Sydney is not just a city of iconic beaches and vibrant urban life—it’s also surrounded by lush forests, national parks, and beautiful coastal landscapes that offer some of the best hiking opportunities in Australia. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker looking for a challenge or a beginner wanting to take in stunning views without breaking too much of a sweat, there’s a perfect trail for everyone. From easy coastal walks to more rugged bush treks, here’s a guide to the best hiking trails around Sydney, catering to every fitness level.

Easy Hikes for Beginners

1. Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

• Distance: 6 km (1.5-2 hours)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Best For: First-time hikers, families, and those looking for a beautiful coastal walk.

This iconic walk along Sydney’s eastern suburbs takes you along clifftops, past golden beaches, and through lush parks. Starting at Bondi Beach, you’ll pass through Tamarama, Brontë, Clovelly, and Coogee Beach, each offering its own charm. The path is well-maintained, mostly flat, and perfect for a relaxed day out. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, and you can stop for a swim or picnic at one of the many beaches.

2. Barangaroo Reserve Walk

• Distance: 1.2 km (30 minutes)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Best For: Urban explorers and history buffs.

Located in the heart of Sydney’s Barangaroo district, this short walk offers spectacular views of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge. The track is easy and flat, making it ideal for those who are new to hiking or simply want a leisurely walk with a stunning view. Along the way, you’ll also find historical markers that highlight the area’s Indigenous heritage.

3. Royal Botanic Garden and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair

• Distance: 2 km (45 minutes)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Best For: A short, scenic city escape.

The Royal Botanic Garden offers a relaxing escape from the city without having to venture far. Start at the Opera House, meander through the gardens, and make your way to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, a famous sandstone seat that offers one of the best panoramic views of Sydney Harbour. The walk is flat, well-maintained, and suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Moderate Hikes for Intermediates

4. The Spit to Manly Coastal Walk

• Distance: 10 km (2-3 hours)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Best For: Nature lovers and those looking for a more challenging coastal walk.

This stunning walk takes you from The Spit Bridge to Manly Beach, weaving through lush bushland, hidden beaches, and stunning viewpoints. You’ll encounter some undulating terrain and steps, but it’s manageable for those with moderate fitness. Along the way, keep an eye out for local wildlife, including lizards, birds, and the occasional wallaby. The walk ends at Manly, where you can enjoy a well-deserved swim or grab a bite to eat at one of the many cafes.

5. The Blue Mountains’ Wentworth Falls

• Distance: 5 km (2-3 hours)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Best For: Hikers looking for a waterfall adventure and some elevation.

Wentworth Falls is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Blue Mountains National Park. Starting at Wentworth Falls Picnic Area, this hike takes you through beautiful bushland to the top of the falls. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take the steep descent to the base of the falls for an even better view (but be prepared for a more challenging climb back). The trail is well-marked, with a few sections of stairs and uneven paths, but it’s manageable for those with moderate fitness.

6. Garie Beach to Era Beach (Royal National Park)

• Distance: 7 km (2-3 hours)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Best For: Coastal views and a mix of beach and bushland.

This trail takes you through the Royal National Park, one of the world’s oldest national parks. Starting at Garie Beach, the walk follows the coastline along clifftops, with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, you’ll pass by Era Beach, a quiet, unspoiled spot ideal for a swim or a picnic. The trail is undulating, with some uphill sections, but it’s relatively short and manageable for those with a moderate fitness level.

Challenging Hikes for Advanced Hikers

7. The Great North Walk

• Distance: 250 km (several days)
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Best For: Experienced hikers looking for a multi-day adventure.

The Great North Walk stretches from Sydney to Newcastle, following the route of the early colonial settlers. While it’s possible to tackle sections of the walk, the entire trail is a multi-day commitment, covering varied terrain including forests, beaches, and coastal cliffs. The track is well-marked, but some parts are steep and demanding, requiring both stamina and experience. For a shorter but still challenging option, consider tackling the section between Epping and Brooklyn, which provides beautiful river views and rewarding climbs.

8. Mount Solitary

• Distance: 15 km (6-8 hours)
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Best For: Experienced hikers seeking spectacular views in the Blue Mountains.

Mount Solitary is one of the most challenging hikes in the Blue Mountains National Park. Starting at Echo Point, the hike takes you along the famous Jamison Valley to the summit of Mount Solitary. This trail includes some steep ascents, rock scrambling, and challenging terrain. The effort is well worth it, however, as the views from the summit are breathtaking, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding valleys and cliffs.

9. Royal National Park – Coast Track

• Distance: 26 km (2 days)
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Best For: Experienced trekkers looking for coastal beauty and variety.

The Coast Track is one of Sydney’s most spectacular multi-day walks. Stretching from Bundeena to Otford, it takes you along dramatic cliffs, through dense bushland, and past secluded beaches. This track includes some steep climbs, rocky paths, and rugged sections, so it’s best suited for experienced hikers with a good level of fitness. It can be done over two days, with plenty of camping spots along the way.

Family-Friendly Hikes

10. Lane Cove National Park

• Distance: Varies (1-3 km)
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Best For: Families and beginners looking for an easy introduction to bushwalking.

Located just 10 km from the city, Lane Cove National Park offers a range of short trails suitable for families and beginners. The park’s well-maintained walking paths wind through peaceful bushland, along the river, and by quiet picnic spots. Some trails are flat and easy for young children, while others may have slight inclines. The Plassey Track is a great option for families, offering a chance to spot wildlife such as kangaroos and birdlife.

11. The Royal National Park – Wattamolla Beach

• Distance: 2 km (1 hour)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Best For: A family day out by the beach with a short walk.

Wattamolla Beach in the Royal National Park offers a great combination of hiking and beach fun. This short trail starts at the car park and takes you along a well-maintained path through the park to the beach. Along the way, you’ll pass by a small lagoon, and the walk is ideal for families with young children or those looking for an easy, scenic outing. After the walk, enjoy a swim at Wattamolla Beach or relax by the lagoon.

Conclusion

Sydney and its surrounding areas offer an incredible variety of hiking trails suited to every fitness level. Whether you’re seeking a short, scenic coastal walk or a challenging trek through the Blue Mountains, there’s something for everyone. These trails not only offer stunning natural beauty but also provide a wonderful opportunity to escape the city and immerse yourself in the great outdoors. So, lace up your boots, pack your water bottle, and hit the trails—you’ll discover some of the most breathtaking views that Sydney has to offer.