Anyone visiting Sydney will often have the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk on their travel itinerary. This pathway runs along the coastline and is popular among tourists and locals. Whether visiting Sydney for a weekend or an extended holiday, you can spare a few hours to enjoy this iconic walk and soak in the beautiful views of Sydney’s eastern coastline. This guide discusses all you should know before hiking the scenic coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee.
Where to Start on Your Bondi to Coogee Beach Coastal Walk
The Bondi to Coogee walk distance is 5.98 kilometres and features numerous amenities, from water refill points and public bathrooms to beach-side cafes and picnic spaces.
- Total Distance: Approximately 6 km.
- Hiking time: 2-3 hours.
- Hiking Difficulty: Relatively easy, except for short sections with steep stairs.
The option to catch a public bus at any point along the way makes this hike quite flexible and popular among hikers of all levels. While you can visit Sydney any time of the year, depending on your schedule, you can make the hike from Bondi to Coogee more memorable with whale sightings during the Winter Humpback Whales migration season (May to October).
Step-By-Step Guide on Where to Start Your Bondi to Coogee Beach Walk
Before you start your hike, it’s best to create your ideal Bondi to Coogee walk map and identify the ideal break points, picnic areas, and lookout points. Here’s a quick overview of what to expect during your hike.
No.1 Beach: Bondi Beach
This is the starting point for the Bondi to Coogee walk. There are many things to do, and you will probably spend considerable time here compared to other areas during your hike. Below are the must-stops in Bondi Beach:
- Bondi Iceberg Pools: This is a saltwater pool located to the south of Bondi Beach. It is one of the most popular oceanside pools in the country, known for its turquoise waters and beautiful splashing waves. You can start your hike with a refreshing swim at the 50-metre pool and pose for an epic photo afterwards.
- Bondi from Marks Park: Stop at the tiny Marks Park lookout point next to the protruding limestone cliffs to have a wide-bird view of the entire Bondi Beach. Marks Park is a great spot to take photos and marvel at some artwork and Aboriginal rock engravings.
- Mackenzie’s Point Lookout (map): This is a popular lookout point nestled in between Bondi and Tamara Beach. You will find most people watching and taking photos of whales from this point during the whale migration season between May and October.
- Flat Rock Area: Popular among locals and casual swimmers, Flat Rock is a great spot to escape the crowds if you want to spend some slow moments by the waters. If you have the time, stop by this spot to catch a panoramic view of Bondi and enjoy a dip in the bright waters.
- Bondi Beach Graffiti Wall: The Bondi Beach Sea Wall is located at the beach’s southern end and is popular among art lovers and street artists. This wall features a selection of graffiti art, some preserved since the 1980s.
Another great stop in Bondi Beach is the Oakberry Acai Bondi Beach, where you can grab smoothies and health-conscious snacks before continuing the hike. This café offers dine-in, takeaway, and no-contact delivery.
No.2 Beach: Tamarama Beach
Known for its alcove-like shape, Tamarama Beach is a beautiful sight to behold. Besides the turquoise blue waters, this beach is surrounded by beautiful houses and rocky cliffs. Tamarama Beach attracts large crowds who come to swim and sunbathe. If you need a spot to relax, there is a play area, a park, and a coffee shop at the back of the beach.
No.3 Beach: Bronte Beach
This is one of the bigger beaches you will pass through during the hike. It features a few cafes, including the locals’ favourite, the Coop Cafe, which offers dine-in and delivery services. Behind this beach is an extensive park, and on the southern end are toilets and a swimming spot dubbed the Bogey Hole. If you are hiking with kids, this is a perfect stop to rest and even re-stock your snack bags.
No.4 Beach: Clovelly Beach
Clovelly Beach is a calm, narrow bay sheltered from the waves. Its small beach is often unused, as most people prefer to lie on the warm and beautiful concrete platforms on the bay’s sides.
One of the must-visit areas within Clovelly Beach is the secluded Gordons Bay, an aquatic reserve popular among divers and snorkelers. You can explore the underwater life by following the thoughtfully marked 600-metre nature trail along the sandflats, kelp forests and sandflats.
By the time you arrive in Clovelly Beach, you are probably craving an energising brunch. Walk into Seasalt Clovelly to enjoy Fish & Chips, fresh juices, or their signature Green Bowl with Grilled Prawns.
Reach the Final Destination: Coogee Beach
Your 2-3 hour hike ends at Coogee Beach, where an expansive sandy beach and a beautiful green park await you. One of the must-see places in the area is the rainbow walkaway, a 50-metre-long curve designed to celebrate diversity.
Most facilities here are situated mid-beach, and there are many upmarket restaurants serving authentic Australian cuisine. One popular restaurant is Betty’s Burgers, which offers dine-in, takeaway, and delivery.
Your map to follow our coastal walk itinerary here!
What You Must Know Before Going on the Bondi to Coogee Walk
Like any other hike, there are a few tips you can borrow to make your Bondi to Coogee walk more memorable and hassle-free. This is particularly true if you are hiking this coastal pathway for the first time.
Tips on Transportation for Your Bondi to Coogee Walk
If you are using your car to access Bondi Beach, you will need to park the car in one of the few long-stay spots on the beachfront. These parking areas have a limit of four hours, and you’ll need to be there as early as 8 a.m., or else you will miss the spot. Most parking areas have a limit of two hours, and considering that parking costs $9 per hour, the cost can quickly add up.
Ideally, it is recommended that you leave your car at home or in the hotel when doing this hike. You can then use public transportation to access Bondi Beach, i.e., a bus or a train. The 380 and 333 buses start at Circular Quay and stop at Bondi Beach. A train from Town Hall, Kings Cross, or Martin Place is much faster and will stop at Bondi Junction, after which you will catch a bus from the station down to Bondi Beach.
After the hike, you can take a bus from Coogee to Bondi Beach (Bus Line 362), which takes roughly 17 minutes. A taxi takes around 5 minutes but will cost you around $15.
Essential Things that You Should Bring Along
When packing for the walk, have the basic hiking essentials with you. These include sunscreen, a good rain jacket, a snack of choice, a reusable water bottle, a swimsuit, and sandals (just in case you are tempted to jump into the water).
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