Hiking is one of those weekend activities that makes you feel like you’ve achieved something come Monday at the office. Plus, it's a whole lot of fun—particularly when the Sydney/Eora sunshine is beaming down.
Urban List has found some stand-out hikes based on raw beauty, convenience, and seclusion, or if you're up for a road trip or a weekend getaway, there are also stunners a little further afield. These are the best hikes in Sydney and around NSW.
Editor's note: Be sure to check any alerts and closures on the NSW National Parks website, as well as any weather warnings via the Bureau of Meteorology.
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Bondi To Manly Walking Track
Sydney
Image credit: Destination NSW
This lengthy Sydney hike weaves through 80km of major historical sites, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, joining together a bunch of existing trails into one mammoth seaside walk. The track passes Macquarie Lighthouse, Murray Rose Pool, Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head, Clifton Gardens, Middle Head, the Clontarf, and North Head, and there are plenty of pit stops if you’re keen for a swim or a cold beer.
It’s also divided into eight sections, making it easier if you’re just keen to slap your running shoes on and conquer Rose Bay to Darling Point or Taronga Zoo to the Spit Bridge (both sit between eight and nine kilometres), or you can complete the entire walking track across multiple days. Check out all the access points to the Bondi To Manly Walk here.
The Details
Distance: 80km
Walking time: The Bondi To Manly Walk organisation has various timings here
Difficulty: Sealed pathways, boardwalks and some bush trails, relatively easy
Bundeena To Otford
Royal National Park
Image credit: Destination NSW | Daniel Tran
Also known as The Coast Track, the Bundeena To Otford hike stocks magnificent white-cliff coastlines in the north and rugged beaches to surf in the south (Garie Beach and North and South Era). Accessible by public transport—train to Cronulla, ferry to Bundeena, train back to Sydney via Otford—this gem of a walk has sprawling rainforests, the Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock, rock pools and a beachside campsite for those looking to spread the 26km trek over two days.
Although becoming increasingly popular with Sydney escape artists, this is a definite addition to your bucket list this year. For your full guide to this Sydney hike, we've got you covered here.
The Details
Distance: 26km
Walking time: 2 days for the full hike, with shorter sections and sub-trails accessible
Difficulty: Very difficult, many steps, rough track, lots of obstacles
Six Foot Track
Blue Mountains National Park
The historical Six Foot Track is one of the most breathtaking walks near Sydney. Taking you from Katoomba to the Jenolan Caves, this route follows a horse track that dates back all the way to the 1880s. You could stretch out your adventure over three days (the stargazing out here is next level) but you can also just explore part of the track on a weekend.
Six Foot Track features state forests, heritage sites, woodlands, rainforest and the Bowtells Swing Bridge. This walk kicks off near Katoomba, close to Explorers Tree, and descends down into Megalong Valley with the first campsite is Coxs River, about 16km from the car park at Explorers Tree.
The details
Distance: 46km, one-way for the entire three-day walk
Walking time: 2 hours–3 days (you can even follow the track to Nellie’s Glen and loop back to Explorers Tree for a shorter trail)
Difficulty: There may be rough tracks and obstacles, though the gradient is relatively flat
Bouddi Coastal Walk
Bouddi Bouddi National Park
Image credit: Destination NSW | Daniel Tran
This is an undulating 8km beachcombing hike so nice, you'll do it twice—to get back to your car. Two campsites are nestled on golden beaches along the trail: Little Beach and Putty Beach, both of which will have your friends furiously double-tapping the posts on your Instagram feed. Shipwrecks, wildflowers, whale-watching, deserted beaches... sounds like paradise really (and it is).
Make sure you take a moment at Gerrin Point Lookout, you'll score panoramic views of Maitland Bay.
The details
Distance: 8km (one way)
Walking time: 4–5 hours (many turn it into a two-day hike with an overnight camp)
Difficulty: Clear signage, formed track, some obstacles, short steep hills
Bob Turners Track
Colo Heights
Image credit: Destination NSW | Fin Matson
Spoiler alert, this walk near Sydney contains a pretty magical in-land beach. Bob Turners Track was originally a packhorse route so the pathway itself is pretty clearly marked out. You can access this hike about 500m down the road from the Ampol service station on Putty Road. Follow the signage towards Bob Turners Track and you’ll end up at a parking lot to leave your wheels for the day and kickstart your hike.
The track drops 350 metres into the Colo River on the edge of the Wollemi wilderness, so wear some solid walking shoes because you’ll be crossing a series of gullies.
The details
Distance: 7km
Walking time: 3–4 hours
Difficulty: Medium, with various obstacles
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Mt Ku-Ring-Gai To Berowra
Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park
Image credit: Destination NSW | Daniel Tran
The beauty of this walk is that there is no need for a car to get you there. Catch the train from Central to Mount Ku-Ring-Gai station and follow the 10km walking track as it weaves down through precarious rock overhangs and narrow gorges.
There are two undisturbed bush campsites by the creek where you can rest overnight, before a sweat-drenching climb towards your train back home.
The details
Distance: 10km
Walking time: 3.5–4.5 hours
Difficulty: Difficult, obstacles, rough track
Mermaid Pools And Tahmoor Gorge Walk
Tahmoor
You’ve probably seen someone you know upload some incredible snaps of Mermaid Pools, so it’s about time you get your butt on the Mermaid Pools and Tahmoor Gorge hike, about a 75-minute drive southwest of Sydney.
With a dip in the beautiful Mermaid Pools after as your reward, this is the perfect hike if you’re up for a challenge with some mates (jumping into these pools is considered dangerous and there have been injuries in the past).
the details
Distance: 10km
Walking time: 3–4 hours
Difficulty: Pretty hard, rough track
Burramoko Ridge (Hanging Rock) Trail
Blue Mountains National Park
Image credit: Destination NSW | Tyson Mayr
You’ll find this epic hike in the Blackheath area of Blue Mountains National Park. While this trail is definitely popular with avid mountain bike riders, it can definitely be done on foot and it’s the ultimate day trip for your weekend antics.
The entrance for Burramoko Ridge Trail opens up on Ridgewell Road with the hike winding through heathland and a lot of open forest. The big standout here is Balzter Lookout, otherwise known as Hanging Rock. This lookout is unfenced, so take care around this part of the hike.
The details
Distance: 10km
Walking time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Medium to difficult, undulating terrain
Clover Hill Trail
Macquarie Pass National Park
Image credit: Destination NSW | Daniel Tran
The Clover Hill Trail is a hike that truly has it all. From escarpment views and wildflower clusters to running creeks and waterfalls, there’s not a lot you won’t see on this walk. If you’re coming from Sydney, you’ll drive past Wollongong into Macquarie Pass National Park which will take you about 90 minutes.
This hike used to be a logging route and leads you all the way to the Rainbow Falls cascades, so juice up those phones because you’ll want to take a snapshot.
the details
Distance: 6km
Walking time: 2–3 hours
Difficulty: Very difficult, not much signage, some steps
Karloo Walking Track
Royal National Park
The Karloo Walking Track is a medium-difficulty Sydney hike ideal for those wanting a quick nature fix. The walk leads you to Uloola Falls where you can picnic the day away while gazing upon the scenic waterfall and natural surrounds. You can even make a weekend out of it by camping at the popular Uloola Falls campground, but bookings need to be made in advance.
The details
Distance: 10km
Walking time: 3–5 hours
Difficulty: Medium, sealed tracks, steps
Furber Steps-Scenic Railway Walking Track
Blue Mountains National Park
The Blue Mountains Furber Walking Track is one of the most scenic and best hikes near Sydney. The track descends into Jamison Valley and takes you into a lush valley with dipping paths and magical waterfalls.
The Furber Steps will push you into a deep dive towards another popular hike called Federal Pass and essentially steers you towards Katoomba Falls. One of the best times to do this walk is at dawn so you can catch the sun rising over the Three Sisters.
the details
Distance: 2.4km
Walking time: 1–2 hours
Difficulty: Difficult, many steps
Kiama Coast Walk
Kiama
Image credit: Destination NSW | Tim Clark
Nothing beats a hike loaded with ocean breeze, epic rock formations, and unspoilt beaches. The Kiama Coast Walk, situated on Wodi Wodi Country, is one of the hikes in NSW that you can tick off your adventure list any weekend.
It's made up of three sections making it perfect for those who are keen to fill their day with panoramic views of The Pacific, or those with their Merrell's laced and ready to go for something serious. This hike near Sydney stocks everything from sealed paths, grassy tracks, sandy trails, and passes through the Minnamurra River, the Kiama Blowhole, Loves Bay, Bombo Headland and Gerringong.
the details
Distance: 20km
Walking time: 7 hours (if completing the entire walk)
Difficulty: Moderate trail and dog-friendly
The Grand Canyon Loop
Blue Mountains National Park
This 5.5km, four-hour hike near Sydney starts from Neates Glen Car Park in Blackheath and descends through a hidden rainforest of luscious ferns, trickling creeks and hidden tunnels. You’ll weave through gorges towards the depths of the canyon and then climb back towards Evans Lookout to feast your eyes upon the Grose Valley.
the details
Distance: 6km
Walking time: 3–4 hours
Difficulty: Medium, formed track but with many steps
Main Range Track Loop
Kosciuszko National Park
Image credit: Destination NSW | Trevor King
Located on Walgal Country, this hefty walk can be started from Charlotte’s Pass and, spoiler alert, you’re in for all the glacial scenery (all protected by the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve). This stunning hiking trail will lead you across the iconic Snowy River, Hedley Tarn, Blue Lake, and wildflower meadows during summer.
It’ll also take you to the top of Australia along the main range of Mount Kosciuszko where you’ll score views of the Aussie Alps in pretty much every direction you turn.
the details
Distance: 30km
Walking time: 8 hours
Difficulty: Difficult and weather can be extremely unpredictable
Light To Light Walk
Ben Boyd National Park
Image credit: Destination NSW | David Rogers
It doesn't get much more scenic than the Sapphire Coast, and one of the best ways to see it in all its glory is along the Light To Light Walk. Hugging the coastline, this NSW hike begins near Eden at Boyds Tower lighthouse and ends at Green Cape Lightstation (hence the name Light To Light).
If you're tackling the whole track, it can take up to three days to complete, so you'll be camping along the way. On your multi-day hike, you'll pass varied landscapes of heathland, forest, tea tree groves, banksia woodland, sheltered coves, and towering rock formations. Plus, as you'll be right by the sea, you'll likely spot seals, whales, and seabirds.
The details
Distance: 30km one way
Time: 2–3 days
Difficulty: Difficult, rough track with short, steep hills and many steps
Wonga Walk
Dorrigo National Park
If you’re keen to treat yourself to a hike with a side of sub-tropical rainforest, set your sights on Wonga Walk in Dorrigo National Park. Located on Gumbaynggirr Country, this mild hike is filled with 600-year-old trees and is home to Tristania and Crystal Falls (and yes, they look as majestic as they sound).
It’s one of the more popular hikes in NSW and, while it definitely cops some high foot traffic from time to time, it rarely disappoints. You can start this one from the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre and hit the Lyrebird Link track for a couple of hundred metres before it meets up with Wonga.
the details
Distance: 6.6km
Walking time: 2–3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate, some hills and steps, formed track with clearly marked signposts
Great North Walk
Watagans National Park
Watagans National Park is about a two-hour drive from Sydney and throws up some serious wilderness scenes. The Great North Walk is a solid hike to do on your weekend and spans about 10 kilometres one way. This route actually crosses through a number of other areas including Jilliby State Conservation Area and the ever-stunning Brisbane Water National Park.
Along the way, you’ll pass Narrow Place lookout which opens up over Quorrobolong to Ellalong, Cessnock, and Kurri Kurri. This hike near Sydney is best suited for those of you who don your durable Kathmandu gear on the regular. Novice hikers, you might want to take an easier track in the park—the Circuit walking track is a short walk that plunges into moss-covered rainforest.
The details
Distance: 10km
Walking time: 2–3 hours
Difficulty: Difficult—short steep hills, steps, some obstacles
Glow Worm Tunnel Walking Track
Wollemi National Park
The iconic, awe-inspiring Glow Worm Tunnel Walking Track leads you to an old mine tunnel that is home to thousands of glow worms, clinging to the damp walls. Be sure to switch off your torch while you wait for the tunnel to be lit up with pinpricks of light.
The tunnel itself is pretty dark and slippery and do your best to keep your noise levels low (no matter how excited you are) because the li'l glow worms are pretty sensitive to sound.
The details
Distance: 2km
Walking time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Relatively easy, varying terrain, good signage
Bynguano Range Track
Mutawintji National Park
Image credit: Destination NS
You'll find many popular walks around NSW's coastline, but if you're looking for something different then head to the arid, rocky landscapes of Mutawintji National Park. Located in outback NSW near Broken Hill, the park is dominated by the red-hued Bynguano Ranges, is home to culturally significant sites, and is 100% worth the 14-hour road trip.
Although only 7.5km long, the Bynguano Range Track is not for the fainthearted. Solid bushwalking experience is required to navigate the unformed track—plus, it's remote and it gets very hot, so it's wise to fill out a Trip Intention Form. You'll begin walking through the craggy cliffs of Homestead Creek, pass impressive rock art, then ascend over the magnificent ranges and soak up vistas of valleys and rugged gorges.
The details
Distance: 7.5km loop
Walking time: 4–6 hours
Difficulty: Very difficult, with very steep sections, rough unformed track, and limited signage
Gloucester Tops Circuit
Barrington Tops National Park
A bushwalker’s utopia, Barrington Tops is a remote section of NSW offering hikers prepared to get off the beaten track the sweetest of rewards. Gloucester Tops Circuit is the standout loop as it combines three of the park’s best walks into one manageable hike.
From towering snow gum forests and moss carpets to lively swamp wallabies and grey kangaroos, it’s an almighty experience that is best included as part of a long weekend of 4x4ing, mountain biking, and wild swimming in the National Park.
THE DETAILS
Distance: 8km
Walking time: 3–5 hours
Difficulty: Hard, many steps, rough track, obstacles
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Main image credit: Destination NSW | David Ross
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