Quick Picks – Sydney’s Must-Do Hikes at a Glance
-
Best Coastal Hike: Bondi to Coogee
The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is Sydney’s most iconic trail, ranking #2 nationally in AllTrails’ 2024 survey and recording over 1.3 million visits last year. This 12 km route features beaches, ocean pools, sea cliffs, and indigenous heritage markers. Sections are paved and suitable for most ability levels. Popular for sunrise and sunset walks, the trail has water stations, cafes, and toilets at key entry points. Recommended gear: sturdy trainers, sun protection, 1.5L water per person.
-
Best Bushwalk: Blue Mountains Grand Cliff Top Walk
The recently upgraded Grand Cliff Top Walk combines sections from Wentworth Falls to Evans Lookout, delivering 19 km of breathtaking cliffside scenery. In 2024, it attracted 860,000 hikers, based on trail counters. Two days are recommended for the full hike with overnight amenities in Blackheath. Highlights: waterfalls, rainforest, and native wildlife. Trail difficulty: moderate, with some steep stairs and occasional slippery rocks. Average completion rate: 86% according to NPWS data.
-
Best Family-Friendly Trail: Lane Cove Riverside Walk
Lane Cove Riverside Walk (9.7 km) is flat, shaded, and loops along Sydney’s suburban bushland. Over 330,000 annual visits and a high user satisfaction rating (4.6 on Tripadvisor, 2025). Picnic spots, playgrounds, wheelchair-friendly sections, and frequent restrooms make it ideal for families. Dogs permitted on leash.
Essential Guide to Hiking in Sydney
Map of the Best Sydney Hikes (Downloadable & Interactive)
Explore trails interactively on AllTrails and NSW Parks. Download official map here.
What to Know Before You Go: Trail Access, Safety & Gear
- Access: Most trails are accessible by public transport. Key trailheads at Bondi, Manly, and the Blue Mountains are serviced by trains and buses.
- Safety: NPWS recommends registering long walks. In 2024, there were 38 reported search-and-rescue incidents on major Sydney trails, mostly due to dehydration and navigation errors.
- Gear: For urban/coastal walks: lightweight shoes, hat, SPF 50+, 1-2L water. For bushwalks: hiking boots, rain jacket, topographic app. Multi-day hikes: pack lighter than 15kg, prioritize water filters and weather-appropriate gear. Emergency beacons advised for remote tracks.
Seasonal Hiking Tips for Sydney Trails
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Early starts recommended; average midday temp: 27°C. Carry extra water. Many coastal tracks offer swim spots for cooling down.
- Autumn/Spring: Prime seasons (15-24°C); wildlife most active, best for waterfalls. Trails are less crowded and safer footing.
- Winter: Blue Mountains and Royal National Park: cool and crisp but still hikeable. Be cautious of muddy trails and earlier sunsets. Bring layers.
Top 15 Best Hikes in Sydney (2026 Edition)
-
Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
12 km, 3-4 hours, 200,000+ hikers/year. Urban-coastal, moderate difficulty, multiple water stops, highlights: Bondi Icebergs, Bronte, Coogee Beach.
-
Manly to Spit Bridge Track
10 km, 3 hours, 4.7/5 user rating. Harbour views, beaches, Aboriginal rock art. Public transport access at both ends. Moderate elevation.
-
Blue Mountains Grand Cliff Top and Wentworth Falls
19 km, 2 days, challenging–moderate. Steep steps, rainforest, waterfalls. NPWS data: 86% completion, strong signage throughout.
-
Royal National Park Coastal Track
26 km, 2 days or section hikes. Scenic clifftops, rainforest gullies, Figure 8 Pools. 4.8/5 user rating, high biodiversity. Access: train to Cronulla + ferry.
-
Grand Canyon Walk (Blue Mountains)
6.3 km loop, 2.5-4 hours, Australia’s #1 trail in 2024 by AllTrails with 63,000 recorded hikers. Rainforest, canyon vistas, best after rain for waterfall views.
-
Figure 8 Pools Adventure
6 km return, challenging during high tide/rough weather. Visit at low tide for safety. Unique volcanic rock pools.
-
West Head Lookout Track
6.4 km return, 1.5 hours. Panoramic ocean and Pittwater views, ancient Aboriginal engravings, picnic area at start.
-
Lane Cove Riverside Walk
9.7 km loop, easy, accessible for mobility devices. Dogs allowed, family amenities, riverside views.
-
South Lawson Waterfall Circuit
2.8 km, 1 hour, four waterfalls, short climbs, ideal for beginners or families with children over four years old.
-
Bouddi Coastal Walk
8.5 km, 3 hours, clifftop boardwalks, hidden beaches. Accessible by car from Sydney, best in spring for wildflowers.
-
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park: America Bay Track
2 km, 40 minutes, short but with Aboriginal site access and water views. Family and kid-friendly.
-
The Coast Track (Bundeena to Otford)
26 km, 2 days (Overnight camping at North Era), advanced. 12,000+ completions in 2024 (NPWS). Requires backcountry gear.
-
Malabar Headland Circuit
5 km loop, 1.5 hours, ocean cliffs, WWII heritage. Seasonal whale watching.
-
Narrabeen Lagoon Trail
8.4 km loop, flat, accessible, cycle-friendly. Water views, birdlife, multiple playgrounds.
-
Gerringong Falls and Off-the-Beaten-Path Trails
6.6 km, moderate, suitable for hiking or biking. Remote; check trail conditions and weather before departure. Reward: spectacular falls after rain.
Unique Sydney Hiking Experiences: Local Insights & Hidden Gems
Lesser-Known Trails for Crowd-Free Adventure
- Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay: Harbour history, quiet bushland, 4.4 km.
- Pipeline Track: Lane Cove NP, shady and uncrowded, 6 km.
Spectacular Photo Spots on Sydney Hikes (User-Submitted)
- Wedding Cake Rock (Royal National Park): Caution, stay behind barriers.
- Garry Beach Headland (Bondi-Coogee): Sunrise/sunset.
- Blue Mountains Lookouts: Evans, Govetts, and Echo Point.
Indigenous Heritage Walks & Cultural Highlights
- Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park: Red Hands Cave, ancient rock art.
- South Head Heritage Trail: Aboriginal and colonial history markers.
Special Trail Guides: Find Your Perfect Sydney Hike
Best Family-Friendly and Kid-Safe Hikes in Sydney
- Centennial Parklands: Flat, wide paths, picnic areas, 3.6 km.
- Homebush Boothtown Aqueduct Trail: Pram and bike-friendly.
Top Dog-Friendly Sydney Walks
- Iron Cove Bay Run: 7 km, off-leash sections, accessible.
- Lane Cove NP Riverside Walk: On-leash, dog-friendly cafes nearby.
Wheelchair Accessible and Easy Walks
- Bicentennial Park Boardwalk: 4.5 km, flat, waterside.
- Narrabeen Lagoon Trail: Full loop accessible for mobility devices.
Eco-Friendly Hiking in Sydney: Protect & Respect Nature
How to Leave No Trace on Sydney Trails
- Carry out all rubbish, use provided bins.
- Stay on marked trails to minimize erosion (noted as a major factor in Royal National Park with 15 km of informal tracks restored in 2024).
- Respect wildlife; feeding animals is prohibited.
Ways to Support Local Wildlife and Conservation
- Participate in NPWS volunteer programs: 2,400 volunteers in 2024.
- Donate to Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute and Royal National Park initiatives.
- Book only with eco-certified tour guides (find tours).
Sydney Hiking FAQs: Safety, Transport, and Preparation
Frequently Asked Questions About Sydney Hikes
- Can I hike year-round? Yes, but summer is hot; coastal hikes have swim spots. Winter brings shorter days; carry a headlamp.
- Public transport options? All major urban trailheads are transit-friendly; plan with Transport NSW.
- Are dogs allowed? Most national parks do not permit dogs; check each trail’s regulations.
Hiking Checklist: What to Pack for Sydney Trails
- Footwear: Trail runners for coastal paths, sturdy boots for bushwalks.
- 2L water per person (heatwaves expected 8-12 days per year, 2024-2026).
- SPF 50+ sunscreen, lightweight hat, rain shell (sudden downpours in mountains).
- Trail map or phone with GPX, power bank.
- First aid kit, whistle, emergency contact card.
Emergency Contacts and Useful Resources
- NSW Ambulance: 000 (emergencies)
- NPWS Emergency (24/7): 1300 072 757
- Weather Forecasts: BOM
- Current trail conditions: NPWS Alerts
Plan Your Sydney Hiking Adventure: Final Tips & Links
- Download the AllTrails app for live navigation and user updates.
- Check weather and fire danger ratings before departure.
- Book campsites early for overnight trails: popular months (Sept-Nov, Mar-May) fill 4-6 weeks ahead.
- Support conservation: consider a donation or buy a national park pass online.
Ready to start your adventure? Explore more at sydney.com and plan your perfect Sydney hike today.