You do not have to go far from Sydney to swap streets for sandstone, waterfalls and rock art. These bushwalks are a short drive or train ride away, with options from a gentle stroll to a full day.
Good footing, enough water and a layer for when the weather turns.
Hiking shoes and boots for rocky, uneven bush tracks.
Day packs with room for water, food and layers.
Bottles and flasks to carry enough water for longer walks.
Waterproof jackets and ponchos for sudden bush showers.
Hiking socks that help keep blisters at bay.
Single poles and pairs for steep steps and descents.
Five walks north and south of the city, from short and gentle to a full day.
A 10 km return walk from Heathcote station through heathland to Karloo Pool and on to Uloola Falls. Look out for the whaleback rock outcrops and the Uloola Turrets on the way.
Good to knowNSW National Parks suggests three to five hours. The track can turn boggy after rain, and you can return the same way or take the Uloola track to Waterfall station.
A 10 km loop through apple gum and bloodwood forest down to Bobbin Head, then back along the mangrove-lined Warrimoo track. It finishes with a climb to the sandstone Sphinx Memorial.
Good to knowIt is graded hard, with very steep sections, many steps and limited signage, so carry a map. Bobbin Head has toilets and picnic facilities for a lunch stop, and the car park gates close overnight.
A 4.4 km loop combining the Resolute and West Head tracks, past Red Hands Cave, rock engravings and an occupation shelter. It finishes with wide views from West Head lookout.
Good to knowAllow two and a half to three and a half hours for the full loop, or walk the easy 1 km return to Red Hands Cave. The art is fragile, so look but never touch.
A 2.4 km return bushwalk to a lookout over Minerva Pool, a waterhole with a small waterfall and sandstone features. Swamp wallabies and yellow-tailed black cockatoos live in the park.
Good to knowMinerva Pool is a sacred women's place for the Dharawal People. The Tharawal Local Aboriginal Land Council asks that only women and children enter the water.
A 14 km one-way hike along the escarpment above the coast, through clifftop rainforest, upland swamps and tall forest. It starts at Coalcliff or Austinmer, both a short stroll from the train station.
Good to knowAllow five to six hours and walk in daylight. Near Sublime Point the track drops steeply via a narrow cliff ledge and several ladders, and the weather here can be unpredictable.
Sydney's sandstone tracks mix rock steps, sand and roots, and some turn boggy after rain. Shoes with a grippy sole and good support make every kilometre easier.
Some tracks, such as the Sphinx to Bobbin Head loop, have limited signage. Download maps in the NSW National Parks app before you leave, as reception can be patchy in the valleys.
Creeks and pools are for looking at or swimming in, not drinking from untreated. Carry enough for the whole walk, and more on warm days or longer hikes.
Parks can close in poor weather or on days of high fire danger. Check the fire danger rating and NSW National Parks alerts on the morning you go.
Try Minerva Pool or the Red Hands Cave section of the Aboriginal Heritage walk first. Move up to the longer loops once you know your pace.
NSW National Parks offers a trip intention form you can send to an emergency contact. Use it for longer or remote walks.
Karloo and the Illawarra escarpment walks start close to train stations, which means no parking hunt and easy one-way walks.
| Item | Why | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Hiking shoes | Grip on rock steps and roots | Wear them in on a short walk first |
| Day pack | Carries water, food and a layer | Twenty litres or so suits most day hikes |
| Water bottle | Few safe refill points on the track | Bring extra on hot days |
| Rain jacket | Showers can roll in quickly | Choose one that packs small |
| Hiking socks | Fewer blisters on long days | Pack a spare pair for wet tracks |
| Hiking poles | Steadier on steep steps and descents | Shorten them going up, lengthen going down |
| Head torch | Short winter days and shady gullies | Pack one even if you plan to finish early |
Minerva Pool in Dharawal National Park is a 2.4 km return walk that NSW National Parks suggests takes one to two hours. The short 1 km return walk to Red Hands Cave in Ku-ring-gai Chase is another gentle option with a lot to see. Both still have uneven ground, so wear proper shoes and carry water.
Several of them, yes. The Karloo walking track starts at Heathcote station, and you can finish at Waterfall station via the Uloola track. On the Illawarra escarpment, the Coalcliff and Austinmer trackheads are a short stroll from their train stations. Others, such as the Sphinx Memorial loop, are easier by car, so plan ahead with the Transport NSW trip planner.
Park entry fees apply in some parks near Sydney, including Royal National Park and Ku-ring-gai Chase, and in Royal National Park they are charged per vehicle. Annual passes are also available if you visit often. Fees change from time to time, so check NSW National Parks for current details.
Usually not. Dogs and other pets are not permitted in most NSW national parks and reserves, which covers all the walks on this page. Some regional parks and state forests do allow dogs under control, so check the rules for the area before you go.
You can walk year round, though cooler months are often more comfortable on exposed ridges. Spring brings heathland wildflowers to Royal National Park, according to NSW National Parks. In summer, start early, carry extra water and check the fire danger rating, as parks can close on high fire danger days.
Choose a track that suits your pace, check the alerts and pack well. We have the kit to get you out there.
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