Top Five nature walks near Sydney to do this weekend
Want the combination of a fresh aired nature walk and a fun road trip to do this weekend? These five nature walks near Sydney might be what you're looking for.Despite being Australia’s largest city, Sydney has heaps of wonderful places to go for an invigorating walk within an easy driving distance. Ready to get out and see some bushland and stretch those legs? Here are five relatively easy nature walks we heartily recommend.
Jibbon Beach Loop Track, Bundeena
How could somewhere so picturesque be so close to Sydney? Bundeena is basically opposite Cronulla, but the intervening Port Hacking means to drive, you need to sweep south via the Royal National Park. In Bundeena, ditch the car near the ferry wharf and Jibbon Track starts at the western end of Jibbon Beach, a pristine 700 metre stretch of sand and blue water. Take in the indigenous rock engravings at Jibbon Head, continue south along Shelley Beach on the seaward side, then back inland to Bundeena.
Karloo Walking Track, Royal National Park
Here’s a very different walk through the Royal National Park, south of Sydney. The Karloo Walking Track is about a 10km stroll through typical coastal heathland and bush, departing the Heathcote train station where there is plenty of parking. It takes in Karloo Pool on Kangaroo Creek, perfect for a swim on a hot day, then ends at Uloola Falls which is a picturesque little campground. Either return the way you came, or take the fire trail to Waterfall station and train it back to the car.
Narrabeen Lagoon Walk, Narabeen
This is a popular trail for walkers, joggers and cyclists and it’s easy to see why. The loop track encircles Narrabeen lagoon that is rich in birdlife and at 8.4km is a good hit-out without being daunting. And although you’re not really leaving Sydney, the atmosphere is more country coastal than urban. There’s a well-made path with boardwalk sections and steel bridges; dump the car at Bilarong or Middle Creek Reserves and look forward to a couple of hours of freedom.
Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk, Palm Beach
This is about as far north as you can go and still say you’re in Sydney. Barrenjoey Headland is at the mouth of the Hawkesbury River and Pittwater and although this three kilometre walk isn’t long, there are some steep parts so it’s mildly challenging. Start from the car park near the Boathouse café and follow Smugglers Track on the western side of the peninsula and for views back to Palm Beach. The goal is Barrenjoey Lighthouse, built in 1881 from local sandstone and more recently featured on Home and Away. Return via Barrenjoey Track for a good workout.
Glow Worm Tunnel Walking Track, near Lithgow
This fascinating walk is buried deep in the Wollemi National Park, north of Lithgow and about a three hour drive from Sydney CBD. The highlight is a 400 metre-long unused railway tunnel dug more than a century ago and the dark, damp conditions are perfect for the thousands of glow worms clinging to the walls. Take a torch because there’s no lighting, but switch it off and wait for those worms to start twinkling. The walk itself is an easy two kilometres return, starting from the end of Glow Worm Tunnel Road.
Related: Five riverside walks to head to this weekend
Related: Top five coastal walks to head to this weekend
Related: Top five weekend waterfall walks
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
