A Complete Guide to the Bondi to Coogee Walk

Almost every travel guide puts the Bondi to Coogee walk at the top of the list of things to do in Sydney. Friends tell you this is a must-do on your visit. While it might sound like hyperbole, they are right; this really is a stunning walk.

With five beaches, rocky sandstone cliffs, several parks, and a heritage-listed cemetery, there’s plenty to see. We recommend setting aside enough time to complete at least a portion, if not all, of the walk.

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One of the best things about this coastal walk is that it is gorgeous year-round. We tackle it often – not so often between December and February because we don’t love crowds, but even in peak season, you can find some quiet time if you start nice and early.

The Bondi Coastal Walk originated as a State Government project during the 1930s depression.

Read on for our tips on doing the best-known coastal walks in Sydney.

Everything you need to know about the Bondi to Coogee walk

Let’s start with everything you need to know before you start walking this popular coastal track.

How long is the Bondi to Coogee walk?

The full distance is just under 6 km (3.5 miles), but you can break it into stages (see below).

How long does it take to complete?

Walking times vary depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos.

On average:

• 1.5 hours at a brisk pace
• 2 hours at a normal sightseeing pace
• 3 hours if you stop for coffee or refreshments

Where is the best place to begin Bondi or Coogee?

There’s no right or wrong starting point; it depends on your preferences and transportation options for your return trip. Here are some suggestions:

• In no rush, do the full coastal walk from North Bondi to Coogee Beach.
• To shorten the walk, choose Clovelly to Bondi. Catch the bus to Clovelly Beach and start there walking towards Bondi.
• Want a longer day? Start at Coogee Beach, walk to Bondi for lunch, relax for a while, then head to the Federation Cliff Walk to Watsons Bay. This walk has just had a huge facelift and really is a great contrast to the Bondi one. Bonus, you can jump on the ferry back to town.
• If you’re walking with kids, start at Bondi and finish at Bronte, which has a great playground and, on weekends, a model train to ride.
• Want to finish with breakfast? Start at Coogee Beach and finish at Bondi; they have the best range of cafes.
• Do you want to have lunch along the way? I like to eat at the Bondi, I like the range of cafes and restaurants. If you are on a budget, then fire up the BBQs in Bronte park.
• Do you want to combine the coastal walk with a classic Aussie activity? Walk from Bondi to Clovelly Beach and try your hand at Lawn Bowls.

When is the best time to do this Coastal walk?

My first instinct is to say time your walk to finish at happy hour so you can take a seat at North Bondi RSL club and watch the twilight colours change with a cold drink in hand. But sunrise is a lovely time to walk too, as the sun rises behind the beach.

Really anytime is good but avoid midday when the sun is at its hottest, and your photos will be the least impressive. If you have a weekday free, you will find fewer people on the walk, which makes it a little more enjoyable in my view.

How difficult is the Bondi to Coogee walk?

While mostly easy, the walk includes stairs and hills, making it a medium-grade difficulty. If you’re less fit, take your time; there are plenty of seats and cafes along the way. There is no rule says you need to tackle this like an athlete.

The most challenging section is between Waverley Cemetery and Coogee Beach.

I often get asked if one way is easier than the other. While I seem to find walking north easier being a clifftop walk that drops down into several beaches, you will be walking up and down quite a bit, so there is little difference.

Which beaches are along the walkway?

The beaches along the walk, from north to south, are:

• Bondi
• Tamarama
• Bronte
• Clovelly
• Coogee

What facilities are available on the Bondi to Coogee walk?

You will find toilets and cafes at all the beaches. Drinking fountains are available at Dunningham Reserve near Coogee Beach and Calga Reserve near the cemetery.

Is the Bondi to Coogee suitable for a wheelchair?

Unfortunately, the Bondi to Coogee walk is not accessible. There is really no part of it where you can enter and continue for any distance on even ground. You can get some lovely views from St Marks Park and also from the road coming into Bronte.

However, there is an accessible coastal walk starting at Coogee Beach Have Wheelchair Will Travel has written up a guide.

Can you take a pram on the Bondi Coastal walk?

Sure you can, but I would not recommend taking a pram on this walk. There are too many steps and uneven surfaces. If you insist, start at St Marks Park to avoid several sets of steps right at the beginning.

Can you take your dog on the Bondi to Coogee walk?

Yes, the walk is dog-friendly. Dogs must be on leads and are not allowed on the beaches or in adjoining parks.

Where are the best places to take photos along the walk?

You will likely find your camera snapping the whole way; this trail is so picturesque, but keep your eye out for some of our favourite spots.

Some favourite spots include:

• McKenzie Point Lookout
• The rocks between McKenzie Point and Bronte
• Tamarama Beach Surf Club
• Bronte’s Bogey Hole and ocean pool
• Gordons Bay fishing boats
• Giles Baths at Coogee

Check out the Federation Cliffs walk at Dover Heights for more spectacular views.

Sculpture by the sea is on in Oct/Nov – Check out our tips for beating the crowds

Tackling the Bondi to Coogee trail in sections

You don’t need to do the whole walk in one go. Public transport is available at all beaches along the route.

North Bondi assumes a starting point of the North Bondi Surf Club. South Bondi assumes starting at Bondi Icebergs.

Start	Stop	Distance	Time	Bus
Nth Bondi	Sth Bondi	1km	15mins	333
Sth Bondi	Tamarama Beach	1.2km	25mins	361
Sth Bondi	Bronte	2km	35mins	371
Sth Bondi	Clovelly Beach	3.6km	50mins	339
Sth Bondi	Gordons Bay	4.5km	70mins	n/a
Sth Bondi	Coogee	5.1km	80mins	373
Bronte	Waverley	1km	15minns	360
Bronte	Clovelly Beach	2km	25mins	338/339
Bronte	Coogee	3.5km	45mins	m50/373

How do I get from the city to Bondi to Coogee Walk?

Public transport is the best option since parking is limited.

Starting at Bondi Beach

From the city you have two options, you can take the bus all the way or do a bus and train combination to save time.

Take the 333 limited-stop service – The bus travels between Circular Quay and North Bondi. It is one of the busiest public transport routes in Sydney. The trip takes 45-60 minutes

You can join the bus at:

• Alfred Street at Circular Quay
• Martin Place Station
• Elizabeth St near Hyde Park
• Oxford Street Paddington
• Bondi Junction station.

Buses leave every 3-6 minutes during the day and every 6-10 minutes off-peak.

Alternatively, you can take the train/bus combo – this is a quicker trip taking on average 15-20 minutes. You can join the train at Central, Town Hall or Kings Cross stations to Bondi Junction.

There is a bus station directly above the train line. In summer regular shuttles run to the beach. Alternatively join the 333, 380 or 381from Stand A at Bondi Junction station.

Alternate Starting points

Starting at Bronte Beach – Take the train to Bondi Junction and then the 360, 379, or 381 bus to Bronte Beach.

Starting at Coogee Beach – Two buses travel from Central Station to Coogee Beach:

• M50 limited-stop bus from Stand E, Elizabeth Street, every 5 minutes
• 373 from Circular Quay or 374 from St James Station (about 45 minutes)

There is one direct bus from Bondi Beach to Coogee, the 362. Alternatively, you can take an Uber or Ola for approximately $15.

Starting at Watsons Bay – The nicest trip, if coming from Circular Quay, is to take the ferry to Watson’s Bay, enjoy a quick walk out to South Head and then a cold drink at Camp Cove, before returning to Watsons Bay to catch the 380 bus to North Bondi.

Starting or finishing at Newtown – Thought we would throw in a curveball here and suggest you consider combining this half-day coastal walk with half a day exploring our favourite inner west suburb Newtown.

The 370 bus connects Coogee beach with King Street Newtown, and we think craft brews, street art and cheap eats make the perfect partner for a few hours at the beach.

Where to eat along the Bondi to Coogee walk

I like to start walking on an almost empty stomach because there are plenty of good options for snacks along the way and a huge range of cafes at Bondi, Coogee and midway in Bronte Beach.

• Stop for a coffee at Tamarama Beach
• Put the free BBQs in Bronte park to use
• Take a detour to Clovelly Bowling club for cheap beers
• Grab an ice cream at Bronte
• Grab some healthy eats Seasalt at Clovelly
• Hit the rooftop at Coogee Pavilion

If you are ready for a cold drink after all your hard work consider:

• Coogee – The Coogee Pavilion and The Coogee Bay hotel
• Bondi – Bondi Icebergs, The Bucketlist and North Bondi RSL all overlook Bondi Beach

We also have a list of bars with a view here

Where to swim along the Coogee to Bondi Walk

You can swim at any of the five beaches along the way but please do swim between the flags, some of these beaches have strong currents that can make swimming challenging, especially if you are not a strong swimmer. The boys at Bondi Rescue have enough work already!

Otherwise, swim in one of the beautiful rock pools along the way.

• Bronte, with its cute white picket fence, is my favourite.
• Bondi Icebergs is the most popular
• For a bit of nostalgia, check out Giles Bath at the northern end of Coogee Beach.
• Further along, Wylie’s Baths is a historic beauty.
• There is also a women’s only pool at Coogee called McIver’s Ladies Baths.

Clovelly Beach is the best place to swim for those less confident in the water who prefer not to swim in one of the pools above.

Check out our Insider’s Guide to where to eat and what to do in Bondi

Tips for doing the Bondi to Coogee walk

• Leave the car at home
• Carry sunscreen and reapply it if you swim
• Wear comfortable shoes; runners or sports shoes are preferred, but some do it in flip flops or thongs as we call them here.
• Whale watching in season is worthwhile, as they do come close in at times.
• Resist the urge to get off the bus as soon as Bondi Beach appears in view. Remain on board until you reach North Bondi terminus. This allows you a lovely view of the panorama overlooking Bondi Beach.
• Most people start in Bondi so at busy times of the year this is a good idea, so you are walking with and no against the flow
• If you are walking during sculptures by the sea time walk as early or late as you can to avoid the crowds

Key Points of interest along the Bondi to Coogee Trail

Waverley Cemetery and Sesquicentenary Boardwalk

Built in 2009 to honor Waverley Council’s 150th anniversary. Famous Australians like poets Henry Lawson and Dorothea Mackellar are buried here.

Aboriginal rock carvings

If you look carefully, you will find some carvings of a shark and whale just south of Mackenzie’s Point. There are also some carvings at North Bondi Golf Course. More details here.

Tamarama Park

A family favorite with picnic shelters, a children’s playground, and a café overlooking the beach.

It has been popular since 1887 when it was home to the Royal Aquarium and Pleasure Ground. Families visited to see sharks and seals, to ride the rollercoaster and enjoy amusement parks games.

Bronte Baths

Dating back to 1887, these baths were some of the first built in Sydney when bathing became an accepted pastime. There are as popular today as they were then. They have just reopened after a full renovation.

One of the most popular Instagram spots along the route. Entry is free, and a sunrise swim is hard to beat.

Bronte Bogie Hole

The Bogie Hole is a natural rock pool you can only find when the tide is right. The best time is about halfway between high and low tide.

Check out this blog post on Swimming Pool Stories for more.

Bronte-Coogee Aquatic Reserve

Starting at the southern end of Bronte Beach and continuing to the rock baths at Coogee Beach and out to 100m offshore, the aquatic reserve covers 40 hectares. A highlight of the reserve is a 500m underwater nature trail in Gordons Bay.

The most famous residents of the reserve are blue gropers and stingrays. This 600-metre trail, marked by a metal chain, features information panels explaining what you can see. Snorkeling Sydney has shared some images from their visit.

Bali Memorial

A memorial dedicated to the victims of the 2002 Bali bombings, with a bronze sculpture by Sasha Reid symbolizing family, friends, and community.

Step by step guide to walking from Coogee to Bondi Beach

We have decided to share our favourite spots along the walk over 13 highlights. This guide starts at Coogee Beach, which is our favourite direction to walk.

1. Northern End of Coogee Beach: Begin at Coogee Beach and head to the northern end. This spot offers an Instagram-worthy photo opportunity over Coogee Beach.
   
2. Giles Baths: Look for the path that leads off to the right and down to Giles Baths. The baths were built in 1928 and were a popular spot in the early days of swimming. The natural rock pool is lovely for a swim, though not recommended during rough seas.
   
3. Shrine to the Virgin Mary: As you head up the hill, you’ll see a shrine attached to the fence. In 2002, a local woman claimed to see an apparition of the Virgin Mary here. Known as the “Lady of the Fence Post,” the site still attracts visitors who leave tokens behind.
   
4. Bali Memorial: Continue along the path to the Bali Memorial. Dedicated to the victims of the 2002 Bali bombings, twenty of whom were from the local rugby club, the memorial is a poignant stop.
   
5. Gordons Bay: Next is Gordons Bay, a local snorkeling heaven. You’ll also find old fishing boats on the shore, making for great photos.
   
6. Clovelly Beach: Clovelly Beach is the most sheltered and safest swimming beach on the walk. It’s a great spot to take a dip or relax for a bit.
   
7. Shark Point: After Clovelly, you’ll reach Shark Point. These rocky cliffs are not fenced, so be cautious. The sandstone cliffs against the blue sky offer stunning views.
   
8. Waverley Cemetery: Waverley Cemetery, home to several well-known Australians, provides a serene and picturesque resting place. Photographers may want to explore the cemetery for some unique shots.
   
9. Bronte Beach and Baths: As you approach Bronte Beach, take time to visit Bronte Baths, dating back to 1887. There’s also a selection of cafes here if you need a break or a snack.
   
10. Tamarama Beach: Tamarama Beach, though small, is known for its strong rips and dangerous swimming conditions. It’s a prime spot to watch surfers when the waves are right.
    
11. Aboriginal Engravings: Near St Marks Park, you can find an engraving of a whale with a fish inside it. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the area’s indigenous heritage.
    
12. McKenzie Point Lookout: The circular concrete lookout at McKenzie Point offers fantastic views over Bondi Beach. It’s a great spot to pause and take in the scenery.
    
13. Black Sunday Memorial: At Bondi Beach, learn about the Black Sunday Memorial. In February 1938, almost 200 swimmers were swept out to sea, with lifeguards rescuing over 150 people. Sadly, five lives were lost.

Bondi to Coogee Walk Map

Want More Sydney Walks?

• Manly to Bondi Walk (80km) – Take on the multi-day Manly to Bondi walk or tackle small sections.
• Coogee to Maroubra Walk (5km) – A less crowded option, especially in summer.
• Federation Cliff Walk (5km) – A less busy but equally impressive walk between North Bondi and Watson’s Bay.
• If you find yourself in Newcastle be sure to walk Bather’s Way – their 6km equivalent.

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