Hiking in Sydney Guide: Best 10 Hikes

Is Sydney Good for Hiking?

While more famously known for its beaches, harbour and architectural icons, Sydney also has a rich history and culture of hiking. Due to the proximity and protection of several heritage-listed national parks, Sydney is on the doorstep of a vast network of accessible and diverse hiking trails or 'bushwalks' as they are locally known.

Australia has thousands of conservation reserves and national parks, with over 880 protected areas in Sydney and New South Wales alone. They preserve the diversity of Australian native landscapes, including everything from deserts to rainforests, coastal ecosystems and eucalypt woodlands, and are filled with hundreds of hiking trails and adventure activities.

In addition, engaging in hiking activities not only helps to alleviate stress but also has the potential to decrease blood pressure, enhance mood, and even strengthen the body's immune system.

What To Pack for Hiking in Sydney?

Getting started is easy with the free NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service app; the digital maps will keep you on track. Throw the essentials of water, snacks, lunch, hat, sunscreen and first-aid kit into your backpack and let your comfy walking shoes lead you on an adventure.

Whether on a bustling coastal path or quiet mountain track where you can hear nature whisper, Sydney's best hiking trails can take you there. 

What to wear when hiking is a vast topic; it comes down to personal preference, but some critical rules will help you. The proper clothing can enhance your hiking experience. An intelligent approach is to use a layering system adaptable to various conditions. 

For hiking in Sydney, the must-have gear is:

Pre-hydrate, then keep hydrated during your hike and post-hydrate, but avoid overhydration. Your water consumption on the trail depends on factors such as your body mass, water consumption habits, hiking speed, weather temperature and trail altitude. 

While what you eat while hiking is undoubtedly a personal choice, we recommend lightweight, high-energy foods that require minimal cooking on longer treks.

Many first-time overnight hikers think they can get away with just sleeping on the ground, and we're here to tell you that's a bad idea. Even if you're particularly good at sleeping on hard surfaces, the ground below your tent is rarely going to be lush grass and might be rocky or uneven; sleeping mats fix this problem.

Jackery Portable Power Stations can make hiking more fun and powerful since electricity is vital, especially for overnight hiking.  

Bring a small power station like the Jackery Explorer 500 or Explorer 300 Plus to charge your electronics (GPS devices, communication tools, and personal electronics) on your hiking trip. They are only the size of a book or a ball, so you can easily take them everywhere.      

Best 10 Hikes in Sydney 

Sydney has unexpected and familiar attractions when explored on foot. Sydney walks present many nooks, crannies, secret beaches, and hidden pathways. In times of no travel, there are many hiking trails in Sydney you can explore for a few hours at different difficulty levels.

Taking a hiking tour is a great way to see everything Sydney's natures offer. Here are Sydney's top 10 hikes and places to go.  

1. Jibbon Loop Track

Location: Jibbon NSW 2232, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Website: Jibbon Loop Track   

Length: 5km

Difficulty: Easy

Hiking Time: 2 hours

This fantastic walk in the Royal National Park highlights the diversity of the Sutherland Shire's landscape with views of Shelley Beach and the Pacific Ocean, tall golden grass, native flowers, messy scrub, ancient Aboriginal rock engravings, and sparkling views across the Port Hacking. Even humpback whales may be spotted on their migratory journeys, as well as local fauna like wallabies and parrots.

Proceed towards Shelley Beach by following the cliffs overlooking small, white sand beaches, offering striking views of the pounding waves below. Parts of the path are overgrown, which makes it more adventurous. Trace it backwards through the undergrowth, beyond blooming native plants, and through a gate to reach the beach and the trek back to Bundeena. 

2. South Lawson Waterfall Track

Location: 74 Honour Ave, Lawson NSW 2783, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Website: South Lawson Waterfall Track   

Length: 2.5km

Difficulty: Relatively easy

Hiking Time: 57 min

This quiet, handy, and gorgeous trek is an excellent option for hiking with your four-legged friend. The dog-friendly walk winds through thick greenery, crosses Cataract Creek, and past several scenic waterfalls. The route can become rather muddy after heavy rain. If you want to prevent getting muddy footprints on your automobile, wait until the weather improves before you travel.

3. Wattamolla to Eagle Rock (The Best Waterfall in Sydney)

Location: Near Royal National Park, New South Wales (Open in Google Maps)

Website: Wattamolla to Eagle Rock   

Length: 8.8km

Difficulty: Easy

Hiking Time: 2 hours 22 min

Experience the awe-inspiring sight of a twin waterfall cascading directly into the vast expanse of the ocean. From the vantage point of the cliff-top, marvel at the breathtaking scenery, which includes the renowned Eagle Rock. 

If you will do one walk in Sydney, make it this one. The trail from Wattamolla to Eagle Rock is a relatively easy walk, but it's magnificent from start to finish.

It truly has it all, including breathtaking views of the sea, access to Sydney's most impressive waterfall - which plunges straight into the ocean - and the most famous rock structure in the Royal National Park.

4. Figure Eight Pools (Royal NP)

Location: Royal National Park Trail, Lilyvale NSW 2508, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Website: Figure of 8 pools (Royal NP)   

Length: 6.4km

Difficulty: Moderate

Hiking Time: 4 hours 12 min

The most unusual place to swim in Sydney is the Figure 8 Pools. Visiting the Figure of Eight Pools at sunrise was one of our best experiences during our seven years in Sydney. They are a very unique sight.

When we descended in the dark on a chilly winter's morning, we were met with a breathtaking dawn, breaching humpback whales, and an empty surrounding! Because visiting the Figure of 8 Pools can be risky, this inclusion on our list is contentious.

5. Hermitage Foreshore Walk

Location: Vaucluse NSW 2030, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Website: Hermitage Foreshore Walk   

Length: 1.8km

Difficulty: Easy

Hiking Time: 1-1.5 hours

The 4-mile Hermitage Foreshore Walk offers breathtaking views of Shark Island and the Harbour Bridge as it winds along Sydney's coastline from Nielsen Park to Queens Beach. Visit one of the isolated locations, such as Hermit Bay, to swim away from the people and breathtaking views of the city skyline.

Embark on a cultural adventure by scheduling a guided tour of Strickland House, previously the residence of Sydney's first lord mayor, John Hosking, and was built in the 1850s. This hike isn't wheelchair or stroller accessible because it primarily consists of boardwalks and bush pathways with some sandy areas.

6. West Head Lookout

Location: W Head Rd, Ku-ring-gai Chase NSW 2084, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Website: West Head Lookout   

Length: 1.9km

Difficulty: Moderate

Hiking Time: 45 min

Along a fully accessible walk, the West Head Lookout in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park provides breathtaking views across Barrenjoey Headland, Broken Bay, and Lion Island Nature Reserve.

There are numerous bushwalks from West Head, ranging in difficulty from short loops to strenuous return hikes with steep sections and stairs to view waterfalls, Aboriginal rock sculptures, and private swimming holes.

When there are fewer people there, you may be lucky enough to view a wallaby, monitor lizard, or kookaburra at dawn or dusk.

7. Warrumbungle National Park

Location: Belougerie Flats Trail, Warrumbungle NSW 2828, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Website: Warrumbungle National Park   

Length: 14.5km

Difficulty: Hard

Hiking Time: 4 hours 31 min

At the Warrumbungle National Park, we recommend the Breadknife and Grand High Tops walk. Classed as one of the best walks in NSW, you will see all sorts of wildlife and rugged volcanic landscapes. You can see all its rock formations up close during your walk. There are a few steep climbs, but the scenery at the end is worth the challenge.

8. Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

Location: Coogee NSW 2031, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Website: Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk   

Length: 6km

Difficulty: Easy

Hiking Time: 2 hours

Start at the well-known Bondi Beach in Sydney, a National Surfing Reserve and an excellent spot to try surfing for the first time. Once you pass the gorgeous Bondi Icebergs swimming club, home to one of Australia's most popular photo locations, you'll come to a concrete walkway that circles the headland.

9. The Glow Worm Tunnel Walk

Location: Glowworm Tunnel Rd, Newnes Plateau NSW 2790, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Website: The Glow Worm Tunnel Walk   

Length: 2.9km

Difficulty: Hard

Hiking Time: 4 hours 16 min

This tunnel is a well-kept secret for Blue Mountain pros, but it's starting to worm into the public sphere (sorry). It's a 900-metre old abandoned railways tunnel, which sounds like the setup to a slasher movie but is safe. The most dangerous thing that lives in it is worms. There's a car park nearby if you're after a quick squizz at the light show, but where's the fun in that?

It's better to make a day of it. Drive three hours from Sydney to Newnes and set up the tent in the beautiful Wolgan River campground. From there, it's a lovely four-hour hike through the bush to the glow worm tunnel. Bring a torch (it gets pretty dark in there). 

10. Tomaree Head Summit Walk

Location: Shoal Bay Rd, Shoal Bay NSW 2315, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Website: Tomaree Head Summit Walk   

Length: 2.2km

Difficulty: Easy

Hiking Time: August through February

Just north of Newcastle, you'll find the Tomaree National Park: a sliver of a peninsula that sticks out into the Pacific like a photogenic sore thumb. The Head Summit trail gives you the best views of Port Stevens, Cabbage Tree, and even the Boondelbah Islands, which are way off in the distance. It's only a 2.2-kilometre jaunt (hardly a hike compared to Six Foot).

Bring a packed lunch with a picnic table at the top (along with some excellent WWII gun placements). If you're walking the Head Summit trail between May and October, bring binoculars - you might get lucky and see whales swimming off the coast.

Jackery Portable Power Stations for Hiking

Take your Sydney hiking adventures to the next level with Jackery Portable Power Stations. Jackery Portable Power Stations are made for people who like being outside and care about the environment and their comfort. They give your tools a safe way to get power while on the go.

Jackery ensures that their Portable Power Stations use lithium-ion and LiFePO4 batteries for a steady power source. These generators can use the sun's energy now that Jackery Solar Panels are added. This makes them an eco-friendly power source for Sydney's beautiful scenery.

We recommend Jackery Explorer 500 and 300 Plus for hiking trips since they are compact, portable, and powerful. By taking them, you should never worry about losing electricity.

Jackery Explorer 500

This Jackery Explorer 500 power station is made to withstand harsh weather thanks to its advanced temperature monitors and robust construction that can work in hot and cold conditions. Because it's so durable, it's an excellent choice for hiking, camping trips, outdoor activities, and backup power in an emergency.

With a capacity of 518Wh and a 500W inverter that can handle surges up to 1000W, the Jackery Explorer 500 can support multiple appliance charging, making it a versatile power solution for various needs. It is also designed for convenience, featuring a portable and light design that makes it easy to carry and use wherever power is needed.

The power station has three ways to charge it: solar panels, a wall outlet, and a car plug. This gives you options for how to charge it. With a noise level of 37.9dB, it's a quiet power option that won't bother you while camping or hiking in Sydney. 

Jackery Explorer 300 Plus

The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus portable power station is a lightweight and efficient power supply designed to meet the power needs for various situations such as hiking, kayaking, picnicking, camping, road trips, and emergency power backup.

This power station has a unique Battery Management System (BMS). It has 52 safety features and 12 BMS algorithms that work together to keep the device and any attached appliances as safe as possible. It also has four kinds of physical security to ensure everyone is safe.

This model stands out because it has an intelligent app control feature that lets users quickly manage the battery through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This makes it more modern and convenient to use. It's also very light - only 8.27 pounds - so it's an excellent choice for people who are always on the go.

Tips for Hiking in Sydney

Sydney's coastal walks are dramatic, and more pathways have opened over the years for the pleasure of tourists and locals alike. Hiking in Sydney is a free activity that will deliver beautiful views!

Whatever you do or don't do, please respect the hike and other hikers. In a nutshell, that means:

• Don't litter or throw fruit peels.
• Stay on the official trail.
• Don't disturb the environment around you (breaking branches, etc.).
• Be considerate of other hikers (no loud music, etc.)

Additionally, you can choose a hike for yourself by reading our blog. Overdoing things is the most significant error novices make. They select a hike that is excessively lengthy or involves excessive climbing.

When you first start, choose a hike less than five miles long with less climbing. Plan your training ahead of time if you intend to take on a longer hike. Increase your weekly mileage by one or two miles to reach your goal distance.

Next, you can use our hiking essential list to prepare for your Sydney hiking trip. During your hiking experience, please ensure you know how to read your map and let someone know you're back and safe.

Hiking in Sydney FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about hiking in Sydney:

1. What is the best mountain for a beginner to climb in Sydney?

Mount Kuring-Gai is one of the best mountains in Sydney for novice climbers. It is appropriate for hikers of all abilities because it has well-maintained pathways and a somewhat easy ascent. Climbers are rewarded with a picturesque vista from the summit, which doesn't require any trekking skill.

The peak offers panoramic views of the Hawkesbury River and the nearby Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. For anyone without access to a car, the trailhead is also conveniently located for public transportation. 

2. Are there hikes in Sydney?

Absolutely! Sydney boasts numerous hiking trails catering to all skill levels. From iconic coastal walks like the Bondi to Coogee Walk to challenging bushwalks in the Blue Mountains, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

3. What is the hardest hike in Australia?

One of the most challenging hikes in Australia is the Overland Track in Tasmania's Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. It spans approximately 65 kilometres (40 miles) through rugged terrain and varying weather conditions; this multi-day trek offers stunning scenery but requires careful preparation and endurance.

4. What is the difference between hiking and trekking?

While "hiking" and "trekking" are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences between the two. Hiking typically refers to shorter day trips along well-marked trails, often in natural settings such as forests or mountains.

On the other hand, trekking usually involves multi-day journeys, often in remote or wilderness areas, requiring more extensive planning and endurance. Trekking may also involve higher elevations and more challenging terrain compared to hiking.  

Final Thoughts

Hiking in Sydney is the best way to experience nature and wildlife. The best part is that there are many different walks to select from, including dog-friendly circuits, off-grid routes, and excursions along the bay. Suppose you want to go for a longer or overnight hike. In that case, you should consider including a Jackery Portable Power Station in your packing list to ensure all the electronics and devices are full of electricity.