Best beach trails in Australia

This route can be done in either direction, but most people go from Spit Bridge to Manly. The trail can get a bit dusty in summer, and doesn’t offer much shade so wear plenty of sunscreen! Feeling energetic? You can continue through Little Manly to Collins Beach and then up to North Head. If you’re taking public transportation, you can bus to Spit Bridge and then ferry or bus back from Manly. Show more

Permits required from October to May. During these months, the walk must be completed north to south and you will need to reserve in advance. Around 8000 people from all around Australia and the world walk the track each year. It is a challenging hike that requires good physical fitness. The weather along the route can be unpredictable, so bring cold weather gear and waterproof shoes. Show more

This legendary track spans over 76 miles from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin. The route traverses the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge in southwestern Australia. There is seasonal water and camping spots along the way. Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park stretches 120km from Bunker Bay in the north to Augusta in the south. The Leeuwin-Naturaliste ridge, a geological formation of ancient granite capped by limestones and sand dunes runs for the length of the park. This ridge accounts for some of the features for which the area is best known. Rugged sea cliffs, windswept granite headlands, and formations such as Canal Rocks and Sugarloaf Rock dominate the coastline, interspersed by curving beaches, sheltered bays and long, rocky shorelines. On the northern shores of Cape Naturaliste, a series of quiet bays lead to the Cape. Protected from the prevailing south-westerly winds, these areas are popular for swimming, fishing or beachcombing. Surfing is also popular at many well-known breaks on the western coast, such as Smiths Beach and Yallingup. Coastal walk trails and steps down sand dunes have been provided at many places to help prevent erosion. This walk focuses on the northern section of the park, and is designed for people exploring the park from the nearby towns of Busselton, Dunsborough and Yallingup.Show more

A must do if you are in Sydney. The trail can certainly be crowded, but this is easily overcome by the jaw dropping vistas at every turn. There is great bus service to both Bondi and Coogee. Apply plenty of sunscreen and wear a bathing suit so you can cool off in the many accessible beaches. There are many water sources and eating options along the way. Give yourself 5 - 7 hours (one way) if you are snapping photos, grabbing food and taking a dip. This route may be frustrating for runners given the high amount of people on the trail.Show more

The name of this walk comes from its Indigenous name, Kiarama, meaning 'place where the sea makes a noise'. This is a beautiful coastal walk with undulating greenery, where farmland meets the Tasman Sea and is easy enough for the whole family. The route is a point-to-point so you can turn around and return to the start whenever you like. There is no shade throughout so definitely come prepared with enough water and sun protection, and it can also get gusty coastal winds so check the forecast beforehand. It can be difficult to find the track, so make sure to download the map ahead of time and carry a GPS. If you plan on walking the entire length to Gerringong, check ahead of time that the lagoon is open or crossable.Show more

This is a popular route offering incredible views of Wineglass Bay. The walk can be done in either direction, but most people choose to go clockwise. This way you get the stairs up to Wineglass Lookout and the steps down to Wineglass Bay first on your hike. After walking the Wineglass Bay Track you’ll take a right, traversing the mostly flat Isthmus Track (30 minutes) and then the equally flat Hazards Beach Track back to the car park.Show more

A stunning walk through coastal heath with a views of Sydney Harbour, the city skyline, South Head, and Manly Beach. Walk clockwise and take a dip at Little Manly Point on your return (calm, harbour side) or anti-clockwise and swim at Cabbage Tree Bay or Manly Beach (ocean side). Lots of stairs and uphill sections make this a good workout. You can catch a bus from the Manly Ferry terminal to the Barracks to shorten the walk. There's an interpretive display at the Fort's Visitor Centre and an excellent cafe with amazing views. If you have time consider adding a side trip to Q Station (old quarantine station) for more views, displays and tours.Show more

The Royal National Park is rich in cultural heritage, as the second oldest National Park in the world for its biodiversity and beauty. However, prior to the arrival of Europeans, for thousands of years, the Dharawal people inhabited this coastline, cohabitating with its abundances without the need for a national park status in order for it to be protected and conserved. This is an incredible trek just an hour drive from Sydney. Some determined folks choose to do it in one long day, while others prefer to backpack it overnight. The route offers great views, camping spots, and the chance to see some wildlife. A bush camping permit is required if you're camping and booking in advance for the site is recommended. Bring plenty of water, especially in the summer. Although the trail can be done in either direction, this route (North to South) is the most common. Both ends are accessible by public transport, by ferry to the trailhead at Bundeena in the north it is Otford Train station is a short walk from the south end.Show more

This track is a great spot to escape Sydney and get some privacy. This mostly shaded track accesses 2 incredible beaches on a track easy enough for the whole family. There is no cafe or toilets at Resolute Beach so pack out what you pack in!Show more

Please note: Garrawarra farm trail is closed Monday - Thursday until December 2020, so visitors must take the coastal trail if visiting during the week. WARNING: the pool is only accessible at low tide. Do not attempt at mid to high tide or when there are bigger waves. Check the forecast before planning the walk: tides.willyweather.com.au/nsw/sydney/burning-palms-beach.html A relatively short walk to a very popular natural rock formation in the Royal National Park. This is the shortest route to the pool, starting at Garawarra Farm car park. The Burgh Ridge track descends fairly steeply to Burning Palms beach, where there is a small collection of historic huts and a surf life-saving club (weekends only). From here, follow the coast to Figure 8 Pool. Show more