Discover the Best Walks and Bushwalks in Sydney Harbour National Park
Sydney Harbour National Park is a spectacular place to explore, offering a mix of coastal walks, bushwalks, and scenic hikes right in the heart of Sydney. Located just a few kilometres from the city centre, this park protects a network of islands, rugged foreshores, and pockets of bushland that once covered much of the region. Whether you’re after a short walk with sweeping harbour views, a historical journey through Sydney’s past, or a peaceful picnic by the water, there’s something here for everyone.
The park is a sanctuary for native wildlife, home to more than 150 bird species, including the striking white-bellied sea eagle and the lively New Holland honeyeater. If you’re walking near Manly, keep an eye out for the state’s only known mainland colony of little penguins. You might even spot their distinctive webbed footprints in the sand, alongside those of the native water rat as it searches the shallows for a meal. During winter, the park’s lookouts offer prime whale-watching opportunities as humpbacks migrate along the coast.
Sydney Harbour National Park is rich in history, with convict-built structures, military defences, and Aboriginal sites scattered throughout. Take a walk along the Manly Scenic Walkway or explore the bushland at Middle Head, where centuries-old rock engravings tell the stories of the Eora and Darug peoples. The park is home to ancient rock carvings and middens, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who once gathered, hunted, and thrived in this area. At some lookouts, you’ll find beautiful sandstone seating shaped like a bara, or fishhook—a tribute to the traditional fishing practices of the Eora people.
Beyond its cultural heritage, the park boasts a striking natural landscape. Sheer sandstone cliffs rise from the water’s edge, shaped over millennia by the elements. Tucked between the rocky foreshores are secluded beaches like Milk Beach and Shark Beach, where calm waters make for perfect swimming spots with postcard-worthy harbour views. If you prefer to explore on foot, a network of trails weaves through Nielsen Park, South Head, and Bradleys Head, offering everything from easy coastal strolls to more challenging bushwalks.
For a different perspective, hop on a ferry and visit one of the park’s harbour islands. Goat Island (Me-Mel), once a key site in Sydney’s early colonial days, offers incredible views of the city skyline and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Shark Island and Rodd Island, set aside for public enjoyment as early as 1879, are perfect for picnicking, exploring secluded beaches, or simply watching the boats drift by.
Long before European settlement, the lands around Sydney Harbour were home to the Eora and Darug peoples, who fished, gathered, and hunted along these shores. The arrival of the First Fleet in 1788 changed their way of life forever, as the expanding colony forced many Aboriginal people from their traditional lands. Today, evidence of their long connection to this area can still be seen in rock engravings, middens, and ceremonial sites. Take a break at the beautifully crafted sandstone seating at the bara (fishhook) sculptures, where stories and history are shared.
If you’re looking for a place to explore Sydney’s rugged coastline, relax on a quiet beach, or step back in time, Sydney Harbour National Park has it all. Set out on one of its many walking or bushwalking tracks, climb to the lookouts for sweeping harbour views, or find a shady spot for a picnic on Rodd or Shark Island, both set aside for public use as early as 1879. For those keen to explore further, spend the day wandering historic Goat Island, enjoying an island picnic, or even staying overnight in the Middle Head Officers’ Quarters.
Want to see more of what Sydney Harbour National Park has to offer? Whether you’re looking for a relaxing walk, a scenic hike, or a place to unwind by the water, you’ll find plenty of trails and hidden spots to enjoy. Sydney’s iconic national park has something for everyone, from casual strolls to challenging treks. Get out there and see it for yourself.
