Sydney’s Best Walk: Bondi to Coogee

When it comes to Sydney, Australia’s largest city, no traveller will be short of things to do.  Away from the hustle and bustle of the Harbour and the Opera House, lies Sydney’s best walk; from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach.  There’s a reason this is one of the best things to do in Sydney.  The views are absolutely breathtaking.  The beaches are beautiful, not to mention the sheer cliffs, the rockpools and the turquoise ocean.  You might even spot migrating whales if your timing’s right.Whilst many walkers will walk no further than Bronte Beach, I promise you that it only gets better by going the full 6km to Coogee Beach.  You’ll need decent shoes, a re-usable bottle (there’s plenty of places to top up with water) and a hat and you’ll have no problem getting to the end.

Bondi Beach & The Icebergs

You’ll be starting your walk at the world-famous Bondi Beach.  The beach itself is smaller than I imagined but continues to attract both tourists and locals for the sun and the surf.  At the southern end of the beach lies the Bondi Icebergs Club with the landmark baths where swimmers have been doing laps for over 100 years.  Once you’ve admired the view (you’ll be doing a lot of that) and taken the obligatory photos, it’s time to begin Sydney’s best walk.

Tamarama Beach (1.2km)

Out of all of Sydney’s Southern Beaches, Tamarama Beach is probably my favourite.  It’s incredibly narrow but it’s pristine sand stretches all the way back to the parkland.  However, no matter how tempting the sea may look, don’t go ripping your shirt off and diving in.  This beach is actually the most dangerous patrolled beach in New South Wales although the swell does attract quite a few surfers!  I’d rather watch from the clifftops anyway; there’s probably sharks in there!

Bronte Beach (1.9km)

Another beautiful beach, better than Bondi in my opinion, and a perfect place to stop at a café for a coffee or brunch if that’s your sort of thing.  There’s plenty of free electric BBQ’s on the parkland too if you thought ahead and brought your food with you.  Top marks if you did, there’s nothing better than a juicy burger in the fresh Aussie air.  If food’s not on the agenda, just admire the views and head up the hill.

Waverley Cemetery

Pressing on you’ll pass through (or next to if the skybridge is complete) surely the world’s most scenic cemetery.  There are over 100,000 people buried here and there’s even some important names too including Australia’s greatest poet, Henry Lawson.

Just before you arrive at Clovelly Beach you’ll also pass one of the world’s most scenic bowls courts.  You’d think I’m exaggerating with all this world’s most scenic stuff but, seriously, I mean it.  Bowls is very popular in Australia (so much so that we spent three whole days bowling with Aussies) and I can’t imagine wanting to play anywhere else than high up on the cliffs overlooking the Tasman Sea.

Clovelly Beach (4.1km)

From Clovelly Beach past Gordons Bay onto Coogee, this was the hardest stretch for me as the heat was searing and the inclines were steep.  Just keep your head down for this section and just keep picturing the ice cold beer at the end of it all.  Whilst I didn’t capture any photos, I remember vividly the huge glass fronted buildings that must cost a small fortune.  How the other half live eh?

Coogee Pavilion (5.9km)

Whether you’ve breezed the walk or are a sweaty mess, by this point I can guarantee that you will never have laid eyes on a more inviting scene.  Once you emerge over the brow of the hill, you’ll see the beautiful Coogee Beach stretched out in front of you with the unmissable domed roof of the Coogee Pavilion.  That’s your end goal.  Once inside the Pavilion, climb up the stairs to the rooftop bar, order a beer (or two) and relax knowing you’ve just completed Sydney’s best walk.

HOW TO GET TO & FROM THE BONDI TO COOGEE BEACH WALK

If you’re not staying in the immediate area of Bondi Beach or Coogee Beach, you’ll soon discover that it’s not that easy to get around Sydney.  To get to Bondi Beach from central Sydney, you’ll have to first get a train (Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra Line) towards Bondi Junction.  Once there, jump on bus 333 at Stand A3 and this should give you the fastest journey time to Bondi Beach.

After your walk, you’ll have to catch the 353 bus from Coogee Beach and that’ll take you back to Bondi Junction for access to the trains.  If you need more information, this site should help! Don’t forget your Opal card!

In my opinion, this really is Sydney’s best walk and perhaps even one of Australia’s.  If you’re visiting Sydney for any length of time, this has to be one of the first things you do! No doubt it’ll be one of the most memorable things you do!

If you’ve done this walk, let me know your thoughts in the comments.  As always, if you want any more tips just drop me a message!

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