3 Hikes Near Sydney You Can Reach on Public Transport

Elysian Rock Lookout on the Grand Cliff Top Walk 

Credit: Remy Brand | DPE

No car? No worries! Discover some of New South Wales’ most stunning bushwalks by hopping on a train or bus. With easy access from Sydney, these hikes offer breathtaking views, diverse landscapes, and the perfect escape into nature—all without the need to drive. Lace up your boots, grab your gear, and start exploring these incredible trails just a public transport ride away.

1. Grand Cliff Top Walk, Wentworth Falls to Katoomba

Distance: 19km one way
Time: 2 days
Difficulty: Grade 3. Some bushwalking experience recommended, with steep hill sections, stairs, and rough surfaces.

For a challenging yet rewarding adventure, the Grand Cliff Top Walk takes you through the heart of the Blue Mountains, from Wentworth Falls to Katoomba. Opened in early 2024, this new track fills in the gaps between existing routes, creating a continuous path through rugged bushland, dramatic waterfalls, and panoramic lookouts, including the iconic Three Sisters. With the village of Leura as the halfway point, you can enjoy a restful night before continuing your journey the next day.

Getting there: Take a two-hour train ride from Sydney to Wentworth Falls Station. The walk starts just across the road, and it finishes at Scenic World, where you can catch a bus to Katoomba Station to complete your loop and head back to Sydney.

2. Kiama Coast Walk, Minnamurra to Gerringong

Minnamurra Headland, Kiama Coast Walk

Distance: 20km one way
Time: 6-9 hours
Difficulty: Moderate. A mix of sealed paths, grass tracks, beach walking, and some hills.

If you’re after a coastal adventure, the Kiama Coast Walk will immerse you in the wild beauty of the South Coast. This stunning trail connects some of the region's most picturesque beaches, including Bombo Headland, Cathedral Rocks, and Easts Beach. Along the way, you can admire dramatic rock formations, visit the famous Kiama Blowhole, and enjoy a swim in sheltered coves. If you’re lucky enough to visit between May and November, you may even spot migrating humpback whales along the coastline.

Getting there: Catch a two-hour train ride south from Sydney to Minnamurra Station, where the walk begins. Once you finish at the northern end of Werri Beach, take a short 25-minute walk to catch a bus from Gerringong Beach back to Kiama, then hop on a train back to Sydney. The whole trip takes just over three hours.

3. Bouddi Coastal Walk, Putty Beach to McMasters Beach

Bouddi Coastal Walk, Bouddi National Park
Credit: Nikki To

Distance: 8.5km one way
Time: 3.5-4.5 hours
Difficulty: Grade 3. Short steep hills, some steps, and obstacles on track.

The Bouddi Coastal Walk offers an easy-to-access, scenic hike through Bouddi National Park, complete with sandy beaches, lush rainforest, and sweeping coastal views. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of spots to relax, swim, or have a picnic. A notable feature of the walk is the wreck of the PS Maitland, which sank in Maitland Bay in 1898. Though it’s possible to complete the walk in one day, you might want to stay longer at Putty Beach or Little Beach and camp out.

Getting there: Take a train from Sydney to Woy Woy, followed by a short bus ride to Putty Beach to start the hike. Once you reach McMasters Beach, take a bus to Erina and then head to Gosford Station to catch the train back to Sydney. The journey takes around two hours and 15 minutes each way.

Whether you're looking for a coastal escape, a challenging mountain hike, or a relaxed coastal walk, these accessible trails near Sydney offer a perfect way to explore nature without the need for a car. With just a public transport ride, you'll be surrounded by stunning landscapes and the tranquility of the Australian bush. So pack your backpack, hop on the train, and start your next adventure!