Buses and ferries and trains, oh my! Thanks to Sydney’s abundance of walking tracks together with the not-so-shabby public transport network, there are plenty of fun day walks you can get to without having to b̶a̶t̶t̶l̶e̶ S̶y̶d̶n̶e̶y̶ t̶r̶a̶f̶f̶i̶c̶ drive.
Whether you’re after epic beach scenes, harbour views, a bit of urban walking, or an escape into bushland, Sydney has a day walk to suit your adventure style.
These 14 day walks are some of Sydney’s best and you can reach all of them via public transport. So pull on your walking shoes and day pack, and don’t forget your Opal Card — it’s time to hit the trails.
Sydney Walks Near Public Transport Map
The map below includes the Sydney walks in this post except for Bondi to Manly and the Great West Walk. For more information including maps to complete these longer Sydney walks, please see Bondi to Manly walk information here and Great West Walk information here.
Spit to Manly
One of Sydney’s most popular day hikes, Spit to Manly is a walking track that passes lots of places to swim including harbour beaches like Castle Rock and ocean pools like the one alongside Fairlight Beach.
Location:
Sydney’s North Shore and Northern Beaches.
Distance:
10km point-to-point.
Nearest public transport:
- Bus from Wynyard in Sydney CBD to Spit Junction.
- Ferry from Manly back to Circular Quay.
Facilities:
- Toilets at Clontarf Reserve, Tania Park (just off track at Dobroyd Head), Reef Beach, Forty Baskets Beach, North Harbour Reserve, Fairlight Beach, Manly Wharf.
- Drinking water at Clontarf Reserve, Forty Baskets Beach, North Harbour Reserve, Fairlight Beach, near Manly Cove Tidal Pool, The Corso at Manly.
Do it for:
Mid-hike swims at harbour beaches and ocean pools, harbourside bushland and scribbly gums, plus sensational Sydney Harbour views the entire way along.
Bondi to Manly
Alrighty, this one is being allowed to slip through despite it not being a ‘day hike’ (unless you’re an ultra runner). The Bondi to Manly walk is done over a minimum of 2 days when walking but its such an iconic Sydney walk and so easily accessible by public transport it really does deserve a mention. Whether you walk the entire distance or pick a section, the Bondi to Manly walk is a great option when you’re looking for a Sydney walk near public transport.
Location:
Sydney’s beach and harbourside destinations between Bondi in the eastern suburbs and Manly on the Northern Beaches, via Circular Quay in central Sydney.
Distance:
80km point-to-point.
Nearest public transport:
- Bus from Hyde Park in Sydney CBD to Bondi Beach.
- Ferry from Manly to Circular Quay.
Facilities:
- Toilets and drinking water at various locations along the walk. See this blog post for a full list.
- Cafes and and shops are also in many locations near the track.
Do it for:
The challenge of an 80km hike, and the variety of scenes from cliff top escarpments, to hidden harbour beaches, tiny parks, rugged headlands, coastal bushland, and quiet streets lined with Bentleys and waterfront mansions.
Bondi to Coogee
Run it or walk it, the Bondi to Coogee coastal track is a Sydney classic. If you’re entertaining interstate or overseas visitors who have time for only one walk, this is the one to take them to. Starting at Bondi Beach, the coastal walk passes Tamarama Beach, Bronte Beach, Clovelly Beach, and Gordons Bay before reaching Coogee Beach.
Location:
Sydney’s eastern beaches between Bondi and Coogee.
Distance:
6km point-to-point.
Nearest public transport:
- Bus from Hyde Park in Sydney CBD to Bondi Beach.
- Bus from Coogee to Sydney CBD.
Facilities:
- Toilets at all of the beaches along the way, and at Marks Park near Bondi.
- Drinking water at Bondi Beach, Tamarama Park, Coogee Beach.
- Cafes and shops at Bondi, Bronte, and Coogee.
Do it for:
Endless ocean views interspersed with swims at some of Sydney best beaches followed by coffee at the coastal cafes.
Circular Quay to Mrs Macquaries Point
If you only have a short time in Sydney CBD but you want to spend that time well, head on down to Circular Quay for the walk around the harbour to Mrs Macquaries Point. From Mrs Macquaries Point you’ll get a view of the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the city skyline. It’s a particularly special view at sunrise and sunset. The walk there and back will take you through the Royal Botanic Gardens with sprawling shaded lawns perfect for harbourside picnics. When you make your way back around to Circular Quay, you might like to toast your walk with a drink at Opera Bar while enjoying views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the ferries as they come and go from Circular Quay.
Location:
Circular Quay and the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.
Distance:
4.2km return.
Nearest public transport:
- Train or light rail to and from Sydney Central to Circular Quay.
Facilities:
- Toilets at Circular Quay train station and in the Royal Botanic Gardens.
- Drinking water fountain near Circular Quay ferry wharf 2.
- Cafes and shops at Circular Quay, and cafes in the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Do it for:
The magnificent harbourside fig trees in the gardens, and one of the best vantage points from which to view the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Great West Walk
Like Bondi to Manly, this track can’t be done in a day, however, there are many sections of the track that can be completed as day walks with public transport at either end of the section. For example: Parramatta to Seven Hills, Seven Hills to Rooty Hill, Rooty Hill to Penrith, Penrith to Glenbrook, and onward up the mountains.
Location:
Sydney’s western suburbs and into the Blue Mountains.
Distance:
140km point-to-point.
Nearest public transport:
- Train from Sydney Central to Parramatta.
- Various trains and buses along the route.
- Train from Katoomba to Sydney Central.
Facilities:
- Toilets and drinking water are at various locations along the walk. For precise locations, use the official Great North Walk Google Map and toggle on the ‘water’ and ‘toilets’ options from the map navigation.
- Because this walk passes through lots of suburbs, there are also plenty of shops and cafes on this route too, particularly in the western Sydney sections.
Do it for:
A different side of Sydney. So many of Sydney’s walking tracks are through National Parks and along the coast. The Great West Walk takes us into the western suburbs with highlights including Western Sydney Parklands and Wianamatta Regional Park.
North Ryde to Thornleigh on the Great North Walk
When you exit North Ryde Station to make your way down to the track, you’d be excused for feeling less than enthused about the walk. But never fear, you’ll soon be leaving the busy traffic of Delhi Road behind.
After making your way through the technology park you’ll head into the bush at a rather nondescript looking spot (if you can’t find it, put shortcut to join “Great North Walk” into Google Maps) alongside the footpath near the Honeywell building. From there, you’ll be in bushland for a route that follows the Lane Cove River through to Thornleigh.
Location:
Lane Cove National Park from North Ryde to Thornleigh.
Distance:
15-20km point-to-point.
Nearest public transport:
- Train from Sydney Central to North Ryde (the walk from North Ryde station to the track is approximately 1km).
- Train from Thornleigh to Sydney Central.
Facilities:
- Toilets at the train stations, the picnic area near the Lane Cove Weir, and Thornleigh Oval.
- Drinking water is best to carry what you need — you may be able to find taps or drinking water fountains in nearby parks if detouring off track, or purchase water at the Lane Cove National Park Cafe.
- You’ll pass by the Lane Cove National Park Cafe near Max Allen Road, and then shops including a Woolworths supermarket near Thornleigh Station.
Do it for:
Imagining the glory years of Fairyland as you pass through the former pleasure grounds on the bank of the Lane Cove River en route to the bushland of Lane Cove National Park. Plus the joy of a meandering riverside wander through bushland while listening to birdsong (punctuated only occasionally by the sound of nearby roadways).
Thornleigh to Hornsby on the Great North Walk
This train station to train station walk is a beauty. After a short walk through the streets of Thornleigh you’ll drop into Berowra Valley Regional Park. It’s just you and the birds out here so you’ll need to carry plenty of water, and be sure to save some for the steep climb up the Hornsby Heritage Steps as you near the end. On this walk you’ll enjoy shaded bushland, rocky boulders, and Berowra Creek.
Location:
Berowra Valley Regional Park.
Distance:
12km point-to-point.
Nearest public transport:
- Train from Sydney Central to Thornleigh.
- Train from Hornsby to Sydney Central.
Facilities:
- Toilets at the train stations at either end of the walk.
- Bring your own drinking water.
- Cafes and shops are located near the train stations at either end. Westfield Hornsby with Coles and Woolworths is alongside Hornsby station.
Do it for:
The peace and quiet as you walk through the Blue Gum loop that forms part of this track at the Hornsby end, and the walk alongside Berowra Creek.
Mount Kuring-gai to Berowra on the Great North Walk
The walk between Mount Kuring-gai and Berowra follows a scenic section of the Great North Walk (a 260km walk between Sydney and Newcastle). You’ll follow the Lyrebird Gully track into the valley and then walk alongside Calna Creek before reaching Berowra Creek. You can do this walk in either direction.
Location:
Berowra Valley National Park.
Distance:
10km point-to-point.
Nearest public transport:
- Train from Sydney Central to Mount Kuring-gai.
- Train from Berowra to Sydney Central.
Facilities:
- Toilets at the train stations at either end of the walk.
- Bring your own drinking water.
- Aldi supermarket near Mount Kuring-gai station and a few shops including some with takeaway food available near Berowra station.
Do it for:
The walk alongside Lyrebird waterfall, Calna Creek, and Berowra Creek is lovely, and the short side trip to Naa Badu lookout at the Berowra end is well worthwhile. There’s a picnic table at the lookout so you can stop to take in the view.
South Head Heritage Trail
The South Head Heritage Trail is a short and scenic 1km loop around South Head near Watsons Bay. The walk passes historic gun emplacements, the secluded (clothing-optional) Lady Bay Beach, and the red and white striped Hornby Lighthouse. You’ll enjoy views across the harbour to North Head and Manly, back towards the Sydney city skyline, and out to sea.
Location:
Sydney Harbour National Park, Watsons Bay.
Distance:
3km loop (from Watsons Bay wharf).
Nearest public transport:
- Ferry from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay.
- Buses also service Watsons Bay from Bondi Junction via Bondi Beach.
Facilities:
- Toilets near Lady Bay Beach on South Head.
- Bring your own drinking water.
- There’s a kiosk that sells coffee and cafe food at Camp Cove beach, as well as the Watsons Bay Hotel for meals and drinks across from the ferry wharf, and Doyles for fish and chips on the wharf.
Do it for:
Sensational harbour views and a picturesque lighthouse. Follow your walk with a dip in the harbour at Camp Cove and some fish and chips from Doyles before taking the ferry back to Sydney CBD.
Fairfax Walk at North Head
Whether you want a short walk that over-delivers on scenic views, or a longer walk around the harbour and escarpment, you’ll find it at North Head near Manly. From Manly Wharf you can take the 161 bus up to North Head to join the 1km Fairfax Walk loop track, or you can turn your walk into a longer excursion by walking from the wharf, via Little Manly Beach and more of North Head. If you do that and would prefer not to return the way you came, you can loop back down around the ocean side of North Head and return via Shelly Beach and Manly Beach, making your way along The Corso back to Manly Wharf to end.
Location:
Sydney Harbour National Park, Manly.
Distance:
- 1km loop from bus stop at North Head.
- 7km return from Manly Wharf out-and-back.
- 10km return from Manly Wharf looping North Head to return via Shelly Beach and Manly Beach
Nearest public transport:
- Ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Wharf.
- Bus from Manly Wharf to North Head.
Facilities:
- Toilets at Manly Wharf and near Bella Vista Cafe on North Head.
- Bring your own drinking water.
- There are a few dining options on North Head including Bella Vista Cafe as well as a restaurant, cafe, and bar at the Q Station boutique hotel.
Do it for:
The epic views across Sydney Harbour to the Sydney city skyline.
The Coast Track in Royal National Park
The Coast Track can be completed over one long day hike for fit and experienced walkers. You can also shorten the walk by walking into Wedding Cake Rock, Marley Beach, or Wattamolla, and returning to Bundeena the way you came. This scenic track follows the coast between Bundeena and Otford passing by beaches including Marley, Wattamolla, and Garie.
Location:
Royal National Park.
Distance:
28km point-to-point.
Nearest public transport:
- Train from Sydney Central to Cronulla, ferry from Cronulla to Bundeena.
- Train from Otford to Sydney CBD.
Facilities:
- Toilets at Loftus St, Bundeena Reserve, Royal National Park near Beachcomber Ave, Wattamolla Picnic Area, and Garie Beach Picnic Area.
- Bring your own drinking water.
- Cafes and shops can be found in Bundeena at the start of the walk. There is also a kiosk at Garie Beach that is sometimes open selling drinks and snacks.
Do it for:
The cute ferry ride from Cronulla to Bundeena (doesn’t accept Opal card), the sheer escarpments with endless ocean views, the historic coastal shacks, and the shaded approach to Otford Station via Werrong lookout after having climbed up and out of Palm Jungle.
Bonus: Blue Mountains Hikes Near Public Transport
Now, Blue Mountains’ locals will be quick to tell you the mountains isn’t in Sydney, but no guide to hiking in Sydney is complete without mentioning a day trip to Katoomba.
The Blue Mountains are just a couple of hours out of central Sydney and home to some of the best scenic walking tracks Australia has to offer. And, you may have guessed it, you can get there with the tap of your Opal Card.
Echo Point to Katoomba Falls
This short walk in Katoomba is a bit of a Blue Mountains highlight reel. It starts at Echo Point near the Three Sisters and then passes though scenic bushland with lots of picture-perfect lookouts and valley views through to Katoomba Falls.
Location:
Katoomba and Blue Mountains National Park.
Distance:
- 3km return from Echo Point in Katoomba
- 8km return from Katoomba Station.
Nearest public transport:
- Train from Sydney Central to Katoomba.
- Bus from Katoomba St near Katoomba train station to Echo Point lookout.
Facilities:
- Toilets at Katoomba station and Echo Point lookout.
- Drinking water at Echo Point lookout.
- Cafes and shops in Katoomba town and at Echo Point lookout.
Do it for:
The iconic view of the Three Sisters and Mount Solitary and the pretty cascading waterfalls at Katoomba Falls.
Grand Cliff Top Walk
The Grand Cliff Top Walk is recommended as a two day walk by NSW National Parks, but it’s certainly possible to complete as a day walk if you have a reasonable level of fitness. With train stations at either end, this walk is accessible from central Sydney or from elsewhere in the mountains. Along the walk you’ll enjoy bushland, waterfalls, and incredible views across the valley.
Location:
Wentworth Falls, Leura, and Katoomba in Blue Mountains National Park.
Distance:
19km point-to-point.
Nearest public transport:
- Train from Sydney Central to Wentworth Falls.
- Bus from Scenic World to Katoomba Station, and train from Katoomba to Sydney Central.
Facilities:
- Toilets at the train stations at either end of the walk, Gordon Falls Picnic Area in Leura, and Echo Point at Katoomba.
- Drinking water refill station at Echo Point in Katoomba.
- Cafes and shops near Wentworth Falls train station, Conservation Hut cafe at Wentworth Falls overlooking the Jamison Valley, cafes and shops at Echo Point in Katoomba, cafes at Scenic World, and cafes and shops in Katoomba.
Do it for:
The sort of mountain views people travel from across Australia and around the world to see. This is a great way to see some of the Blue Mountains’ best sights.
Hanging Rock
Baltzer Lookout — which offers a view of the Blue Mountains’ iconic Hanging Rock and the Grose valley wilderness — is accessed via the Burramoko Ridge trail at Blackheath.
Location:
Burramoko trail, Blackheath, Blue Mountains National Park.
Distance:
14km return.
Nearest public transport:
Blackheath Station is 7km from Baltzer lookout, and is an approximately 1 hour and 30 minute walk along Ridgewell Road and the Burramoko trail.
Facilities:
It’s just you and the epic views for this one.
Do it for:
The view of Hanging Rock and across the Grose Valley wilderness, and a bit of peace and quiet at the lookout.