6 Best bushwalks with a cafe break

This grand tour of the Wentworth Falls area explores many waterfalls, lookouts and cliff edges. The walk has a lot of steps and runs beside fenced cliff edges, so walkers will need to be fit and comfortable with heights. The walk explores the historic National Pass, Wentworth falls, the Valley of the Waters and many other highlights. There is an optional side trip to the Conservation Hut for lunch, before returning to the start via the Overcliff walk and Den Fennella. A great way to explore the majestic views.

Total climbing: 895m

This great walk starts at the Sphinx Memorial and loops around via Cowan Creek, exploring diverse environments as it changes altitude. There is an optional side trip to the Empire Marina and cafe for a recharge before the climb back up to the Sphinx. This walk provides some great water views of the Cowan Creek and the interesting rock formations along its shores.

Total climbing: 499m

With train station at each end this walk explores the ridges and valleys around Berowra Waters. There are plenty of excellent views, especially at Naa Badu Lookout and the many creek vantage points along the way. There are some solid climbs on this walk so be sure to allow enough time. Berowra Waters, in the middle of the walk, is a great place for lunch or an ice cream, by taking the optional side trip across the river, on the free car-ferry, which is a pleasant ride in itself.

Total climbing: 884m

Starting in North Turramurra, this walk follows the Darri and Warrimoo Tracks through Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and down along the picturesque Cowan Creek. Bobbin Head makes a great spot to take a break and have some lunch at the cafe, kiosk or picnic area. From Bobbin Head, the track continues through Apple Tree Bay, following Cowan Creek for a little while before climbing up and out of the valley to Mt Kuring-gai station.

Total climbing: 852m

This walk explores a great section of Sydney Harbour. The walk starts at the Taronga Zoo ferry wharf with views of the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The spectacular views continue as you explore bushland and the bays along the way. The walk also explores a historic section of the harbour, including the fortifications at Bradley’s Head and Chowder Bay. Some sections of this walk are closed at night. There are a few places to get food along the way, and many great places to eat your own packed lunch.

Total climbing: 328m

Following well-maintained bush tracks and service trails, this walk descends into the Royal National Park, to a spectacular set of pools and cascading falls on South Western Creek. The Royal National Park Information Centre, on Sir Bertram Stevens Drive, is approximately in the middle of this walk and is a great spot to grab a bite to eat before continuing to the falls. Unfortunately, it is necessary to have a car to get from Winifred Falls out of the park.

Total climbing: 400m