tropical climate. It doesn’t experience a dry season, so rain can be expected in any month and humidity is variable but constant. Do not hike in a thunderstorm—lightening and high winds are normal components of an Australian storm.
- Hydrate! Don’t forget your water bottle.
- Insect repellent is another must-have, especially if there has been recent rain.
- In the summer, plan to walk early or late, before or after the heat hits. Mornings are much quieter, especially if you’re in an urban setting. You’ll find many locals get up early, walk in the morning and then grab a coffee or breakfast (Australian coffee is the best—it will spoil you for life).
Enjoy these Sydney walks and for more to do in and see these best things to do in Sydney for international visitors.
Peace, love & inspiring travel,
Madam ZoZo
