Sydney Hiking | Locals' Secret Stunning Routes, Check in with Postcard-Perfect Scenery Along the Way
| Locals' secret stunning routes, check in with postcard-perfect scenery along the way. When you come to Australia, you must visit Sydney, home to world-class landmarks, sun-drenched beaches, lush national parks, and a diverse cultural atmosphere. Whether you want to experience the city's charm, explore nature, or enjoy food and art, Sydney can satisfy the needs of different travelers.
·
This time, I chose hiking as my way to explore Sydney—it allows me to experience the city's pulse up close and offers flexibility in planning my itinerary. Sydney has numerous hiking trails, and I opted for this classic city route, connecting Sydney's most iconic landmarks, combining nature, history, and urban scenery. From the magnificent panorama of the Harbour Bridge to the tranquil greenery of the Royal Botanic Garden, the scenery along the way is picturesque and ever-changing. You can also discover hidden cafes, street art, and local life, experiencing the city's charm more deeply than by car.
·
🔀Route Overview: Observatory Hill → Harbour Bridge → Milsons Point → Sydney Opera House → Royal Botanic Garden → Hyde Park
🚶🏻♂️Total Distance: Approx. 10 km (including hiking + ferry)
🕰️Suggested Duration: 5–6 hrs (including photo taking and breaks)
⛳Difficulty: Beginner (some uphill and downhill sections, stairs required for Harbour Bridge)
·
📙Hiking Route Description
✅Observatory Hill: Since our accommodation was in Millers Point, we only had to hike 500m to reach Observatory Hill. Observatory Hill is the highest point in Sydney's city center, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, and more.
✅Harbour Bridge: From Observatory Hill, walk down the hill along Argyle St for 10 minutes to reach the south entrance of the Harbour Bridge. Note that the pedestrian walkway is on the east side of the Harbour Bridge, while the west side is for bicycles. Built in 1932, the Harbour Bridge is approximately 1.1 km long and is an all-steel, single-arch, through-arch bridge, witnessing the century-old history of Sydney Harbour. Be aware that it can be very windy on the bridge, so it's recommended to bring a jacket. Those afraid of heights should walk closer to the inner side.
✅Milsons Point: Crossing the Harbour Bridge to the north end brings you to Milsons Point, a prime area on the North Shore. A must-visit is Luna Park; remember to take a photo as you pass its iconic smiling face gate. This amusement park, opened in 1935, holds childhood memories for all Sydneysiders. Don't miss the Broughton St Lookout, a great spot for looking back at the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. After exploring Milsons Point, take a ferry from the wharf to Circular Quay on the opposite shore to avoid backtracking.
✅Sydney Opera House: A 5-minute walk from the ferry terminal will take you to the Opera House. The Sydney Opera House needs no introduction; it's not only a landmark, soul, and symbol of Sydney's identity but also one of the most famous buildings in the world in the 21st century, a world-renowned hall of art and culture. We booked a separate internal tour the next day, which I personally found to be average, not as stunning as the exterior.
✅Royal Botanic Garden: The Royal Botanic Garden is located south of the Sydney Opera House. The garden is very large, so take your time to explore if you have enough time. We headed straight for Mrs. Macquarie's Chair, a stone chair built in memory of the wife of Lachlan Macquarie, the fourth Governor of Australia. This spot is famous for being the best location to photograph the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
✅Hyde Park: Exiting the south gate of the Botanic Garden, you can admire some of Sydney's landmarks along the way, such as the State Library of New South Wales, Hyde Park, St Mary's Cathedral, and the ANZAC War Memorial.
·
💡Important Notes:
✅Sun protection is essential: Sydney has strong UV rays, so hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended.
✅Wear comfortable shoes: Some sections are paved with stone slabs or are sloped.
Very satisfied with a reservation, after arriving at the scene, it is easy to find a tour guide according to the designated location, that is, there are many Chinese tourists, Chinese-speaking groups, of course, there are many foreign teams on the spot. However, the visit process does have to be punctual and disciplined, and our team has tourists who have spoken loudly and dropped off the team halfway, which has caused inconvenience to them.
very interesting architecture great to see it from up close - very impressive 14 years of building it an iconic building famous all over the world 🌍 a must see on everyone travel 🧳 List ❤️
The Sydney Opera House is definitely a must-check fairy landmark in Sydney! You will regret it if you come or not, the key is to see how you play! [Dog Head] ⛵️ This "white shell palace" floating on the harbor, and every shot is a postcard-level blockbuster! From the Royal Botanic Garden, three groups of giant shells are like white sails set sail, and the picture of the same frame of the Harbour Bridge is beautiful to suffocate; closer to the closer, the exterior wall is spliced by a million cream-colored tiles, reflecting the pearly luster in the sun, and even the gap is hidden by light and shadow magic. 📷 Photo recommendation: The sea-crossing view of the ring pier cruise ship berth, the overlooking view of the rocky rooftop, and the sunset silhouette captured on the ferry deck in the evening. The night tour is even more amazing, the light show turns the shell into a giant curtain, and the blue and purple beams flow between the shells, like an alien spacecraft coming. Remember to wear light clothes, any stop is an ins wind blockbuster! 🎵 If time permits, you can make an appointment for a Chinese guide (1 hour is enough), you can listen to the legend behind the building (14 times the budget overrun, the designer is fired in the middle), and you can unlock the mysterious corners where tourists stop. Music cell rich treasures 🉑 selection opera experience, when the dome lights dim moment, you will understand why it is called "Sydney heartbeat"!
The Sydney Opera House is a landmark building in Sydney, built on the seaside is very spectacular and famous. I have been here once in 2017. This time a family of three came in just at night. It was different at night. We walked around the opera house. It was very beautiful. The surrounding Jingxiao shops were also good. We ate a big elbow and a draft beer in a famous local bar. Wine
The Sydney Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts centre in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Located on the foreshore of Sydney Harbour, it is widely regarded as one of the world's most famous and distinctive buildings and a masterpiece of 20th-century architecture.
I took two babies, one ten years old and one 14 years old, and listened to the opera for the first time. I was very impressed. As the host concluded, the opera was so wonderful, with beautiful songs, awesome piano accompaniment, and ups and downs. It was an absolutely wonderful experience.
I have been watching the opera house outside. This time I bought a ticket with an hour of Chinese explanation on Trip.com . I walked into the opera house. The Chinese explanation is very good. It is worth seeing and feeling its charm. The concert hall inside is very good 👍.
An hour's tour is worth it. It is very good value to visit the 3 halls of the Opera House. The explanation is also very careful, comprehensive understanding of the Sydney Opera House, design, construction, past and present ~~ In short, I highly recommend an hour's itinerary.