Best Bushwalking trail, around Manly Dam.
Tall Blue Gums, sandstone gullies, a waterfall and wildflowers. This walk follows Darling Mills Creek to the only waterfall in the Hills through some of the prettiest scenery in the Hills.
Blue Gum Loop - also called Joe's Mountain Circuit - is a short, popular and very scenic circuit near Hornsby through Berowra Valley Regional Park, passing the Fishponds on Berowra Creek and Washtub on Waitara Creek. It's been recognised by the Sydney Morning Herald in 2015 as one of the “Six of the best bushwalks” in Sydney. A great family walk.
The Elvina Bay circuit is a short but very diverse loop trail at West Head, with a secluded swimming hole, multiple cascades and waterfalls and nice Pittwater views. You can opt for a hard and partly off-track circuit, or an easier on-track loop...
The Coast Walk in the Royal National Park is a popular long day-walk or overnight walk from Otford to Bundeena, along the coast. It offers stunning views, many pristine beaches and some spectacular waterfalls.
A beautiful walk with beaches, rock formations, waterfalls, water holes, lookouts and more,
This walk explores the heart of Heathcote National Park, and is easily accessed with a train station at either end. Although relatively close to the start of the walk, Kingfisher Pool, next to Heathcote Creek, is a great spot to break and enjoy the park. Mirang Pool, at the northern end, also offers an opportunity to cool down before the last walk up the hill.
If you long for a challenging walk to clear the head and work the body, the Curra Moors loop track through the eastern section of Royal National Park is just the ticket. The bush meets the sea with dramatic sandstone cliffs and spectacular coastal views, so there are plenty of scenic views.
The track will lead you through woodlands of scribbly gums and angophoras before opening up to heathland. If you like birdwatching, be sure to look for the nectar loving lewins honey eater and the eastern spinebill. If you’re here in spring, the wildflowers, in particular the hakeas, are the ultimate in aroma therapy.
Stop for a break at the spectacular Curracurrong waterfall, or take the short detour north to Eagle Rock. Keep an eye out for whales, in season, as you follow the coastal track south to Garie North Head. Stop for a picnic lunch and soak up the spectacular panoramic views.
The hike along Princess Marina Track to Kellys Falls isn’t a long one, but it’s a tough one, with some serious guts needed to get up and down the rope ladder (which was broken last time we checked). But it’s all totally worth it, with a stunning swimming hole calling your name at the bottom.
Dharawal National Park in the south-west of Sydney offers a few short walking tracks to idyllic swimming holes (Jingga Pool and Minerva Pool), and a longer cycling track. Both Jingga Pool and Minerva Pools feature on many Web sites on "best swimming holes around Sydney".