Sydney's coastline is made for walking, with clifftop paths, harbour beaches and ocean pools along the way. Here are six walks to try, what each one is like and the kit that keeps you comfortable in the sun.
Sun, stairs and salty air: here is the kit that helps.
Hiking shoes and boots with grip for sandstone steps.
Sun hats, caps and beanies for every kind of day.
Reusable bottles and flasks to keep you drinking all walk.
Day packs and bigger packs for every length of walk.
Sunglasses that cut the glare off sand and water.
Tees and shirts for warm, sunny days on the trail.
From an easy beach-hopping stroll to a two-day clifftop trek.
About 6 km one way along the eastern beaches, passing Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly and Gordons Bay before you finish at Coogee. Allow about two to three hours with stops.
Good to knowIt suits most fitness levels, but there are steep sets of stairs, especially around Gordons Bay. Parking is limited at both ends, so public transport is the easier option.
A 10 km one-way walk from the north side of the Spit Bridge to Manly, mixing harbour beaches, bushland and big views from Dobroyd Head. Look out for the Aboriginal rock engravings at Grotto Point.
Good to knowNSW National Parks suggests about three and a half to four and a half hours. The track detours in places at high tide, and there are plenty of steps and short steep hills.
A clifftop walk of about 5 km from Raleigh Reserve in Dover Heights towards Watsons Bay, with ocean views from sandstone cliffs. Highlights include Macquarie Lighthouse and The Gap.
Good to knowThe path runs through parkland close to the cliff edge, so stay on the track and behind fences. Finish with a picnic by the harbour at Watsons Bay.
A 1.8 km one-way harbourside track between Bayview Hill Road and Nielsen Park, with views to Shark Island and the Harbour Bridge. Milk Beach makes a good stop along the way.
Good to knowNSW National Parks suggests 30 minutes to an hour. Nielsen Park at one end has a sheltered beach and lawns for a picnic, and you will need to plan your way back as it is one way.
A short, uphill walk to the sandstone lighthouse on Barrenjoey Head at the northern tip of Palm Beach, about 91 metres above sea level. The views take in Broken Bay, Ku-ring-gai Chase and the Central Coast.
Good to knowThe Barrenjoey track takes about 30 minutes each way and needs moderate fitness, while Smugglers track is shorter and steeper. NSW National Parks advises avoiding the walk in strong winds, heavy rain or extreme heat.
A 27 km one-way trek from Bundeena to Otford along sandstone cliffs, heathland and beaches, usually walked over two days. Expect Wattamolla, Garie Beach and a rainforest finish near Otford.
Good to knowCamping at Garie Beach must be booked ahead and park entry fees apply, so check NSW National Parks for current details. Fill up at Bundeena, which NSW National Parks calls your last chance to refill.
Most Sydney coastal walks have long stretches with little shade. Wear a hat and sunscreen, and start early on hot days so you finish before the strongest sun.
Some walks have bubblers at the beaches, others have none for hours. On the Coast Track, NSW National Parks suggests refilling at Bundeena and packing water treatment.
Stay on the track, keep behind fences and stay well back from cliff edges. Rock platforms can be hit by big waves without warning, so check conditions before you go near the water.
The Manly Scenic Walkway detours in places at high tide. Tracks in national parks can close for weather or fire danger, so check park alerts on the morning of your walk.
It is short, well signposted and has beaches, cafés and toilets along the way. A good test of your shoes and your stamina before a longer walk.
Several of these walks are one way, so check how you will get back before you set off. Public transport often makes it easier than juggling cars.
For longer walks such as the Coast Track, NSW National Parks recommends a trip intention form. Download offline maps too, as reception can be patchy.
| Item | Why | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Hiking shoes | Grip on stairs, sand and sandstone | Low-cut shoes suit most coastal tracks |
| Sun hat | Long stretches without shade | A wide brim also shades your neck |
| Water bottle | Hot days and few refill points | Carry at least one bottle each, more for long walks |
| Day pack | Room for water, snacks and a layer | Ten to twenty litres covers most day walks |
| Sunglasses | Glare off the sea and sand | Wraparound styles block more side light |
| Light layer | Sea breezes can turn cool | A thin long-sleeved top also helps with sun |
| Swimmers and towel | Beaches and ocean pools along the way | Only swim at patrolled beaches or ocean pools |
Bondi to Coogee is a good first choice. It is about 6 km one way, well signposted and suits most fitness levels, with beaches, toilets and drinking fountains along the way. Expect some steep stairs, especially around Gordons Bay. The Hermitage Foreshore Track is an even shorter option at 1.8 km one way.
You can walk the coast all year, but cooler months are often more comfortable on exposed clifftops. Whales migrate along the coast in the cooler months, and NSW National Parks lists whale watching from Barrenjoey between May and September. In summer, start early, carry plenty of water and check the fire danger rating and park alerts before you go.
It depends on who manages the land. Destination NSW says dogs on leads are allowed on the Bondi to Coogee walk. Dogs and other pets are not permitted in most NSW national parks, which covers walks such as the Manly Scenic Walkway, the Hermitage Foreshore Track and the Coast Track. Check the rules for each walk before you go.
Many of Sydney's coastal walks start and finish near public transport, which makes one-way walks easy. Buses serve both Bondi and Coogee, and the Coast Track finishes near Otford station with trains towards Sydney and Wollongong. Use the Transport NSW trip planner to plan your return before you set off, as parking near popular beaches is limited.
Most short coastal walks are free to walk. Park entry fees apply for vehicles in some national parks, including Royal National Park, and overnight stays on the Coast Track at Garie Beach must be booked ahead. Fees and booking rules can change, so check NSW National Parks for current details.
Pick a walk, check the conditions and pack for the sun. We have the kit to help you enjoy every step.
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