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.