Sydney is an incredible city in Australia and is well-known for its famous landmarks, popular tourist destinations, busy city life, and beautiful beaches. Along with all of these popular spots, Sidney is also renowned for the number of hiking trails located in and around it. For those planning a vacation to Sydney, hiking would be a great option, as this city offers a great chance to hike on its amazing trails and get the chance to see Australian landscapes without even going very far out of the city.
The hiking trails have breathtaking landscape views that can keep anyone amazed and surely leave a good memory inside a person’s head. coastal walks with beautiful ocean views, walking tracks, and hill trails with hidden waterfalls. There are various hiking trails that you can be involved in, and it will also give you a chance to learn about the culture and history of Australia as you hike around this city.
We will tell you about the best hiking trails around Sydney and what makes these trails a must-visit place. However, before embarking on a hike in Sydney, make sure you’re prepared with the necessary equipment, including a backpack, food, water, a map, a compass, and other essential items. So start packing your bags and get ready to learn about some of Sydney’s most amazing hiking trails.
1. The Bay Run
The Bay Run is one of the most popular trails for running and hiking in Sydney. This is an approximately 7-kilometre circuit around the water’s edge. There are kilometre markers available all around the place so that people don’t need to use the Global Positioning System (GPS) if unsure about their position. It is considered an easy trail that takes approximately 1-2 hours to complete. The trail is open all year long and is beautiful to visit anytime.
This place is crowded at the weekend as people come to run, jog, and walk their dogs, and senior citizens come with their pram pushers. Once you get tired of hiking, you and your family can stop by to eat and drink at nearby restaurants like the Blossom Cafe, The Watershed Kitchen, and Seven Sins Restaurant. This trail is one of the most peaceful and simple ones that one needs to check out while they are in Sydney.
| Name | The Bay Run |
|---|---|
| Website | https://www.canadabay.nsw.gov.au/bay-run |
| Address | Drummoyne NSW 2047, Australia |
| Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/aMkVLQqQp4E5y1jD9 |
| Distance from Sydney CBD | Around 6.6 km |
| Opening Hours |
Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone Number | 9911 6555 |
2. Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach Trail
Bondi Beach is home to one of the oldest swimming clubs and surf lifesaving clubs in the world. Whereas, Coogee Beach is famous as a family-friendly area for taking a stroll around the historic buildings and nurtured parklands. The trail from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach doesn’t just give you the chance to go hiking but also to explore two amazing beaches. This trail is about 6 kilometres long and is often very crowded.
It is better to take your time while you are on this trail, as it will provide you with incredible views like natural rock pools and clifftops. It would be best if you visited this place between June and July, as it will allow you to see some whales. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants where you and your family can take a break and get something to satisfy your hunger needs. The Bondi to Coogee beach trail is an absolute must-do hike if you are in Sydney. This hike will surely be a great experience for you and your family.
| Name | Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach Trail |
|---|---|
| Website | https://tinyurl.com/bdec8uru |
| Address | Bondi Beach NSW 2026 |
| Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/pxfegEYa1zNBoPhX7 |
| Distance from Sydney CBD | Around 7.8 km |
| Opening Hours | N/A |
| Phone Number | N/A |
3. Karloo Walking Track
The Karloo Walking Track is a stunning hiking trail situated approximately 48 km away from the centre of Sydney, in the north-west section of Royal National Park. The trail stretches around 10 kilometres and takes 4-5 hours to complete, providing an incredible opportunity to explore and immerse in nature. During the hike, you may come across other bushwalkers and enjoy some breathtaking views. This hike provides hikers with a variety of exciting experiences.
During your hike, you might encounter wildlife like colourful parrots, wallabies, and kookaburras. Uloola Falls is one of the main highlights of this trail. You can take a short break from hiking to enjoy a picnic with your family or friends. Additionally, you can also take a refreshing swim in Karloo Pool in the middle of your hike. It’s important to remember that this trail has some short, steep hills, making it suitable for some people only. However, if you are up for a challenge, the Karloo Walking Track is worth exploring.
| Name | Karloo walking track |
|---|---|
| Website | https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/karloo-walking-track |
| Address | 126 Wilson Parade, Royal Nat'l Park NSW 2232 |
| Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/fA8pbJYvuwMuemoV7 |
| Distance from Sydney CBD | 48.4 km |
| Opening Hours |
Monday: 7 am–8:30 pm Tuesday: 7 am–8:30 pm Wednesday: 7 am–8:30 pm Thursday: 7 am–8:30 pm Friday: 7 am–8:30 pm Saturday: 7 am–8:30 pm Sunday: 7 am–8:30 pm |
| Phone Number | +61295420648 |
4. Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk
The Budeena Drive to Marley Walk is one of the most enjoyable hiking trails in Sydney. It is located in the Royal National Park. This trail is about 8 kilometres long, with a beautiful beach with the salty scent of the ocean and bushwalks with the sweet fragrance of wildflowers in the Royal National Park where hikers can pause their hiking and click some amazing photographs of the stunning scenery.
One of the main highlights of the hike is Marley Beach which is famous for its crystal-clear waters and golden sands. There is a fee applicable to entering the Royal National Park. Although it is a beautiful park, it is not suitable for people with wheelchairs. It would be great if you and your family visited this place between May and November. It would provide you with an opportunity to spot some southern right whales and humpback whales. Also, don’t forget to pack your binoculars if you don’t want to miss out on watching some whales.
| Name | Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk |
|---|---|
| Website | https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/Walking-tracks/Bundeena-Drive-to-Marley-walk |
| Address | Marley Track, Royal Nat'l Park NSW 2232, Australia |
| Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/VNAz2AeBmkYmsCJw6 |
| Distance from Sydney CBD | 51.2 km |
| Opening Hours |
Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone Number | N/A |
5. America Bay Walking Track
The America Bay Walking Track is a trail that is very close to the city; it only takes an hour to get here. This is not only a beautiful trail to go hiking on, but also a well-known picnic spot. It is famous for its forest in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. This walking track goes through sandstone mountains from West Head Road down to near the edge of the Hawkesbury River to America Bay.
You will come across a bunch of amazing things while you are on this track. In the beginning, you will see an amazing Aboriginal rock engraving on a sandstone shelf and through the scribbly gum and bloodwood forests. In the direction of the rocky platform, you will come across Cowan Water. Here, you and your family can picnic or take a short break to get a bite, eat, and drink before continuing on your amazing hike. Don’t forget to check out this place while you are in Sydney.
| Name | America Bay Walking Track |
|---|---|
| Website | https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/america-bay-walking-track |
| Address | America Bay Track, Ku-ring-gai Chase NSW 2084 |
| Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/1i91o1n9q5xf4QaKA |
| Distance from Sydney CBD | 39.5 km |
| Opening Hours | N/A |
| Phone Number | +611300072757 |
6. Bouddi Coastal Walk
The Bouddi Coastal Walk is located in Bouddi National Park. This coastal trail is near Gosford on the Central Coast and stretches from Putty Beach to Macmasters Beach. It is an approximately 8-kilometre-long trail. This trail is famous for boardwalks, birdlife, iconic views, camping grounds, shipwrecks, beaches, and whale-watching. It is considered one of the most beautiful walks on the central coast. You might get the chance to see wildlife like kangaroos, wallabies and lots of different types of bird species.
You can also spot marine life like the dolphins and whales. At Gerrin Point lookout, you will be able to spot some wildflowers or migrating whales. You can also see the Maitland shipwreck at the eastern end of Maitland Bay. Although this trail can be completed in a day, some people like to camp on the site to stay a little longer at this place. This trail is so beautiful that it allows you and your family to click some amazing pictures of the fun times you spend there.
| Name | Bouddi Coastal Walk |
|---|---|
| Website | https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/bouddi-coastal-walk |
| Address | Putty Beach Rd, Killcare Heights NSW 2257 |
| Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/WGfexcsXcNN7vPir6 |
| Distance from Sydney CBD | 102.6 km |
| Opening Hours |
Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone Number | +61243204200 |
7. Clover Hill Trail
The Clover Hill Trail is a wonderful hiking destination that offers stunning views of flowing creeks, wildflower clusters, and amazing waterfalls. This trail used to be a logging route that used to take you to Rainbow Falls along with three small waterfalls on the Macquarie Rivulet named Mulangong Falls, Clover Falls, and Macquarie Falls. The waterfalls look even more stunning after rain, but be careful as the terrain can become slippery.
As you go through the forest, you will come across the paddocks that were cleared by farmers over a century ago. While you go through the rainforest, you will see various types of trees and plants, like beefwood, cabbage tree palms, and eucalypts. You will see the remarkable cliffs that glow in the colours of yellow and orange when the sunlight hits the cliffs. This trail has lots of things to explore that you and your family can go through together.
| Name | Clover Hill trail |
|---|---|
| Website | https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/clover-hill-trail |
| Address | Clover Hill Rd, Macquarie Pass NSW 2577 |
| Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/F18bxuhWjJDaNJdd8 |
| Distance from Sydney CBD | 116.3 km |
| Opening Hours |
Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone Number | +61242244188 |
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, these hiking trails around Sydney offer something for everyone, showcasing the natural beauty and diversity of Australia’s landscape. Going for a hike can be beneficial for your physical and mental health. Every trail in Sydney offers unforgettable memories and lifetime experiences. So whenever you are planning your trip to Sydney, do not forget to visit these amazing trails. Remember to stay hydrated, wear appropriate footwear, and respect the environment while enjoying these outdoor adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hiking means a long and healthy walk that is usually done on trails.
In Australia, hiking is popularly called bushwalking. Australia has trails that stretch thousands of kilometres.
Yes, there are mountains in Sydney. The Blue Mountains are a mountainous region located in New South Wales, Australia. It is considered to be a part of the western outskirts of the Greater Sydney area.
To start hiking in Australia, you should remember to start with basic hiking; don’t try to push yourself to try complex trails at the beginning. Always carry a light backpack with only the necessary equipment. Most importantly, enjoy every step of your hike.
Weight has an effect on hiking. Most hikers carry less weight in their backpacks so that they can hike faster and more comfortably.