The most magical bush and coastal walks in Sydney

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Curated selection of points

There’s plenty more to hiking Sydney than the Coogee to Bondi trail with breathtaking bush and coastal walks dotting the entire city.

It’s renowned for its iconic coastal trails but searching ‘bush walks near me’ from anywhere in Sydney will unearth magnificent water-gawking treks complemented by further natural wonders. From walks that encircle the very best whale-watching vantage points to trails that lead to the city’s most secret swimming spots, action-packed inland paths lie far and wide.
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1
Sphinx Memorial to Bobbin Head Loop, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

A long but easy walk that winds through thick mangroves and bushes overflowing with red bloodwoods and apple gums.

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Start at the Sphinx Memorial, a striking sandstone monument built in memory of the lives lost during the First World War. End at Bobbin Head where you’ll find an abundance of picnic tables and barbeques. If you haven’t packed a spread, it’s all good.Waterside Bistrois just around the corner within Empire Marina and serves up a mouth-watering selection of burgers, seafood, and hearty salads.
2
Bondi to Manly Walk, Bondi to Manly

Sydney’s longest coastal trail showcases two of the city’s most outstanding locales, blending bushwalking with exceptional ocean-gazing.

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The Bondi to Manly Walk will take you anywhere from two to six days, depending on your unique pace. Our advice? Savour the stretch and go slow. You’ll be spoilt with natural rockpools, dramatic sandstone cliffs, secluded swimming spots and beaches, world-famous headlands, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Taronga Zoo and a string of fascinating historical remains and fixtures. Best of all, no part of the walk is overtly strenuous, and it’s clearly signposted from start to finish. The only reason it’s rated hard is due to its colossal length. There’s even an app that offers step-by-step guidance.
3
America Bay Walking Track, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

One of Sydney’s ultimate picnic spots lies at the end of the America Bay Walking Track underneath a cascading waterfall.

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The track follows a sandstone ridge, sitting beneath a canopy of lush gum trees. Look closely and you’ll find watering holes hidden between red rocks that are filled with yabbies and tadpoles.
4
The Sanctuary Loop, North Head Sanctuary, ManlyManly

Gaze out over a sweeping view of Sydney Harbour and the bustling CBD from North Head Sanctuary.

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Manly, New South Wales, Australia
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Its Sanctuary Loop walk goes past Sydney’s former Army School of Artillery, as well as the Third Quarantine Cemetery which was built in 1881 and offers a prime example of how our quarantine processes evolved over time. Hanging swamps and banksia scrub make up some of the unique vegetation along the track. Stop and cool off at one of the cute little beaches along the way, and finish with a coffee at Bella Vista Cafe up on the headland.
5
Harold Reid Foreshore Track, Castlecrag

Combining the best of the bush with the best of the ocean, the Harold Reid Foreshore Track covers Middle Harbour and much of its beauty.

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Highlights include the Harold Reid Headland, also referred to as Sugarloaf, a sandstone structure that dramatically looms above sea level for your viewing pleasure. Featuring slippery surfaces and rocky terrain at times, the track is suitable for families but just make sure everyone’s got the right footwear. You’ll spy an array of birdlife including Grey Fantails, Kookaburras and Superb Fairy-wrens, plus views out to Castlecrag’s stunning Innisfallen Castle, mangroves and a picnic area with a gas barbecue.
6
Resolute Beach Circuit Walk, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Discover some of Sydney’s most stunning less-lazed-upon beaches all in one day with the Resolute Beach Circuit Walk.

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Offering access to Resolute Beach, one of Sydney’s best covert swimming spots, this sometimes-steep trek also covers West Head and Great Mackerel beaches. And once you’re navigated the trail speckled with rich flora and fauna and plonk yourself on Resolute itself, you’ll be treated further to views across Pittwater and Barrenjoey Headland.
7
Riverside Walking Track, Lane Cove National Park

Pack a picnic lunch and immerse yourself in lush bushlands along the Riverside Walking Track.

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Featuring multiple picturesque spots to spread out a feast, the peaceful trail runs along the Lane Cove River so exploring will be freckled with water views. Spend the rest of your journey soaking up an incredible roster of birdlife as well as the odd swamp wallaby. And pesky bush turkeys? You’ll find them everywhere, providing plenty to keep littler ones entertained.
8
Curra Moors Loop Track, Royal National Park

A longish but flat walk that promises remarkable coastal views and one of the most popular whale spotting sites in Sydney.

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Scribbly gums huddle at the edge of the Curra Moors Loop Track which opens onto a blossoming heath and ocean-facing sandstone cliffs. During spring, the flora will give your nostrils a delightful sensory experience and you may be lucky enough to spot echidnas roaming amongst the shrubbery.
9
Benowie Walking Track, Berowra Valley National Park

Pack up and disappear for a few days by hiking the Benowie Walking Track, running between Pennant Hills and Berowra Waters.

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A mixture of smooth boardwalk and uneven dirt that winds steadily amid rural bushland, it’s the perfect pick if you’re planning to camp along the way. Lined with Sydney blue gums and budding black wattles, Benowie is just one part of the Great North Walk, stretching from Sydney to Newcastle. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled – you may stumble across ancient Aboriginal rock carvings or the remnants of an old quarry.

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