The 9 Best Walks & Hikes in Sydney (2026)

Updated November 2026 · 9 picks

The best walks in Sydney in 2026 are the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk for beaches and ocean pools, the Spit to Manly walk for harbour bush, the Hermitage Foreshore Track for Opera House views, the South Head Heritage Trail at Watsons Bay, and a walk across the Harbour Bridge.

Sydney's best walks follow the coast and the harbour, and many link with ferries, so you can walk one way and sail back. Most are free and well signposted. Carry water and sunscreen, as shade is patchy on the coastal paths, and start early in summer. For a swim along the way, see our best Sydney beaches.

1. Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk — Eastern Suburbs

Sydney's classic cliff-top walk, linking five beaches.

The Bondi to Coogee walk runs about 6 km along the cliffs, passing Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly and Gordons Bay, with ocean pools and cafés all along. It has some stairs but is well paved.

Start at Bondi Icebergs early in the morning and finish with a swim at Coogee. In spring, look out for whales offshore.

Good to know: Walk south from Bondi to keep the sun behind you in the morning.

Notts Ave, Bondi Beach NSW 2026

Google Maps

2. Spit Bridge to Manly Walk — Northern Beaches

A bushland harbour walk that ends with a ferry back to the city.

The Spit to Manly walk follows the harbour shoreline for about 10 km, through bushland, past quiet beaches and Aboriginal rock engravings, with views out to North Head.

Allow three to four hours. Bring a swimsuit and take the ferry from Manly back to Circular Quay.

Good to know: Start at the Spit Bridge, so you finish in Manly for lunch and the ferry.

Spit Bridge, Spit Rd, Mosman NSW 2088

Google Maps

3. Hermitage Foreshore Track — Vaucluse

A short harbour walk with views of the Opera House and the bridge.

The Hermitage Foreshore Track runs along the harbour edge in Vaucluse, past small beaches and through bush, with views back to the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. It is short and easy.

Combine it with a swim at Nielsen Park and a picnic.

Good to know: Bring a picnic for one of the small beaches along the way.

Bayview Hill Rd, Vaucluse NSW 2030

Google Maps Website

4. South Head Heritage Trail — Watsons Bay

A short clifftop walk to the red-and-white Hornby Lighthouse.

The South Head Heritage Trail starts near Camp Cove in Watsons Bay and loops to Hornby Lighthouse at the tip of South Head, with views of the Heads and the open ocean.

Walk it after a ferry from Circular Quay, then have fish and chips at Watsons Bay.

Good to know: Take the ferry to Watsons Bay for the best start.

Cliff St, Watsons Bay NSW 2030

Google Maps Website

5. Royal Botanic Garden to Mrs Macquarie's Chair — Sydney CBD

A flat harbour-side walk to the classic Opera House and bridge view.

From the Opera House, follow the harbour path around Farm Cove through the Royal Botanic Garden to Mrs Macquarie's Chair, a sandstone seat with the best view of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge together.

It is flat and free, about 2 km each way. Go at sunrise or sunset for photographs.

Good to know: Return through the inside of the garden to see its plant collections.

Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney NSW 2000

Google Maps Website

6. Sydney Harbour Bridge walk — The Rocks

A free walk across the bridge, or a guided climb over the arch.

$ Budget

The Harbour Bridge's eastern footway is free to walk, with views of the Opera House and the harbour. BridgeClimb runs guided climbs over the top of the arch for a fee.

Walk north from The Rocks to Milsons Point and take the ferry or train back.

Good to know: Climb the Pylon Lookout in the southeast pylon for a view without the BridgeClimb price.

Cumberland St, The Rocks NSW 2000

Google Maps Website

7. Fairfax Walk, North Head — Manly

A short loop to dramatic cliff-top lookouts at North Head.

The Fairfax Walk is a short loop on North Head, above Manly, leading to lookouts over the harbour entrance, South Head and the city skyline.

Combine it with a day in Manly. It is easy and suits families.

Good to know: Go at sunset for the city skyline glowing in the distance.

North Head Scenic Dr, Manly NSW 2095

Google Maps Website

8. The Coast Track, Royal National Park — Royal National Park

A two-day coastal hike along sea cliffs south of Sydney.

The Coast Track runs about 26 km from Bundeena to Otford through Royal National Park, along sea cliffs, heath and beaches. Walk it over two days with a campsite booking, or do a section as a day walk.

It suits experienced walkers. Check track conditions and fire bans before you go.

Good to know: Take the ferry from Cronulla to Bundeena to start the walk.

Bundeena NSW 2230

Google Maps Website

9. Cremorne Point walk — Lower North Shore

A gentle harbour walk with views of the city from the north.

The Cremorne Point walk loops the point from the ferry wharf, with views across the harbour to the Opera House, the bridge and the city skyline.

It suits an easy morning walk combined with a ferry ride. There is a harbour pool at the point.

Good to know: Take the ferry from Circular Quay to Cremorne Point to start.

Cremorne Point Wharf, Milson Rd, Cremorne Point NSW 2090

Google Maps

Frequently asked questions

What is the most famous walk in Sydney?

The Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, about 6 km of cliff-top path linking Bondi, Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly and Coogee. It takes two to three hours with stops.

How long is the Spit to Manly walk?

About 10 km, usually taking three to four hours. It follows the harbour through bushland and past beaches, and you can take the ferry from Manly back to Circular Quay.

Can you walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge?

Yes, free, on the eastern pedestrian footway, reached by stairs from Cumberland Street in The Rocks or from Milsons Point. BridgeClimb runs paid guided climbs over the arch.

Where can I walk for Opera House views?

The Royal Botanic Garden path to Mrs Macquarie's Chair, the Hermitage Foreshore Track in Vaucluse and the Harbour Bridge footway all give classic views of the Opera House and the bridge.

Is there a multi-day walk near Sydney?

Yes. The Coast Track in Royal National Park runs about 26 km from Bundeena to Otford along sea cliffs and beaches, usually walked over two days. Walk a section in a day if you prefer.

1. Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk — Eastern Suburbs

2. Spit Bridge to Manly Walk — Northern Beaches

3. Hermitage Foreshore Track — Vaucluse

4. South Head Heritage Trail — Watsons Bay

5. Royal Botanic Garden to Mrs Macquarie's Chair — Sydney CBD

6. Sydney Harbour Bridge walk — The Rocks

7. Fairfax Walk, North Head — Manly

8. The Coast Track, Royal National Park — Royal National Park

9. Cremorne Point walk — Lower North Shore

Frequently asked questions

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