If you’re anything like me, practising self-isolation at home might be sending you a little stir crazy right now. You might be missing the great outdoors and stretching your legs along some of Sydney’s best walks, or simply soaking up the warm sunshine and feeling the cool, gentle breeze on your skin.
However, it’s important to remember staying at home and practising safe social distancing is the right thing we all need to be doing right now, so we can enjoy getting back outside and enjoying travel and dining once this Covid-19 pandemic is all over.
To keep you inspired and help you stay connected with the great outdoors, why not take a ‘virtual hike’ along some of Sydney’s best walks. From exploring national parks and pleasant parks to harbourside and coastal walks, here are some of my favourite walks in Sydney and its surrounds you can enjoy from the comfort of your couch.
1. Cliff Top Walking Track, Blue Mountains National Park
Cliff Top walking track is situated within the Blue Mountains National Park close to Blackheath and follows the cliff edge from Govetts Leap lookout to Evans lookout. Along the way you will be greeted by breathtaking views over Grose Valley from many of the lookouts.
6km return | 3-3.5 hours | short, steep hill sections, suitable for most ages and fitness levels
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2. Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walking track, Sydney Harbour National Park
Have your camera at the ready! Expect fabulous views of Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge along this popular walking track on Sydney’s north shore. Start from Taronga Zoo and follow the track all the way to the beaches and cafes of Chowder Bay. Expect boardwalk and bush track as you pass Bradleys Head’s military relics and admire the ancient trees. Keep your eyes open as you might spot the kookaburra on the hunt for its next meal.
4km one way | 1.5 – 2.5 hours | Many steps. Short, steep hill sections, suitable for most ages and fitness levels
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3. Henry Head walking track, Kamay Botany Bay National Park
One of my favourite walks in Sydney’s south is the Henry Head walking track at La Perouse. Here you can soak up the sensational coastal views as well as historic sites and enjoy some great bird watching. Visit during Sydney’s whale watching season between May and November for the chance to spot humpback whales as they migrate along the coastline. Be sure to bring your binoculars.
4km return | 45 minutes – 1 hour 15 minutes | Occasional steps, short steep hills
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4. Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk, Barrenjoey Headland
For spectacular views over the Pacific Ocean, Hawkesbury River and the iconic Palm Beach, take a hike along the steep Smugglers Track through headland before arriving at Barrenjoey Lighthouse. Explore the heritage lighthouse and lighthouse keeper’s cottages and admire the 360-degree views. Be treated to sightings of humpback whales during whale watching season in winter and early spring.
3km return | 1.5 hours | Easy / moderate with steep sections
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5. Bondi to Coogee Walk
One of Sydney’s most famous walks, this 6km cliff-top coastal walk takes in the spectacular beaches of Bondi, Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly and Coogee. Expect a good workout with plenty of steps, with plenty of opportunity to relax at the beautiful bays and discover life in the rock pools. Watch the surfers tackle the waves or have a barbeque with many electric BBQ facilities available.
6km one way | 2 hours | Moderate with some steep gradient paths and staircases
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6. Spit Bridge to Manly Walk
For a mix of bushland and harbourside trails, with pretty bays and spectacular views over Sydney harbour, the Spit Bridge to Manly walk is a favourite for both locals and tourists alike. The highlight is halfway along the walk at the steepest section where you can stop and admire the breathtaking views over Sydney. Selfies and panoramic photos here are a must!
10km one way | 4 hours | Moderate with steep sections and steps.
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7. Hermitage Foreshore Track, Sydney Harbour National Park
If you’re feeling lazy or just prefer a short stroll with harbourside views, there’s no beating the Hermitage Foreshore walk. Beginning at Nielsen Park, Vaucluse, not only can you admire the postcard-worthy scenes of Sydney Harbour in all her glistening glory, you can also nosey at some of the million-dollar mansions along the way, as well as the historic Strickland House, built in the 1850s. With a number of picnic tables and grassy areas, don’t forget to pack a picnic as well as your swimmers for a refreshing swim in the turquoise waters of Shark Beach.
1.8km one way | 30 minutes – 1 hour | Moderate walk with gentle hills with many steps.
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