You can already guess we love walking but our second love is reading. So walking and hiking books are heaven. To save you wading through the overwhelm, here's the curated list of our favourite books on hiking in and around Sydney, plus books that will transform your next walk into a deeper experience.
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Books on Walking in Sydney
Not so long ago, people didn't think of walking in Sydney. They thought they had to go somewhere else for a decent hike, like the Blue Mountains, or Tasmania. But these book all reveal Sydney's best walks.
The Bondi to Manly Walk
After years of immersing herself in Sydney's coastal walks and writing, Tara Wells – one half of Sydney Coast Walks – is excited to announce her first book: The Bondi to Manly Walk: the definitive guidebook. Obviously, it goes straight to the top of our book shelf. Read more about The Bondi to Manly Walk book or buy it online as a book, ebook or audiobook.
From its rich history, to what to carry, where to dine and sleep or how not to get lost, Tara has covered it all, with passion and flair. I love this book, and so will you.
DI WESTAWAY OAM
Founder, Wild Women On Top
Sydney's Best Harbour & Coastal Walks
This 2021 refresh proves the enduring appeal of walking the city's stunning coast.
Sydney's Best Bush, Park & City Walks
Another consistent seller for 50+ walks further afield.
Day Trip Sydney
Reflecting the latest trends, this book's 52 ideas – mainly bushwalks – covers north and south of Sydney. It's long on delicious inspo but short on details.
Walks Near Sydney
Blue Mountains Best Bushwalks
A much-needed guide to the abundance of Blue Mountains hikes.
Best Bush & Coastal Walks of the Central Coast
There are so many bush walks to explore just north of Sydney.
The Great North Walk
Stretching from Sydney to Newcastle, this hike requires prep and planning.
Best Walks of The Illawarra
Bushy escarpments and beaches just waiting to be explored.
A walk with a swim
Wild Swimming
To really experience the best rock pools, beaches, rivers and waterholes of Sydney and its surrounds, be prepared for a walk. This book is passionate about swimming in wild places; the side result is a whole bunch of walks.
Places We Swim: Sydney
For water lovers of all kinds, explore the city's favourite beaches (not just the famous ones), lap pools, ocean pools, harbour pools and waterfalls. Knowing full-well swimmers are fuelled by good coffee and food, there are tips for that too.
Walking books for global inspiration
A History of the World in 500 Walks
A fascinating take on a usually simple list of walks. Instead, this tracks through geologic upheavals, trade routes and saints' ways to relate the tales behind the top 500 walks that have shaped society.
Epic Hikes of the World
Lonely Planet know how to inspire with this gorgeous book covering 50 incredible hiking routes in 30 countries.
1001 Walks You Must Take Before You Die
A bucket list no-one can truly hope to complete, yet it still manages to inspire with its exhaustive list of hikes across the world.
You may also like …
- Sydney Coast Walks has a range of maps and self-guided walks for hikers. The most popular is The Spit to Manly Walk Complete Guide, or grab them all in a specially priced bundle.
- Ready to walk? Check our hiking checklists for both day and overnight hikes to make sure you're truly prepared.
- We've put together a bunch of walking resources to have all the essentials in one place.