The top-rated walking trails within one hour of Sydney

Strap on your hiking boots and head to the coast.

Sydney is in its fitness era. From run clubs to pilates studios, the harbour city has stepped up its wellness game. According to AllTrails, long-distance hikes saw the strongest growth within hiking in 2025 — further proof that Sydney’s love for getting outside and staying active is stronger than ever.

Sydney boasts an incredible range of walks from incredible coastal hikes to challenging peaks in national parks. But sometimes you want to explore further afield and make a day of it. For that reason, we’re sharing AllTrails top-rated day trip trails within one hour of Sydney – so you can feel like you’ve escaped, without travelling too far.

Wattamolla to Garie Beach

People enjoying swimming at Wattamolla, Royal National Park Sydney. — Wattamolla is a popular swimming destination. (Credit: Destination NSW)

Difficulty: Hard

Distance: 15.8km return (approx 5-5.5 hours)

Located in the picturesque Sydney’s Royal National Park, about 50 kilometres south of the city CBD, the Wattamolla to Garie Beach walk delivers some of the most striking coastal views in NSW. Stretching nearly 16 kilometres of the Coast Track, the trail starts at Wattamolla, a popular spot with a lagoon, beach and picnic area. The trail guides hikers along wind-swept coastlines, to hidden coves and the pristine surfers’ beach, Garie Beach. The terrain is varied metal boardwalk, paved path, rocky outcrops and soft sand), so ensure you wear sturdy walking shoes.

Curracurrang Falls

A waterfall near Curracurrang Gully — Take a refreshing dip in the natural swimmable pool.

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 4.3 kilometres (Approx 1-1.5 hours)

If more laid-back hiking is your vibe, turn your attention to the lovely Curracurrang Falls trail. Also located in Sydney’s Royal National Park, this trail takes hikers on a journey from the dramatic coastline to the lush Curracurrang Gully. A quick 200-metre detour from the Curracurrang Gully reveals a delicate waterfall and natural swimmable pool amid palm forest.

Tip: Plan your hike around recent rainfall for optimal waterfall viewing.

Bouddi Coastal Walk: Little Beach to Putty Beach

Bouddi Coastal Walk, Central Coast — The boardwalk leads to a postcard-perfect stretch of sand. (Credit: Nikki To)

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 8 kilometres (Approx 2.5-3 hours)

If we were to choose our ideal hiking time, it would be around the 2.5-3 hour mark, exactly the length of the Little Beach to Putty Beach walk. This Bouddi National Park trail is located on the Central Coast, offering consistent sparkling views of the Tasman Sea and lush bushland. Starting at the secluded Little Beach and finishing at Putty Beach, the walk’s elevated locations, such as Gerrin Point and Marie Byles Lookouts, offer fantastic views for spotting northward-migrating humpbacks (May-October).

Note: The terrain includes a mix of steep stairs, inclines and potential mud.

Tessellated Pavement from Putty Beach Camping Area

A boardwalk overlooking ocean vistas in Bouddi National Park — The Tessellated Pavement from Putty Beach Camping Area is a short but spectacular walk.

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 2.1 kilometres (0.5-1 hour)

It may be short, but this Bouddi National Park trail rewards walkers big time with ancient rock formations and spectacular ocean vistas. Kicking off at the Putty Beach campground, walkers are guided across sand before traversing a timber boardwalk that guides them through coastal heath and along rugged cliffs with waves crashing below.

The highlight of this walk is the mosaic-like rock shelves that have formed from erosion. Don’t forget to pack your swimmers for a post-walk dip at Putt Beach.

Palm Jungle Loop Track

Difficulty: Hard

Distance: 10.9 kilometres (0.5-1 hour)

Adventure enthusiasts looking to get their heart rate up will love the Palm Jungle Loop Track . This difficult hike sits along the southern end of Sydney’s Royal National Park, beginning and ending at Garrawarra Farm Carpark. Meander through rainforest, trace rugged cliff tops and cross secluded beaches across 11 kilometres.

This track also offers access to the popular Figure 8 Pools. The rock platform and rock pools can be dangerous and are only accessible depending on the tide and waves, so exercise with a degree of caution.

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.