The Best Walk in Sydney? This One Never Gets Old
If you asked me which Sydney hike I’d recommend to first-timers, I wouldn’t even hesitate—Taronga Zoo to Chowder Bay. I’ve done this walk more times than I can count, and it still surprises me.
It’s not a tough trail. That’s part of the beauty. Most of the path is flat and well-kept, and every five minutes the view shifts—bushland, cliffs, harbour, beaches, and occasional glimpses of the city across the water. The mix is magic.
I set off with my waterproof backpack for hiking, a 20L lightweight pack I take on nearly every short day route. It held the basics: water, sunscreen, a jacket in case the wind turned, along with water, sunscreen, and snacks for a break halfway through.—there’s always a good café waiting at the end.
It takes about 1.5 hours to reach Chowder Bay if you walk at a relaxed pace. There are a couple of easy cafés tucked into the bay, perfect for a quiet sit-down with a drink and something sweet. From there, you can hop on a ferry back to Circular Quay—or walk the same track in reverse. It’s not the kind of walk that gets boring either way.
This is the kind of hike that doesn’t push you. It lets you breathe, pause, and maybe even forget the city is right there across the water.
