Greater Sydney

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Sub-Regions

Walks in Greater Sydney

Easy
5 km one-way
90 mins

Riverside Walking Track

Walking through the bush with the chatter of birds and sweet smell of eucalypts, it was amazing to think we were only a half hour train ride from the CBD.

The delightful Riverside walking track meanders through natural bushland and a string of picturesque picnic areas in Lane Cove National Park, just north of Sydney CBD. Enjoy a weekend getaway without leaving town and introduce the kids to the simple pleasures of birdwatching and wildlife-spotting.

Following the southern bank of Lane Cove River, from the weir near Delhi Road to Deburghs Bridge, the scenic walk takes in peaceful bush settings where you can stop and enjoy tranquil river views. When it’s time for a lunch break, unroll the picnic blanket at Commandment Rock picnic area.

Along the track you might see lorikeets and kookaburras as well as egrets and spoonbills, so be sure to bring along some binoculars for a spot of birdwatching with the kids. Keep an eye out for swamp wallabies and brush turkeys darting through the bush. If you’re keen for a challenge, return via the northern riverbank along Great North walk.

Easy
500 m return
15 mins

Robertsons Point Lookout

A short walk but a fun time. Catch a ferry to Cremorne Point and grab a bight to eat before climbing the steps and having a play in the kids playground. Then wander along the footpath to the lookout at the end of Cremorne Point, know as Robertsons Point. The view across Sydney Harbour is great. There are also a few picnic tables to enjoy. Beyond this walk, the more adventurous can climb down the steps and ladder to the rock platform below.

Easy
2.8 km return
90 mins

South Head Heritage Trail (Sydney Harbour NP)

The short South Head Heritage trail offers something for everyone; incredible beach and harbour views, a glimpse into history and excellent whale watching opportunities.

Starting at Camp Cove in Watsons Bay, this short walk takes you on a stroll along an 1870s cobblestone road past Lady Bay Beach, before reaching historic Hornby Lighthouse with its distinctive red and white stripes. Take some time to explore the gun emplacements and keep your eyes open if you’re there during whale watching season.

The spectacular views of Sydney are sure to astound you, with Sydney Harbour to the west, Middle Head and North Head to the north, and the expansive Pacific Ocean to the east; and leave you wanting to explore more of Sydney Harbour National Park.

Medium
9.1 km one-way
3.75 hrs

Spit Bridge to Manly

A classic Sydney bushwalk around the northern beaches. Nice views, many swimming bays and beaches - but does get pretty busy.

Medium
6 km one-way
2.5 hrs

Sydney CBD to Boronia Park (GNW)

This walk is the southern most stretch of the Great North Walk and spends much of the time exploring the scenic and historic urban areas around Woolwich and Hunters Hill. Starting at the birth place of modern Sydney you soon enjoy a ferry ride across the world renowned harbour, passing the Opera House and heading under the Harbour Bridge. Once on dry land again you will explore the streets and some lovely pockets of remnant bushland of this peninsula. There are a few chances to stop at a cafe along the way before coming to open area at Boronia Park.

Easy
2.3 km return
100 mins

Water Dragon Way

Water Dragon Way runs between Moxhams Road, Northmead and Goodin Road, Winston Hills along the eastern side of Quarry Branch Creek. The distance is 2.3km and duration of 1hr 40min return. The track is a mixture of natural earth and rocky path including some rock and wooden stairs. Walking from south to north is a consistent incline.

Walks in The Hills Shire

Medium
4.5 km return
2.5 hrs

Burraga Track (Bidjigal Reserve)

Valley views. Sandstone shelter, closed Coachwood forest, Ridgetop Heathland, sandstone gullies and woodland. Wildflowers and orchids in Spring. Eastern Water Dragons at Bidgiwong Rock. Water pools, flowing streams and filtered sunlight.

Easy
4.4 km return
2 hrs

Bushland Corridors (Rouse Hill)

An early farm house, original land grants, a mysterious grave, remnant bushland including Forest Red Gum woodland and heathland, waterways and water birds. The Rouse Hill area was settled early in Sydney’s history. The first land grant in this area was to Governor William Bligh in 1806. Richard Rouse was the next landowner in 1813.

Medium
1.8 km return
90 mins

Forest Walk (Cumberland State Forest)

A feature of this walk is the tall native trees and Cabbage Tree Palms. As well as cool gullies and ferns there is plenty of birdlife in the forest. Cumberland State Forest is the only urban forest in Australia. The forest was established in 1939. The walks are signposted with interpretive signs and individual plant names. It is possible to see indigenous plants of the Hills District as well as rainforest trees from elsewhere in NSW.

Medium
3.6 km return
2 hrs

Geebung Walk (Fred Caterson Reserve, Castle Hill

Shale Sandstone Transition Forest which supports a rich diversity of flora, Sydney Sandstone Ridgetop Woodland and Sydney Sandstone Gully Forest near Cattai Creek. There is a large variety of native plants growing in the reserve which means you will see wildflowers in most months of the year as well as many species of birds which feed on them. Fred Caterson Reserve is Crown land under the care and control of The Hills Shire Council. It has been designated as an area for public recreation since 1895.