Since we’re surrounded by beaches in beautiful Sydney, there’s no better way to get fit (and catch up with your mates at the same time) than by hitting a good old-fashioned coastal walk along one of our pretty beaches, clifftops, and tracks.
Chase that weekend sunshine and take the scenic route, salt spray included. Here are Sydney’s best coastal walks.
Editor's note: be sure to check weather and track conditions and any national park closures before embarking on a coastal walk in Sydney.
Hermitage Foreshore Track
Takes about 1 hour
We’ll ease you in with a, shall we say, not-so-challenging coastal walk. The family-friendly Hermitage Foreshore walk may be simple, but it’s also simply spectacular.
Start at either Bayview Hill Road or Nielsen Park then stop to snap some shots of the Harbour Bridge, Strickland House and Shark Island along the way. Both ends are well connected to public transport, so you won't have to worry about walking all the way home.
Bouddi Coastal Walk
Takes about 4 hours
A bucket list stroll for any Sydneysider, the Bouddi Coastal Walk ticks off some gorgeous secluded beaches, with a well-maintained boardwalk, rainforest sections, and plenty of spots to rest the feet with a well-deserved sandwich stop.
This walk can also easily be broken into shorter walks under about two hours (Putty Beach to Maitland Bay, Maitland Bay to Little Beach, or Little Beach to MacMasters Beach) if you're short on time but seeking a stroll through stunning natural scenes.
Bondi To Bronte And Coogee Walks
Takes about 2 hours
We know you’re well-acquainted with this coastal walk (and its shorter sister, the Bondi to Bronte Walk, which takes under an hour); this iconic six-kilometre trail starts at Icebergs, winds up past Mark’s Park then on to Tamarama and Clovelly and, from there, it’s all about Wylies Baths and Coogee.
There’s a reason this one is packed every single day of the week—because it’s damn beautiful. We recommend timing this one around Sculpture by the Sea, which takes over the Bondi to Coogee trail in springtime.
The Balconies To Marley Beach
Takes 3–4 hours
If you’re up for a nine-kilometre coastal walk, be sure to check this one out—and expect to hit some epic photo opps of beach, bushland and native birds along the way.
We would hit this one up on a sunny Sydney day with plenty of water, snacks and a whole lotta sunscreen. The car park can get busy, so we'd recommend starting out early, too.
Botany Bay Coastal Walk To Cronulla
Takes about 4 hours
We all know there is loads to see in The Shire, but we’re pretty sure the Botany Bay Coastal Walk is the prettiest.
You'll start at Cape Solander in Kurnell, head along the Cape Baily Walking Track, and finish on the sand at Cronulla Beach. It's a lengthy one, around 13 kilometres, which means you should pack extra water—but also you’ll have plenty of time to soak up the sunshine and sea breeze.
Bradleys Head To Chowder Bay Walk
Takes about 2 hours
This leafy walking track weaves around the Sydney Harbour headlands from Taronga Zoo Wharf and it’s an easy way to combine the best of the bush with the Northern Sydney 'burbs.
Dotted with heritage-listed buildings, historic sites and harbour views along the way—this one is a quintessential Sydney coastal walk.
La Perouse To Yarra Bay
Takes about 1 hour
Take it easy with this three-kilometre coastal walk from La Perouse to Yarra Bay. The panoramic views over Botany Bay are exactly what your Sunday needs, along with a salty breeze (exactly what your hangover needs, too).
This walk is also perfect for a little family bonding with wheelchair and pram accessibility and calm beaches perfect for sandcastle competitions.
Barrenjoey To Avalon
Takes about 3 hours
This coastal walk is perfect for impressing all of your out-of-town visitors. Kick off the walk by climbing to Barrenjoey lighthouse before making the walk over to Avalon.
The views along this walk will alternate between Pittwater and the Pacific Ocean and there are plenty of beach views along the way. Plus, any card-carrying Home & Away fan should consider a trip to this part of Sydney an absolute must.
Balmain To Circular Quay
Takes about 3 hours
Sure, you could drive this one, flag down a ferry, or board a bus, but none of these involves fresh air or a well-deserved beer at the end. Technically part of the 26-kilometre Sydney Harbour Circle Walk, this one ticks off plenty of waterfront views and stop-off options along the way.
If you have three leisurely hours to spare this weekend or just want to pace yourself between drinks, we suggest starting this walk between the Inner West’s unofficial “pub-urb”, pound the pavement past Pyrmont, and finish at Opera Bar for sunset sips.
Spit Bridge To Manly Walk
Takes about 4 hours
Start this coastal walk by boarding the ferry for a ride across the harbour to Manly. You’ll wind past Dobroyd Head, and wander through the Sydney Harbour National Park at Castle Rock before passing Clontarf Beach, Sandy Beach and Fisher Bay.
Take a detour to see the Aboriginal rock engravings at Grotto Point Lighthouse and the Arabanoo Lookout and Forty Baskets in Balgowlah and, if the season’s right, you might spot a whale too.
Bundeena To Otford
Takes 1–2 days
A big one to finish: this two-day walk is for the committed, but it's a truly special way to see South Sydney.
The 26km coastal walk will see you camping overnight at North Era Campground which is just off North Era beach, so don’t forget to pack your swimmers. Whales are often seen off the shore between May and November—which makes all the steps absolutely worth it.
Now, check out Sydney's best secret beaches.
Image credit: Destination NSW