Magical Sydney Bush And Coastal Walks

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

Sydney is renowned for its natural beauty, and locals and visitors alike are spoilt for choice when it comes to the picturesque bush and coastal walks to admire its splendour. 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.

Easy hikes

1. 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 surrounded by dense bush. 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.

Getting there: America Bay is in the West Head precinct of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Driving here is the best option, however, the track is also accessible from the waterfront if you’re lucky enough to have access to a boat (or tinnie).

Distance: 1.8 kilometres return

Level: Medium

Friends enjoying the scenic views across America Bay and Cowan Creek from the America Bay Walking Track, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

America Bay Walking Track follows a sandstone ridge, sitting beneath a canopy of lush gum trees. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. The Sanctuary Loop, North Head Sanctuary, Manly

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

a historic structure at Sanctuary, Q Station North Head Sydney Harbour National Park

Marvel at The Sanctuary, Q Station North Head Sydney Harbour National Park. (Image: John Yurasek/DPE)

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.

a scenic view from North Head Sydney Harbour National Park

Admire the scenic landscape at North Head Sydney Harbour National Park. (Image: Katherine Ashley-DPE)

Getting there: A bus to North Head Sanctuary from Manly Wharf runs regularly. There’s also a bike path running all the way from the Wharf to North Head Sanctuary.

Distance: Two-hour loop

Level: Easy

3. 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 staggering beauty. 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.

Getting there: Start your trail at the end of Sugarloaf Crescent in Castlecrag. You can park your car on the street right before hitting the signpost marking the track’s entrance.

Distance: four-kilometre loop

Level: Easy to medium

Moderate hikes

4. 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. Start at the Sphinx Memorial, a striking sandstone monument built in memory of the lives lost during the First World War.

the hiking trail from Sphinx Memorial to Bobbin Head, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

You’ll stop by a river surrounded by thick mangroves. (Image: Natasha Webb/DPE)

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 Bistro is just around the corner within Empire Marina and serves up a mouth-watering selection of burgers, seafood, and hearty salads.

a woman standing on a rock during the hike from Sphinx Memorial to Bobbin Head, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Rest mid-hike to appreciate the scenery. (Image: Natasha Webb/DPE)

Getting there: Sphinx Memorial is another one of those places you’ll need a car to get to, with plenty of parking available at the grounds. Follow Bobbin Head Road from the Pacific Highway at Turramurra.

Distance: 10-kilometre loop

Level: Easy

5. 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. 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.

Getting there: The Circuit Walk consists of two trails; one starts from the Resolute Picnic Area at the end of West Head Road where you’ll find a car park. The other starts at the West Head Lookout, which is closed and undergoing maintenance until November 2023 but is accessible from the Resolute Picnic Area when it’s back up and running.

Distance: 6-kilometre loop

Level: Medium to hard

Man enjoying a morning walk along Resolute Beach in Ku-ring-gai National Park.

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

6. Riverside Walking Track, Lane Cove National Park

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

trees and bushes along the Riverside Walking Track

Pass through the foggy Riverside Walking Track. (Image: Kevin McGrath/DPE)

Getting there: Reach the trail from either Delhi Road in West Chatswood or Lane Cove Road in Macquarie Park. There’s parking up for grabs along the entire stretch including the Koonjeree Picnic Area towards the southern end of the trail.

Distance: 5 kilometres one-way

Level: Easy to medium

Hard hikes

7. 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. 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.

Getting there: Getting to the Royal National Park from the CBD via public transport can be time-consuming (with no direct links), so driving here is the way to go. Vehicle passes are $12 for the day. Parking can be at a premium here on the weekends so get here early.

Distance: 10-kilometre loop

Level: Medium

8. 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. 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.

Water cascades over rocks in Berowra Creek off the Benowie Walking Track

Make a splash in the cold water cascades at Berowra Creek. (Image: Nick Cubbin/DPE)

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.

the view of the boats and houses by Berowra Creek from the Benowie Walking Track in Berowra Valley National Park

Walk past the boats and houses along Benowie Walking Track. (Image: Nick Cubbin/DPE)

Getting there: Most tracks out of Sydney require a car, however this one’s only one kilometre from either Hornsby or Pennant Hills train station.

Distance: 25 kilometres one-way

Level: Hard

9. Bondi to Manly Walk, Bondi to Manly

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

Getting there: Start from Bondi Beach and make your way south along the South Head of Sydney’s Eastern suburbs. Buses travel to Bondi Beach from Bondi Junction regularly every day.

Distance: 80 kilometres

Level: Hard

Couple enjoying the North Fort, Manly section of the Bondi to Manly Walk.

The Bondi to Manly Walk will take you anywhere from two to six days. (Image: Destination NSW)

How to prepare for a Sydney bushwalk

Step 1: Research and plan

Google everything you can about the trail you’re tackling. Get a feel of the route, particularly if it’s a long one, and check the difficulty level even if you’re an experienced bushwalker. Conditions change and sections may be undergoing maintenance so always gather as much information as possible prior to go-time so there are no surprises.

Step 2: Check the weather

It’s a no-brainer but should be reminded. Ensure your walk isn’t rained out or overheated unexpectedly.

Couple enjoying the coastal view, Tamarama

Research and plan before you head on a coastal walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

Step 3: Piece together the perfect outfit

No matter where your journey takes you, waterproof and windproof clothing is your best bet and layering tops makes it easy to cool down as the day heats up. Plus, opting for long, loose pants will keep insects and grazes at bay. Choose sturdy, protective shoes with soles that grip and don’t forget a hat.

Step 4: Pack like a pro

Here’s the checklist: sunscreen, insect repellent, more than two litres of water per person, nutritious snacks, a torch, a simple first aid kit that includes Band-Aids, antiseptic and small scissors and your mobile phone and/or a map. If you’re camping, you’ll need a tent and sleeping bag at a minimum.

Friends hiking the Casuarina Track in Garigal National Park in Sydney

Make sure you’re prepared and pack everything you need. (Image: Destination NSW)

Step 5: Download an app

The NSW National Parks app contains up-to-date information on hundreds of Sydney’s best walks. Plus, you can download your route before you go so even if you’re out of range, your map will remain a click away.

Step 6: Tell a friend

Finally, make sure somebody knows you’re heading out and may be uncontactable due to trekking outside of phone satellite proximity. It may seem extreme, but accidents can happen and it’s better to err on the side of caution if you’re planning an epic adventure.

Couple enjoying the Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk at Marks Park, Tamarama

Make sure somebody knows you’re heading out on a walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

Check out our must-read guide to Sydney beaches to visit

Welcome to the first instalment of Hotel Addict, a monthly column where I check into Australia’s best hotels, exploring not just the rooms, but the stories, service and settings that make each stay unforgettable and worth adding to your wishlist.

Hotel stays have quietly become my thing. Long before I became a travel journalist, I was booking staycations just for a change of scenery. Some had charm, some had character, some had neither. Once, I even stayed in a hotel directly opposite my own apartment – partly for the novelty, partly because I wanted to see my life from a different angle.

For me, hotels represent a kind of mystery – I find myself wanting to know what these buildings contain. Many of them are designed with intention: lighting, materials, scent and sounds that often reflect the city they sit in. Time seems to gently pause in these spaces, which have increasingly become the destination itself for modern travellers.

It only felt fitting for the first hotel in this series to be in my home city and at the hotel that’s been at the top of my list: Capella Sydney.

A sandstone heritage building and palm trees

Capella sits within an Edwardian Baroque‑style sandstone building.

An email with a hotel program from the “Culturist Team” lets me know this will be a luxurious stay. There’s a guided walk around the Botanic Gardens, a weaving workshop and a Sydney contemporary art tour – the kind of addition that signals a hotel that’s tuned into the finer details, and one that’s not surprising given that Capella’s ethos centres on delivering personalised, immersive experiences.

Capella opened in 2023 within a transformed Edwardian Baroque‑style sandstone building in Sydney’s CBD that was originally designed by renowned Scottish-Australian architect George McRae. I often walk past this building and once attended an event inside – I distinctly remember being surprised by how beautiful it was. Bar Studio, Make Architects, and stylist Simone Haag were engaged to sensitively adapt the building for contemporary luxury while honouring its past, in collaboration with Heritage NSW and the City of Sydney.

When I arrive, I’m greeted by three different staff members along the way to reception. There’s a lovely subtle scent, which I later learn combines notes of bergamot, green tea leaves, peony, freesia, vetiver and cedarwood. This hotel strikes such a beautiful balance between grandness and intimacy, with large floral bouquets, contemporary artworks, impressively high ceilings that give it an international feel and quieter nooks to unwind in. Each space is unique, but they’re all unified by a warm, textural and layered design.

Sydney has been deserving of a hotel of this calibre for quite some time, with many of the accommodations in the city looking and feeling dated.

A modern hotel reception with high ceilings

The design strikes the perfect balance between grandness and intimacy.

I have a treatment booked at the hotel’s Auriga Spa prior to check-in. The space is ultra-luxe, moodily lit and intimate, featuring timber joinery, green walls and a sleek design that’s so perfect it almost transports me to Japan. I opt for the Replenish Beauty and LED Facial – a strategic choice with a TV segment on the horizon, and a hopeful bid to look extra fresh for the camera.

The treatment begins with me sitting in the softest robe of my life, wearing slippers and sipping chamomile tea. I’m then whisked away to my private treatment room, which has its own bathroom, a large skylight and a small Japanese-style garden. The treatment is extremely relaxing and moves through cleansing, exfoliating, massaging (arm, head, neck and face) and LED Light Therapy. There’s so much attention to detail – even at the end, the facialist puts my slippers back on me, while I’m still lying down.

Spa treatment room with a massage bed, featuring timber walls and a serene Japanese-style garden visible through a window.

A treatment at Auriga Spa might be the best way I’ve ever started a hotel stay. (Image: Rachael Thompson)

While this treatment certainly hasn’t had a Benjamin Button effect, my sister seems to think I’m glowing, so I walk away happy, or at the very least, zen.

Auriga Spa has a sauna, steam room, ice fountain and a beautiful indoor heated swimming pool. There’s also “experiential showers” – new to me, but essentially it combines water flowing from different places, changing temperatures, mood lighting, gentle sounds, and a subtle lemongrass scent.

You could easily spend the better part of a day at the spa and pool, even if you’re not a guest.

The indoor heated swimming pool with glass ceiling at Capella Sydney.

Guests outside the hotel can use the spa and swimming pool. (Image: Rachael Thompson)

I’m escorted to my room, drunk on relaxation, but I make sure to take note of how noisy the hallways are – answer: dead quiet. My room is 50 square metres, which is huge by hotel standards, but particularly for one in the CBD. It feels like a high-end apartment with floorboards, a freestanding bath and a seating/dining area. My eyes are immediately drawn to the line-up of macarons waiting for me on the dining table.

I’m thrilled to see the mini bar armoire includes a small wine fridge stocked with Minuty Prestige Côtes de Provence, Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, Handpicked Wines Pinot Noir, and Moët Grand Vintage. Not that I plan on using it (I simply could not justify the prices) – but it’s a nice extra that makes the room feel that much more luxurious. The drinks lineup reads like a who’s-who of local favourites – Young Henrys, Maybe Sammy cocktails, Four Pillars gin and Archie Rose gin. Snacks include Tyrell’s chips, Pringles, Natural Confectionery lollies, and a Carman’s oat bar.

Some small touches I appreciate that some hotels don’t offer: the option to choose your housekeeping time, an iron that actually works well, a Bluetooth speaker, the beloved wine fridge, aluminium water bottles and a bathroom without a glass door or screen that awkwardly exposes you. The one downside is that some of these rooms don’t offer much in the way of a view.

A modern hotel room with a monochrome paletter.

I stayed in a Premier Room which was elegant and relaxing. (Image: Rachael Thompson)

4:30pm is Swill Hour – a daily tradition that nods to the historical “six o’clock swill” in Australia. This one-hour event takes place in the Living Room and invites guests to gather and enjoy each other’s company with a signature cocktail in hand. This afternoon’s tipple is a Eucalyptus Gimlet, a clever, herbaceous little cocktail, by the multi-award-winning Maybe Sammy Team, served on coasters depicting drawings of the historic building. The canapé of the day is a tomato and stracciatella tart. I noticed several staff members chatting with guests like old friends, asking how their adventures earlier in the day went – clearly remembering previous conversations from earlier visits.

Dinner is booked for 6:30pm in Aperture – arguably the most beautiful area of the accommodation. It’s decorated with Australian flora and features a kinetic sculpture hanging from the roof that opens like flowers, with softly changing lights. Tyler, who is serving us, clearly admires the Capella brand, speaking enthusiastically about the other international properties he’s been to and sharing how he sometimes brings his five-year-old daughter here to use the pool.

Interior of Aperture at Capella Sydney, featuring lush greenery and a striking ceiling-mounted sculpture.

The scale of Aperture gives it an international feel.

I kick things off with a basil melon margarita – a winning recommendation – before tucking into the best prawn toast I’ve ever had. For mains it’s crispy Ōra King salmon and spaghetti with mud crab.

When I arrive back at my room, there’s a vegan leather journal on my bed with a note that says: “The ritual of journaling allows us to pause, reflect and focus.” This is part of the turndown service, and my slippers are neatly lined up next to my bed. Will I journal? No. Do I think it’s a nice touch? Yes.

Brasserie 1930 at Capella Sydney, where Art Deco elegance meets contemporary Australian cuisine.

Brasserie 1930 boasts Art Deco elegance.

The next morning, I make the predictable choice of smashed avo for breakfast at the on-site restaurant, Brasserie 1930. There’s also a buffet brimming with all the usual suspects.

Afterwards, I head to the pool to relax for a few hours before the 11am checkout. Despite my earlier resolve not to journal, I find myself reflecting nonetheless – an irony not lost on me – on my 21st hotel stay in Sydney. I write this with growing assurance that great hotels don’t just provide a place to stay; they create memorable moments, thanks in large part to fantastic staff. Kudos to the hiring manager.

Next stop: The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart!

9 breathtaking Sydney bush and coastal walks to go on