I was standing along the cliff’s edge, watching a group of adventure seekers soaking up Sydney’s beauty in every way possible. Surfers, cliff-divers, photographers. While the sunny city has so much to see and do, the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is a full-day activity if you want to experience its hidden gems along the way.
With 5 beaches along the path, delicious restaurant stop-offs, and possible opportunities to see whales and sharks (if you’re lucky). The cliff edges from Bondi to Coogee and 360 views are truly spectacular, and are not to be missed on your trip to Sydney.
Sydney in general is a medley of gorgeous landscapes, unique accommodations, vibrant gastronomy, and incredible beaches along Australia’s Coast.
Everything You Need To Know About The Bondi To Coogee Coastal Walk
The Logistics
It’s important to point out that the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk is ideal for anyone at any level! 5.5km one way, the entire pathway is paved and relatively even. The only thing to be aware of, is that there are a few steps here and there (especially around MacKenzie’s Point).
You can start at either end, but most people choose to begin their trek from the Bondi Icebergs at Notts Avenue, and continue all the way to Coogee. I did the entire walk 2-3 times during my visit to Sydney, and it never got old!
Helpful Tips For The Bondi To Coogee Coastal Walk
While the walk is incredibly breathtaking, there is little-to-no shade. If you do the coastal walk on the weekends when it’s at its busiest, then you’ll be fighting for a spot under the rocky edges to escape the heat. ALWAYS bring sunscreen and a water bottle with you.
If you’re done with the heat, there are plenty of bars, cafes, and restaurants to choose from near all the main beaches. Some people even opt to hop on a bus halfway if they’d had enough of walking! In my opinion, the best time to do the coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee is during the weekdays when the locals are working.
If the rugged Australian coast intimates you or you’re simply not an ocean person, then be sure to visit all of the Ocean Pools along the way!
Beaches & Ocean Pools
One of my favorite things to do along the coastal walk is to pack a swimsuit and swim at every beach and ocean pool! While each is a little different in their own way, it’s definitely fun to cross a few off your list to take a break from the heat.
Bondi IceBergs/Beach
The area where the Bondie to Coogee coastal walk begins is arguably one of the most beautiful. My cousin and I stood here for ages admiring the slick moves of the surfers and the crashing waves along the ocean pool.
If you’re at the top near Notts Avenue, you’ll have prime viewing of Bondi Beach, as well as the IceBergs down below. Since the IceBergs are so well known, the Bondi area is definitely one of the more expensive neighborhoods in Sydney.. So be careful!
This is one of the only sea pools along the walk that charge $9 for entry. The beach is one of the busiest in Sydney, and can often feel overwhelming at times.
Tamarama Beach
A little alcove along the coastal walk, this charming beach is one of the best. Reminiscent of a small bay, Tamarama Beach never gets too overcrowded (at least in September). Cliff edges make for a great hideaway from the sun, and shallow rock pools are perfect for crab spotting!
Towards the back of the beach there’s a lovely cafe area which serves delicious snacks and drinks. Sometimes, they’ll even put out bean-bag chairs on the grass, which is the best spot for people watching in the sun.
Bronte Baths/Beach
My favorite!! I can’t count the number of times we visited Bronte. Before venturing to the main beach, there’s a line of cafes and restaurants with various cuisines (be sure to visit Bronte Belo- they have some of the best Brazilian staples).
If you stick to the side of the beach that’s closest to the sea pool, you’ll find the waters are pretty shallow and calm. This is the best spot for snorkeling if you want to see a fish or two! A lot of kids and families swim in this section too.
The Bronte sea pool is also one of my favorites. It’s large in size and only has a few lanes in the middle for people to swim laps. If you adventure above the sea pool, there’s a great lookout spot where people usually sunbathe and climb the cliff edges.
Clovelly Beach
If you want bumpy waters, underwater life, and pure sun, then Clovelly is the spot for you along the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. There’s a very small pool here if you don’t want to be in the ocean, otherwise.. Jump right in!
The open ocean funnels into the rectangular shaped bay, making for a very bumpy passage of water for people to swim. This area is particularly popular with children getting rocked by the waves, and experienced ocean swimmers tackling the current.
I’m not a super strong swimmer so I decided to take a little dip and see the fishes below, before spending the rest of my time sunbathing along the edges. There’s one small patch of sand here, and the rest is pavement. Keep an eye out in the trees for cockatoos!
Gordons Bay
The pathway continues to the bright-blue waters of Gordon’s Bay. While there are flat rocks to sunbathe here, it’s more of an ‘adventure’ beach. The clear waters make it an excellent spot for snorkeling, and the greenery enclosing the area is great for bird watching!
Coogee Beach
The final stop and heart and soul of the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. There’s always something happening in the Coogee area, and plenty of bars, restaurants, and people watching areas!
On the weekends, Coogee Beach can get just as busy as Bondi- so be sure to visit during the weekday or early mornings on the weekends! The Coogee Pavilion is a gathering spot for both tourists and locals, with hip bar areas and music.
A wide stretch of sand, there’s plenty of space at Coogee Beach. Personally, I prefer sitting closer to the sea pool in case I want a sip. The ocean here can be rocky at times, so I choose to swim in the pool. You’ll see plenty of little crabs here- so keep an eye out!
What Else To See Along The Way
- MacKenzie’s Point
- Waverley Cemetery
- Clovelly Bowls Club
