Sydney has this advantage over other metropolitan cities, that wherever you go, there is always something new to discover, such as, beautiful scenery, amazing ocean views and great places to have a walk. There are a few ‘iconic’ coastal walks that you can’t skip when staying in Sydney. I’ve put together some useful information to help you plan your trip.
- Coogee to Bondi
The most popular coastal walk amongst both foreigners and locals. It attracts thousands of people every weekend and I probably don’t have to tell you that this is the time when it gets the most crowded. However, the great views will surely compensate for all the inconvenience. There are several stops on the route that are worth your attention:
– Clovelly Beach
– Gordon’s Bay
– Waverley Cemetery
– Bronte Beach
– Tamarama Beach
On each of the beaches, you will come across cafes and places to sit back and relax. Grab a coffee or hot chips, take your towel and enjoy the beach!
Extra tip: To enhance your experience, visit the ‘Sculptures by the Sea’ exhibition which takes place every year between October/November. Read more here.
How to get there:
- To Bondi: buses 333, 380, 389 depart from Circular Quay (stop at Hyde Park too)
- To Coogee: 373 and 374 depart from Circular Quay (stop at Hyde Park too)
Distance: 6 km (3.5 miles)
Duration: 2-3 hours
- Manly to Spit Bridge
This is the longest walk on the list. This pleasant weekend stroll might take you up to 5-6 hours to complete, depending on the tempo. This is doubtlessly something for hiking fans! Manly is a perfect weekend getaway, known mostly because of its long, wide beach, souvenir shops, boutiques, and restaurants. However, if you’re more into active time spending, this is a proposition for you. Remember that you don’t have to walk all the distance. Nevertheless, give it a go as the views are breathtaking. For this track, I would recommend you to bring sunscreen, a cap, and ‘comfy’ shoes. Also, there are no cafes on the way, so remember to take water and something to eat. You’ll surely encounter picturesque beaches along the coast, so take the towel and swimmers!
Extra Tip: If you’re after a quiet but picturesque small beach, make sure to stop at Reef Beach.
How to get there:
You need to catch a ferry from Circular Quay, which usually departs every 30 minutes. After leaving the ferry terminal, turn left and continue straight ahead. The walk has now started, enjoy!
Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Duration: 5 hours
- Watsons Bay
Easily accessible from the CBD and Bondi Beach, famous for Sydney Harbour views accompanied by marvellous beaches and ocean. Watsons Bay is the place where you can also enjoy delicious seafood from ‘Doyles on the Beach’ – one of the most well known and iconic seafood restaurants in Sydney. A short walk along the bay will take you to the Hornby Lighthouse, built in 1858, located near South Head in Sydney Harbour National Park.
While you can spend a joyful day wandering around Watsons Bay, my recommendation is that you go on a coastal walk, starting from Rushcutters Bay. The itinerary leads through Double Bay, Rose Bay and ends in Watsons Bay. All of these bays are a part of Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. On your way to Watsons Bay, make sure to walk down to famous Milky Beach and enjoy amazing Sydney Harbour views.
Extra tip: Stop for a lunch at Red Leaf café in Double Bay to enjoy their delicious burgers!
How to get there:
Buses 324,325 from CBD or T4 train line to Kings Cross
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Duration: 4 hours
- Secret walk
Do you fancy a weekend jaunt with Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge views from a different perspective? This is a secret walk of the Northern Suburbs, so read carefully. Beyond any doubt, one of my favourite ones and you will understand why in a moment, when looking at the photos below.
Start from Kirribilli and McDougall St, that will lead you to Milson Park. At this time of the year (Spring season), McDougall St offers views of blooming Jacaranda trees. From Milson Park go up to Hipwood St until you reach Neutral Bay Harbour. Your next stop should be Hodson’s Lookout Park and Kurraba Point. Make sure to walk down the hill for the best Sydney Harbour views. The final stop is Cremorne Reserve, just next to Mosman Bay. Turn right from Bogota Avenue to a secret path hidden in the trees. That path will lead you straight to lookout points with amazing Sydney Opera House views. There is also a small but picturesque swimming pool called MacCallum Seawater Pool. Continue walking until you reach Robertson’s Pt Lookout.
The walk does not necessarily end here, if you wish, continue walking along the coast until you reach Taronga Zoo and Bradleys Head. This part of the coastal walk tends to attract more visitors, therefore can be more crowded too. The key point is to see Bradleys Head Amphitheatre – most visited lookout in the Northern Suburbs of Sydney Harbour National Park.
Extra tip: Start your jaunt with breakfast at the Flying Bear café in Milson Park.
How to get here:
By train – alight at ‘Milsons Point station’ or by Ferry – to Milsons Point, Kirribilli or North Sydney Wharf
Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles) to Cremorne Point and 7km (4.3 miles) to Bradleys Head Amphitheatre
Duration: 2-3 hours