Top 5 walks, just a train ride from Sydney

Sydney is well known for it’s easy going culture, beautiful beaches and buzzing coffee scene, but even Sydney-siders need to get out of the city now and then and escape to something a little more wild. Luckily, the powers that be have thought of that and there are regular trains that head North, South and West of Sydney, providing access to some amazing walks that include sweeping coastal vistas, sleepy creeks, classic bush and forest filled ravines.

Having lived in London, we were used to paying unbelievably high prices for journeys out of the city. £70 for a two hour trip wasn’t unusual. But again, Sydney comes up trumps. Even a three hour trip to the Blue Mountains will cost less than your sandwiches at lunch.

So with an abundance of cheap, public transport and some breath taking scenery to explore, where should you head? We pull together our 5 favourites, all accessible on the Sydney train line…

Darwin Walk and Overcliff Walk, Wentworth Falls

The village of Wentworth Falls is one of the more accessible areas of the vast expanse of forest that makes up the Blue Mountains. At around 2 hours from Central Station in Sydney it’s the furthest away out of our Top 5. But pack a good book or put on a pod cast and the trip soon flies by.

Expect amazing scenery, abundant bird life and lots of tasty food waiting for you at the Wentworth Falls Conservation Hut when you’re done.

Otford Station to Burning Palms loop

This one is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. From the view point at the very start to the secluded beaches at the end, and all of the amazing habitats you walk through in between.

On the southern end of the Royal National park, Otford Station is only an hour and 15 from Sydney but it feels a million miles away when you’re there. The trains aren’t as regular on this route so make sure you plan your journey in and out, otherwise you could be sitting around, tired and hungry, in the middle of no where.

Glenbrook Gorge Walking Track

We were told about Glenbrook by an Air B’n’B host we stayed with in Wentworth Falls. It’s one of the less well known locations in the foot hills of the Blue Mountains, but it’s no less dramatic. Towering cliffs line a narrow gorge full of huge boulders. In the summer it’s a real sun trap, but luckily there are plenty of clear pools to cool off in.

Glenbrook is perfect for getting a Blue Mountains feel, without having to go all the way to Wentworth. It’s around an hour 45 from Sydney and the walk starts in a small village that has some great cafes and a pub with a lovely beer garden.

Mount Kuring-Gai to Berowra Water 

 
The Kuring-Gai Chase National Park is located on the northern side of Sydney harbour and stretches all the way up to the Hawkesbury River estuary. Countless trails criss cross the forest and deep valleys. This particular trail drops from the station down to Cowan Creek and follows it North. Keep an eye out for Kingfisher and White Bellied Sea Eagle.

Trains up to Mount Kuring-Gai run regularly from Sydney. Depending on the kind of walk you want to do, there are a number of combinations you can do as the train line follows the western side of the National Park and has several stations that can be used as start and end points.

Spit Bridge to Manly

Ok… technically the start of this amazing walk isn’t reached by train. You’ll need to get a bus from Wynyard Station to Spit Bridge. But just like the trains, it will only set you back a few dollars. While this might not be the most wild or remote walk, it’s a definite must for people visiting or looking to show off the city to visitors. The trail follows the northern shore of Sydney Harbour taking in beautiful beaches and breath taking views across the bay. If the weather is good, be sure to take your swimmers and a towel.

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Done a walk within train or bus travel of Sydney, that you think should be on our list? Drop us a line and let us know. We’re always keen to hear about new walks.