Sydney is in its fitness era. From run clubs to Pilates studios, the harbour city has stepped up its wellness game.

According to AllTrails, the strongest growth within hiking in 2025 was in long-distance hikes — further proof that Sydney’s love for getting outside and staying active is stronger than ever.

Sydney has an astonishing 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

Difficulty: Hard

Distance: 15.8 kilometres return (about 5-5½ 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

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 4.3 kilometres (about 1-1½ hours)

If more laid-back hiking is your vibe, turn your attention to the lovely Curracurrang Falls trail. Also 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.

Scenic coastal views from Bouddi National Park. Photo: Destination Central Coast

Bouddi Coastal Walk: Little Beach to Putty Beach

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 8 kilometres (about 2½-3 hours)

If we were to choose our ideal hiking time, it would be around the 2½-3-hour mark, exactly the length of the Little Beach to Putty Beach walk.

This Bouddi National Park trail is 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.

Putty Beach is the ideal spot for a post-hike swim. Photo: Nikki To

Tessellated Pavement from Putty Beach Camping Area

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 2.1 kilometres (30 minutes-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 Putty Beach.

Palm Jungle Loop Track

Difficulty: Hard

Distance: 10.9 kilometres (4-6 hours)

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 Eight 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.

Republished from Australian Traveller