The best hikes near Sydney you can reach by public transport

Grand Cliff Top Walk, Wentworth Falls to Katoomba 

• Distance: 19km one way 
• Time: 2 days 
• Difficulty: Grade 3. Some bushwalking experience recommended, many stairs, steep hill sections and rough surfaces. 

After many years of planning and preparation, the Grand Cliff Top Walk in the Blue Mountains opened in early 2024. It fills the gaps between existing tracks to create a continuous path between Wentworth Falls and Katoomba. The walk passes through untouched bushland and rainforest, climbs sandstone stairs, winds beneath waterfalls and takes in spectacular lookouts, including the iconic Three Sisters. The village of Leura marks the halfway point, so you can enjoy a comfortable bed and a hot shower. 

Getting there: The Grand Clifftop Walk starts just across from Wentworth Falls Station, a two-hour train ride from Sydney. It finishes at Scenic World, where you can catch the bus to Katoomba Station for the journey home. 

Elysian Rock Lookout on the Grand Cliff Top Walk - Credit: Remy Brand | DPE

Kiama Coast Walk, Minnamurra to Gerringong 

• Distance: 20km one way 
• Time: 6-9 hours 
• Difficulty: Moderate. Well-maintained track with a mix of sealed paths, grass track, beach walking and some hills. 

This wild and wonderful walk connects some of the most beautiful beaches of the South Coast. Admire dramatic rock formations at Bombo Headland and Cathedral Rocks, feel the spray from the famous Kiama Blowhole, and refresh yourself with a swim at the sheltered Easts Beach. If you’re walking between May and November, stop at one of the whale-watching platforms to spot humpbacks cruising along the coast.  

Getting there: Join the northern end of the Kiama Coast Walk from Minnamurra Station, a two-hour train ride south of Sydney. The trail finishes at the northern end of Werri Beach. Walk along the length of the bay (around 25 minutes) to catch a bus from Gerringong Beach back to Kiama, then jump on the train to Sydney. The whole trip will take just over three hours. 

Minnamurra Headland, Kiama Coast Walk

Bouddi Coastal Walk, Putty Beach to McMasters Beach 

• Distance: 8.5km one way 
• Time: 3.5-4.5 hours 
• Difficulty: Grade 3. Short steep hills, some steps, some obstacles on track. 

Beaches, birdlife and boardwalks await on the the Bouddi Coastal Walk, a popular hike through national park on the Central Coast. Gorgeous coastal scenery, quiet pockets of rainforest and pristine coves are dotted along its length, with plenty of places to stop for a swim or a picnic. Look out for the wreck of the PS Maitland, which sunk in Maitland Bay in 1898. Though you can easily complete the walk in a day, stay longer and set up camp at Putty Beach or Little Beach. 

Getting there: Take the train from Sydney to Woy Woy, then change to a bus for Putty Beach and the start of the Bouddi Coastal Walk. The journey takes around two hours and 15 minutes. From McMasters Beach, you can catch a bus to Erina and then to Gosford, where you’ll join the train line back to the city.  

Bouddi Coastal Walk, Bouddi National Park - Credit: Nikki To

The Coast Track, Bundeena to Otford 

• Distance: 26km one way 
• Time: 2 days 
• Difficulty: Grade 5. Experienced bushwalkers only, very steep and difficult, many steps, rough track with obstacles. 

Considered one of the best walks in Australia, The Coast Track winds through the Royal National Park, just south of Sydney. It’s a challenging trek, with rollercoaster-level ups and downs across rocky escarpments, coastal heath, thick forest and sandy beaches. But your exertions will be rewarded with glorious scenery, secluded swims at deserted beaches, carpets of wildflowers and even whales in winter. Bring your tent to camp overnight at North Era and wake to the sound of the waves.  

Getting there: Catch the train to Cronulla Station then hop on the ferry to Bundeena. The whole trip takes around one hour and 45 minutes. The start of the track is a 30-minute walk from the wharf. The Coast Track finishes at the Otford Lookout, which is a 20-minute walk from Otford Station. The journey back to the city takes just over an hour.

The Coast Track, Bundeena - Credit: Lisa Sturis | DCCEEW

Great North Walk, Mount Ku-ring-gai to Berowra 

• Distance: 10km one way 
• Time: 3.5-4.5 hours 
• Difficulty: Grade 3. Some bushwalking experience recommended, short steep hills, many steps, some obstacles on track. 

The Great North Walk stretches for more than 250km between Sydney and Newcastle. The full length takes around 18 days, but you can easily tackle smaller sections in a day, like this 10km hike through the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Walk through dense bushland, pass ancient Aboriginal middens, cross shallow creeks and admire the views from the top of Naa Badu Lookout. 

Getting there: Take the train to Mount Ku-ring-gai Station, around an hour from the city, for the short walk to the start of the track. The walk finishes right next to Berowra Station.

Great North Walk in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park - Credit: Andrew Richards | DCCEEW

Glenbrook Gorge Track 

• Distance: 3km return 
• Time: 1.5-2.5 hours 
• Difficulty: Grade 4. Some bushwalking experience recommended, rough track with many obstacles, many steep steps.  

Tucked into the eastern foothills of the Blue Mountains, this short but challenging track takes you down into the tranquil surrounds of Glenbrook Gorge. Rock hop along the creek bed, spot the century-old railway tunnel that’s being swallowed up by nature and listen for the distinctive call of the lyrebird. You can continue further into the gorge for a swim in the natural pool or complete the loop then branch off down the short Jellybean Track for a dip in its popular swimming hole. 

Getting there: Catch the train to Glenbrook Station, which takes around an hour from central Sydney. The start of the Glenbrook Gorge Track is a 20-minute walk from the station. 

Glenbrook Gorge Track - Credit: Stephen Alton | DCCEEW