February 14 is fast approaching, and Sydney is a pretty special place to be on the day of love – with romance-themed events popping up around the city, and a whole lot of incredible new restaurants opening up just in time for the big day. But if your Valentine is less into sitting down for a candle-lit dinner, more into setting out on a hike, we’re here to help. The good people from the hiking company AllTrails have put together a list of the six most romantic hikes in NSW. Think: dreamy routes tracing stunning coastlines and spectacular forests, with appropriately-romantic names to match.
Loves Bay to Gerringong via Kiama Coast Walk
Distance: 10.9 kilometres (2hr 44 mins)
Drive time from Sydney: 1hr 53 mins
This spectacular coastal walk just south of Sydney will lead you and your lover along rolling green farmland with gorgeous coastal views. It’s a popular route – so you won’t have it to yourselves – but it’s so beloved for very good reasons. Make a weekend of it with a sleepover in Kiama – it was crowned the best tourism town in NSW in 2024, so it’s worth looking around to find out why.
Distance: 3.4 kilometres (50 minutes)
Drive time from Sydney: 51 minutes
If you like the idea of leaving time for other V Day activities, this short but sweet walking route is for you. Shaded by towering gum trees, the path is mostly wide and flat – making it an easy trail for beginner hikers. Leave time for a swim at nearby Jellybean Pool.
Lovers Point Loop
Distance: 1.3 kilometres (17 minutes)
Drive time from Sydney: 7 hours 3 minutes
You might need to book a weekend stay in Yamba to make this romantic walk around the headland a possibility, and in our opinion, that’s a win-win situation. The short walking route should take less than 20 minutes to complete, leaving plenty of time to explore the town. Our advice? Catch a movie at the retro cinema then book a table for two at Karrikin. You’re welcome.
Lovers Walking Track
Distance: 2.9 kilometres (46 minutes)
Drive time from Sydney: 1 hour 50 minutes
This relatively easy trail through the forest is an excellent option for nature-lovers; the wide track is lined by wildflowers that bloom in the warmer months, and rare birds sing from the treetops. Splashing out on a romantic weekend escape? Book a night or two at nearby Osborne House – it was our Food and Drink Editor’s favourite stay in 2024.
Honeymoon Bay
Distance: 1km (12 minutes)
Drive time from Sydney: 2 hours 52 minutes
This 12-minute stroll doesn’t quite count as a hike, but once you reach the beautiful beach at the end of the walking track, you won’t want to leave. If you’ve planned ahead, you won’t have to – with camping sites available to book right next to the sparkling shoreline.
Lovers Jump Circuit
Distance: 9.5 kilometres (2 hours 56 minutes)
Drive time from Sydney: 38 minutes
Just south of Berowra Waters in the beautiful Ku-ring-gai National Park, this satisfyingly long walk will take you deep into the bush – the kind of outing that feels like a dreamy escape from reality. Plus, it’s close enough to the city to complete in a day, and have you back in time for dinner at one of Sydney’s most romantic restaurants.
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.