The Best Coastal Walks in Sydney
One of my favourite activities to do in Sydney is to go on seaside walks. These are the 5 best coastal walks Sydney has to offer.
Sydney has a web of uninterrupted coastal walks, around the city and beyond. They’re plentiful, they’re well maintained, and they’re absolutely gorgeous.
The ultimate adventure is Sydney’s Great Coastal Walk, which is the interconnected trail of many of Sydney’s best coastal walks. This walk takes about 10 days. It stretches from Barrenjoey Lighthouse in the north, all the way down to Royal National Park in the south. Of course, most people do the walk in sections instead of committing over a week to the journey. But this shows just how plentiful Sydney’s coastal walks are!
I’ve highlighted these 5 best coastal walks in Sydney, chosen because of their stunning views and their proximity to the city. They are all within an hour transit from the CBD (downtown Sydney) and boast some of the best views Sydney has to offer.
1) South Head Heritage Trail
South Head Heritage Trail is my favourite coastal walk in Sydney. It’s short and easy, but with an incredible view payoff. The walk starts with a stunning vantage point of the harbour at quaint (and sometimes very busy) Camp Cove beach in Watsons Bay. The walk passes the red and white Hornby lighthouse and then ends with cliffside views of the open ocean.
This is one of the best coastal walks in Sydney for any history buffs out there. You'll see the historic lighthouse, an old lighthouse keeper's cottage and well preserved gun emplacements. The fact that the walk is so short (less than 1 hour) means that you can squeeze it in at any time of the day. I would recommend finishing with a drink at the nearby Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel after your stroll.
Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour (loop)
Difficulty: Easy. Most sections consist of paved or boardwalk pathways, but there are sections with stairs and uneven cobblestones
Things to know:
There are bathrooms near the start of the trail, near Camp Cove beach
There are a few food options (like fish and chips and cafes) in Watson’s Bay, but nothing on the trail itself, so bring water before you start walking
2) Hermitage Foreshore Track
If you want to see more gorgeous city views, try the Hermitage Foreshore Track. The views are not as dramatic as some of the other coastal walks in Sydney, but it has a consistent, stunning view of the Harbour and city. Starting at Nielsen Park and ending near Rose Bay, it’s only a hop and a skip away from the South Head Heritage Trail (in fact, you can connect to the two by following the coastline) so you can easily do both in one day.
On this Sydney coastal walk, you'll pass by people walking their dogs, boat parties off the shore, and swimmers jumping off the small cliffs. There are a number of quiet local beaches dotted along the trail. Parts of the walk are lined with waterfront mansions.
This walk is made for a leisurely stroll and a swim; pack a picnic, stop for pictures, take a dip at a quiet beach, and admire the mansions.
Time: ~ 1 hour, one way
Difficulty: Easy. Mostly boardwalk with a few stairs and bush paths.
Things to know:
There is a concession stand at Nielsen Park (Shark Beach) for snacks, but not much else along the rest of the walk. There’s more food options in Rose Bay
Bring water, sunscreen, and a towel - it is extremely tempting to take a dip along this walk!
3) North Head Sanctuary Loop
Located near Manly beach, North Head Sanctuary is a little bit off of the typical tourist track. Manly is a visitor’s hotspot, and if you’re heading there, you might as well take time to explore the area following the Manly Lagoon to North Head Walk. North Head Sanctuary is another Sydney coastal location that has some history to it. It houses military fortifications and the historic site of an old quarantine station. There are guided tours to visit the historic military tunnels and landmarks, and even a ghost tour for the quarantine station. There are also information boards along the way, so you can do a self-guided walk. Just make sure to include some time to admire the view!
North Head is an ecologically protected zone, and is home to a number of endangered species. It’s one of the best coastal walks in Sydney for whale watchers in the winter. Of course, it also has a gorgeous view of the harbour.
Time: ~3 hours
Difficulty: Easy, mostly consists of flat boardwalk
Things to know:
Bring binoculars if you are visiting during whale watching season - you might spot some whales off the shore
4) Bondi to Coogee
The list wouldn’t be complete without Sydney's most famous coastal walk—the Bondi to Coogee walk. And it’s famous for a good reason. The beach views are dramatic, and the walk just feels so quintessentially "Sydney". My favourite time to do this Sydney coastal walk is when the sun is setting. The beaches and cliffs bask in the most perfect golden hour lighting.
I recommend starting from Coogee beach and ending in Bondi. I personally just like Bondi more—there’s lots of places to eat, drink, and easy transit back to the city. And the view of Bondi coming from the south is also absolutely gorgeous.
Time: ~ 2 hours, one way
Difficulty: Relatively easy, with a few staircases here and there
Things to know:
The Bondi to Coogee walk has the most amenities out of the walking tracks on this list. There are lifeguards at some beaches, water fountains, and cafes along the walk
This walk can get very busy, especially on holidays
There is an annual art installation show along the coast called Sculpture by the Sea. The installations are stunning, but it also gets extra busy during this time of the year.
5) Spit to Manly
The Spit Bridge to Manly Walk (also called the Manly scenic walkway) is another one of Sydney's famous coastal walks. It is also the longest on this list (~ 4 hours, one way, transit is accessible from either end so you don’t need to loop back). Most people walk from Spit Bridge to Manly Beach. I actually recommend skipping the first section (Spit Bridge), and starting at Castle Rock Beach. The section in between Spit Bridge and Castle Rock Beach is a little underwhelming, so I’d cut it out if you’re short on time.
This is one of the best coastal walks in Sydney to see wildlife. This walk includes more bushwalking, as opposed to beach views like the other Sydney coastal walks on this list. I found this walk very quiet, and at some points, I felt like I was all alone in the bush. Whenever this happened I saw birds, small mammals, and so many lizards. Not-to-miss is the Grotto Point Aboriginal engraving site, some well-preserved rock engravings that offer a window into this area’s history.
Time: ~4 hours, one way
Difficulty: Moderate, with some steep sections of stairs and uneven steps
Things to know:
Make sure to bring water and snacks, there are very few shops along this long walk. Most of this walk runs along residential areas
This is a long walk with little shade, so good sun protection is crucial
These 5 best coastal walks in Sydney show the best of what the city has to offer.
The coast around Sydney is so beautiful. It’s the reason behind why Sydney is my favourite city. These 5 best coastal walks in Sydney will bring you along dramatic cliffs, sandy inlets, and absolutely spoil you with a next-level view.