10 MUST DO WALKS IN AND AROUND SYDNEY

We've curated a collection of 10 of our favourite MUST DO walks in and around the Sydney area. How many have you already experienced? If not all, you really need to tick these off your weekend or holiday list. 

There's something for everyone; from families with young children to those wanting a bit more of a challenge. But please plan your trips carefully (through the links provided) before setting of so that you can avoid any unnecessary difficulties with your walk.

Don't let wet weather stop you from getting out this weekend. We've got the perfect travel companion for your trekking adventure with our '10L Adventure Bag' or '20L Adventure Bag', for those wanting to carry extra gear. 

Our adventure bags are designed to keep all your important stuff completely dry so you don't have to worry about your money, phone, camera, maps or other important items getting wet. 

Otford to Figure 8 Pool – Royal National Park

Image Credit: M8explorer

This hike has become more popular in recent years with all the hype around the Figure Eight Pools. While these pools are a great sight, the walking track from Otford Station to the pools via Burning Palms Beach is the best part.

Figure Eight Pools is located south of Burning Palms Beach in Royal National Park but it can be a risky place to visit and you should check out the facts and plan your trip before travelling. See all the information and risk forecast here.

Mount Yengo Lookout – Yengo National Park

Image Credit: huntervalley

Uninterrupted views of Yengo and Wollemi wilderness areas are the reward for the short, steep climb to Mount Yengo lookout. Start at the beginning of Yango walking track, where the track will lead you 1km to the lookout. It takes about 15 minutes to hike the path, but you’ll be able to stare out and imagine what this part of the country looked like hundreds of years ago. More information here

Blue Gum Walk (Joe's Mountain Circuit) BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

One of the prettiest -- and surprisingly wild -- walks, this circuit goes down as one of Sydney's best-kept bush walk secrets.

Although you start in suburbia, you quickly feel a million miles away as you tackle the Blue Gum Forest. The walk leads through a variety of forest types and past some huge Angophora trees and large water holes. Along the way, you walk upstream past a series of small cascades to cross Waitara Creek. This is an enjoyable circuit walk that allows you to explore the rare pocket of Sydney Blue Gum forest. There are many small sandstone caves and a great diversity of plant life. Sit quietly on the bank of Waitar Creek and you may see a water dragon, or get going early to hear the Lyrebirds. More details here

Winifred Falls Track – Royal National Park

Image Credit: Adventure with Coffee

These falls offer a lovely place to cool down on a hot day and offers an ideal place to have a picnic lunch. The falls are not very high, however they have crystal clear waters to swim in which remain fairly warm. You can view the falls from the top platform or can find the smaller tracks which will lead you directly to the water. Once you've cooled off and enjoyed your visit, you then return the same way you came from where you parked. Don't forget to pack swimmers, water, snacks and sunscreen! More here

Narrabeen Lagoon

Image Credit: mynorthernbeaches

The trail guides hikers, runners and cyclists through ecosystems with an abundance of wildlife, historical sites and cultural heritage. The area is home to birds (1/3 of Sydney’s bird species live here), rodents, bats, frogs, marsupials, lizards and many different types of fish. More here

Federation Cliffs Walks

Image Credit: cat.rodrigues

The Federation Cliff Walk is a five kilometre clifftop walk with postcard views out to the Pacific Ocean from Dover Heights to Watsons Bay.

The sandstone cliffs that guard the approaches to Sydney Harbour are one of the city’s most dramatic features, and this walking track offers spectacular sea views at every step. Beginning from Raleigh Reserve in Dover Heights, this walkway wanders through parklands close to the edge of the cliffs that overlook the vast blue swathe of the Pacific Ocean. More here

Glow Work Tunnel Track – Wollemi National Park

Glow Worm Tunnel walking track is a short, easy walking track, only a 2.5hour drive from Sydney. It’s popular with families and Sydneysiders keen to see glow worms in their natural environment.

The 400m-long tunnel was built in the early 1900s as part of the railway for the thriving mining industry at Newnes. It’s now home to thousands of glow worms that cling to the dark, damp walls. Switch off your torch, keep quiet, and wait for the worms to light up the tunnel with pinpricks of blue light. More here

Tomaree Head Summit Walk – Tomaree National Park

Image Credit: kate.miles

Just north of Newcastle you’ll find the Tomaree National Park: a sliver of a peninsula that sticks out into the Pacific like a very photogenic sore thumb. The Head Summit trail gives you the best views Port Stevens, Cabbage Tree and even the Boondelbah Islands, way off in the distance. It’s only a 2.2 kilometre jaunt (hardly a hike at all compared to Six Foot).

There’s a picnic table at the top (along with some cool WWII gun placements), so bring a packed lunch. If you’re walking the Head Summit trail between May and October, bring binoculars – you might get lucky and see whales swimming off the coast.

Berowa Waters to Cowan Station Walk

Image Credit: robmcrea89

This three and a half hour walk is a small section of the Great North Walk, which runs between Sydney and Newcastle. This is a track for experienced walkers so do your research before you head off. More info here

National Pass: Overcliff and Den Fenella Circuit

Image Credit: jrosengrenphoto

Wentworth Falls is a stunning area to go for a trek and you'll find that out for yourself on this circuit that explores waterfalls, cliff edges and stunning lookouts.

It also includes many steps, so you'll need to be fit and comfortable with heights.

The historic National Pass has recently been renovated to enable hikers to explore The Falls, as well as other nearby water highlights.

There's an optional side trip to the Conservation Hut for lunch, before returning to the start via the Overcliff and Den Fenella walking tracks. A great way to explore the majestic views of the Blue Mountains. More here

If this collection of walks has got you inspired to get outdoors this weekend, don't forget to check the weather and make sure you've got a stylish comfortable and waterproof bag to keep all your gear safe. Check out these and our other MOJO gear here.