While we’re all for getting off-track and finding new places here at We Are Explorers, even we have to admit that there’s a reason why some tourist spots are so popular. The Bondi to Coogee walk is one of them.

We reckon this famous coastal walk, located in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, shouldn’t just be reserved for when the fam’ comes to visit. It should be a destination every outdoor-loving-Sydney-sider experiences at least once in their lifetime.

Starting from one of Australia’s most famous beaches (we’re lookin’ at you Bondi beach) and ending at the stunning Coogee beach 6km later, you’ll pass beautiful beaches, stunning lookouts, sandstone cliffs, and even a cemetery. Yep, dead right you will.

Here, our writer Brooke Nolan provides the complete down low on the Bondi to Coogee walk, and hopefully persuades you to give this particular oh-so-touristy coastal walk a try.

 

How Long Is the Walk From Bondi to Coogee?

The Bondi to Coogee Walk is 6km in total (one way) and takes around two to three hours, depending on how often you stop and how fast you walk.

My recommendation… give yourself three hours if you want to enjoy the views, have a swim or five, and indulge in some coffees/ice-cream/wine/beer/brunch/lunch along the way (or why not all of them? I’m not here to judge).

How Long Is the Walk From Bondi to Bronte?

CBF’d with the full coastal walk? Bronte Beach is one of the many show-stopping beaches along the route and is a good way to get a taste of the Bondi to Coogee walk without doing the whole thing.

It’s about 2.5km from Bondi beach and should take around 45 minutes to an hour (one way).

 

Is the Bondi to Coogee Walk Hard?

It’s a Grade 2 track which means this coastal walk is suitable for most ages and fitness levels.

As you make your way from Bondi Beach to Coogee beach, there are occasional steep steps, but, if you take it slow, it’s a pretty easy walk. Unfortunately, it isn’t suitable for prams or wheelchair users.

 

The Route

The walk follows a paved pathway that runs parallel to the sandy beaches and dramatic cliff-lines from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach.

 

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk Starting Point

You guessed it… the starting point of this famous coastal walk is Bondi Beach. You’ll need to head to the South end of the beach and pick up the trail behind the famous Bondi Icebergs Club.

You can also reverse the walk and start at Coogee Beach. If you’re doing it that way, the walk starts from the north of Coogee Beach and over the headland through Trenerry Reserve towards Bondi Beach.

 

Tackling the Bondi to Coogee Trail in Sections

At 6km long we have faith that you can tackle the full walk in one go. But if that’s not your jam, you can break it into sections too.

As we’ve said above, Bondi Beach to Bronte Beach is a good option as it’s just under half-way and you can easily come back another day and do Bronte Beach to Coogee Beach.

But – because the hike is urban– you can pretty much but dip in and out (ahem, pun intended) wherever you like. You’ll always find a bus nearby or be able to hail an Uber back to Bondi Beach or wherever you need to get to.

Bondi to Coogee Walk Highlights

For just 6km in length, the Bondi to Coogee walk is a fairly quick walk that packs in a helluva lot of things to see and do. Here are some of my favourites.

Bonus Tip: Sydney’s weather can be notoriously hot and there’s not much shade on this coastal trail. Take a refillable water bottle to top up at the drinking fountains available at most beaches, including Bondi Beach, Tamarama Beach, Bronte Beach, and Coogee Beach.

Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is the most popular beach in Sydney and is on the ‘hell yeah’ list for pretty much everyone that comes to the city. With perfect surf conditions, swathes of golden sand, a natural ocean pool, and plenty of restaurants, cafés, and picnic spaces, it’s easy to see why.

Whether you swim, surf, or put on some huge shades and pretend you’re a millionaire who owns a big house up on the hill, make sure you factor in some time to soak up those famous Bondi Beach vibes.

Bondi Icebergs Club

As we mentioned above, the Bondi to Coogee walk starts from behind the Bondi Icebergs Club. While you’re there we reckon it’s a good place for a stopover. This Swimming Club dates back to 1929 and is home to the huuuuuugggeeee Bondi Icebergs Pool.

Its selection of restaurants and bars (with views to make you go ‘oh yeah’), make it easy to realise why this hike is as popular as it is. The restaurants can get busy so book ahead. If you reverse your walk and start at Coogee Beach, Bondi Icebergs is the perfect place to end the hike.

 

Mackenzies Point

Mackenzies Point is located between Bondi Beach and Tamarama Beach and the view is what tourist dreams are made of. It’s also a damn fine whale watching point during whale season (May – November).

A ‘lil warning if the weather is sketchy: The lookouts along the Bondi to Coogee walk get windy! I took the ‘rents there when they came to visit and I swear they were about to be blown all the way back to Blighty. Hold on to your hats and enjoy the ride.

Mackenzies Bay

If you’re anything like me, if you stumble across Mackenzies Bay on the Bondi to Coogee walk then you’re going to want to go back and visit time and again.

It’s usually a rocky inlet, but if you time it right with the tides, a small beach sometimes appears. Mackenzies Bay is actually a bit of a mystery and disappears completely from time to time. In fact, 2007, 2016, and 2019 are the years when it’s been most visible.

Tamarama Beach

Time to tick off another of this walk’s beautiful beaches. Tamarama Beach is affectionally referred to by the locals as ‘Glamarama’, due to the glamorous peeps that call it home. But, if people-watching ain’t your thing, it’s also a well-known surf beach.

 

 

Bronte Beach

Bronte Beach is one of the larger beaches on the Bondi to Coogee walk, and there are also plenty of cafes and shops where you can grab some refreshments. Mmmmm. Refreshments.

Waverley Cemetery Boardwalk

Not gonna lie, if I was going to be buried anywhere, I reckon it’d be here. In fact, I think my ghost would be pretty happy with this as a final resting place; taking in the views, hearing the sound of the waves crashing onto the sandstone cliffs below, and feeling the fresh coastal air on my ghosty-face.

Luckily, the living also get to enjoy this place thanks to the wooden walkway that snakes through the Waverley Cemetery as part of the Bondi to Coogee walk.

It might seem odd to list this as a highlight, but it gives a real sense of history, with the solitude of the cemetery contrasting with the wild waves below.

Clovelly Beach

Once you’ve made your way past Waverley Cemetery you’ll hit Clovelly Beach. Clovelly Beach is a small, narrow beach that is excellent for a little dip to cool off during the Bondi to Coogee walk. There’s also another ocean pool here if the open waters aren’t your thing.

Clovelly Bowling Club (lawn bowls) is located just before you get to Clovelly Beach, overlooking the cliffs.

Hitting the ‘bowlo’ is a quintessential Aussie pastime. So, for the ultimate ‘act like an Aussie’ experience, why not add a quick game into your walk? Phone ahead to book.

 

 

Gordons Bay

Congrats. You’ve nearly made it to the end of the Coogee to Bondi walk, but there’s one last stop before you complete this infamous cliff-top coastal walk. Say hello to Gordon’s Bay, home to quaint fishing boats and plenty of adventures.

Because there’s no car access, Gordon’s Bay can feel a little quieter than some of the other beaches along the trail.

It’s what’s under the water that’s the main appeal here. Pack a snorkel and discover a unique underwater nature trail exploring the protected offshore reef.

Not feeling like getting wet again? Walk on by, because you’re only a kilometre or so from the end, where your next snack awaits.

Coogee Beach

Coogee Beach is the final stop on the Bondi to Coogee walk, making all those steep steps worth it. Known for its calm surf, Wedding Cake Island (which swimmers love to swim out to), and wide stretch of golden sand, it’s a pretty perfect place to end a hike.

There are picnic shelters and also change rooms if you want to ditch the flip flops and freshen up before grabbing a celebratory bite to eat or drink.

There are so many places to eat and drink here, with the Coogee Pavilion (AKA ‘The Coogee Pav’), the most popular.

Personally, it’s not my thing… given that it is usually full of bronze, tanned ‘Glamaramas’.

I’m more of a ‘got dressed in the dark, forgot to brush my hair’ type, so find the slightly more laid-back Coogee Bay Hotel perfect for a post coastal walk beer and pizza.

How Do I Get From the City to the Bondi to Coogee Walk?

The Bondi to Coogee walk is easy to get to from anywhere in the city of Sydney. You can drive, or there are plenty of public transport options.

You can get the bus directly to Bondi Beach or Coogee Beach, or get the train to Bondi Junction and then walk or bus to the beach. Whatever way you get there, I promise this coastal walk is worth the effort.

 

 

Parking in Bondi

Bondi Beach has a paid parking area near Campbell Parade, which is parallel to the beach. This gets busy (especially on weekends) and is pretty expensive. There are lots of other paid parking spots around too, either via street meter or paid parking garages like Wilson Parking.

You’ll need a few hours to really enjoy the walk, so our recommendation is to head to some of the back streets in North Bondi where you can hopefully find a spot for free.

Hit up Sandridge Street and Fletcher Street, but make sure you’re clear on how many hours free parking you get. Let’s face it… Sydney’s parking signs are notoriously difficult to read and getting a parking ticket is no way to adventure!

 

Bondi Junction to Bondi Beach

If you don’t fancy hunting for a pesky parking spot at Bondi Beach or North Bondi (or risking those trigger-happy ticket inspectors) the train is a good choice.

There are plenty of trains between Central Station and Circular Quay in the city centre and Bondi Junction. Plus, connecting buses from the Junction to the beach go more regularly than Joelle after her morning coffee.

There are also direct buses from the city (the number 333 goes straight from Circular Quay to Bondi Beach). Check out Transport NSW to plan your trip.

Parking in Coogee

Much like Bondi Beach, there are plenty of paid parking options along Coogee Beach, and with a bit of hunting, a free one is possible.

Head to Trenerry Reserve and do a little drive-by. It’s a short walk down the hill to the beach from there (with spectacular views). There are plenty of other options too if you’re happy to drive a bit further into the residential areas.

There you have it – The Complete Guide to the Bondi to Coogee Walk. Put your pride aside, and go explore this stunning slice of Sydney heaven and find out just why this coastal hike is the number 1 thing to do in the city.

 

Cover photo thanks to Hamilton Lund; Destination NSW