Featured image: Bronte pool (part of Bondi to Coogee).
Stunning, untouched scenery is one of New South Wales’ biggest draw-cards, and the state takes full advantage with countless walks and hikes inland and along its coastline.
And, fortunately for Sydneysiders, some of the most scenic are right on their doorsteps. From a walk offering spectacular harbour views to a coastal trek leading to a series of natural pools, here are several trails to consider this weekend.
Hermitage Foreshore Walk.
Hermitage Foreshore Walk, Vaucluse
A stone’s throw from Sydney CBD, Hermitage Foreshore Walk doesn’t get nearly the amount of attention it deserves – which means there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself alone for a good portion of its nearly 2 kilometre stretch.
Starting at Nielsen Park, the walks winds along Sydney Harbour, all the while showcasing the CBD skyline beyond. Fuel up at The Nielsen before you begin and stop at Queens Beach, Hermit Point and heritage home Strickland House along the way.
Figure Eight Pools.
Otford To Figure Eight Pools, Royal National Park
Despite being packed with waterfalls, walks, beaches and bays, and just a 45-minute drive from Sydney, Royal National Park was one of the city’s best-kept secrets. All that changed however when Instagram came along and two of its attractions, Wedding Cake Rock and Figure Eight Pools, became Insta-famous.
While Wedding Cake Rock is now closed, Figure Eight Pools is still open, and can be reached via varying coastal tracks. The furthest starts at Otford train station (13.2 kilometres return) and the shortest at Burning Palms Beach (roughly 2.5 kilometres return). Most routes see you scampering across rocks, strolling deserted beach and walking through dense bushland.
Manly.
Manly To The Spit Bridge Walk, Manly
Are you are really keen to work up a sweat? Consider the Manly to The Spit Bridge Walk in Sydney’s Northern Beaches. The coastal walk runs for 10 kilometres and can take a full morning or afternoon to complete.
From Manly Wharf, start at Dobroyd Head. Along the way, pass scenic sights Clontarf Beach, Reef Beach and Crater Cove. At Castle Rock Beach, keep your eyes peeled for the area’s well-preserved Aboriginal rock carvings. If you’re here between April and November, you just might be lucky enough to spot a whale.
Barrenjoey Lighthouse.
Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk, Palm Beach
Also, on the Northern Beaches is Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk. The short (2.2 kilometres return) yet steep walk starts at Palm Beach near The Boathouse restaurant and café, and just to the side of the Governor Phillip Park car park.
From there, puff and pant your way up the hill to come out at a clearing: the breathtaking Barrenjoey Headland. Admire views of Palm Beach to the left and Broken Bay to the right before wandering around the lighthouse. Guided tours inside the lighthouse are offered on Sundays.
Blue Mountains National Park. Image credit: Tourism Australia
Three Sisters Walk, Katoomba
More of a gulp-in-fresh-mountain-air hiker? The Blue Mountains has you covered. An hour’s drive from Sydney or a convenient 90-minute train trip, the national park has a dozen or so walking tracks that weave through rugged mountains, past jaw-dropping lookouts and into dramatic caves.
At a little less than one kilometre return and relatively flat, Three Sisters Walk is the easiest among them. Start at Echo Point Lookout, glimpsing Mount Solitary and Jamison Valley on the way, before gazing at the blue-tinged rock formation of The Three Sisters.
Manly Cove Beach.
Fairlight Walk, Manly
Looking for somewhere to leisurely stroll and take in the sights of Sydney Harbour? “The Fairlight walk around north harbour in Manly is so dreamy around sunset,” says Amy Campbell, culture and lifestyle features writer for Vogue, Vogue Living and GQ. “It’s not too long (around 4 kilometres), but you go past all of the little sailboats docked in the water, and it looks like a painting. Plus, you’ll pass some really beautiful houses.”
Kamay Botany Bay National Park.
Kamay Botany Bay National Park Walk
This walk along the headland in La Perouse is one of the best kept secrets in Sydney. In the winter months, it’s perfect for whale watching, and in summer there are a few tiny beaches nestled below the track that make an ideal spot for a dip. Once you reach the golf club, take the bridge over to Cape Banks for a 360-degree view over the water and headland. You can turn back at any time, but the full walk can be done in less than two hours.
Bondi Icebergs.
Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
Arguably one of Sydney’s most famous coastal walks, this 6-kilometre stretch begins at Bondi Icebergs and winds its way along rocky cliffs framed by sparkling water to reach the beachside suburb of Coogee. There’s plenty of stunning beaches to take in—as you’ll pass by picturesque Tamarama, Bronte and Clovelly. Short on time? The Bondi to Bronte portion is much quicker, and takes in some of the best sights.
A word of warning: the annual Sculpture by the Sea hits the Bondi to Tamarama stretch for around 2-3 weeks in late October/early November, making this walk extremely popular with Sydneysiders. Expect crowds and bring your patience.
And if you’re a runner, consider waking up early to hit Bondi to Coogee — take it from this former Bondi resident, crowds steadily increase from late morning onwards, making jogging along the narrower paths difficult, especially on weekends and during summer.
Blackwattle Bay.
Blackwattle Bay walk
A favourite of those living in the harbourside inner west, the Blackwattle Bay walk through Bicentennial Park/Jubilee Park provides views galore. As a pathed walking track on the city foreshore, you can start at Annandale (on The Crescent) and walk all the way through to Pyrmont (via the Fish Markets) if you wish. With views over the Anzac Bridge and over to Balmain Peninsula, it’s a favourite with relaxed locals for a reason.
Dee Why to Curl Curl.
Dee Why to Curl Curl Cliff Walk
Tagged by locals as the northern beaches version of Bondi to Coogee—minus the crowds—this lesser-known clifftop walk features plenty of rugged terrain and coastal scenery along the way. Stretching around 2 kilometres (depending on where you start), you’ll pass the Ghania and Tea Tree lookouts, plus the Insta-famous ‘Don’t Jump Rock’ at the Curl Curl end.
