Sydney is home to some of Australia’s most spectacular hiking trails. Whether you’re after a scenic coastal stroll, a bushland escape, a multi-day trek that pushes your limits, or if you’re looking for the ultimate endurance challenge, the Sydney Kokoda Challenge is calling. There’s a hike for every level of adventurer.
So, let’s take a look at some of the best hikes Sydney has to offer.
Coastal Walks with Stunning Views (Easy-Moderate)
Bondi to Coogee Walk
Arguably Sydney’s most famous walk, the Bondi to Coogee Walk is a must-do for locals and visitors alike. Following the coastline, this 6-kilometre trail connects some of Sydney’s best beaches, including Tamarama, Bronte, and Clovelly. Along the way, you’ll pass scenic lookouts, rock pools, and ocean cliffs, making it the perfect hike for those who love a mix of nature and city views.
- Distance: 6 km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Bondi Icebergs, Gordon’s Bay, Clovelly Beach
- Best time to go: Early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and stunning sunrise/sunset views
Manly to Spit Bridge Walk
For those wanting a longer hike with a mix of bushland and harbour views, the Manly to Spit Bridge Walk is a perfect choice. This 10-kilometre trail winds through Sydney Harbour National Park, offering spectacular views of Sydney’s northern beaches, secluded coves, and historic Aboriginal rock carvings.
- Distance: 10 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Fairlight Beach, Dobroyd Head Lookout, Clontarf Beach
- Best time to go: Spring and autumn for comfortable weather and clear skies
Bundeena to Wedding Cake Rock
Located in the Royal National Park, this coastal hike leads to Wedding Cake Rock, a striking white sandstone formation perched above the ocean. The trail offers uninterrupted views of the Pacific and takes you through rugged coastal heathland. However, due to safety concerns, access to the rock itself is restricted.
- Distance: 6 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Wedding Cake Rock, sandstone cliffs, ocean views
- Best time to go: Weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds
Bushland and Wilderness Hikes (Moderate-Hard)
Bobbin Head to Berowra Waters
Located in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, this 13-kilometre hike takes you through dense bushland, alongside mangrove creeks, and past Aboriginal rock carvings. The trail features a mix of well-defined paths and rugged sections, with some challenging inclines that make it a rewarding adventure.
- Distance: 13 km
- Difficulty: Moderate to hard
- Highlights: Gibberagong Track, Cowan Creek, Berowra Waters Marina
- Best time to go: Autumn and spring for cooler temperatures and minimal humidity
Great North Walk (Sydney to Newcastle)
For those looking for a serious challenge, the Great North Walk is an epic 250-kilometre trail that stretches from Sydney to Newcastle. While completing the entire track takes multiple days, hikers can tackle smaller sections, such as the Cowan to Brooklyn or Berowra to Mount Ku-ring-gai segments, both of which offer stunning views and challenging terrain.
- Distance: 250km Multiday (broken into sections)
- Difficulty: Hard
- Highlights: Jerusalem Bay, Hawkesbury River crossings, breathtaking ridgeline views
- Best time to go: Cooler months (April to October) to avoid extreme summer heat
Wentworth Falls Loop
One of the best short hikes in the Blue Mountains, the Wentworth Falls Loop offers a perfect mix of rainforest scenery, dramatic waterfalls, and sweeping valley views. The track features a series of steep stairs leading to lookout points that provide some of the best panoramic views in the region.
- Distance: 5 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Wentworth Falls, Fletchers Lookout, National Pass Trail
- Best time to go: After rainfall for the most impressive waterfall flow
Multi-Day Hikes for the Ultimate Challenge (Moderate-Hard)
Royal National Park Coast Track (2 days)
Stretching from Bundeena to Otford, this 26-kilometre coastal trek is one of Sydney’s most scenic multi-day hikes. With stunning cliffside views, golden beaches, and lush rainforest, the Coast Track offers a diverse landscape that keeps hikers engaged throughout the journey. While experienced hikers can complete it in a day, many choose to camp overnight at North Era Campground for a true wilderness experience.
- Distance: 26 km (2-days)
- Difficulty: Moderate to hard
- Highlights: Figure Eight Pools, Garie Beach, Burning Palms Beach
- Best time to go: Spring and autumn for cooler weather and minimal crowds
Six Foot Track (3 days)
Originally built as a horse track in the 1880s, the Six Foot Track runs from Katoomba to Jenolan Caves, cutting through some of the most breathtaking landscapes of the Blue Mountains. The trail features creek crossings, suspension bridges, and steep inclines, making it a physically demanding yet incredibly rewarding trek.
- Distance: 44 km (3-days)
- Difficulty: Hard
- Highlights: Bowtells Swing Bridge, Coxs River, Jenolan Caves
- Best time to go: Autumn or spring to avoid the summer heat and winter cold
Sydney to Wollongong Walk (3-4 days)
For hikers looking for a long-distance challenge without venturing too far from the coast, the Sydney to Wollongong Walk is an excellent option. Covering a mix of bushland, beaches, and cliffside paths, this lesser-known multi-day hike is perfect for those wanting to experience diverse landscapes while putting their endurance to the test.
- Distance: 56 km (3-4 days)
- Difficulty: Hard
- Highlights: Royal National Park coastline, Sea Cliff Bridge, Wollongong’s beaches
- Best time to go: Cooler months to avoid harsh sun exposure
The Ultimate Hiking Challenge: The Sydney Kokoda Challenge
If you’re looking for a hike that goes beyond stunning scenery and tests your endurance, mental strength, and teamwork, the Sydney Kokoda Challenge is the ultimate experience. Inspired by the courage and resilience of Australian soldiers on the Kokoda Track in 1942, this endurance event is more than just a hike, it’s a challenge that pushes you to dig deep and discover what you’re truly capable of.
Held annually, the Sydney Kokoda Challenge offers three distances, 18 km, 30 km, and 48 km, each taking participants through the rugged bushland of the region. Unlike traditional hikes, this is a team event, meaning you’ll rely on your mates just as much as your own determination to reach the finish line.
Beyond the physical challenge, the event serves a greater purpose, raising funds for the Kokoda Youth Foundation. Every step taken supports programs that help young Australians develop resilience, leadership, and confidence, making this hike more than just a personal achievement, it’s an opportunity to give back.
For those who have completed Sydney’s toughest hikes and are ready for the next level, the Sydney Kokoda Challenge is waiting. Gather your team, prepare for an unforgettable test of endurance, and take on a challenge that will leave you stronger in body and mind.
Are you ready to push your limits? Sign up for the Sydney Kokoda Challenge today.
