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Sydney and its best hidden coastal walks

Admin

November 29, 2024
4 min read

Sydney and its best hidden coastal walks

The coastline of Sydney offers much more than its iconic harbour views and golden beaches. For those seeking adventure off the beaten track, Sydney’s hidden coastal walks promise spectacular scenery, rich wildlife, and the chance to discover lesser-known spots along the shores.

Begin your journey at the northern tip of Sydney’s coastline with a challenging hike up Barrenjoey Headland. From here, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of Pittwater and Broken Bay, with the historic Barrenjoey Lighthouse perched atop the headland. The walk continues through the serene McKay Reserve, followed by Whale Beach, Bangalley Head, and concludes at Avalon Beach. Along the way, keep an eye out for the five species of banksias and the honeyeaters that frequent the area.

For a unique stay, families can book a luxury ocean-view retreat at Rockridge, or unwind at Crane Lodge with its magnesium pool and cedar hot tub. Couples may opt for a romantic getaway at Jonah’s boutique hotel or the charming Barrenjoey House. After a day of exploring, enjoy a meal at local spots, including the laid-back Barrenjoey House or the fine dining experience at Jonah’s. Start the next day with a coffee at The Joey, and for an adventure-packed day, book a surf lesson or Indigenous cultural tour with Salty Safaris and Bush to Bowl.

For a full-day adventure, the 12km walk between Narrabeen Lagoon and Manly Lagoon offers a mix of beaches, lagoons, rock pools, and headlands. Start at Narrabeen Lagoon, then make your way along the sandy shores of Narrabeen and Collaroy Beach. Pause for a photo at Long Reef Headland, and swim at Dee Why, Curl Curl, and Freshwater beaches. If you’re short on time, there are bus stops along the route for a convenient shortcut.

Both ends of the trail offer prime places to stay. At Narrabeen, check into the Narrabeen Sands Hotel, while at Manly, the newly renovated Manly Pacific offers luxurious rooms with stunning views. Treat yourself to a meal at Pilu in Freshwater or the Harbord Hotel in Manly, known for its fantastic pub food. On your recovery day, learn about native produce through an Indigenous cultural tour with Bush to Bowl.

For a taste of history and natural beauty, head to Kurnell, where the 13km Botany Bay Coastal Walk takes you through the Kamay Botany Bay National Park. Along the way, you’ll pass rugged headlands, sand dunes, and spectacular rock formations, with a detour to Cape Solander offering prime whale-watching opportunities during migration season. The trail concludes at Cronulla Beach, a popular spot for swimming and relaxation.

Start your day with a coffee at Cook at Kurnell, then head to Cronulla where you can enjoy beach views from Rydges Cronulla Beachside or Quest Woolooware Bay. Sample the local dining scene with a meal at Bobby’s for Italian-inspired dishes, or Next Door for modern Australian fare. Afterward, explore Cronulla’s 4km beach walk or take the ferry to Bundeena to discover the Royal National Park.

For a more secluded experience, the 6.8km Jibbon Loop Track in the Royal National Park offers a peaceful coastal walk through wild scrubland, past Aboriginal rock engravings, and to hidden beaches. Take a detour to visit Little Jibbon Beach and Shelley Beach, both of which offer stunning views and a sense of isolation just an hour from Sydney.

Start the day with an early walk, then unwind with a kayak cruise through Bundeena and the Royal National Park with Bundeena Kayaks. For a deeper cultural experience, join a Shared Knowledge tour to learn about the region’s Aboriginal history. Afterward, relax at Headlands on Austinmer Beach, or head south for a beach swim, fruit-picking at Darkes Glenbernie Orchard, and a meal at Franco Pizza Bar, a local favourite on the South Coast.

These hidden coastal walks around Sydney are perfect for those looking to explore beyond the usual tourist spots while enjoying spectacular natural beauty and local experiences.

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