Sydney By Foot
It's common knowledge -- much as the unfit and uninspired don't want to hear it -- that walking is the best way to get to know a city. As Sydney's a mess of interwoven streets and dead end alleyways, it's not always easy to find your way, so the best and most exciting method of exploring is to ditch the map and roam free with no plans and no worries about where you might end up. Of course, this is not recommended for the suburbs, which is where some of Sydney's best walking trails are located. Instead, it's best to follow one of the set paths and lose yourself in nature and wondrous Sydney views. We've mentioned the famous Bondi to Coogee trek before, so here are a few more to get you on your feet.
Points marked on the map serve as the trail heads for each walk.
Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk
Palm Beach, Australia
There's some debate over the spelling, but whether it's Barrenjoey or Barranjoey, the pronunciation's effectively the same -- so if you're trying to find the way, you'll … still be able to ask for directions. It's worth the 20 minute uphill trek from the vicinity of Palm Beach for the views that await at the top of the hill. This is where the lighthouse is perched, and its beam may be seen miles out to sea. [link]
Harbour Circle Walk
Northern end of Sydney Harbour Bridge/Bradfield Highway NSW, Australia
The least explored north side of this walking trail stretches from the Harbour Bridge to Hunters Hill, taking in 12km, or five hours of walking time if you believe the … brochure. Take in Lavender, Berrys, and Balls Head bays to name a few, as there are plenty of water views along the way, interspersed with waterfront homes on which to perve. [link]
The Rocks Walking Tour
23 Playfair Street Rock Square The Rocks, New South Wales 2000, Australia
If paying for a walk is the only way you'll have enough incentive to get off your backside, book in for a tour of the Rocks next to the CBD. You'll explore historic … streets, cobbled laneways, and heritage cottages with the help of a tour guide who'll gives a full rundown of the louts and rogues who once ran riot in the area. You'll be so enthralled you won't even realize you're exercising. [link]
Preservation Walk, Glebe
Parramatta Rd & Derwent St, NSW, Australia
The suburb of Glebe has an interesting history, with both fashionable (though still bohemian) and working class zones. The area boasts some fascinating architecture, as … well as a history of activism and intellectual pursuits. Since you'll be walking streets rather than a trail, it's best to pick up a map of the suggested walking tour which will take you past the churches, halls, parks, and other points of interest. You won't need provisions, as there are plenty of quaint cafes to replenish and rest your feet. [link]
Federation Cliff Walk
Raleigh Reserve, Raleigh St Dover Heights NSW 2030 Australia
Picture perfect views of the Pacific Ocean greet you every step of the way as you meander this clifftop trail. With untouched parkland on one side and a sheer rocky drop … on the other, you'll feel like you're a long way from civilization. Venture beyond the official end of the Federation Walk and you'll bump into Watsons Bay, where a beer at the pub is the perfect way to replenish the calories you've just lost on the walk. [link]
The Spit to Manly
Spit Rd, NSW, Australia
This 9.5km walk is said by many to be one of the best in Sydney for the variety of experience it provides. It navigates Sydney Harbour's northern foreshore, taking in … some of the city's more exclusive real estate, as well as secluded beaches, subtropical rainforest, and abandoned fishermen's cottages. The leisurely walker can stop off at one of the several cafes along the way. [link]
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