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The Most Scenic Coastal Walks in Sydney
This seaside city is a walker's paradise. Explore on foot with our edit of the best coastal walks in Sydney.
Sydney’s coastline is a treasure trove of delights, from secluded bays to sheer sandstone cliffs. On a sunny Autumn day, there’s no better way to soak up Sydney’s offerings than with a cruisey coastal walk. Whether you’re channelling a cafe-hopping wander or an immersive nature experience, Sydney’s coastal walk repertoire is world-class.
Curl Curl to Freshwater
This two-kilometre track hugs the beach and rugged coastline between North Curl Curl Beach and Freshwater Beach, traversing nature reserves, beach boardwalks and rock pools.
Starting at North Curl Curl Beach, navigate the dog-friendly nature reserve adjacent to Carrington Street and past the South Curl Curl Lifesaving Club. From here, you can enjoy the views out to sea as you make your way across the elevated boardwalk and onto the breathtaking McKillop Park lookout. Gusto on the Beach at South Curl Curl is the perfect rest stop.
Time: 1-hour loop
Malabar Headland Circuit Walk
This 5.5km loop walk offers up some of Sydney’s most scenic vistas. Take in coastal bushland, towering sandstone cliffs, and intriguing historical relics. During winter, this walk provides some of Sydney’s best whale watching ops, whilst other native wildlife like Kookaburras, seals, waterdragons and wallabies can be spotted year-round. There are also plenty of spots along the way to take a dip, so pack your swimmers!
Time: 90 minutes
The Coast Track
This epic multi-day walk is a rite of passage for many locals. It can be broken up into segments and tackled over time, or enjoyed in its 26km entirety. Hugging Sydney’s southern coastline, you’ll pass some of the Royal National Park’s biggest highlights, including Wedding Cake Rock and Wattamolla. Leave plenty of time to soak up the seemingly endless hidden waterholes and secluded beaches.
Time: 8 hours
Cronulla Esplanade
If you’re looking for a walk that combines coastal scenery with coffee and cafes, this is it. Begin at either Wanda Surf Life Saving Club or Bass and Flinders Point if you’d like to take in the entirety of the 4km stretch. As you wander along, you’ll pass rockpools, beaches, playgrounds and cafes as well as picnic areas and bays. A slight deviation will take you up to Cronulla high street, where boutique stores and sleek eateries can be found, whilst a visit to Shelly Park Shop, Barefoot on the Beach or elevated seafood spot Bobbys are on the way.
Time: one hour each way
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Spit to Manly
The walk from Spit Bridge to Manly serves up the best of Sydney Harbour in a neat 10km package. As you pass some of the city’s most iconic views, you’ll be trekking past ancient Aboriginal sites, a lighthouse, beach kiosks, small beaches and reserves. And when you get to your final destination, Manly’s bustling waterfront beckons with cold drinks and fresh seafood.
Time: Approx 4 hours
Bondi to Coogee
No Sydney coastal walk roundup is complete without mention of this buzzing stretch. Heaving with runners and walkers year-round, the quintessential coastal views and city-adjacent location allow locals and visitors to enjoy a convenient nature hit. The fact that it’s dog-friendly adds to its popularity. The full stretch will tick off some of the city’s favourite beaches, including Bondi, Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly and Cogee, as well as the world-famous Bondi Icebergs pool.
Sitchu Tip: If you’re in town during spring, keep an eye on dates for the annual Sculpture By The Sea exhibition.
Time: 2-3 hours
Barrenjoey Lighthouse
The iconic lighthouse track is located in Palm Beach and rewards walkers with some of the most spectacular views the coastline has to offer.
Starting at the Boathouse Palm Beach, don your most comfortable walking shoes and get ready to climb 1.5 kilometres up to the historic lighthouse on either the Smugglers Track or Access Path. Both trails lead to sweeping views across Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Broken Bay, the Hawkesbury River, and Pittwater.
Sitchu Tip: Pack a picnic to enjoy once you get to the top. There are plenty of places to lay down a rug.
Time: 1 hour loop
Hermitage Foreshore Walk
This glorious short walk offers some of the best harbour views in Sydney and will land you just a short distance from The Nielsen, should you fancy a spot of lunch.
If you’re heading over from the city, catch the ferry from Circular Quay to Rose Bay and walk up the beach to Hermitage Foreshore Reserve. From here, you’ll pass plenty of hidden beaches, glades and the grounds of Strickland Estate. If you’re up for an adventure, you can complete this walk as part of the Rose Bay to Watsons Bay walk which will take you up to half a day. It conveniently ends at the Watsons Bay ferry terminal so you can hitch a ride back to Circular Quay.
Time: 30 minutes to an hour
The Bondi to Manly Walk
For the most epic coastal walk in the entire city, it has to be the 80km Bondi to Manly walk. Recommended to be split across three days, the walk takes you from Bondi Beach to Darling Point, Darling Point to Spit Bridge and Spit Bridge to Manly Beach. Entirely accessible by public transport, it’s a great chance to see the best of Sydney’s coastline in one fell swoop. All you need to do is follow the walk’s signature Aboriginal whale symbol from point to point. The dedicated Bondi to Manly Walk website can assist you in planning your walk.
Distance: 80km
Time: 3 days
Cape Bailey
Head south of the CBD to Kamay Botany Bay National Park for this clifftop coastal walk. Wind your way along the towering sandstone cliffs as you pass by coastal scrub and endless ocean views, all the way to the 1950s Cape Bailey Lighthouse. In spring, the path is dotted with flannel flowers, whilst winter brings its own treats. Between May and October, this section of the coast is one of the best for spotting whales on their annual migration.
Time: 3 hours
Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach
Work your way through Sydney’s most iconic sights! This walk shows off the city and is a solid workout. It starts at the Taronga Zoo ferry wharf, which has views stretching across the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, and winds its way through Chowder Bay, Georges Heights Lookout, and Middle Head. It’s quite steep in some parts, so take your time. The beginning of the walk features a stretch of some of Sydney’s most beautiful, winding angophora trees. Keep your eye out for plenty of Sydney Eastern Water Dragons sunning themselves along the path. Wanting to soak up more of this beautiful part of Sydney? Keep going to Spit Bridge for the most scenic walk to Manly.
Sitchu Tip: Once you reach Balmoral Beach, treat yourself to some takeaway and a house-made lemonade by the beach from The Boat House.
Length: 6.8km
Time: 2.5-3.5 hours
If you loved this edit of the best coastal walks in Sydney and are keen to head out on a few more hikes, be sure to take a peep at our favourite Royal National Park walks and the best walks on the Central Coast.
