Four walking trails that show off the best of our capital cities

Looking for a great way to enjoy the beauty of Sydney Harbour and the surrounding beaches while burning serious calories? The Spit Bridge to Manly Walk is a winner. The 10-kilometre coastal path can be traversed in either direction (or one after the other, if you're very energetic), but most people choose to start at Spit Bridge and walk to Manly for the best harbour and city skyline views. The walk takes about 3.5-4 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take photos. Ambling along a mix of bush tracks, boardwalks and Aussie sand, you'll have the opportunity to cool off on the way with a quick dip at some of Sydney's prettiest beaches. Finish the walk at Manly with the reward of an ice cream, or a bite to eat at one of the beachside suburb's many excellent restaurants. sydney.com

See the sights of the sunny Queensland capital on a 6.3-kilometre city loop trail that begins and ends at the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens. Locals will tell you it's best to start early, bring water and wear a hat. At a relaxed pace it should take about two-and-a-half hours to wind past Captain Burke Park, Goodwill Bridge and many more impressive landmarks. If you walk in an anti-clockwise direction, you'll avoid the steep hill between Howard Smith Wharves and Story Bridge. Along the way, stop for a cold drink at the famous Story Bridge Hotel or Felons Brewing Co (pictured). A few hundred metres past Captain Cook Bridge, ascend a staircase to Kangaroo Point Cliffs, affording some of the best views of the city. Expect to see climbers and abseilers-in-training on the heritage-listed cliffs. visit.brisbane.qld.au

Life's a beach when you follow WA's Indian Ocean coastline north from City Beach. It's a walk that winds through some of Perth's ritziest suburbs, prime swimming spots and tranquil bushland. Start at the southern end of City Beach, then head north on the well-maintained path. Need to fuel up? There are plenty of cafes and restaurants along the way. You'll reach Scarborough Beach, which has protected swimming zones, a beach playground and picnic areas. From there, the Scarborough-Trigg Heritage Walk Trail includes historic sites, native plants, wildlife and spectacular views. It's made up of three loops - Scarborough Coastal Loop, Trigg Coastal Loop and Trigg Bushland Reserve Loop - totalling about seven kilometres. Make a day of it and watch the sun set into the ocean. helloperth.com.au

There are city highlights tours and then there's the Yarra City Loop, a paved 8.9-kilometre walking and cycling trail that loops around the Yarra River and is suitable for most ages and fitness levels. It's a beauty, showing off postcard views of the city skyline and providing a handy orientation for visitors. You'll pass by landmarks including the historic Sandridge Bridge, Enterprize Park, the Immigration Museum, the MCG and the National Gallery of Victoria. Start the loop at Federation Square, vibrant at any time of the day. If you have time to spare, browse the shops or enjoy a drink at one of the cafes before setting off. In the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, take time to stop and smell the roses (there are countless rose varieties there) as you explore the Gardens' 38 hectares. visitmelbourne.com

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