'My favourite Sydney hidden gem that no one seems to know about'
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When it comes to Aussie capital cities with the best access to the great outdoors, no one can beat Sydney.
There are more than ten major national parks in the Sydney metro area or on its border, with everything from multi-day hikes to charming picnic spots.
But there's one national park I'm particularly fond of - right near the CBD - that no one seems to know about.
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NSW is home to some stunning parks. Destination NSW
When NSW National Parks released its list of the top ten most visited parks in the state, the ones at the top of the list weren't a surprise.
Of course, the Blue Mountains, the Royal National Park, and Ku-Ring-Gai would all be in the top three.
They're easy to get to, they're giant, and locals love them just as much as international visitors.
But as I read down the list - including Lane Cove National Park, Brisbane Water, and Bouddi - I couldn't believe that the best one (at least, in my opinion) was missing.
It's a small park, but it ticks all the boxes: easy to access, great views, peaceful hikes.
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The Bluff Lookout has great views. Destination NSW
Garigal National Park is located on Sydney's north shore, stretching out to the Northern Beaches.
The small pocket of rugged bushland might be in the middle of suburbia - with views of the Sydney skyline - but feels so secluded that it feels like you're hours from the city.
The best part? It's super easy to get to by public transport - you're still in the middle of Sydney, after all.
Many of Garigal's best trailheads are located at the end of quiet residential streets that are served by the bus.
Hiking is the main drawcard here. For your first visit, the classic trail to explore is The Cascades Track, which leads to a series of rock platforms and small waterfalls. The trailhead is right near a stop for the 582 bus.
Garigal feels so removed from the city. Destination NSW
You can do a three kilometre return from Davidson (start at Stone Parade) or a longer loop (approx. six kilometre) from St Ives, where the bus stop is.
For a short hike with great views, The Bluff Track is about four kilometre and ends at a massive sandstone ledge that looks down Middle Harbour toward the city.
Timber Getters Track is another favourite, a six-kilometre loop that passes Bantry Bay picnic area, a quiet spot for a lunch break by the water.
Or there's the Two Creeks Track (6.1 kilometre one way), a lush, shaded walk that feels miles away from the city. It passes through rainforest pockets, sandstone caves, and past old stone walls.
Even if you're not hiking, you can enjoy the park. NSW Government
Keep your eyes peeled. There are over 300 recorded Aboriginal sites within the park, including rock engravings of whales, emus, and hunters, as well as hand stencils in red ochre.
The park is also beloved by mountain bikers for its dedicated bike trails. The Gahnia and Serrata tracks are technical and suited for experienced riders, while various fire trails (like the Perimeter Track) offer easier rides.
If using your legs isn't really your thing, why not take a canoe ride?
You can launch a kayak or canoe from Davidson Park to explore the calm waters of Middle Harbour Creek.
It's a peaceful pocket of bushland. NSW Government
The best part of Garigal National Park is just how much of a refuge it offers from the busy city in which it sits.
Despite growing up in Sydney, I'd never heard of it until doing a deep dive into underrated hikes I could do near home.
Though I love the 'classic' Sydney walks in our National Parks, there's something special about wandering through bushland, away from the crowds, while still being just a 20-minute drive from home.
So next time you're sitting at home feeling bored, or like you want to get out into the fresh air, perhaps a trip to Garigal should be on the cards.
