The 10 best bushwalking tracks, hikes in Sydney this summer
See the best of Sydney’s natural beauty with the best ten bushwalks to do this summer.
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There aren’t many places in the world blessed with natural beauty and lush green parklands dotted among the cityscape – but Sydney is one of them.
It has attracted locals and tourists alike to take a walk through and explore many of our sandy coves, dense scrub and popular boardwalks.
From a casual coastal stroll to more challenging half-day hikes, here are the best ten bushwalks to do in Sydney and its surrounds this summer.
1. Bondi to Coogee | 6km (return), 2-3hrs
From Ben Buckler Point to Waverley Cemetery, this mammoth cliff top coastal walk stretches across six kilometres of Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
It’s a dog-friendly trek that offers access to the popular Gordons Bay.
2. Blue Gum Forest, Hornsby | 4.2km, (return) 2hrs
Also known as Joe’s Mountain Circuit – and not to be confused with the Blue Mountain’s namesake – the Blue Gum Forest walk is your typical bushwalk characterised by Aussie scrub and tall gum trees.
As suggested by the name, it is a trek for the ‘average Joe’ being a short, moderate walk in Berowra Valley Regional Park with a steady incline of 231m.
3. America Bay, Ku-ring-gai National Park | 2km (return), 1hr
Take a few hours out of your day and head along the America Bay Track in Ku-ring-gai National Park to see some of the best views the park can offer.
It is an easy walk that can also lead you to a well-preserved Aboriginal engravings site nearby.
4. Great North Walk (Berowra to Cowan) | 12.9km (one way), 6hrs
The Great North Walk is a mammoth 260km bush track stretching from Sydney to Newcastle that is broken up into many individual walks.
If you’re in for a challenge – and ready to work up a sweat – strap on your sturdy shoes and dedicate a full day to the Berowra to Cowan trek, which goes via Berowra Waters. There’s a train station at each end of the walk to ease the pressure on your feet.
5. Hermitage Foreshore, Rose Bay | 2.2km (one way), 45mins
With paved and boarded footpaths, this one’s an ideal little stroll for mums with tiny tots in prams. Park the car or catch the bus at either end of the walk at Bayview Hill Rd or Nielsen Park.
Hermitage Foreshore is a scenic trail that overlooks the beautiful harbour with plenty of space to pause for the view or throw down a picnic rug.
6. Patonga to Pearl Beach | 3km (one-way), 1.5-2hrs
Head north to the Central Coast with the family for a spectacular trek among the red gums of Brisbane Water National Park.
A soothing coastal breeze is bound to break up the heat along the way. Even better, there’s a beach at each end of the trail where you can have a dip and cool down.
7. Spit Bridge to Manly Beach | 9.6km (one way), 3-4hrs
This one is a well-known walk where the bush meets the sea.
It’s a moderate trek with plenty to see along the way including Aboriginal rock engravings and hidden coves for a cheeky dip in the ocean.
8. Wentworth Falls track | 1.4km (return), 1hr
There are a handful of great trails to wander on in the thick scrub of the Blue Mountains and Wentworth Falls is home to some of the best.
The short, easy track Wentworth Falls track takes you to the magnificent waterfall via Fletchers lookout which offers stunning views of the valley.
9. Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach | 6km (one way), 2hrs
Head to Sydney’s North Shore to embark on a historic track at Bradley’s Head via Chowder Bay where the military relics of the city’s past are showcased.
Jump on a ferry to Taronga Zoo and catch an incredible view of Sydney Harbour before you start.
10. Lake Parramatta | 4.2km (circuit), 1.5-2hrs
For a man-made circuit, this walking track is pretty special.
You’ll find this little beauty out west among native bushland where you can swim, hire a kayak or pedal boat and take your leashed pup for a stroll.
Originally published as The 10 best bushwalking tracks, hikes in Sydney this summer
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