For visitors asking “What are the best coastal walks near me in Sydney?” or “Where can I find scenic waterfront walking trails?” – this comprehensive guide answers all your questions about Sydney’s most spectacular seaside paths.
From the famous Bondi to Coogee walk to hidden coastal trails, Sydney offers walking tracks for every ability. This guide covers 12 routes ranging from flat, paved paths to challenging cliff-top adventures. You’ll find everything from wheelchair-accessible boardwalks to wilderness treks that require good fitness levels.oastal walks across the city is an excellent starting point. Some will challenge, others are nice and relaxing, but all are truly delightful!
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Quick Guide to Sydney’s Best Coastal Walks by Difficulty
Looking for easy coastal walks suitable for families and accessibility needs?
- Bondi to Coogee Walk (6km) – Perfect for first-time visitors
- Brighton to Sans Souci Walk (4km) – Fully wheelchair accessible with cafés
- Coogee Clifftop Walk – Boardwalk section ideal for prams
Moderate coastal walks for regular walkers:
- Federation Cliff Walk (5km) – Harbour and ocean views
- Long Reef Walk (3km) – Excellent for snorkelling and photography
- Collaroy to Manly Walk (11.5km) – Northern Beaches alternative to Bondi
Challenging walks for experienced hikers:
- Cape Bailey Track (6km one way) – Best for whale watching
- Royal National Park Coast Track (26km) – Multi-day wilderness experience
Getting Started with Sydney’s Coastal Walks
Sydney’s coastal walks offer a perfect introduction to the city’s outdoor lifestyle. With most routes accessible by public transport and well-maintained facilities throughout, these paths let you explore Sydney’s dramatic coastline while getting some exercise. Each walk reveals a different side of the city, from bustling beach suburbs to peaceful nature reserves.
Before You Go: Essential Safety Tips for Coastal Walking
Stay Safe: Never turn your back on the ocean, check weather conditions, and bring plenty of water. Coastal paths offer little shade, so pack a hat and sunscreen.
Emergency: Call 000 for emergencies and let someone know your planned route.
What information do I need to choose the right coastal walk?
To help you choose the perfect walk for your day out, we’ve included all the practical details you need:
- How long is the walk?
- Can you reach the walk by public transport?
- Is this walk suitable for prams or wheelchairs?
- Can I take my dog on this walk?
- Are there good places to eat/drink nearby?
Rather than ranking these walks (they’re all brilliant for different reasons), we’ve organised them by area to help you find something close to where you are or want to explore. Each section moves from the most accessible family-friendly options to the more challenging adventures.
If you are looking for walks like the Spit Bridge to Manly, Bradley’s Head, South Head to the Hornby Lighthouse or North Head Sanctuary, check out our Sydney Harbour walks page.
Eastern Suburbs: Coastal Walks in Sydney’s Most Famous Beach Areas
The Iconic Bondi to Coogee Walk
Is the Bondi to Coogee walk worth the crowds? Absolutely.
The Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, or if you are short of time and energy, the Bondi to Bronte walk, is likely the most famous beach walk in the country. It needs little introduction, and chances are it might already be on your to-do list.
What makes the Bondi to Coogee walk special?
- Pass five gorgeous ocean beaches – Tamarama (dramatic and compact), Bronte (family-friendly with great facilities), Clovelly (sheltered bay perfect for snorkelling), and Coogee (village atmosphere with excellent cafes)
- Swim at Bronte Pool – This heritage ocean pool carved into the rocks offers protected swimming with crashing waves just metres away
- Stroll past (or through) the historic Waverly Cemetery – One of Australia’s most scenic cemeteries, where many notable Australians are buried overlooking the ocean
- Snorkel the beautiful Gordon’s Bay – A protected underwater nature trail with diverse marine life, perfect for beginners
Before you head out, check out our very detailed guide to the Bondi to Coogee walk, where we have answered every question we have ever received about walking this track.
Insider tip: There is a natural bogey hole at Bronte only visible when the tide is right – approx. halfway between high and low tide.
Practical information for the Bondi to Coogee walk:
Length: 6km. If you prefer a short walk, you could stop at Bronte.
The Impressive Federation Cliff Walk
Want to explore Sydney’s rugged eastern coastline away from the main beaches?
The Federation Cliff Walk, also known as the Waverly Cliff walk or the Dover Heights walk, links Bondi to Watsons Bay. This 5km eastern suburbs coastal walk gives you outstanding views of the sheer sandstone cliffs that protect Sydney Harbour.
Official starting at Dover Heights, you can navigate from North Bondi if you wish by following the coastline and heading in and out of the streets when you hit a fence.
What will I see on the Federation Cliff Walk?
- Fantastic Sydney Harbour views from Dudley Page Reserve – One of the best vantage points to see the harbour’s full sweep, from the Heads to the city skyline
- Dramatic sandstone cliffs and old staircase at Diamond Head – Historic stone steps carved into the cliff face, a testament to early settlers’ determination to access the coast
- Historic Macquarie Lighthouse – Australia’s first lighthouse, built in 1818 and still guiding ships today
From Dover Heights, it’s a pretty clear walk which we have outlined in this post. Alternatively, take the 380 bus from Bondi to the start of the walk.
Insider tip: Resist the urge to go off the track at Diamond Bay and under the cliffs for the magic Insta shot; the cliff is fenced off because it is unstable.
Practical information for the Federation Cliff Walk
The Hermitage Foreshore Track in Sydney Harbour National Park at Rose Bay is another great Eastern Suburbs option.
Length: 5km one way.
The Family Friendly Coogee to Maroubra Walk
Want the Bondi to Coogee experience without the crowds?
If you loved the Bondi to Coogee walk but want something quieter, this is your next move. The Coogee to Maroubra walk offers everything that made the first walk special – stunning ocean views, historic rock pools, and great swimming spots – but with a fraction of the crowds.
The first section, known as the Coogee Clifftop Walk, is particularly brilliant for families. A boardwalk with a slight incline makes it accessible for wheelchair users and those with prams. The rest of the walk rewards you with some beautiful rock pools and panoramic views of Sydney’s coastline – perfect for those who prefer less crowded paths.
Sydney’s Unique swimming spots along the walk
- McIvers Ladies Baths – Australia’s last remaining women-only ocean baths, a piece of swimming history still in use today
- Wylies Baths – A heritage-listed bogey hole carved into the rocks in 1907, perfect for a sheltered swim
- Ivor Rowe rock pool – A natural tidal pool that’s ideal for kids and nervous swimmers
- Mahon rock pool – My favourite sunrise spot in Sydney, with dramatic rock formations and fewer crowds
All these rock pools are hard to resist, so I suggest you pack your swimmers!
More info on parks along this route: Randwick Council website
Length: 5km
Have you taken the Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach walk yet? It’s a stunning harbour option.
Maroubra to Malabar Beach Walk – The Road Less Travelled
Where can I find spectacular coastal views without tourist crowds?
This is Sydney’s best-kept secret among coastal walks – if you want stunning scenery without the crowds, this is your answer. Beginning at Maroubra, one of Australia’s official National Surfing Reserves, this walk takes you from the thundering surf (Maroubra means ‘like thunder’ in the local Aboriginal language) to the quieter beauty of Malabar Beach.
If you decide to swim while you are here, stay between the flags; the current can get quite strong here.
The walk begins on the northern side of Maroubra Beach. The first section takes you from Mistral Point along Maroubra Beach to the park at South Maroubra. This section is just under 2.5km and is wheelchair and pram friendly.
Why visit Maroubra to Malabar?
- Great views of Botany Bay – Watch ships coming and going from Port Botany while enjoying sweeping coastal views
- Family-friendly rock pool at Malabar – A sheltered natural pool with wheelchair access and calm waters perfect for kids
- Whale watching spot in season (June-October) – This elevated position offers excellent whale spotting opportunities during migration season
- Picturesque rocky bays – Dramatic rock formations and secluded coves that feel worlds away from the city
The next section to Malabar Begins in Arthur Byrne Reserve in South Maroubra and connects to Pioneers Park in Malabar. This 1.15km walking track, officially known as the Western Escarpment Walking Track, links with the 3.7km Boora Point Walking Track. You can also walk a 4km loop around Malabar Headland. This section has quite a few stairs, so not suitable for prams and wheelchairs.
Your final destination is Malabar Beach, a hidden gem and one that I am almost reluctant to share. The rock pool here, pictured below, is sheltered and has a wheelchair ramp into the pool. Not so much a sandy beach as a beautiful rocky bay.
Download the detailed map (PDF) if you would like to give this walk a try.
Length: 3.6km
La Perouse to Yarra Bay – Discover History and Identity
Looking for Australian Aboriginal culture alongside your coastal walk?
If you’re looking for a coastal walk with genuine cultural significance, La Perouse delivers something completely different from the typical beach-to-beach experience.
This is where you can walk through 7,500 years of continuous Aboriginal connection to country, combined with early European settlement history. The Kameygal people refer to this land as Guriwal, and many still live and work in the area today, making this one of the few places in Sydney where you can experience living Aboriginal culture alongside your coastal walk.
“La Perouse is the one area of Sydney with which Aboriginal people have had an unbroken connection for over 7,500 years.”
Dictionary of Sydney
This walk is a relatively short and easy one, great for younger kids who may tire on others on this list. From La Perouse, head to the playground, and you will see a walking track heading into the bush. This is the Guriwal Bush Tucker Track, it features signage highlighting traditional foods and medicines.
Once you reach Yarra Bay, return to La Perouse via the beach.
What cultural and historical experiences await?
- Bare Island Fort – A 19th-century fortress connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway, open for guided tours on the last Sunday of each month
- Signposted Bush Tucker Track – Learn about traditional Aboriginal foods and medicines along this interpretive walking track between Yarra Bay and Frenchman’s Bay
- Weekend snake shows in Cann Park – Educational reptile displays that kids love, usually held on weekends
Insider tip: The Blak Markets, which sell fabulous indigenous goods, are held at La Perouse regularly. Check the dates here.
Length: 2.8km
Cape Bailey Track
Where’s the best land-based whale watching in Sydney?
If you’re serious about whale watching, this is your walk. The Cape Bailey Track in Kamay Botany Bay National Park at Kurnell offers the best land-based whale watching opportunities in Sydney. This 6km track takes you from Cape Solander to the historic Cape Bailey Lighthouse, following the same clifftop route that migrating whales use as their highway between feeding and breeding grounds.
The walk is relatively flat but completely exposed – there’s no shade and no facilities, so come prepared. What you lose in comfort, you gain in spectacular unobstructed ocean views and the very real possibility of witnessing one of nature’s greatest shows.
What makes Cape Bailey special for whale watchers?
- Prime whale watching position – One of Sydney’s best whale-watching spots, particularly between June-August when humpbacks pass closest to shore
- Cape Bailey Lighthouse – A historic lighthouse marking the southern entrance to Botany Bay, still operational today
- Unobstructed ocean views – 180-degree views across the Pacific with no buildings or trees to block your sightlines
- Kamay Botany Bay National Park – Walk through the protected bushland where Captain Cook first landed in 1770
Insider tip: This is one of Sydney’s best whale-watching spots, so a visit between June-August is usually well rewarded.
Length: 6km one way
Coastal Walks on Sydney’s Northern Beaches
These tracks offer a more relaxed alternative to the eastern suburbs, with longer stretches of sand, excellent surf breaks, and a laid-back beach culture that feels distinctly different from the city beaches.
Long Reef Walk – An Aquatic Delight
Want to combine coastal walking with snorkelling?
The Long Reef Walk offers something you won’t find on any other Sydney coastal walk – a stunning contrast between manicured golf course greens and wild ocean coastline.
This 3km circuit around the headland is particularly popular with photographers and nature lovers, thanks to its unique aquatic reserve and the hang gliders who launch from the cliffs above.
What makes Long Reef special for underwater enthusiasts?
- Long Reef Aquatic Reserve – Sydney’s most accessible snorkelling spot, with protected waters and diverse marine life including blue groper and sea dragons
- Whale watching between April and November – The elevated headland position offers excellent whale spotting opportunities during migration season
- Watching the hang gliders and paragliders – Regular aerial displays as adventure seekers launch from the cliff tops, creating spectacular photo opportunities
Local tip: Visit at low tide and wander down the stairs at the base of the headline.
If you can get up early, you will find you are often rewarded with a magnificent sunrise.
More details are on the Northern Beaches Council website.
Length: 3km
Collaroy to Manly Walk- A Bondi to Coogee Alternative
Looking for a longer coastal walk with fewer crowds?
Think of this as the Northern Beaches answer to the famous Bondi to Coogee walk – except this one’s longer, less crowded, and arguably more spectacular.
The 11.5km Collaroy to Manly walk takes you through six distinct beach communities, each with its own character and charm. Starting from the laid-back family atmosphere of Collaroy Beach and finishing at the bustling promenade of Manly, you’ll pass through Fisherman’s Beach, Long Reef, Dee Why, Curl Curl Beach, and Freshwater Beach.
What makes this walk special is the variety – you’ll experience everything from dramatic headland views to sheltered beach walks, from the snorkelling paradise of Long Reef to the historic charm of Freshwater where Duke Kahanamoku introduced surfing to Australia.
What will you discover on this Northern Beaches journey?
- Walk along six surf beaches – Experience the distinct character of each Northern Beaches community, from family-friendly Collaroy to the surf culture of Freshwater
- Long Reef Aquatic Reserve – Sydney’s most accessible snorkelling spot with protected waters and diverse marine life
- Statue of Duke Kahanamoku – Pay homage to the Hawaiian legend who introduced surfing to Australia at Freshwater Beach in 1914
It’s a long walk, but it’s full of rewards and a perfect walk if you are looking for something to contrast the world-famous Bondi Beach walk.
Insider tip: For the best views, do this walk north to south
Length: 11.5km
Palm Beach Walk – Summer Bay and Away
Want to spot Home and Away filming while walking?
At Sydney’s northernmost tip, Palm Beach offers something completely different from the city’s other coastal walks – a taste of exclusive beachside living where Sydney’s wealthy retreat for weekends and holidays.
While many visitors come hoping to spot the Home and Away cast filming around the iconic lighthouse, the real appeal is the stunning dual-aspect views: Pacific Ocean on one side, the calm waters of Pittwater on the other.
What makes Palm Beach worth the journey north?
- Barrenjoey Lighthouse walk – Climb to the historic 1881 lighthouse for 360-degree views over both ocean and pittwater – one of Sydney’s most spectacular vantage points
- Home and Away filming locations – Spot the outdoor sets of Australia’s longest-running soap opera, particularly active on weekdays
- Calm Pittwater shores – Perfect for families with young children, offering sheltered swimming and kayaking opportunities
- Ferry connections – Take a scenic ferry ride to Ettalong on the Central Coast or the secluded camping spot at the Basin
Insider tip: Weekdays are your best option if you want to see the Home and Away gang recording.
Read our tips for exploring Palm Beach before you go.
Length: 2.3km one way.
Coastal Walks in Sydney Southern suburbs
Brighton to Sans Souci – Parasailing Paradise
Need a completely accessible coastal walk for the whole family?
If you’re looking for a coastal walk that’s genuinely family-friendly – and I mean wheelchairs, prams, and wobbly toddlers friendly – this is your answer.
As someone who walks this route regularly, I can tell you it’s the perfect antidote to Sydney’s more challenging clifftop walks. The 4-5km path hugs Botany Bay from Brighton-Le-Sands to Sans Souci, offering calm bay views instead of crashing ocean waves.
While it might not have the drama of the eastern beaches, it has something better for families: complete accessibility and plenty of facilities.
You can get from Captain Cook Bridge at San Souci all the way to Kyeemagh with just a small section moving away from the shoreline for a few hundred metres.
What family-friendly features make this walk special?
- Bike path running the entire way – Perfect for cycling with kids or those who prefer wheels to walking
- Two netted swimming areas – Safe, shark-netted beaches ideal for nervous swimmers and young children
- Watch the wave jumpers – Local thrill-seekers who jump off the seawall when waves crash over, providing free entertainment
- Spot the planes taking off at Mascot – Aviation enthusiasts love watching planes take off and land at nearby Sydney Airport
- Large parks with BBQ areas – Multiple parks with free BBQs, playgrounds, and picnic facilities make this perfect for family days out
A big bonus is that the path can be almost deserted on weekdays, particularly in autumn and winter. Check out our guide to Brighton Le Sands before you visit.
Insider tip: There is almost no shade along the way, so be sure to bring a hat and sunscreen.
Length: 4km
Cronulla Beach Walk – Ocean Pools Galore
Want to reach beautiful beaches by train?
This is the beach of my childhood, and there’s a reason I keep coming back. The Cronulla beaches offer something unique in Sydney – they’re the only beaches you can reach by train.
This 4km walk takes you through six connected beaches (Wanda, Elouera, North Cronulla, South Cronulla, Blackwood’s Beach and Shelly Beach), each offering something different for families.
What makes Cronulla special is the combination of excellent facilities, multiple ocean pools, and that village feel where the beach is just two blocks from excellent cafes and restaurants. It’s proper family-friendly without being sanitised.
Why choose Cronulla for ocean pool swimming?
- Multiple ocean pools – Several heritage-listed pools carved into the rocks, each offering protected swimming with different character
- Excellent children’s playgrounds – Well-maintained playgrounds strategically placed along the route, perfect for breaking up the walk with kids
- Nuns Pool – A beautiful natural rock pool at the southern end, offering sheltered swimming in a stunning setting
Insider tip: Darook Park, just around from the end of the walk, is a great picnic spot with plenty of shade and a lovely beach.
Discover more beaches in Sydney by public transport using our detailed guide. Want to keep walking? Jump on the ferry over to Bundeena.
Length: 4km
The Coast Track – Royal National park
Ready for Sydney’s ultimate coastal wilderness adventure?
This is the big one. The Coast Track in the Royal National Park is Sydney’s most spectacular coastal walk, but it’s also the most demanding. This 26km multi-day trek takes you through some of the most pristine coastal wilderness in NSW, passing secluded beaches, Aboriginal rock art, and dramatic cliff formations that few people ever see.
It’s not for everyone – this is proper bushwalking that requires planning, fitness, and respect for the environment. But for those who tackle it, the rewards are extraordinary.
What wilderness treasures await on the Coast Track?
- Dharawal Aboriginal engravings along the Jibbon Beach Loop Track – Ancient rock carvings that connect you to thousands of years of Aboriginal culture and connection to this coastline
- Wedding Cake Rock – The Instagram-famous layered sandstone formation (view from designated areas only due to erosion)
- Wattamolla – A pristine lagoon and waterfall where you can swim in fresh water just metres from the ocean
- Eagle Rock – A dramatic sea stack rising from the ocean, one of the most photographed spots on the coast
- Curracurrong Falls – A spectacular waterfall that plunges directly into the ocean (seasonal)
- Garie Beach and Burning Palms – Remote surf beaches accessible only on foot, offering pristine swimming and surfing
- Figure Eight Pools – Natural rock pools carved into perfect figure-eight shapes by centuries of wave action
I recommend you tackle this 26km track over two days, although some people manage to do it in one long hard session.
You can do it easily in three one day walks.
- Jibbon Beach to Wattamolla
- Wattamolla to Curracurrong Falls or on to Garie Beach
- Garie to Otford
If you go for the two-day option, the North Era campground is the official overnight stop. Check National Park alerts before you plan, as there are some closures in place at the moment. We have a detailed guide to walks in the Royal National Park here.
Length: 26km
Planning Your Perfect Sydney Coastal Walk Experience
How do I choose which coastal walk suits me best? Consider your fitness level, available time, and what experience you’re seeking. Beach lovers should start with Bondi to Coogee, families need Brighton to Sans Souci, and serious hikers will love the Royal National Park Coast Track.
When is the best time for coastal walking in Sydney? Year-round walking is possible, but autumn (March-May) and spring (September-November) offer the most comfortable temperatures. Summer requires early starts to avoid heat, while winter provides clear days perfect for whale watching.
Please note: Public transport information is current as of January 2025. Bus routes and timetables change regularly, so always check the latest schedules using the Transport for NSW trip planner or real-time apps before travelling.
We hope you enjoy these great walks in Sydney. If you want more walking ideas for around Sydney, check out these articles:
- Best Sydney Harbour Walks
- Short Blue Mountains Bush Walks
- Easy Family bush walks
- Sydney Harbour Walks
- Walks in your local area
Have questions about things to see and do in Sydney?
Head over and join our Facebook Group and we will be happy to help.
I don’t mind a stroll along the coastline. I have walked the Coogee to Bondi on a couple of occasions when I’ve been visiting Sydney. I now have whole new list of walks. Sydney is so blessed with such a picturesque coastline and harbour.
These are all BEAUTIFUL! I’m hoping I make it to Australia someday, but in the meantime, I will admire these pictures 🙂 Thanks for the great tips!
Hope we see you soon Jordon
Thanks for all these wonderful suggestions!! I’m a big walker (try to get 20-30k steps a day) so these are the perfect activities for me!! Can’t wait to go back to Australia.
I love this! I can’t wait until I can visit Sydney one day. I also think it’s really great that you have made this post focus on accessibility too. It has made me realise how people don’t tend to write about that aspect when we should. Thank you for this <3
This is awesome! I’ve been to Sydney twice and last time I was really staying near the coast, it was soooooo nice!!! I haven’t got enough chance to explore Syndey’s other beaches, should do next time!
A recent back injury it reminded me how important this is!