Top hikes around the North Shore
If you’re looking for the best hikes around the North Shore, you’ve come to the right place. From harbour foreshore walks to bushland tracks and national parks, the North Shore offers some of the most accessible and rewarding hikes in Sydney.
The walks we have compiled range from easy, family-friendly tracks to longer bush hikes and they’re all located on the Lower and Upper North Shore.
Cremorne Point Circuit
Best for: Prams, beginners, families, kids
Time needed: 1 to 1.5 hours (loop)
Distance: 2.7km circuit
Start and End: Cremorne Point Ferry Wharf (loop walk)
What’s it like?
This is a flat harbour walk with water views the whole way along. It’s perfect for beginners and families and it can be easily combined with a quick swim at the Maccallum Seawater Pool (along the way) or a picnic in one of the many grassy areas along the track.
Follow along while you walk with this detailed map here.
Taronga Zoo and Chowder Bay, Circuit
Best for: Scenic harbour walk, hiking day with a swim and coffee/lunch break
Time needed: 3 hours (round trip)
Distance: 7km circuit
Start and end: Taronga Zoo Wharf, Mosman (loop walk)
What’s it like?
This walk will see you enjoy the beautiful views of Sydney Harbour from Bradleys Head whilst passing through bushlands. You’ll also pass by Chowder Bay, where you recommend you take a rest, have a coffee or a light lunch and even a swim before heading back (to the start point at Taronga Zoo Wharf).
Follow along while you walk with this detailed map here.
Balmoral Beach to Taronga Zoo
Best for: A long weekend hike with friends or your partner, fitness enthusiasts, slow and mindful day walkers
Time: 3 hours
Start: Balmoral Beach, Mosman
End: Taronga Zoo Ferry Wharf
Distance: 6.8km, one way
What’s it like?
With food and drink options and swimming spots along the way (especially at Chowder Bay or Balmoral Beach), this hike is perfect for adventure and nature lovers. You’ll walk by Bradleys Head and Chowder Bay, and see some spectacular harbour views, bushlands and sparkling beaches along the track.
This hike can also be done in reverse order (Taronga Zoo - Balmoral) or as a circuit (Balmoral - Taronga Zoo - Balmoral).
Follow along while you walk with this detailed map here.
Balmoral Beach to The Spit
Best for: Adventure seekers, nature lovers, mindful walkers, fitness enthusiasts
Time: 2.5 hours
Distance: 4.3km, one way
Start: Balmoral Beach
End: Spit Bridge (or walk back to Balmoral Beach for a full circuit)
What’s it like?
Walking all the way along the coast from Balmoral to the famous Spit Bridge, is an awesome experience. You’ll pass by Chinamans Beach along the way, and there’s plenty of places to stop have a rest and even grab a coffee. If you’re after a refreshing swim, we also recommend a dip at Chinamans Beach or if you do the full circuit, you can reward yourself with a long relaxing swim back at Balmoral and a drink or food afterwards at one of its many waterside cafes and restaurants.
Follow along while you walk with this detailed map here.
Bradleys Head Circuit
Best for: Families, kids, a chill Sunday afternoon
Time: 1 hour
Distance: 1.7km
Start and End: Bradleys Head
What’s it like?
This is a really nice, chill, easy walking loop with amazing views of the Sydney Harbour from multiple view points. It’s a simple walk around the headland with plenty of grassy areas to enjoy a coffee or a fancy picnic. It’s honestly one of the best spots around to watch the sunset over Sydney Harbour.
Follow along while you walk with this detailed map here.
Harbour Bridge to Taronga Zoo
Best for: Fitness enthusiasts, serious hikers, weekend explorers
Time: 4 - 5 hours
Distance: 9.8km, one way
Start: Milsons Point Station
End: Taronga Zoo
What’s it like?
It may not be for everyone, but this hike is one of the coolest (most tiring) ways to explore North Sydney. You’ll pass by parks, lookouts, shops, bushland and beaches. Along the track you’ll get plenty of opportunities rest, grab a bite to eat, a drink to chug or a dip in Maccallum Pool to cool off.
It’s an awesome way to see the area and you’ll never get tired of the views of the harbour along the way, no matter how long it takes you.
Follow along while you walk with this detailed map here.
