Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk Guide

From the city to the coast, the Australian crown jewel that is Sydney offers a unique array of features and locations for everyone to enjoy. Away from the city and moving towards the eastern suburbs, the city is host to a wonderful coastline.

In this guide I will be explaining how you can enjoy one of the best things to do in Sydney, the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk.

The coastal walk is popular with locals and tourist alike, and for very good reasons. The sweeping nature of the coastline allows you to take in and witness the dramatic scenery and stunning views the whole way through the route, every step is truly a pleasure while watching the crashing waves.

The 3.5 mile route is an easy walk which connects a series of the most iconic suburbs and beautiful beaches in Sydney, with those being Bondi, Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly, and Coogee. Depending on stops, it takes between 2-3 hours to complete.

Naturally, the walk can be conducted by starting from either end, or even somewhere in the middle. Which end you start from comes down to personal preference and your plans for the day.

After completing the route both ways in the past, I can confirm walking in both directions is fine as they both display spectacular views. However on a side note, a Bondi sunset is truly something to behold, therefore bare this in mind when considering the direction of your journey.

Bondi

Where better to start the route than taking a trip to the ever famous Bondi Beach. As one of Australia’s most iconic beaches, the white sand and trendy nature of Bondi attracts hundreds and thousands of visitors each year. The laid-back vibes and atmosphere of the suburb provides a more than adequate reason as to why Bondi Beach is incredibly popular.

After relaxing on the beach, potentially dabbling in a spot of Surfing and experiencing all of what Bondi has to offer, start the route by heading up and past the iconic Bondi Icebergs. The icebergs have become an instantly recognisable location in Bondi, largely in thanks to their famous ocean pool views.

From the icebergs, make your way up and round to Mackenzies Point, which is where you’ll get your first glimpse of the breathtaking views the coastal walk has to offer. Whichever way you are walking, remember to look towards Bondi for a stunning sweeping view of the wonderful cresent shaped beach.

Tamarama

After a short walk along the coastal path, you will soon come across the picturesque beach of Tamarama. One of my favourite beaches in Sydney, Tamarama Beach has a wonderful setting and is conveniently perched and nestled in a spot which allows for amazing coastal views located on either side.

One of the first things you will notice heading into Tamarama is how popular and refreshing the waves are here, acknowledged by its large amount of Surfers. The area possesses great surf, largely in part due to the outlying landscape that surrounds. However, in turn this can produce strong rips, therefore it is recommend to proceed with caution if you choose to surf here.

Small but mighty, Tamarama definitely packs a punch as it also lays host to a number of facilities for all ages, therefore making it a popular spot amongst the locals of Sydney. With its golden sand and fashionable vibes, the location is a perfect fit for many reasons.

Heading out past Tamarama, you will soon be able to spot the next main location in the distance, once again dominated by the stunning scenery that surrounds.

Bronte

Continuing on through this magnificent route, making your way along the terraced road from Tamarama will put you within reach of Bronte. As you come down the hill and into the aspects of the beach, you’ll notice this eastern suburb has a relaxed family friendly vibe.

Bronte Beach once again is a fan-favourite spot in Sydney due to its all-round amenities and features, and therefore often leaving you in awe of its flavoursome beauty. Alongside being a popular area for swimmers and surfers alike, the reserve itself also holds a large park and recreational area, perfect for family gatherings and get-togethers in the Summer sunshine.

Far less touristy and away from the well-known hotspots of Sydney, Bronte is also home to the historic Bronte Baths. Similar to the Bondi Icebergs (although smaller in size), the Baths act as tidal ocean pool, reacting to the overflowing nature of the incoming waves.

Of course, a swim here in these pools also have the added bonus of the stunning coastal and ocean views.

Once you're ready to move on, the next section of the walk is the longest but also the most beautiful and iconic section of the coastal path. Making your way up around the route from Bronte, here awaits a stretch of the coast that looks dramatic and spectacular on any given day, no matter the weather.

Passing the giant Waverley Cemetery, the path here is dominated by the striking landscape and the nature of the waves crashing against the rocks below. The boardwalk along this section of the path allows for prime viewing, and literally gives you the ideal birds-eye vantage points to witness the coastline in all its glory.

Furthermore, there are numerous benches situated along this section, perfect for allowing yourself time to relax and soak in the ocean scenes before you.

After you feel you have seen enough of the jaw-dropping scenery and swirling waves below, continue your journey along the winding coastline along to Burrows Park and down towards the small but unique beach of Clovelly. The key and special feature of this beach is that unlike the other beaches in Sydney, this beach is protected.

Aided by its sheltered bay and gentle waves, this is a perfect location for newly wet Ocean swimmers, allowing for a easy introduction to the nature of the Sea.

Once you have come through Clovelly, it’s then time to make your way round and down into Gordons Bay.

A secluded area as such, this beautifully scenic bay is popular for its tropical vibes and activities such as Diving, Fishing, and Snorkeling. The local Fishing and Diving Clubs situated here naturally utilise the landscape and location to the full extent.

Coogee

This is it… one final steep walk up and out of Gordons Bay and you will soon be able to see the finish line that is Coogee in the distance.

Once you have used your last ounce of energy to reach the bottom of the hill, a bustling historic centre of freedom awaits. The vibe here in this suburb of Sydney is lively, therefore engaging an energetic feel to its surrounds.

Alongside its charming beach, Coogee also plays host to a number of cool and funky cafes, many of which offer an ocean view, a perfect setting to relax.

Whichever way you complete the route, both Coogee and Bondi are wonderful suburbs of Sydney in which you can enjoy spending time within after your journey is done.