The Great North Walk: NSW's 250km Multi-Day Hiking Trail Starts Right in Sydney's CBD

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NSW's Epic 250km Multi-Day Trail: The Great North Walk Begins in Sydney

Winding past spectacular waterfalls, soaring mountain ridges, and tucked-away beaches, the Great North Walk takes roughly 16 days to traverse from end to end — and it kicks off right in the heart of Sydney.

Sydney may be famous for its urban charms, but it also serves up a serious menu of hiking adventures — think hidden coastal tracks, rugged bushwalks in the Blue Mountains, and trails that lead all the way to Australia's tallest peak. Yet one of New South Wales' longest walking routes begins practically on the CBD's doorstep, threading its way from the harbour city to the coast.

Where does the Great North Walk go?

Setting off from Macquarie Place Park, a historic pocket of greenery beside Circular Quay, the 250-kilometre path links Sydney with Newcastle before concluding at Queens Wharf. Along the way, hikers traverse national parks, climb mountain passes, and follow bushland and coastal tracks through Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Brisbane Water National Park, and Watagans State Forest — some of the state's most breathtaking scenery.

How long does it take?

Covering a full 250 kilometres, the trail demands about 16 days for those who want to hike it in one push. Most people, however, prefer to break it into manageable chunks. The route is packed with shorter segments — ranging from a few hours to several days — so you can tailor the experience to your available time and fitness level.

Standout sections you shouldn't miss

With a mix of winding mountain paths, rainforest gullies, secluded beaches, and even urban stretches, the Great North Walk caters to every type of explorer. City lovers can tackle the opening leg from Macquarie Place along the harbour foreshore towards Macquarie Park. Beach fans should set their sights on the Patonga to Pearl Beach segment — roughly two to three hours each way (make it a return trip and treat yourself to lunch at The Boathouse Patonga afterwards).

If panoramic mountain views are more your thing, the ascent to Mount Wondabyne — the trail's highest point — delivers sweeping vistas across Brisbane Water National Park and all the way out to the coast. You can map out your own adventure using the official Great North Walk website.

What does it cost?

Access to the Great North Walk itself is completely free. That said, you'll want to budget for accommodation, transport, meals, and supplies depending on how long you plan to stay on the trail. Vehicle entry or parking charges may apply at certain national park entry points, and overnight hikers should factor in camping or lodging fees.

Is camping allowed?

Absolutely — the track was conceived as a continuous thru-hike, and there are plenty of designated campsites and other places to stay dotted along the route. Planning ahead and booking where necessary is wise, particularly during the busier walking months.

How tough is the Great North Walk?

Tackling the entire 250 kilometres is a serious undertaking, so a few training hikes beforehand are strongly recommended. While the full route is officially rated as challenging, many individual sections are perfectly doable as day walks. There are definitely steep and technical patches — notably through the Watagans and Yarramalong Valley — but plenty of gentler stretches suit reasonably fit hikers simply looking to escape the city for a few hours.