The best parks for walking in Sydney in 2026, including coastal walks, bushwalks, and family-friendly tracks across the
Family Desk is a contributing writer covering family and public affairs for The Sydney Times.
Centennial Park in the eastern suburbs is one of the best parks for walking in Sydney. The park has a network of sealed walking tracks that are suitable for walkers, joggers, and cyclists. The park has a 5km loop that is flat and sealed and is suitable for families. The park has wide open spaces, a network of bike paths, and a range of native wildlife. The park is accessible by train to Central station and then a 20-minute walk, or by bus from Bondi Junction.
Bicentennial Park in Homebush Bay is a large park with a network of sealed walking tracks. The park has a 5km loop that is flat and sealed and is suitable for families. The park has wide open spaces, a children's playground, and a network of bike paths. The park is accessible by train to Olympic Park station.
Sydney Park in St Peters is a 41-hectare park with a network of walking tracks. The park has a 3km loop that is flat and sealed and is suitable for families. The park has wide open spaces, a skate park, and views of the Sydney CBD from the top of the hill. The park is accessible by train to St Peters station.
Royal National Park is a large national park south of Sydney with a network of walking tracks. The park has the 29km coastal walk from Bundeena to Otford, which takes approximately 8 to 10 hours to complete. The walk can be broken into shorter sections, including the 5km walk from Bundeena to Uloola Falls and the 4km walk from Otford to the Figure Eight Pools. The park is accessible by car or train to Helensburgh or Engadine stations.
Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is a 6km walk from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach. The walk takes approximately two hours to complete. The walk is sealed and accessible for prams and wheelchairs for most of its length. There are several playgrounds and picnic areas along the way. The walk has views of the ocean and the beaches. The walk is accessible by train to Bondi Junction station and then by bus.
Manly to Shelly Beach Walk is a 1km walk from Manly to Shelly Beach. The walk takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. The walk is sealed and accessible for prams and wheelchairs. The walk has views of the ocean and the headlands. The walk is accessible by ferry from Circular Quay.
Coogee to Maroubra Coastal Walk is a 5km walk from Coogee Beach to Maroubra Beach. The walk takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. The walk is sealed and accessible for prams and wheelchairs for most of its length. The walk has views of the ocean and the beaches. The walk is accessible by bus from Randwick station.
Royal National Park Coastal Walk is a 29km walk from Bundeena to Otford. The walk takes approximately 8 to 10 hours to complete. The walk is exposed and should not be attempted in hot weather. The walk has views of the coast and the Illawarra. The walk is accessible by car or train to Helensburgh or Engadine stations.
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park has a range of walking tracks, including the 2.5km Resolute Track and the 1km Barrenjoey Headland walk. The tracks have views of the Hawkesbury River and the coast. The park is accessible by car from the Mona Vale Road or the Pacific Highway.
Blue Mountains National Park has a range of walking tracks, including the 6km Grand Canyon Track and the 2.5km Valley of the Waters walk. The tracks have views of the Jamison Valley and the Three Sisters. The park is accessible by car from the Great Western Highway or by train to Katoomba station.
Centennial Park in the eastern suburbs has a 5km loop that is flat and sealed and is suitable for families. The park has wide open spaces, a network of bike paths, and a range of native wildlife. The park is accessible by train to Central station.
Bicentennial Park in Homebush Bay has a 5km loop that is flat and sealed and is suitable for families. The park has wide open spaces, a children's playground, and a network of bike paths. The park is accessible by train to Olympic Park station.
Sydney Park in St Peters has a 3km loop that is flat and sealed and is suitable for families. The park has wide open spaces, a skate park, and views of the Sydney CBD from the top of the hill. The park is accessible by train to St Peters station.
Royal Botanic Garden Sydney in the CBD has a 2km loop that is flat and sealed and is suitable for families. The garden has wide lawns, a children's playground, and a range of plants and flowers. The garden is accessible by train to Circular Quay station.
Bradleys Head in Mosman is a walk with views of the harbour and the city. The walk is approximately 1km return and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. The walk is flat and sealed and is suitable for families. The walk is accessible by car or bus.
Watsons Bay in Watsons Bay is a walk with views of the harbour and the city. The walk is approximately 2km return and takes approximately one hour to complete. The walk is flat and sealed and is suitable for families. The walk is accessible by ferry from Circular Quay or by bus.
Diamond Bay in Vaucluse is a walk with views of the harbour and the city. The walk is approximately 1km return and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. The walk is steep in places and requires a moderate level of fitness. The walk is accessible by car or bus.
When you go for a walk, follow these tips:
Wear comfortable shoes. Wear comfortable shoes that are suitable for walking. Avoid wearing high heels or sandals.
Bring water. Bring water to stay hydrated. The weather in Sydney can be hot, particularly in summer.
Bring sunscreen. Bring sunscreen and apply it before you go. The sun can be strong even on cloudy days.
Bring a hat. Bring a hat to protect your face and neck from the sun.
Check the weather. Check the weather forecast before you go. Bring a jacket or an umbrella if rain is forecast.
Check the track conditions. Check the track conditions before you go. Some tracks can be muddy or slippery after rain.
More information about walking in Sydney is available at your local council website and the NSW National Parks website.
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