Walking is one of the best exercises you can do. Not only can it help you reach your fitness goals, it’s great for the muscles, joints, cardiovascular system and even your mental health. We’re lucky to have great walking spots at our fingertips, no matter where you are in Australia. This is particularly true for Sydneysiders who get their pick of dreamy coastal walks, the best (arguably) national park treks and urban running trails.
With a warmer summer on the horizon, here are six of the best walking trails across Sydney to log your minutes on.
01
Bondi to Coogee Walk
Difficulty: Easy
The Bondi to Coogee walk is one of the most famous coastal walks in the world and is an absolute must-do when in Sydney. Kicking off at Bondi Beach, you’ll scale your way past Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly and then finish at Coogee Beach.
The track takes two to three hours to complete one way. There are plenty of spots to stop for a swim or a coffee as you walk. This walk is mostly flat which means that it’s great for people of all ages and fitness levels to discover Sydney’s famous coastline.
02
The Bay Run
Difficulty: Easy
Looking for an easy everyday walking spot? The Bay Run seven-kilometre loop around Iron Cove is perfect for walkers, runners and cyclists. This flat, easy path takes you through Rozelle, Drummoyne and Haberfield and hugs the shore of Iron Cove and Canada Bay.
This walking trail is a great gem in Sydney for a weekend workout. It’s also perfect for a weekend stroll with tonnes of cafes and playgrounds to stop in along the way.
03
Royal National Park – Bundeena to Wedding Cake Rock
Difficulty: Moderate
Just an hour south of Sydney’s CBD is the Royal National Park. Here you’ll find one of Sydney’s best walking trails: the Bundeena to Wedding Cake Rock walk. This track is moderate but still accessible to most fitness levels and ages.
It takes about an hour to walk, travelling over bush, cliffs and along the stunning southern coastline. You’ll finish the walk at the iconic and picture-worthy Wedding Cake Rock.
04
Lane Cove Riverside Walk
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Sydney’s national parks with the Lane Cove Riverside Walk. Spanning ten kilometres, this walk follows the Lane Cove River through bushland where you’ll complete a loop of the park.
The track is well-maintained and mostly flat which means that it’s a great walk for the whole family to enjoy. However, it is quite a long walk and there are points of elevation that some people may find slightly challenging. All in all, this is a great weekend escape into nature that will have you fully immersed in nature.
05
Great North Walk – Berowra to Cowan
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
For those seeking a more challenging bushwalk, we have you covered. The Berowra to Cowan section of the Great North Walk is one of Sydney’s, maybe even NSW’s, best walking trails.
This particular trail takes you through bushland and along the Berowra Creek as you make your way to Cowan. It is well-marked and extremely popular, so expect crowds. However, it does include some steep sections, making it a great but challenging workout that requires experience.
The best part of this walking trail is that it ends at Cowan Station, so you can catch a train back to Sydney.
06
Manly to North Head Walk
Difficulty: Moderate
This route is often dubbed one of the best walking trails in Sydney. The Manly Beach to North Head walk is the magnificent beaches, cliffs and headlands along the northern coast of Sydney. But it’s not just natural wonders you’ll see along the way. Along the trail, you’ll encounter the Fairfax lookout and the historic Quarantine Station. Taking place over a 10-kilometre loop, this walk isn’t just a great way to squeeze in exercise, it’s perfect for exploring the Northern Beaches.
