9 Best day walks on the South side of Sydney

The Hermitage Foreshore Walk is a wonderful way to explore Sydney Harbour from the perspective of South Head. This walk starts from Nielsen Park and follows a well maintained track along the narrow strip of harbour-side bushland to Bayview Hill Rd. Along the way, you will visit some secluded beaches and visit the historic Strickland House. A great walk exploring the history and natural beauty while enjoying a new perspective of the city.

Total climbing: 123m

This walk has a lovely mix of natural and war history combined within the scenic Botany Bay National Park. The track follows beaches and cliff tops as it visits World War One and Two gun and lookout stations. The side trip to the coastal cemetery is worthwhile, giving a glimpse into lives from the past. The Jennifer Street section of this circuit allows access through a section of endangered native Banksia scrub that once occupied a much larger part of the Sydney region. A varied and interesting day out in the Botany Bay National Park.

Total climbing: 174m

This return walk starts from the old Garawarra Farm car park and heads down the ridge through the Royal National Park, to the coast. The walk then follows the coast, through Burning Palms beach, and around the base of the headland to the famous Figure Eight Pools. This walk explores 4 distinct environments and gives a great cross section of what the park has to offer. The Figure Eight pools are on an ocean rock platform. Rock platforms can be very dangerous places, especially at high tide and during high seas. Only plan to visit the rock platform at low tide and low seas (see BOM website for forecast). Please also wear appropriate footwear for the walk and rock platforms.

Total climbing: 273m

Heading south, this walk covers the coastline of the Royal National Park and can truly only be described as amazing. With breathtaking coastal views from Bundeena to Otford this walk follows the cliffs along a well managed and signposted track. You will enjoy the truly fantastic views out to sea and along the cliffs. Make an early start for day two, it is bigger that it appears.

Total climbing: 1351m

Start with a ferry ride, enjoy some great food, incredible views and visit some very significant historic sights. Starting at Watsons Bay, you will stroll along a few narrow roads before visiting the historic Camp Cove and its gorgeous beach. From here, walk up the old cobblestone road past more great views, then follow a clear path to the tip of Sydney Harbour’s South Head and Hornby Lighthouse.

Total climbing: 93m

This walk explores a variety of environments through the Royal National Park. From the old Garawarra farm, the walk heads along the Squeeze Way then down a ridge to Burning Palms. There is an optional side trip out to Figure Eight pools. Burning Palms offers a nice beach and a great place to rest. From the beach the walk heads back up to Garawarra via an open grassy ridge, then through a nice shady forest track.

Total climbing: 398m

This pleasant day walk starts from the East Hills train station and follows Henry Lawson Drive to Lambeth Reserve, at the Georges River’s edge. Following the boardwalks, footpaths and bushtracks, the walk explores the edge of the river, including Yeramba Lagoon (popular amongst birdwatchers) and Salt Pan Creek before returning to the streets and finishing at the Padstow train station.

Total climbing: 347m

Covering a large section of central Royal National Park, this walk goes through the heath and scrub along a well managed and signposted track. The walk loops from Heathcote Railway Station around to Engadine Station. With public transport at both ends, toilets and water at both Uloola Falls and Reid’s Park, this track has ample infrastructure to keep a walker out for a day, without losing the sense of getting away from it all.

Total climbing: 635m

Winifred Falls is one of the best waterfalls in Royal National Park. This walk not only goes to the magnificent falls but has the optional side trip down to the beautiful South West Arm Pools. Anice Falls are not as great as Winifred but worth the visit. The walk then continues through the heath to Maianbar Rd.

Total climbing: 179m