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As cities go, Sydney is home to its fair share of incredible hikes – from secret coastal strolls to mega mountain bushwalks (yep, the BMs are technically part of Greater Sydney). And while some of the state's best walks are further out of town (including one that will take you up Australia's highest mountain, and some truly magnificent coastal stomps), you'll actually find one of NSW's longest walking trails connected directly to the CBD.
Where is NSW's Great North Walk?
Starting at historic Macquarie Place Park beside Circular Quay, the 250-kilometre route connects Sydney with Newcastle, ending at Queens Wharf. Winding its way through national parks, up mountains, past waterfalls and along spectacular bushland and coastal tracks, the walk takes in some of the state's most beautiful landscapes, including Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Brisbane Water National Park and Watagans State Forest.
How long is the Great North Walk?
Stretching for 250 kilometres, the walk takes around 16 days to complete in its entirety, so most hikers choose to tackle it in sections. There are plenty of beautiful multi-hour and multi-day walks that make up the route, meaning you can dip in for as much or as little as you have time for. If you're keen to take on the whole trail in one go, allow around 16 days.
Highlights of the Great North Walk
Tracing winding mountain paths, lush rainforest tracks and secluded beaches – not to mention sections through the city – the Great North Walk has something for every kind of adventurer. If you're more of an urban explorer, tackle the opening section from Macquarie Place through the harbour foreshore and on towards Macquarie Park. If you're a beach lover, don't miss the stretch between Patonga and Pearl Beach, which takes around two to three hours one way (we'd recommend making it a return walk and rewarding yourself afterwards with a meal at The Boathouse Patonga).
Prefer mountain views? The climb to Mount Wondabyne marks the highest point on the Great North Walk, rewarding hikers with sweeping views across Brisbane Water National Park and out towards the coast. You can explore the full route and plan your own itinerary via the Great North Walk website.
How much does it cost to do the Great North Walk?
The Great North Walk is free to hike, but depending on how long you're planning to spend on the trail, you'll likely need to budget for accommodation, transport, food and supplies. If you're starting within a national park, vehicle entry or parking fees may apply depending on the location, and anyone staying overnight will also need to factor in camping or accommodation costs.
Can you camp on the Great North Walk?
The trail was designed to be completed as a thru-hike for those keen to walk from end to end, and there are lots of designated campsites and accommodation options along the route. It's worth planning your itinerary and booking ahead where required, particularly during peak walking seasons.
How difficult is the Great North Walk?
If you're planning to tackle the full 250 kilometres, it's worth building up with a few training hikes beforehand. While the complete trail is officially considered challenging, many individual sections make for achievable day hikes. There are certainly some steep and technical stretches – particularly through parts of the Watagans and Yarramalong Valley – but plenty of easier sections are suitable for reasonably fit walkers looking to escape the city for a day.
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