Embark on an unforgettable coastal adventure with our guide to the best coastal and beach walks in Sydney. From the iconic Bondi to Coogee Walk to the hidden gems of the Royal National Park, these stunning trails offer breathtaking views, pristine beaches, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual stroller, Sydney’s coastal walks cater to all fitness levels and interests. So, lace up your walking shoes, grab your camera, and get ready to explore the awe-inspiring beauty of Sydney’s coastline. Dive into our list of the top coastal and beach walks in Sydney and discover your next seaside escape.
Best Coastal & Beach Walks Sydney at a Glance
Our list of best coastal and beach walks in Sydney goes like this:
- The most iconic coastal walk: Bondi to Coogee Walk
- Best for whale watching: Wattamolla to Eagle Rock-Royal National Park
- A walk with a historic lighthouse: Palm Beach Lighthouse Walk
- A lesser-known gem: Cronulla Beach Walk
- Scenic route with remote beaches: Manly to Spit Bridge Walk
1. Hermitage Foreshore Track
The Hermitage Foreshore Track is a must-visit for anyone seeking a tranquil coastal walk in Sydney. This easy walk offers stunning views of Sydney’s harbour, islands, and iconic landmarks. Starting at Nielsen Park, you’ll be treated to views of Shark Island, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the grounds of Strickland House. The track is a great place to take a leisurely stroll, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way. Don’t forget to stop at Nielsen Park, where you can spread out a picnic blanket and enjoy the peaceful sounds of birdsong and waves lapping at the shore.
Source: Destination NSW
Source: Destination NSW
Source: Destination NSW
Source: Destination NSW
Source: Destination NSW
Source: Destination NSW
The Hermitage Foreshore Track is located in Vaucluse, in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. It offers sublime views and several spacious picnic areas. The Nielsen, located in the picturesque grounds of Sydney Harbour National Park in Vaucluse, incorporates several dining spaces catering to a range of experiences.
- Address: Nielsen Park, Greycliffe Ave, Vaucluse NSW 2030, Australia
- Distance: 1.8km one-way
- Estimated Time: 30min – 1hr
- Best For: Nature lovers, photographers, and families
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yhm21UEFt3Fm3nPg9
2. Manly to Spit Bridge Walk
The Manly to Spit Bridge Walk is a scenic route that weaves its way up and down rough sandstone staircases, giving access to remote beaches and vantage points over Sydney Harbour. This walk offers stunning views of the coastline and the chance to explore the beautiful beaches along the way.
Source: Destination NSW
Source: Destination NSW
Source: Destination NSW
Source: Destination NSW
Source: Destination NSW
Source: Destination NSW
The walk starts at Manly Beach and takes you along the cliff tops, offering panoramic views of the ocean and the rugged coastline. The walk is relatively easy, although there are some steep sections.
- Address: Manly Beach, NSW, Australia to Spit Bridge, NSW, Australia
- Distance: 10km one-way
- Estimated Time: 3-4 hours
- Best For: Nature lovers, families, and fitness enthusiasts
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6LXgegbQDbVUqCbaA
3. Wattamolla to Eagle Rock – Royal National Park
The Wattamolla to Eagle Rock walk in the Royal National Park is a hidden gem that offers breathtaking views of the coastline and the chance to spot whales during the migration season. The walk starts at the Wattamolla picnic area, where you can enjoy a picnic before or after your walk. The track takes you along the cliff tops, offering panoramic views of the ocean and the rugged coastline.
Source: Aussiejeff
Source: Rod Smith
Source: Emmett Anderson
Source: Thierry
Source: Thierry
Source: Ben Wigg
The highlight of the walk is Eagle Rock, a unique rock formation that looks like an eagle’s beak. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area. The walk is relatively easy, making it suitable for families and people of all fitness levels.
- Address: Wattamolla Rd, Royal National Park NSW 2233, Australia
- Distance: 4km return
- Estimated Time: 2 hours
- Best For: Nature lovers, families, and whale watchers
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BkN4v1yLWgbPSNpS9
4. Rose Bay to Watsons Bay Walk
The Rose Bay to Watsons Bay Walk is a stunning coastal track that offers beautiful beaches, viewpoints, and a fantastic free thing to do in Sydney. The walk begins at Rose Bay Wharf and ends at Watsons Bay. Along the way, you’ll pass by Hermit Bay, Milk Beach, and Parsley Bay, each offering unique views and experiences.
Both Rose Bay and Watsons Bay have lovely cafes and restaurants, so you’ll be happy relaxing at either end. From Watsons Bay, you can go a bit further around South Head to explore more of the area.
- Address: Rose Bay Wharf, New South Head Rd, Rose Bay NSW 2029, Australia to Watsons Bay, NSW, Australia
- Distance: 8km one-way
- Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
- Best For: Nature lovers, beach lovers, and families
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QepTFQ22yt7YqMFL6
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6woy6anwkfkvTTKf6
5. Palm Beach Lighthouse Walk
The Palm Beach Lighthouse Walk, also known as the Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk, offers stunning views of the coastline and the chance to visit a historic lighthouse. The walk starts at the car park at the end of Beach Road and takes you up a steep track to the lighthouse.
The lighthouse, built in 1881, is perched on Barrenjoey Head and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. The walk is steep but short, making it suitable for most fitness levels. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning views.
- Address: Barrenjoey Rd, Palm Beach NSW 2108, Australia
- Distance: 2.3km return
- Estimated Time: 1 hour
- Best For: History enthusiasts, nature lovers, and families
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6zzQwt95quonHGFb8
6. Cronulla Beach Walk
The Cronulla Beach Walk is a flat, easy walk that takes you along the coastline, offering stunning views of the ocean and the chance to explore several small beaches and rock pools. The walk starts at Wanda Beach and ends at Bass and Flinders Point.
Along the way, you’ll pass by several beautiful beaches, including Elouera, North Cronulla, Cronulla, and Shelly Beach. Each beach has its own unique charm and is worth a visit. The walk is flat and easy, making it suitable for families and people of all fitness levels.
- Address: Mitchell Rd, Cronulla NSW 2230, Australia to Bass and Flinders Point, Cronulla NSW 2230, Australia
- Distance: 6km one-way
- Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
- Best For: Beach lovers, families, and fitness enthusiasts
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/M65BZ9gRrGKEeXX18
7. Bondi to Coogee Walk
The Bondi to Coogee Walk is a cliff-top coastal walk that extends for six kilometers in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. This walk features stunning views, beaches, parks, and cliffs. It’s a great way to explore the area’s most popular and populated beaches, as well as the iconic Iceberg swimming pools which look onto the ocean like infinity pools.
Source: Hamilton Lund; Destination NSW
Source: James Horan; Destination NSW
Source: Hamilton Lund; Destination NSW
The walk begins at Bondi Beach, one of Australia’s most famous beaches, and ends at Coogee Beach. Along the way, you’ll pass by several beautiful beaches, including Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly, and Gordon’s Bay. Each beach has its own unique charm and is worth a visit.
- Address: Bondi Beach, NSW, Australia to Coogee Beach, NSW, Australia
- Distance: 6km one-way
- Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
- Best For: Beach lovers, fitness enthusiasts, and families
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PyLqBE3ZkZAtFDMC9
8. Sirius Cove to Balmoral Beach Walk
The Sirius Cove to Balmoral Beach Walk, also known as the Taronga to Balmoral Walk, is one of the best harbour walks in Sydney. This 90-minute walk is suitable for most fitness levels and offers pristine bushland of Sydney Harbour National Park, spectacular views of the harbour, tiny harbour beaches where you can take a swim, and several cafes and restaurants at Chowder Bay.
The walk starts at Athol Bay near the wharf at Taronga Zoo and ends at Balmoral Beach. It follows the northern side of the Sydney Harbour shoreline and is a great way to experience the beauty of Sydney Harbour.
- Address: Athol Bay, Mosman NSW 2088, Australia to Balmoral Beach, Mosman NSW 2088, Australia
- Distance: 6km one-way
- Estimated Time: 90 minutes
- Best For: Nature lovers, fitness enthusiasts, and families
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zB6j18RBkDBzb5Kd9
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SMbpoMqudamjeJaX7
9. Jibbon Beach Loop – Royal National Park
The Jibbon Beach Loop in the Royal National Park is a scenic coastal walk that offers stunning views of the coastline and the chance to explore the beautiful Jibbon Beach. The walk starts at the Bundeena Ferry Wharf and takes you along the cliff tops to Jibbon Beach, offering panoramic views of the ocean and the rugged coastline.
Jibbon Beach is a secluded beach that’s perfect for a relaxing day out. The walk is relatively easy, making it suitable for families and people of all fitness levels. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning views.
- Address: Loftus St, Bundeena NSW 2230, Australia
- Distance: 5km loop
- Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
- Best For: Beach lovers, families, and fitness enthusiasts
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9hpZn4MoqTdHRSag6
10. Wattamolla to Little Marley Beach – Royal National Park
The Wattamolla to Little Marley Beach walk in the Royal National Park is a scenic coastal walk that offers stunning views of the coastline and the chance to explore two beautiful beaches. The walk starts at the Wattamolla picnic area and takes you along the cliff tops to Little Marley Beach, offering panoramic views of the ocean and the rugged coastline.
Little Marley Beach is a secluded beach that’s perfect for a relaxing day out. The walk is relatively easy, although there are some steep sections. Along the way, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and the rugged coastline.
- Address: Wattamolla Rd, Royal National Park NSW 2233, Australia
- Distance: 8km return
- Estimated Time: 3-4 hours
- Best For: Beach lovers, families, and fitness enthusiasts
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1E2GcvF9WRR1d3mu7
11. Cape Baily Lighthouse – Botany Bay
The Cape Baily Lighthouse walk is a scenic coastal walk that offers stunning views of the coastline and the chance to visit a historic lighthouse. The walk starts at the Kurnell Visitor Centre and takes you along the cliff tops to the Cape Baily Lighthouse.
The lighthouse, built in 1950, is still operational and provides a unique photo opportunity. The walk is relatively easy, although there are some steep sections. Along the way, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and the rugged coastline.
- Address: Cape Solander Dr, Kurnell NSW 2231, Australia
- Distance: 8km return
- Estimated Time: 3-4 hours
- Best For: History enthusiasts, nature lovers, and families
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qYo1jbdPFhSy5Fc57
12. Malabar Headland Walk
The Malabar Headland Walk is a hidden gem in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. This coastal walk offers stunning views of the coastline and the chance to explore the Malabar Headland National Park. The walk starts at Maroubra Beach and takes you along the cliff tops to Malabar Beach, offering panoramic views of the ocean and the rugged coastline.
The Malabar Headland National Park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a great place for nature lovers. The walk is relatively easy, although there are some steep sections. Along the way, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and the rugged coastline.
- Address: Arthur Byrne Reserve, Bernie Kelly Dr, Maroubra NSW 2035, Australia
- Distance: 3.7km one-way
- Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
- Best For: Nature lovers, families, and fitness enthusiasts
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kMirziRoE5g7hZ7K9
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to these coastal walks?
Most of the coastal walks in Sydney are easily accessible by public transport. For example, the Bondi to Coogee Walk can be reached by taking a bus from the city to Bondi Beach. For walks located in the Royal National Park, such as the Wattamolla to Eagle Rock walk, you can take a train to Cronulla and then a ferry to Bundeena. Always check the latest public transport information on the Transport for NSW website before you go.
What should I bring on these walks?
It’s recommended to bring water, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), comfortable walking shoes, and a camera to capture the stunning views. Some walks have picnic areas, so you might want to bring some snacks or a picnic lunch. Always remember to take your rubbish with you to keep the beaches and parks clean.
Are these walks suitable for children?
Most of the walks are suitable for children, but it’s always best to check the difficulty level of the walk beforehand. Some walks, like the Bondi to Coogee Walk, are paved and relatively easy, while others, like the Wattamolla to Eagle Rock walk, have some steep sections and uneven surfaces.
Can I swim at the beaches along these walks?
Yes, many of these walks pass by beautiful beaches where you can take a dip. However, always check the current conditions and swim between the flags at patrolled beaches. Be aware that some beaches may have strong currents or rips.
Are these walks free?
Yes, all of these walks are free. However, if you’re planning to visit the Royal National Park, there is a park entry fee. Also, some walks start or end at locations where paid parking applies.
