Ella Hide
One of the best ways to spend some time outdoors heading into summer is to explore the natural pockets of Sydney. Some of the most picturesque walks in Sydney are a free and easy way to exercise and experience the best views on offer, combining the cityscape with the bush and the ocean.
Watsons Bay Walk – 4.5km, 2 hours.
For views of the city and the ocean, this leisurely walk will take you around South Head and into Sydney Harbour. Discover amazing views from vantage points that you can only access by walking and experience Camp Cover where the Birrabirragal mob met the First Fleet. On this walk, you can see two of Australia’s first lighthouses, discover some of Sydney’s war time history and, if you’re lucky, spot some whales during migration season.
Spit to Manly Walk – 12km, 5 hours.
The Spit to Manly Walk is one of the most beautiful walks around Sydney. Scenic Manly pathways lead to hidden beaches and an Aboriginal rock engraving site. This walk is every combination that makes up Sydney – land, water, modern and ancient. You’ll be able to see Aboriginal rock art that are 1 000 years old, and enjoy some of the sub-tropical and coastal natural wonders of the walk. Other sights to see include the multi-million dollar harbour-side real estate and spectacular harbor views.
Jibbon Aboriginal Carvings Walk – 5km, 3 hours (return)
Follow in the footsteps of our Indigenous past through the bush and the beach to explore some uniquely private beaches and sandstone caves. Enjoy constant bay and ocean views where you’ll be able to spot dolphins, whales and seals. You’ll also experience the abundant bird life in the area and be able to smell and taste the plants that were used as food and medicine for thousands of years. This walk takes you to some of the most untouched natural places in Sydney, which host the remnants of nine generations ago.
Bondi to Coogee Walk – 6km, 2-3 hours.
Explore Australia’s most famous beach and some of the best views of the Eastern suburbs. You’ll see everything from beaches, cliffs and bays to parks and rock pools. This walk is perfect if you want to incorporate a coffee stop or a quick swim at Clovelly Beach. There are six point along the walk, which all provide picnic shelters, play areas, kiosks, public bathrooms and change rooms. If you feel like walking further, you can also continue walking to Maroubra Beach or the Malabar Headland.
Bradleys Head Walk Walk – 5km (one way), 2 hours
This north shore walk will show you views from the bush to the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. You’ll be able to experience the unique bush that borders the harbour foreshore and see how the Cammeraigal people managed to thrive here for thousands of years before European arrival. You can also turn this walk into more of a day trip and catch the ferry across the habour to any Sydney attraction.
