Sydney's Secret Coastal Walks Perfect For This Sunday
As beautiful as the Bondi to Bronte walk really is (we promise we would never say we were sick of it), there are some other incredible, less famous coastal walks that we know you’ll want to get out of bed for this weekend.
We have even provided a “Sunday rating” so you can decide what you are up for (based on what time you ventured to bed the night before!).
Image by @ktbarclayman
Parsley Bay Suspension Bridge
1km each way
Sunday rating: Think thongs, or casual activewear. You have got this! Even on minimal sleep, we know you’ll be able to manage this one. A swim will fix everything!
This is one of the true hidden gems within Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. The walk begins at the western side of Parsley Bay beach by the seawall and finishes on the eastern side of the bay at the wharf. The prominent feature is the 100-year-old cable suspension footbridge and is surrounded by stunning nooks to swim, fish or picnic.
The peaceful harbour, bushland setting, weathered sandstone caves and overhanging seawall rocks make this the perfect spot for a lazy weekend.
Image by @rippleschowderbay
Bradleys Head To Chowder Bay
4km each way
Sunday rating: This one requires driving to Taronga Zoo first and putting comfortable walking shoes on. But trust us when we say it is worth it!
This stunning bush track weaves its way around the harbour headlands from Taronga Zoo Wharf around Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay. This quintessential Sydney walk is perfect so soak up views of the city, historic sites, harbour views and heritage-listed buildings. Chowder Bay offers a couple of great dining options: including East Coast lounge (casual) or Ripples (for more sophisticated dining). If you plan on working up a sweat, then taking a backpack with swimmers, a Turkish towel and picnic is also a perfect option.
Image by @adayofalexandra
Federation Cliff Walk
4km each way
Sunday rating: As long as you can manage the 4km, there is a delicious Grumpy Baker treat waiting for you at the other end!
This stunning coastal walk starts at Raleigh Reserve in Dover Heights and ends at Christison Park, Vaucluse. The walk sweeps around the coastline on a walking path and timber boardwalk. The clear highlight is the rugged eastern cliffs at Diamond Bay which you will want to stop and take in (and get a piccie of for Insta of course!).
We recommend doing this walk first thing in the morning to enjoy the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean to really appreciate it at its best.
Image by @gabbyneal__
Malabar Headland National Park
3km each way or 6km round loop
Sunday rating: If you can get up early, this walk is amazing for a Sunday sunrise with friends. Some parts are unsealed so make sure you’re wearing closed-in shoes.
This is one of our favourite walks, especially if you can get there early. Engulfed by nature, you’ll forget you’re in Sydney as you wind your way around the headland and pop out at some of the most amazing sweeping views of the East Coast of Australia. If you time it right, you could come out at one of the headlands just as the sun starts to lift and see all the way to Bondi! It’s also one of the best secret whale watching spots anytime between May - August.
To get there, head to the Southern end of Maroubra Beach and park in the car park. You can either do this walk as a loop around, following the headland and cutting back across inland or point to point and back.
