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Top 4 coastal
walks (blog)

Step off the beaten path, grab your friends and explore the stunning coastal trails Sydney has to offer.

Our top 4 coastal walks boast stunning harbour views and plenty of photo opps, making them the ultimate source of adventure for weekend warriors. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed stroll with coffee in hand or a longer route to get your steps in, there’s something here for everyone! Don’t forget to capture the moment—snap a pic, use #HTWalks, and tag @HarbourTrust in your posts!

 

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Sanctuary Loop (North Head Sanctuary in Manly)

Location: North Head Sanctuary, Manly | Distance: 3km (plus 2km add-on) | Difficulty: Easy

The Sanctuary Loop at North Head Sanctuary is a 3km circuit that takes just 1.5 hours to complete. Only 3km from Manly Beach and accessible by the 161 bus from Manly, this trail offers stunning coastal views. Along the way, you’ll discover 4 epic lookouts of Sydney Harbour, spot local wildlife and explore historic sites like the Third Quarantine Cemetery and Australia’s Memorial Walk.

With free parking and 2 cafes nearby for a coffee break, it’s perfect for a laid-back day out. Want more? Add an extra 2km to your journey by completing the Fairfax Walk, which offers even more incredible views. It’s the ultimate mix of nature, history and photo-worthy moments!

Plan your trip to North Head Sanctuary here.

Coastal walk (Headland Park in Mosman)

Location: Headland Park, Mosman | Distance: 3km | Difficulty: Moderate

Embark on a coastal adventure at Headland Park, where you can enjoy a scenic walk that’s just under an hour one-way. With ample parking available and convenient public transport options, accessing this beautiful setting is easy.

As you weave along a stunning route from Middle Head / Gubbuh Gubbuh, you’ll spot multiple harbour lookouts – a guaranteed feast for your eyes. Part way, take a quick detour to the vibrant artist precinct at Georges Heights and grab a takeaway coffee (and perhaps even a cheeky croissant) at Frenchy’s Cafe. Be sure to bring your reusable cup! From there, continue along the coastal track to Chowder Bay / Gooree via scenic Georges Head Lookout. Your adventure will culminate at Clifton Gardens – an ideal place to soak in the sun and take a dip. Want to stretch yourself? Continue past Clifton Gardens to Bradley’s Head. Want to head back? Loop back to Georges Heights, via Bungaree Walkway, and follow the coast back to Middle Head.

Hot tip: Make this a loop walk and start your trip at Georges Heights to enjoy free all-day parking! 

Plan your trip to Headland Park here.

Bondi to Manly Walk

Location: Bondi to Manly | Distance: 80km | Difficulty: Moderate

Feeling ambitious? The Bondi to Manly Walk (B2M) is your chance to soak in the beauty of Sydney's stunning harbour on an epic adventure! Stretching 80 kilometers between 2 of the city’s most iconic surf beaches, this walk takes you along scenic public tracks with pit stops at some of our historic places. Look out for the unique Aboriginal whale symbols that will guide you along the route!

Hot tip: The Bondi to Manly Walk is well-connected to public transport which means you can choose to begin and end your journey at any point!

Macquarie Lightstation to Marine Biological Station walk

Location: Vaucluse | Distance: 2.8km | Difficulty: Easy

Embark on a coastal adventure where spectacular harbour views and historic sites await. This scenic walk takes you from Macquarie Lightstation in Vaucluse to the former Marine Biological Station at Camp Cove. 

Begin your journey with a takeaway coffee from the Grumpy Baker in Vaucluse before setting off along the stunning clifftop trail to Macquarie Lightstation. Along the way, soak in panoramic views of Sydney Harbour and discover the story of Australia’s first lighthouse.

Continue along the coastal path to Camp Cove via Gap Park, where the cliffs give way to ocean views. Discover the site of the historic former Marine Biological Station (closed to the public) and enjoy a refreshing swim at Camp Cove Beach.

End your adventure at Doyle’s on the Beach for some classic fish and chips while you take in the stunning harbour views.

Hot tip: Want to extend your adventure? Catch a ferry to the city or to Manly to explore North Head Sanctuary

Plan your trip to Macquarie Lightstation here.

Helpful links

Learn more about our extraordinary places on Sydney Harbour.