The best city hikes and walks in Sydney Harbour National Park

Bluefish Track is a lovely route that connects heathland, coastal cliffs, and historic military sites. The track is generally well-formed with easy gradients, passing through open scrub and sections of low woodland. It connects key points such as the gun pits and nearby lookouts, combining natural scenery with layered history, making it a fantastic route for an easy walk or an educational family outing.

The World War II Gun Pits at North Head are concrete coastal defence emplacements built to help protect Sydney Harbour during the war. The four pits sit in exposed positions overlooking the ocean, reflecting their strategic role in monitoring and defence. Today, the remains are open to visitors and are a stark historical contrast to the surrounding coastal landscape.

Tucked inside Cabbage Tree Bay, Shelly Beach is a sheltered cove and a favourite swimming spot at the northern end of Manly. Unlike most beaches along this stretch of coast, it faces west, which keeps the water calmer and makes it ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and stand-up paddleboarding. The beach sits within the protected Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, so it’s common to see fish close to shore in the clear water. A grassy reserve and café sit just behind the sand, making it an easy place to pause before continuing along the coastal path.

Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve protects the clear waters between Manly Beach and Shelly Beach and is one of Sydney’s best spots to see marine life close to shore. Fishing is prohibited here, allowing fish populations to thrive, and snorkelers often spot blue gropers, rays, and large schools of fish in the calm bay. A popular underwater nature trail with information plaques sits just offshore near Shelly Beach. Even from the coastal path above, the protected bay’s clear water often reveals fish swimming below.

As you follow Wulugul Walk, the modern skyline of Barangaroo rises sharply above the foreshore, with Crown Sydney standing out as the tallest and most recognisable tower. Its curved glass form contrasts with the sandstone blocks and native plantings of the reserve below. Walking here gives you a clear sense of Sydney’s layered identity, where waterfront bushland meets contemporary architecture in just a few steps.

Barangaroo Reserve is a striking headland park on the western edge of Sydney Harbour, rebuilt to reflect the area’s original shoreline. Massive sandstone blocks form stepped terraces that lead down to the water, while native bushland plantings echo the landscape that existed before European settlement. It’s a peaceful contrast to the surrounding CBD towers, with wide harbour views, shaded paths and plenty of spots to sit and watch the boats pass.

This section of Wulugul Walk offers a clear, uninterrupted view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge stretching across the harbour. From the sandstone foreshore, you can watch ferries pass beneath the steel arch while the city skyline frames the scene. It’s a slightly quieter vantage point than Circular Quay, making it a great place to pause for photos and take in one of Sydney’s most recognisable landmarks.

Manly Wharf is a busy harbourfront hub where ferries arrive and depart, linking the Northern Beaches with central Sydney. First built in 1855 and rebuilt between 1939 and 1941, the heritage‑listed wharf now combines its historic role as a transport terminal with an expansive promenade of cafés, shops, and open views across the water. It marks both the start and finish of the famous Manly ferry journey, anchoring the town’s connection between the harbour and nearby ocean beaches.