Hiking in Sydney is an incredible way to spend a weekend and will leave you with a sense of achievement when you sit at your desk on Monday morning reminiscing about the best hikes in Sydney!
Whether is a bushwalk, hike or a stroll along a coastal track, we’ve compiled a list of a few stand-out walks near Sydney that you need to get to while the weather’s cool. Get your hiking boots on, here are 10 of the best hikes in Sydney.
Antarctic Beech Forest Walking Track
Distance: 2.5km loop (Duration: 1 hr – 1 hr 30 mins)
What you’ll need: Hat, sunscreen, drinking water, sturdy shoes
Grade: Easy/Medium
You’ll feel like you have stepped through a doorway into another world with the Antarctic Beech Forest walk in the Barrington Tops National Park. You’ll wander through the sub-alpine woodlands filled with snow gums, and then on into the cool, clement rainforest with its thick canopy overhead and moss carpet underfoot. As you descend into the rugged gorge, you’ll witness whitewater as it spectacularly crashes onto the black rocks. Eventually, after a steep climb, you can enjoy the vista at the Gloucester Falls picnic area.
It goes without saying that if you’re keen on photography there are ample opportunities, but for those avid bird watchers, there’s always the chance you catch a glimpse of one of Australia’s rarest birds, the Rufous Scrub.
Rosewood Creek Walking Track
Distance: 5.5km loop (Duration: 1hr 30mins – 2hrs 30 mins)
What you’ll need: Drinking water, sunscreen, hat, sturdy shoes
Grade: Medium
We consider Rosewood Creek is best walked anti-clockwise and is a medium grade hike for a relaxed afternoon. You’ll catch sight of the World Heritage-listed rainforest, dramatic vistas, creeks and the largest waterfall in the Dorrigo National Park. There are plenty of opportunities for budding photographers, bird watchers or those who just love the views.
The tallowwood and blackbutt tree stumps you’ll spot along the way are a reminder of the history of logging which was prevalent in the area. You’ll also see crab-apple, sassafras and coachwood trees.
If all this excitement isn’t enough for you, or you wish to take a longer hike, then why not try one of our other options.
Visit the Rosewood Creek Track
The Grand Canyon Loop
Distance: 6.3km return (Duration: 3 hrs 30 mins – 4 hours)
What you’ll need: Drinking water, sunscreen, hat, sturdy shoes
Grade: Medium/Hard (steep sections)
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service despite there being quite a few semi-ledges on this walk, which make it a bit challenging, you won’t need to rush out and buy any abseiling gear or specialised hiking equipment for it. When you mention the words “Grand Canyon”, people immediately think you’re referring to the USA. The thin narrow gorges of the Grand Canyon track in the Blue Mountains are completely different.
This historical looped track which walkers have been using since it opened 1907, pulls you through the heart of this World Heritage landscape. It’s ever-present sandstone walls, rainforests and jaw-dropping views combined with an abundance of native flora, particularly during the summer months, line this remarkable hike.
Great North Walk: Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Distance: 10km one-way (Duration: 3 hrs 30 mins – 4 hrs 30 mins)
What you’ll need: Sunscreen, hat, drinking water, sturdy shoes
Grade: Hard (steep sections)
This somewhat challenging hike with several steep sections along the way forms part of the amazing Great North Walk Track (250km) which extends from Sydney to Newcastle. It’s not only the scenic views of the wilderness of this walk which will astound you, but you’ll find it hard to believe that you’re only one hour away from the centre of Sydney!
You’ll also be taken through dense woodland and past the Midden of Aboriginal Guringai (Kuringgai) people, and of course, the walk won’t be complete unless you’ve taken a dip in Jerusalem Bay. The tranquil surroundings of this stunning bay make it a quite a unique experience.
Pierces Pass to Blue Gum Forest, Blue Mountains National Park
Distance: 16km return (Duration: 6-8 hours)
What you’ll need: A hat, drinking water, sunscreen, sturdy shoes
Grade: Medium/Hard
Pierces Pass to Blue Gum Forest walking track
What’s more fun than a hike? One that provides an optional cool-down paddle in a stunning tree-lined river, and that’s what you’ll get on this walk. Initially, Pierce’s Pass walk will really get your heart pumping, but it will be worth it for the incredible landscape views you will get to see which span across the Grose Valley.
Once the day’s hiking and navigating are over, you’ll take a well-deserved rest at Acacia Flat where you’ll stop overnight. Day two will see you crossing the Grose River heading out towards the iconic Blue Gum Forest with its thick overhead canopy and abundant flora and fauna.
Scutts Hut & Kurrawonga Falls Walk
Distance: 19km return (Duration: 10-12 hours)
What you’ll need: A hat, drinking water, sunscreen, sturdy shoes
Grade: Medium/Hard
Scutts Hut and Kurrawonga Falls walk, Mount Kaputar National Park
What better way to enjoy the scenery that Mount Kaputar National Park has to offer than on a hike through the mountains? This walk is perhaps a little more challenging, but it gives you the opportunity to experience Scutts Hut. It took the renowned Archie Scutt two years to build the hut – now deemed a national heritage – as he had to bring all the materials up the mountainside by packhorse.
Perhaps birdwatching is more your passion? If so, there are ample opportunities to see Southern Boobooks and Kookaburras among the mountain gums, rough bark apples and silvertop stringybark trees.
Royal National Park Coast Track (Otford to Bundeena)
Distance: 26km One Way (Duration: 2 days)
What you’ll need: Suitable clothing, robust shoes, drinking water, tent, raincoat, sleeping bag, snacks, sunscreen and of course, a hat
Grade: Difficult/Hard
Coastal Walk, Royal National Park
A two-day backpack with an overnighter is the best way to experience this walk. With the north segment of this walk, you’ll get to enjoy the chiselled beauty of the National Park with sandy beaches, sandstone cliffs and coastal heath.
Along the route there many places to stop, such as Wattamolla, Marley Beach and Curracurrang Cove close to the lookout at Eagle Rock. Picnics and taking a dip too cool down are possible before you hunker down for the night at North Era camping ground (pre-booking is advisable).
Once you head off out on day two, for the south section of the trail, you’ll come across a few heritage shacks and pass through a palm jungle. If you plan your hike carefully between May-October, you’ll more than likely spot the odd humpback whale or two as they migrate!
Six Foot Walking Track
Distance: 46km One Way (Duration: 3 days)
What you’ll need: Compass, topographic map, suitable clothing for all conditions, personal locator beacon, hardwearing shoes, drinking water, tent, raincoat, sleeping bag, snacks, sunscreen, hat
Grade: Hard
Six Foot hike is not for the faint-hearted, but if you are searching for a thrilling adventure, one which will give your body and your mind a good workout, then this is for you.
Over three days you’ll wind your way through this historic horse trail in the Blue Mountains National Park and experience the rainforest, heaths, woodlands, waterfalls, wild rivers, cross a unique swing bridge and stop at some heritage sites. If that’s not enough, don’t forget the underground caves.
There’ll be great opportunities for overnight camping and stargazing too. There are options to do shorter walks if you’re not up to the challenge of the whole 46km.
The Great Coastal Walk (Barrenjoey to Royal National Park)
Distance: 100km One Way (Duration: 8 days)
What you’ll need: Compass, topographic map, suitable clothing for all conditions, personal locator beacon, hardwearing shoes, drinking water, tent, raincoat, sleeping bag, snacks, sunscreen, hat
Grade: Hard
If you’re looking for a great way to dive into the history of Sydney, then The Great Coastal Walk is an opportunity which “should not be missed”. Spectacular views along the way go without saying on this hike, as well as gaining an insight into the geography and geology of Australia.
The great thing about this particular walk is no rules apply. so, you can break it down into easy distances, take a 7-day adventure and head in either direction. Even if you decide to walk only a short stretch, you’ll still be stunned at the diversity of the landscape and its beauty. The majority of the walk is on tracks, sand, in reserves and parks, but there is a small amount of road walking involved too.
The list of things to see along the way are endless, but there are four lagoons, green link corridors, rock shelves, Long Reef Headland, McKillop Park, bushland, Manly Dam Reserve, and much more, to give you an idea of what’s in store for you. You’ll also enjoy the three beaches, Gunyah, Jibbon and Horderns which are perfect for swimming and an ideal spot for a picnic.
We would advise planning your accommodation stops along the route beforehand if you are planning on doing the 7-day walk.
