This is one of my favourite times of the year.

The weather has started to cool down from bordering on unbearably hot to a much nicer (albeit humid and rainy) autumn.

One of my favourite things to do at this time of the year is go walking and exploring through some of our most beautiful places.

If you’re like me and enjoy a walk, I recommend doing it at this time of year.

Now, of course, everyone has their favourite places to walk, but sometimes it’s fun to explore somewhere outside of your routine or your comfort zone.

So, I’ve decided to share with you 5 amazing places to walk and hike through NSW and Sydney,now the weather is starting to cool off.

Whether it’s a relaxing stroll or a more challenging walk or hike, there’s somewhere to suit every mood and every ability.

Here’s The Top 5 Walks I’ve Picked Out For You:

Manly Beach to Spit Bridge

This 10km walk weaves through bushland and harbour side trails and is made up of a series of short tracks, passing North Sydney’s beaches, bays and inlets.

It takes roughly 3-4 hours to complete, depending on your fitness ability.

The walk offers views across Sydney Harbour, historic points such as Grotto Point Lighthouse and goes through Sydney Harbour National Park.

If you’re an animal lover, be sure to do this walk between May and November.

Why?

Because you might just see some migrating whales along the NSW coast!

Manly Dams

The 7.3km circuit trail around Manly dam still remains a bit of a hidden gem.

There are plenty of picnic and BBQ areas offering scenic views around Manly Lake which is perfect for the whole family.

Once a year, the lake is used by the Sydney Dragon Boat Community, who use the lake as a racecourse.

Through the rest of the year, it’s ideal for a range of activities including hiking, mountain biking, swimming and water skiing.

Ideal for those who want to be a bit more adventurous.

Bondi to Coogee Coastal

Combining beaches, rock pools, parks and coastal views, this walk is ideal for those of you who love to take your camera everywhere you go.

If you’re prepared for the challenge, you can begin with a walk up some steep steps and see Aboriginal rock carvings in Marks Park.

Which also happens to be one of the walks highest points and prime whale watching spots.

For those wanting to challenge themselves, head up Gordon’s Bay, accessed by VERY steep steps.

The challenge is worth the rewards at the top, perfect for the photography lovers among you.

If you’re passing by in Spring, it’s transformed into a seaside art gallery, known as “Sculptures By The Sea”.

Bradleys Bay to Chowder Bay

This short but picturesque walk along the Sydney Lower North Shore offers panoramic views across Sydney Harbour.

Bradleys Head amphitheater is a popular picnic and fishing spot.

It’s also a great lookout for the best views of the city skyline, Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

End the walk at Clifton Gardens Reserve where there’s places to enjoy a picnic, netted swimming enclosure, fenced playground and BBQ facilities.

A perfect day out for the whole family.

Royal National Park

There’s a full coastal walk that is about 26km and takes two days to complete…

But the great thing is you can keep coming back for this walk and see something different each time.

You can venture along the cliffs, jump off the rock at Wattamolla, surf, relax on Marley beach, visit the Figure 8 rock pools (carefully!), paddle along the Hacking River and even chase waterfalls.

Curracurrong falls is a slightly difficult hike, but the views are 100% worth it.

Perfect for the adventurous who want more than just a walk.

And there you have it…

5 places to walk and hike throughout NSW now that it’s cooled down a little.

Most of these places offer more than just walking or hiking, so they’re ideal for family days and even those adventurous and active of you.

Get outside as much as you can, especially walking, as it’s one of the easiest ways to keep active and mobile.

You don’t even have to walk the entire trails of the places listen above, just a gentle stroll and enjoy the amazing views they offer.

One final thing from me…

If you head out there and take any pictures, be sure to share them with us on Facebook – we’d love to feature them and hear what you made of them.