Top 3 Sydney Coastal Walks You Shouldn’t Miss
Sydney isn’t just about the Opera House or Harbour Bridge, it’s also home to some of the most breathtaking coastal walks in the world. With sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches, and even Aboriginal heritage sites, these trails are the perfect way to experience the city’s natural beauty.
During the years I lived in Sydney, coastal walks became my favourite way to explore and unwind. In this post, I’m sharing my top three: the Spit to Manly Walk, the iconic Bondi to Coogee Walk, and the Palm Beach Lighthouse Walk. Each one offers its own mix of nature and local flavour, and if you plan well, they can easily become full-day adventures.
Ready to discover Sydney’s best coastal walks? Let’s dive in.
The Spit to Manly walk is one of Sydney’s most iconic coastal hikes — and for good reason. This 10 km track winds along the northern side of Sydney Harbour, treating you to spectacular views, hidden beaches, and a surprising amount of native bushland just minutes from the city.
🚶♂️ Spit to Manly Walk at a Glance
Where It Starts & What You’ll See
The walk begins at The Spit Bridge in Mosman (easily reached by bus from the CBD) and finishes in the lively seaside suburb of Manly. Along the way, you’ll pass through a mix of bush trails, boardwalks, and cliff paths overlooking the glittering harbour. Highlights include:
Clontarf Reserve & Beach: a peaceful spot to pause for a swim or coffee before the main trail starts to climb.
Castle Rock Beach: one of Sydney’s most picturesque hidden beaches.
Grotto Point Aboriginal Engravings: ancient rock carvings that give you a glimpse into Sydney’s First Nations history.
Panoramic Harbour Views : lookout points like Dobroyd Head offer some of the best views of the Heads, Middle Harbour, and Manly Cove.
Secluded Bushland: much of the track runs through Sydney Harbour National Park, so you’ll often hear kookaburras and spot water dragons basking on the rocks.
Things to Do Along the Way & in Manly
You can easily turn this into a full-day adventure. Pack your swimmers because there are plenty of inviting spots to stop for a dip along the way. Castle Rock Beach is a favourite for its quiet, almost hidden vibe, perfect for a quick swim away from the crowds. Reef Beach is another gem, with calm waters and views across to North Head, making it a lovely place to rest your legs and enjoy a snack. If you’re carrying a picnic, stop at Dobroyd Head or one of the grassy lookouts for a well-earned break with sweeping harbour views.
Once you reach Manly, treat yourself to lunch at one of Manly’s many beachfront restaurants and cafés or keep it casual with fish and chips from a takeaway shop and eat them right on the sand.
If you still have energy left, wander down the Corso, then follow the short scenic path to Shelly Beach. This is one of my absolute favourite beaches in Sydney and a must-visit after the walk. Shelly Beach is located within a protected marine reserve, which means the waters are calm and full of life, it’s one of the best spots in Sydney for snorkelling. Even if you’re not up for getting in the water again, it’s a beautiful, relaxed spot to unwind with a coffee from The Boathouse Kiosk and watch the sunset.
When you’re ready to head back, the iconic Manly ferry will take you straight to Circular Quay, giving you one of the best (and cheapest) harbour cruises in Sydney. It’s the perfect way to end your day, sailing past the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge as the city lights start to glow.
2. Bondi to Coogee Walk
This is Sydney’s most iconic coastal walk — and for good reason. It starts at the world-famous Bondi Beach and hugs the coastline all the way to Coogee, passing Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly, and Gordon’s Bay.
🌊 Bondi to Coogee Walk at a Glance
Where It Starts & What You’ll See
The walk begins at Bondi Beach, Sydney’s most iconic stretch of sand, and ends at the more relaxed Coogee Beach. The entire route is paved, making it suitable for all fitness levels. Along the way, you’ll encounter:
Bondi Beach: perfect for a pre-walk coffee or a quick dip to kick off your day.
Bondi Icebergs Pool: one of the most photographed ocean pools in the world, perched dramatically above the waves.
Tamarama & Bronte Beaches: small but stunning beaches ideal for a snack break or swim.
Waverley Cemetery: a striking heritage-listed cemetery with sweeping ocean views.
Clifftop Lookouts: perfect vantage points to spot migrating whales (May–November).
Gordons Bay: a tranquil, rocky inlet popular with snorkellers and divers thanks to its underwater nature trail.
Things to Do Along the Way
Starting at Bondi, take a moment to admire Bondi Icebergs, the famous ocean pool perched dramatically over the waves. If you’re keen to fuel up before setting off, Pocket Bondi is a cosy local gem right by the beach, loved for its smashed avo and eggs and consistently great coffee. Just around the corner, Cafe Bondi is another favourite, perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch. Their eggs Benny and açaí bowls get rave reviews, and the bacon and egg burger is the stuff of legends.
From Bondi, the path winds toward Tamarama, a small but picturesque beach where you can pause for a dip or simply enjoy the quieter atmosphere. Not far ahead lies Waverley Cemetery, where white marble headstones and statues stand dramatically against the sea cliffs, making it one of the most unique stops on the walk.
Continuing south, you’ll reach Gordon’s Bay, a hidden treasure that’s perfect for snorkelling. The water is crystal clear, and the bay is teeming with fish, so if you’ve packed a mask and snorkel, this is your chance to explore one of Sydney’s best underwater trails.
The next natural break point is Bronte Beach, a favourite for families thanks to its park, rock pool and its famous public barbecues where you can grill up a feast just steps from the ocean. If you’d prefer a café stop, Coop Bronte is the spot to go. Nestled by the beach, it has a welcoming vibe, excellent coffee, and is perfect for a late breakfast or casual lunch mid-walk.
Finally, the trail leads you through Clovelly and on to Coogee Beach, a lively hub that makes a rewarding end to the journey. Here, you can celebrate with a meal or a drink. The highlight at this end is the Coogee Pavilion rooftop bar. With sweeping ocean views, it’s the perfect spot to kick back after completing Sydney’s most famous coastal walk.
3. The Palm Beach Lighthouse Walk
The Palm Beach Lighthouse Walk — also known as the Barrenjoey Headland Walk — is a short but spectacular coastal trail that takes you to Sydney’s northernmost tip. Though it’s only around 2.5 km return, it packs in some of the city’s most striking views, blending beachside beauty, rich history, and that unmistakable feeling of being far from the bustle of the city.
🏝️ Palm Beach Lighthouse Walk at a Glance
Where It Starts & What You’ll See
The walk begins at Governor Phillip Park at the end of Barrenjoey Road, right behind Palm Beach, one of Sydney’s most famous stretches of sand. From the car park near The Boathouse Palm Beach, follow the sandy path along Station Beach until you reach the start of the climb up to Barrenjoey Headland.
Along the way, you’ll encounter:
- Access Trail: a steady, winding climb to the summit that’s ideal for a relaxed walk with scenic views over Pittwater.
- Smugglers Track: a steeper, more direct route with stone steps that rise sharply to the top. The track was built around 1850 by customs officers keeping an eye out for smugglers bringing contraband into Broken Bay — and the name stuck.
- Station Beach: calm waters on the Pittwater side, often dotted with yachts and perfect for a post-walk swim.
- Barrenjoey Lighthouse: the heritage-listed sandstone lighthouse built in 1881, offering panoramic views across Broken Bay, Pittwater, Palm Beach, and the Central Coast.
- Lookouts & Whales: from the headland, you’ll get sweeping 360° views, and between May and September, it’s one of Sydney’s best vantage points for whale watching, so bring your binoculars.
Things to Do After the Walk
If you’re visiting on a Sunday, take the opportunity to join a Barrenjoey Lighthouse tour. Tours run every Sunday afternoon at 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm, lasting around 30 minutes. It’s a fantastic way to step inside the lighthouse, hear about its maritime history, and enjoy the views from the top. Bookings required.
After your walk, cool off with a swim or just unwind on the sand. Palm Beach on the ocean side is famous for its surf and long, golden shoreline, while Station Beach offers gentle, sheltered waters that are ideal for a relaxed dip.
When it’s time to refuel, The Boathouse Palm Beach is the go-to spot. Its iconic location by the water and signature fish & chips make it the perfect reward after your climb. For a casual coffee or brunch, Coast Palm Beach is another local favourite, serving great coffee and hearty breakfast classics.
If you have a little more time, explore nearby Whale Beach, a smaller, picturesque bay just south of Palm Beach. It’s home to the award-winning restaurant Jonah’s, which offers fine dining with unbeatable ocean views. For a more laid-back vibe, Avalon Beach, which is just a short drive away has a lively café scene, boutique shops, and great spots for an afternoon drink. You can also visit Careel Bay, a peaceful pocket of mangroves perfect for birdwatching or a gentle waterside stroll.
Where to Stay in Sydney
If you’re planning to do Sydney’s best coastal walks, from Bondi to Manly and all the way up to Palm Beach, I recommend staying in or around the CBD, Circular Quay, or The Rocks. This area offers easy access to public transport, including ferries, trains, and buses, making it convenient to reach each walk. Plus, you’ll be right in the heart of the city, close to great restaurants, the harbour, and many of Sydney’s main attractions.
Here are two great options depending on your travel style:
For budget-conscious explorers: YHA Sydney Harbour — Located right in The Rocks, this is hands down one of the best-value stays in Sydney. It’s clean, friendly, and has a rooftop terrace with unbeatable harbour views — perfect for watching the Opera House glow in the golden light of sunset and sparkle at night after a long day of exploring.
For comfort-seekers who like a touch of style: YEHS Hotel Sydney QVB — A comfortable, modern 4-star hotel in the heart of the CBD, just steps away from the Queen Victoria Building. It’s a great choice if you prefer a bit more privacy and comfort while still keeping things simple and central.
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