Whoever said ‘distance makes the heart grow fonder’ was surely musing on the 8km track of coastal beauty that is the West Head Hike near Freshwater. The deeper you go, the better it gets.

This weekend, why not shift your view from the drivers side window and embark on one of Sydney’s most incredible (and cheapest) thrills? Yes, there’ll be perspiration but by golly it’ll be worth it.

Start: Resolute Picnic Area (hike signs are clearly marked) off West Head Road.
Length: 8.6km
Time: 2 1/2 hours
Difficulty: Medium

1. Drive in is legendary
Sydney has a reputation for being one of the world’s most beautiful city’s but oddly enough some of its most draw-dropping sights are found the further away from central you get. West Head Road is practically worth the trip on its own, winding its way through the thick brush of the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park with the Hawkesbury River in view.

2. There’s history everywhere you look
You’ll find a number of indigenous rock carvings scattered and clearly marked as you march through the scrub, like fish, kangaroos and people sculpted into the stones underfoot on the Basin Track (but obviously view from a respectful distance).

3. You’ll find secret beaches that Bondi crowds can only dream of
This one might end up on a supercut of Sydney’s best secret beaches because, well,  just look this calm hidden gem. You trail 500 metres down and towards Mackerel Beach. From here the trek starts to get really interesting once it curves around the coast, looking out on to Lion Island.

4. The views just never quit
… But the best is yet to come. Arriving at the West Head Lookout you’re treated with long stretching vista out across Palm Beach (the most northern beach in Sydney). Perch on the edge and ponder why you’ve never done this before.

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