Sydneys scenic walks

South Head (up to 4 km - easy)

Begin with a ferry from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay. Wander through some of Sydney’s oldest and most opulent areas and catch a glimpse of Sydney from the time when many of the suburbs were just fishing villages. Watsons Bay at the start of the walk, was the first fishing village established outside Sydney.

From the northern end of Camp Cove, climb the wooden stairs to the track to Lady Jane Beach, the city’s official nudist beach. From here, walk all the way to Hornby Lighthouse at South Head.

Turn back towards Camp Cove, but instead of forking right to Watsons Bay, fork left and you will come to The Gap. Climb back down the hill and return to Watsons Bay, where a fish and chip stop is highly recommended.

Bondi to Coogee (5km - easy)

This spectacular walk will not only take you through some astonishing scenery but offers some great people-watching as well. Start at Bondi Beach and head south past the famous Icebergs Clubhouse (currently under repair) and follow the clifftop around to Tamarama Beach. Stroll over the headland to the lovely Bronte Beach surrounded by parkland. Past Bronte, wander through the Waverley Cemetery and down to Clovelly Bay and Gordons Bay — both flatwater coves. From here it’s an easy walk to Coogee Beach.

The walk has lots of swimming spots and cute cafes along the way. It’s also one of the more popular beach walks in Sydney and can get very busy on weekends. You’ll have more fun walking this in the week.

Manly Walkway (10 km - medium)

?This scenic walk from Manly Cove to Spit Bridge is a great way to see the harbour. The walk passes through native bushland, Aboriginal engravings, great secluded beaches and the Grotto Point Lighthouse. The Manly Walkway can be difficult to follow at times so be sure to stop by the Manly Visitors Info Centre or Cadman’s Cottage in the Rocks for directions.

Take the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Cove and the bus from Spit Bridge back to the city.

CITY WALKS

Macquarie St. and area (about 4 km - easy)

Start at the Justice and Police Museum on the corner of Albert and Phillip Sts. Pop inside for some insight into Australia’s bushranging past. Head up Macquarie St. where you will see some of Sydney’s most imposing buildings; Parliament House, St Mary’s Cathedral and Customs House. Sydney Hospital and Eye Hospital date back to 1788—making it one of the earliest buildings in the country.

Take in the Hyde Park Barracks Museum then cross Macquarie Street to reach the Parish Church of St James. Built in 1824, it’s the oldest surviving church in Sydney.

Head back down Macquarie St. and cut across into the Royal Botanic Gardens, which run down to the harbour. Across the gardens, Government House (built between 1837 and 1845) is an excellent example of Gothic Revival style.

Walk down towards the water and you will find yourself at the Opera House steps in time for a cool drink!

City History: The Rocks (however far you like - easy)

The Rocks was Sydney’s first settlement and a working class area for almost two centuries. In the 1960s, the Rocks was almost demolished to make way for new development. It was saved and is now home to some beautiful buildings, very fine restaurants and shopping centres. Visit Cadman’s Cottage — Australia’s oldest house, the Garrison Church — which is still used by the Australian Army today. The Victorian Sydney Observatory is also still in use and sports one of the finest views of Sydney Harbour.

Walk down towards Walsh Bay and to find the quieter and gentler side of The Rocks, with little cottages, working wharves and several pubs which all claim to be Sydney’s oldest. Walk down the Windmill Steps and you’ll reach Walsh Bay where the first wharves were built in 1820. Only four of these wharves are now in use — housing the Sydney Dance Company, the Sydney Theatre Company. the Bangarra Dance Company and the Sydney Dance Cafe and Wharf Restaurant.

Guided Walking Tours for under $20

Looking to get a bit more than just scenery out of your walks. Try one of Sydney’s many guided walking tours — they’re both a fun and inexpensive way to get some exercise and learn a bit about the history of the city at the same time. See the Sydney directory for information and booking phone numbers.

The Self-Guided walking tour through the Rocks leaves from the Sydney Visitor Centre. Join one of Sydney’s young architects for a look at how the contemporary architecture tells the history of the city.

For something really different

Unseen Sydney, History, Convicts and Murder Most Foul is a unique look at the history of Sydney.