Bondi To Coogee Coastal Walk: Everything You Need To Know

Marked by high cliffs, deep bays and beautiful beaches, the Bondi to Coogee Walk in Sydney, Australia is one of the most iconic coastal trails in the world. The natural landscapes found along this Sydney coast trek are absolutely captivating.

Bondi to Coogee Trail walkers are treated to stunning sea views that stretch to the horizon. Following the jagged coastline, the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk passes rocky lookout points and small sandy coves. For both tourists and Sydneysiders, the Bondi walk is a must-do activity!

 

Take A Bondi Beach to Coogee Coastal Walk

As frequent Sydney visitors, we have completed the Bondi coastal walk several times. We rank the trail as one of the best walks in the world – and it’s not just for the incredible seascapes.

The Bondi to Coogee Beach coastal walk is a fairly easy trek and can be shortened if desired. Ample public transportation in Sydney makes it simple to access the trail at multiple points.

In fact, our favorite route is completing the trek in reverse: the Coogee to Bondi walk. By ending our walk at the famous Bondi Beach, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a refreshing, celebratory drink at Bondi Icebergs before heading back to into Sydney!

 

Bondi Beach Coastal Walk: What You Need To Know

Before you walk Bondi to Coogee, you might have a few questions, like: How long is the Bondi to Coogee Walk? Where is the best viewpoint? Is there a Bondi to Coogee coastal walk map? No worries! We cover all of that and more, so let’s talk details.

 

Bondi to Coogee Walk Distance

The Bondi to Coogee coastal walk distance is 6 km (or 3.5 miles) – one way. Therefore, the roundtrip Bondi to Coogee to Bondi walk distance is 12 km (or 7 miles).

As we already mentioned, it is not necessary to complete the entire walk. Additionally, with ample public transit routes, it is easy to complete a one-way Bondi Coogee Walk.

To help you plan your Bondi to Coogee Walk Route, we detail each section of the trek in our Sydney Coastal Walk Guide.

 

Bondi to Coogee Walk Time

How long the Bondi to Coogee walk will take depends on your pace and how often you stop. At a relaxed stride with multiple photo stops, most trekkers will complete the one-way walk in about 2 hours.

 

Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach Difficulty Level

Walking coastal Sydney between Bondi and Coogee is rated as easy; most walkers will not find it difficult at all.

There are alternating inclines and declines from the bays to the points. Walkers should be aware that there are many stairs, therefore, the walk is not suitable for strollers (prams) or those who have difficulty with steps.

The path frequently changes from paved to dirt or rock and small portions of the walk are along the road.

Walkers needing to rest will find several benches along the route from Bondi Beach to Coogee.

 

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk Safety

For the most part, the path between Bondi and Coogee is smooth and wide. Along some portions near high cliffs there are railings and signage, which suggest walkers should not cross onto the rocks below (and we advise you heed those warnings).

However, there are parts of the trail that allow people to walk right up to the edge. Practice caution at these points when taking pictures (especially selfies) and use common sense.

 

How to Get to the Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach Walk

The best way to access the Bondi cliff walk is via public transportation. Most trekkers start the walk in Bondi or Coogee and either walk roundtrip or just one way.

Whether you are walking from Coogee Beach to Bondi Beach or vice versa, there is a wide network of buses in Sydney Circular Quay that can get you to/from where you want to start/end your walk.

 

How To Get To Bondi

There are multiple buses to connect Sydney to Bondi Beach, however, many intercity destinations will require a transfer at Bondi Junction. We highly recommend making the transfer rather than walking from Bondi Junction to Bondi Beach (which is 3 km and is not particularly scenic).

 

How To Get To Coogee Beach

Getting a bus to Coogee Beach is not as easy as Bondi, as there are fewer routes that service the area. From Sydney, visitors can catch a bus from Circular Quay – but the route typically requires a switch.

 

Bus from Bondi to Coogee

If staying in Bondi, you can take the Bondi to Coogee bus (via Bondi Junction) and make the one-way walk back to Bondi. The Bondi Junction to Coogee bus routes are: 313, 314 and 353.

Get more information and plan your route via Sydney public transport on the official website. 

 

Driving from Bondi to Coogee

If you are driving, but only want to complete the Bondi to Coogee walk one way, you could park your car at Bondi Junction. From Bondi Junction, take a bus to Bondi, walk to Coogee, then take a bus from Coogee to Bondi Junction (or vice versa).

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Bondi to Coogee Walk Map

Use this link for a Bondi to Coogee Walk Map PDF or view our Coogee to Bondi walk map on Google.

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Sections of the Coastal Walk Bondi to Coogee

We have broken down the Bondi – Coogee coastal walk into the following sections:

• Bondi
• Tamarama Beach
• Bronte
• Waverley Cemetery
• Shark Point
• Clovelley Beach
• Gordons Bay
• Dolphins Point
• Coogee

Find details for the Coogee Beach to Bondi Beach walk at the end of the post.

 

Bondi Beach

Bondi is a hip seaside town and understandably a must-visit for many Sydney tourists and residents alike. Surfers, swimmers and sunbathers all flock to Bondi Beach, where there is a wide, powdery sand shoreline. There are numerous eateries, Bondi Bars and hotels along Campbell Parade, the main road that fronts the beach.

 

Bondi to Tamarama Walk

The Bondi to Coogee Walk begins on the west end of the beach at the famous Icebergs ocean pool. From the pool, a coastal path leads south past interesting rock formations that have been sculpted by the sea and wind.

The trail winds around the coast and climbs a set of stairs to Mackenzies Point. From the large circular platform, there is a fabulous view north to Bondi and the coastline to the south.  

The walk from Bondi to Mackenzies Point is about 650 meters, which takes about a 10-minutes. It is the busiest section of the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk – and for many visitors short on time, it is the only section of the walk they complete before returning to Bondi Beach.

The boardwalk continues southwest past Aboriginal rock engravings and along a shallow cove. Following the coastline around Tamarama Rocks, the path descends a set of stairs and curves past the Tamarama SLSC (Surf Life Saving Club) to Tamarama Beach.

Look at a Bondi, Australia Map on Google.

 

Tamarama Beach

Nestled into Mackenzies Bay, Tamarama Beach is a deep sandy beach that feels secluded along the expansive shoreline. The beach extends into a small grassy park, where there are covered picnic areas and facilities.

Good for surfing, beach volleyball or lounging around, Tamarama Beach also has a small café with a nice viewpoint.

 

Tamarama Beach to Bronte Walk

Continuing south, following Bronte Marine Drive, it’s just a short stroll around the point to Bronte Beach.

 

Bronte Beach

The long, crescent beach at Bronte is the biggest beach on the walk from Bondi to Coogee. It’s a great place to stop for a swim, but be mindful of rip currents and wave conditions.

The Bronte Baths ocean pool on the south end of the beach is a lovely spot for a relaxing dip in the sea water (and they are free!). The large park beyond the beach has numerous grills, tables and green space. There are several Bronte Beach cafes along Bronte Rd at the south end of the park, as well.

 

Bronte to Waverley Cemetery Walk

From the south end of Bronte Beach, the trail continues up a staircase. There is a short detour to a viewpoint overlooking the Bronte Pool and Pacific Ocean, but there’ll be better one’s ahead for coastal trekkers completing the entire walk!

At the top of the stairs, the trail follows the road for a short distance. Walkers can choose to stay on the road past a rock wall or turn onto one of the dirt trails that navigates onto the top of the rocks for better views.

Where the road curves west, the path continues south along the coastline through Calga Park. Stairs lead down onto a boardwalk situated between the sea and the Waverley Cemetery.

 

Waverley Coogee Cemetery

The Waverley Cemetery overlooks the ocean from the top of the cliff – and the unique location makes is one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world.

Opened in 1877, the cemetery is now heritage-listed. In addition to the numerous Victorian and Edwardian era monuments, many famous Australians have been buried at Waverley Cemetery. Walkers interested in the historic site can detour into the cemetery to take a walk through the gravesites and take in the views.

 

Waverley Cemetery to Shark Point Walk

At the end of the boardwalk on the south side of the cemetery, the trail again joins the road for a short jaunt past the Clovelly Bowling Club. 

At the south end of the Clovelly Bowling Club is a dirt pedestrian-only path that leads back out to the coastline and on to Shark Point.

 

Shark Point

With a terrain of smooth, flat rocks, the steep cliff at Shark Point is our favorite viewpoint on the entire Bondi to Coogee coastal walk.

Shark Point juts into the sea and it is possible to see both Bondi Beach to the north and Coogee Beach to the south. Note: Use caution as there are no barriers on this section of the walk.

 

Shark Point to Clovelly Beach Walk

From Shark Point, walk east through Burrows Park onto the paved path. Take a detour and go down the stairs to the rocks for exploration or follow the sidewalk toward Clovelly Beach.

The path quickly comes to a fork where walkers can either descend to the beach or ascend a steep staircase that wraps around the end of the bay and provides spectacular views of the beach.

 

Clovelly Beach

The long, narrow Clovelly Bay ends at the sandy Clovelly Beach, which is surrounded by a small forest of trees. The shallow bay is filled with calm, turquoise water.

On the top end of the beach there is a shaded picnic area and a small playground. On the south side, there is an ocean pool, a café and the Clovelly SLSC.

 

Clovelly Beach to Gordons Bay Walk

From the Clovelly SLSC the Bondi to Coogee walk continues along the shoreline and around the point, passing a parking lot. Once around the end of the point, hop back on the inclined pedestrian path, Cliffbrook Parade, that leads past houses and into Gordons Bay.

 

Gordons Bay

The rock-lined shallow Gordons Bay is our favorite inlet along the trek from Bondi to Coogee. The cove of pale, teal water has a tiny sandy beach where small boats rest on the shore.

There are no amenities, which makes Gordons Bay feel like a natural retreat. Footpaths break off from the main trail and lead to the water for further exploration, if desired.

Additionally, swimmers with snorkel gear can paddle around Gordons Bay on an underwater nature trail! More Info

 

Gordons Bay to Dolphins Point Walk

Just past Gordons Bay, the path from Bondi to Coogee is briefly enveloped in forest, but then abruptly ends in a neighborhood. Walk a short distance on Major Street past the houses to Dunningham Reserve. A wide, paved path winds through the reserve directly to Dolphins Point.

However, we recommend following a path less-taken. Directly east towards the water from the last house on Major St, there is a dirt path that leads out to a rocky point. With few visitors, the natural landscapes offer a secluded spot on the coastal trek. The trail winds around the end of the outcrop and re-joins the path to Dolphins Point.

 

Dolphins Point

Dolphins Point is a grassy, clifftop knoll overlooking the ocean and the Giles Baths below. On the point, the Bali Memorial sculpture commemorates the 2002 Bali bombings that killed 202 people, including 88 Australians, six of whom played for the Coogee Dolphins rugby team.

 

Dolphins Point to Coogee Walk

From the Bali Memorial on the main Bondi to Coogee path, walk across the grass to the Dolphins Point lookout. In the winter months, keep an eye on the horizon for migrating whales that like to play in the area.

Take the stairs down to the rocks below for a different vantage point. Then, go back to the trail and continue to the final stop, Coogee Beach.

 

Coogee Beach

Coogee is a historic suburb of Sydney that was first settled by Europeans in 1838 and many notable buildings remain. The main street in Coogee, Coogee Bay Road, runs perpendicular to the beach and is home to a plethora of shops, restaurants and pubs.

While Coogee Beach is not nearly as big as Bondi Beach, it is a popular spot for families, swimmers and surfers. Spending time on the beach is one of the best things to do in Coogee. Just off-shore is a small island, named Wedding Cake Island. 

Look at a Coogee Map on Google.

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Sydney Coastal Walk Variations

We realize not everyone has the time (or interest) to walk from Bondi to Coogee. Fortunately, there are several variations to the best Sydney coastal walk for trekkers looking for a shorter or longer hike.

 

Bondi to Bronte Walk

Although not truly the halfway point, Bronte Beach is a good mid-point stop on the walk from Bondi to Coogee.

Trekkers who don’t want to complete the entire route, often use Bronte as their destination and then return to Bondi. There are bus routes from Bronte to Bondi Junction (379, 360, 361). 

Find a Bondi to Bronte Walk Map on Google. 

How long is the Bondi to Bronte Walk? The Bondi to Bronte walk distance is about 2.5 km (about 1.5 miles).

 

Coogee to Bronte Walk

Walkers looking to avoid the congestion of the Bronte to Bondi walk can choose to complete the one-way or roundtrip Coogee to Bronte Coastal Walk. In our opinion, this portion of the trek includes some of the best vantage points along the coast and the most picturesque bays.

Find a Coogee to Bronte Walk Map on Google. 

How Long is the Bronte to Coogee Walk? The Bronte to Coogee Coastal Walk distance is about 3.5 km (a little over 2 miles).

 

Coogee to Maroubra Walk

The Coogee to Maroubra Coastal Walk is an extension of the Bondi to Coogee walk. However, the Coogee beach walk can also be completed on its own.

There are bus routes to Maroubra from central Sydney and Bondi Junction for walkers who want to complete the Maroubra to Coogee walk (or to Bondi walk) on a one-way trek. 

How Long is the Coogee to Maroubra Walk? The Coogee walk to Maroubra distance is approximately 5 km. Find your way with this Maroubra to Coogee Beach map.

How Long is the Bondi to Maroubra Walk? The complete Bondi to Maroubra Coastal Walk is about 10 km one way. Use this Maroubra to Bondi Beach map.

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Coogee To Bondi Walk

As mentioned previously, our preferred route is the one-way Coogee to Bondi coastal walk. Although we have made the roundtrip walk from Bondi, we think it is a bit redundant unless you’re staying at either end of the walk.

The one-way Coogee to Bondi coastal walk distance – 6 km – is the perfect length for a nice, casual nature trek. Furthermore, we prefer the Coogee Beach to Bondi Beach walk because we would rather end our trek in Bondi, where there are more things to do (like have a beer with a view at one of the Bars in Bondi Beach).

 

Coastal Walk: Coogee to Bondi

We usually like to walk in the afternoons, except in the summertime when it’s better to walk early in the morning to beat the heat. From Sydney, we take a bus to Coogee, which terminates right at the beach.

However, instead of immediately hopping on the trail for the Coogee coastal walk, we walk up the main street, Coogee Bay Road, and grab lunch to go.

 

Coogee to Clovelly Beach Walk

We start the walk from Coogee Beach to Dolphins Point, where we find a place to eat our lunch and scan the horizon for whales.

From Dolphins Point, we take the first dirt path out to the natural rocky outcrop for more views and exploration. Emerging from the rugged clifftop onto Major Street, we make the short walk along the street and then descend into Gordons Bay.

If we are not on a schedule, we like to spend some time by the water and exploring on the rocks before continuing on the trail to Clovelly Beach.

 

Clovelly Beach to Waverley Cemetery Walk

At Clovelly Beach, we usually stay on the elevated path to Burrows Park. We walk straight through the grassy park to Shark Point, where we like to stand on the rocks and stare out to sea. The views are mesmerizing and the terrain is ideal for taking it all in.

We walk north along the rocky ledge to the Clovelly Bowling Club (where an old trail is now blocked) and follow the path inland and then north to Waverley Cemetery.

 

Waverley Cemetery to Bronte Walk

Our preferred route is on the cliffside boardwalk, with a detour into the cemetery at the mid-way point. Once past the cemetery, we stick to the road to Bronte Beach.

Being a long stretch of beach, it’s nice to take off our shoes and walk this portion of the Coogee to Bondi coastal walk in the sand. There are also good facilities at Bronte Beach, next to the Bronte SLSC.

 

Bronte to Tamarama Walk

Continuing the walk to Bondi, we follow the path to Tamarama Beach, but bypass both the beach and the park and stay on the trail. The walk from Tamarama Rocks to Mackenzies Point never ceases to amaze us with the unique geological features and stunning coastline.

From Mackenzies Point, we join the crowds and complete the final section of the Coogee to Bondi walk.

 

Tamarama Beach to Bondi Walk

In Bondi, we usually linger by Icebergs, watching surfers and swimmers before walking down to the beach. On our Bondi Beach stroll, we pass by the Bondi Skate Park and then peruse the current street art along the beachfront parking lot.

If it’s the weekend, we check out any events in Bondi or visit one of the weekend Bondi markets.

Regardless of what day it is, we always finish our walk with a celebratory pint of beer at one of the bars in Bondi with a view. Cheers from Coogee to Bondi!

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More Coastal Walks Near Sydney

Although the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is by far the most popular, there are other Sydney coastal walks. Two other walks that we love are Spit to Manly Walk and Watsons Bay Walk.

Looking for a routed walk to top Sydney attractions? Use our Self Guided Sydney Walking Tour. 

 

Essentials for the Bondi to Coogee Walk

Before setting off on your Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, you want to make sure you are prepared for the trek. 

 

Bondi to Coogee Trail Necessities

Don’t forget to pack the basics for your walk from Bondi to Coogee! You will need comfortable walking shoes – use our tips for the Best Travel Shoes that will fit the bill. 

You will also want to make sure you are prepared for the weather. Bring a refillable water bottle, high SPF sunscreen and/or a wide-brimmed hat. 

 

Proper Travel Camera

If you are anything like us, you’ll be snapping tons of photos during your walk! For high-quality  photos, bring an actual camera (rather than just your mobile phone). We travel with a DSLR Canon Rebel (which takes beautiful pictures and is a fantastic budget camera).

 

Day Bag for Hiking

As you make the walk from Bondi to Coogee, we recommend wearing a small day pack where you can stow your necessities. Read our tips for the Best Travel Day Bags. 

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Travel Tips for Planning a Trip to Sydney

A trip to Sydney requires a lot of planning – but we have all the guides that will help you prepare for your vacation to Australia!

 

Tips for What To Do in Sydney

Need tips for things to do in Sydney? Check out our 3-Day Sydney Itinerary – which includes our top spots for Sydney’s Best Craft Beer as well as an amazing Day Trip to the Blue Mountains! 

 

Guides for Top Australia Destinations

Visiting other top destinations in Australia? Good on ya! Get ready with our detailed guides and insider tips. 

• Top Things To Do in Melbourne
• Fun Activities in Brisbane
• What To See in Perth
• How To Visit Cairns on a Budget
• Top Reasons to Visit the Gold Coast 

 

What To Pack for your Sydney Trip

Packing for a trip to Sydney is never a fun task, but we make it as easy as possible with our Packing Tips. In addition to our Ultimate Travel Packing List, we share heaps of advice on the Best Packing Hacks. 

Need a packing checklist? Get your Free Packing Checklist here!

 

Australia Travel Insurance

If you haven’t already obtained travel insurance for your trip, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.

 

Sydney Trip Organization

As you make plans for your trip to Australia, staying organized is key! We recommend using a travel planner – like our Printable Travel Planner – to stay on top of all the details of your vacation to Sydney!

 

Start planning your trip to Australia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing!  Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning page for more information and tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides page!

 

 

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