
Views from North Head, Manly of the Sydney skyline including Vaucluse and Bradleys Head in Mosman
A walk along Sydney's headlands is a great way to take in the city's riches. Start the Manly Lagoon to North Head Walk at the placid lagoon near Queenscliff, which surrenders its waters to the Pacific. This coastal track includes towering cliffs, magnificent headlands and historic military sites and is one of Sydney's most spectacular.
Start at the northern Queenscliff end of Manly Beach by Manly Lagoon and walk along this arc of beach towards the pretty inlet of Shelly Beach. Start your ascent to North Head on the path that starts from Shelly Beach parking lot and slices through the grey-green bushland of Sydney Harbour National Park.
The Fairfax Walk at North Head offers spectacular views over Sydney Harbour Heads, which are rendered even more beautiful in the dramatic blush of dawn and dusk. This paved track starts at the end of North Head Scenic Drive and then loops around the top of North Head, passing by the historic Q Station.
There are three lookouts here that provide idyllic views of Sydney's waterways and cityscape. Bring binoculars as it is also a popular whale-watching location during the migration seasons (from June to July and August to October). Look out for long-nosed bandicoots, New Holland honeyeaters and rainbow lorikeets.
After completing the Fairfax Walk, you can continue on through North Head Sanctuary. The North Head Sanctuary Foundation offers Spring Wildflower Walks or you can take a tour of North Fort. Make your way back down to Manly and join the Manly Scenic Walkway, or take the Bluefish Track near Bluefish Point back to Shelly Beach.
Download a free map of the walking trail and local information. Public transport is readily available at regular intervals along the way, including the Manly Ferry, which takes you back to the city centre.
Clifftops, park and beach views – usually with surfers, sometimes with whales – can be found along this spectacular coastal walk that begins at the iconic Bondi Beach, passing Bronte Beach and Clovelly Beach on your way south towards Coogee where you relax and unwind at beachside cafés.
Take in a wealth of coastal views, bushland and stunning harbour lookouts along a 10 km stretch beginning at Manly Wharf through a mix of lush bushland and stunning waterways. Bushwalk through the Sydney Harbour National Park and past historic sites before heading on to the Spit.
Experience the beauty of the eastern edge of the Royal National Park as you make your way from Bundeena to Otford during a recommended two-day walk. Wander past cliffs, beaches and escarpments, spot native sea birds and savour breathtaking views found along the 26 km trail.
Treat your four-legged friend to a walk along one of Sydney’s dog-friendly routes. Explore on- and off-leash walks along Lake Parramatta Reserve, the Bondi to Coogee walk or Centennial Parklands, and give your dog new environments to see and wander through.
Explore the southern side of Sydney Harbour as you make your way past a number of the city’s waterside suburbs, beaches and parks. Savour picturesque harbour views offered along the length of the walk, which stretches from Circular Quay to South Head in Watsons Bay.
Head out of the city and make the most of Regional NSW’s spectacular landscapes and natural beauty with a walk along stunning coastline or through the State’s many parks and reserves. Explore different regions, spot native flora and fauna, and set up camp on multi-day trails.
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