We might be biased but we think you’d be hard pressed to find a city that offers everything Sydney does and a greater city to live! Once the weekend hits though, we love planning an adventure to get outdoors, de-stress and explore somewhere new outside of the city - because sometimes you just have to get away for a little while to clear your head, you know? There’s nothing better than a hike through nature somewhere outside of the city, breathing in that fresh air, soaking up some Vitamin D and taking in the amazing scenery of the Australian wilderness. Lace up those hiking shoes, prepare those healthy snacks and even grab a buddy or two! We’ve got your next nature fix covered with the best walks to do outside of the city for when you just need a little break (oh and before you jump in the car, be sure to check NSW National Parks alerts and warnings!). Image credit- www.bestsydneywalks.com Narrabeen Lagoon Trail If you don’t want to stray too far from home and you’re strapped for time, dip your toe into the world of walks with the Narrabeen Lagoon Trail. This easy 8-kilometre track is well formed and suitable for all fitness levels, leading you on a loop of, you guessed it, Narrabeen Lagoon. Made up of board walks or smooth, dirt trails, this is also a perfect trail for runners or cyclists. Take in the lagoon, surrounding trees, wildlife and even heritage and historical sites. This walk will only take you about 2 hours, so we suggest completing it in the morning and then enjoying lunch or a smoothie at one of Narrabeen’s cafes. Image credit- www.kiama.com.au Kiama Coastal Walk Take a drive south of Sydney and you’ll find some of the best coastal views this country has to offer along the sparkling turquoise that is NSW’s South Coast. A 30-minute drive from Wollongong you’ll find the Kiama Coastal Walk, spanning 20 kilometres of pristine beaches and dramatic ocean views. The walk is broken up into three smaller sections for you to take your pick of and complete within a day, taking into account the travel time there and back. We suggest starting with the North section as it is closest. Park your car at Minnamurra station where the walk begins and head south towards James Oates Reserve and Minnamurra River mouth, wrapping up at Kiama Blowhole and then jumping on a train from Kiama back to your car. Remember to wear your swimmers for an ocean dip along the way! Image credit- https://trekwaves.com The Grand Canyon Walk Enjoy a scenic drive through the Blue Mountains to reach the heritage-listed Grand Canyon Walk, beginning at Evans Lookout near Blackheath. Soak up the rainforest vibes as you journey through lush vegetation, creeks and waterfalls, descending all the way to the bottom of the canyon and then looping your way back to the top. This 6-kilometre walk should only take you a couple of hours, however it’s no easy stroll and can also get quite wet, so solid hiking shoes with grip are a must — and probably some insect repellent! When you’re finished, make a day of it and explore the many quaint towns and historic sites the mountains has to offer. Image credit- https://www.walkmyworld.com Mermaid Pools and Tahmoor Canyon Circuit You may have seen snaps of the sacred Aboriginal site Mermaid Pools on your Instagram feed — it’s a popular NSW destination to admire. Located near Bargo, this adventurous loop extends for 8.5 kilometres through idyllic scenery and across creeks, with scenic water holes dotted along the way. Explore the canyon and gawk at the Mermaid Pools, but be warned that swimming is not advised as it’s difficult to get in and out. Rated as moderate, this is perfect for anyone who has some hiking experience under their belt, and is best undertaken after a few days of dry weather. Image credit- https://frugalfrolicker.com The Coastal Track If you’re after a lengthier adventure to stretch over your weekend, the Coastal Track through Sydney’s Royal National Park is one to start planning for! A 26-kilometre hike from Bundeena to Otford, you’re best off splitting it over two days and packing your tent and supplies to camp overnight (remember to book in advance!). Enjoy sweeping coastal views, walk across sand beaches and even spot some whales if you’re going anywhere between May and October- so right now! We suggest catching a train and ferry to Bundeena to begin, and then hopping on a train at Otford Station where the walk wraps up to journey home and rest your tired feet. We did want to mention that there are some current closures affecting this track at the time of publishing this article so check here before you embark on your adventure! Want more articles like this one as well as What's New, What's On, and What's Hot in the world of wellness? Sign up to receive our Weekly Wrap for a curated selection of the latest and greatest each week.
Our in-house Zoii editorial team is comprised of two very passionate wellness lovers who are healthy cookie aficionado's, enjoy long walks on the beach, getting their downward dog on, and working up a sweat in their running shoes. Most importantly, they're passionate about helping inspire you to enjoy every day as a lover of health and wellness.
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