Bondi To Coogee Coastal Walk: Ultimate Guide

The Bondi to Coogee walk, or Coogee to Bondi, is one of the most iconic coastal walks in Sydney, Australia.

The scenic 6km coastal walk extends along the captivating natural landscapes of the eastern suburbs and is a favourite amongst tourists and locals alike!

The walk features stunning views over some of Sydney’s most exceptional beaches, parks, cliffs and rock pools, with so much to discover along the way!

There are many places to rest, grab a coffee or have a swim along the beautiful 6km stretch of high cliffs, deep bays and beautiful sea views stretching past the jagged coastline.

There are play areas and toilets with change rooms which makes this walk hassle-free and completely captivating!

Here’s a guide to all you need to know about this journey over headlands and sandy coves from Bondi to Coogee, or vice versa!

Bondi to Coogee Walk Facts

The Bondi to Coogee walk distance is 6km (3.5 miles), and should comfortably take between 2.5 to 3 hours depending on your fitness level and how many stops you make to admire the stunning scenery all around!

The walk is not wheelchair or pram friendly as there are some steps along the mostly paved walkway. It runs parallel to the beach and the limestone cliffs with sandy coves.

It’s rated as a Grade 2 track, which is suitable for most ages and fitness levels, with the occasional steep section of stairs. Luckily, there are many places to rest or have a swim along the way if you do feel like you need a rest!

The top attractions along the walk are Coogee Beach, Clovelly, Bronte Beach, Tamarama Beach and Bondi Beach.

If you have your furry friend with you, you’ll be happy to know that dogs are allowed to come along for the adventure! There are also drinking fountains available at all the beaches.

You can get a Bondi to Coogee Walk Map online if you’d like a clearer picture of where you will be going on this popular scenic coastal walk.

How to get to the Bondi to Coogee Walk

If you already have accommodation somewhere in the CBD or around Sydney, it’s easy enough to get public transport to the start of the walk from either direction.

There are regular bus services between the city and Bondi Beach, as well as regular buses between the city and Bronte or Coogee. From the city centre, you’ll need to catch a bus all the way to Bondi on the 333, 380 or 381 bus.

Alternatively, if you’d like to start from Coogee, you’ll need to catch the 374 from the city all the way to Coogee. You can also catch a train from anywhere to Bondi Junction, and then hop on the bus from there to get to the start of the walk.

If you don’t want to travel you there are plenty of places to stay in both Bondi and Coogee, just head to the bottom of this post to see the best options!

Bondi to Coogee Walk Route

Although it is more widely known as the Bondi to Coogee walk, many (including myself) actually prefer to walk it in the other direction, from Coogee to Bondi. So which is best?

For us, the arrival at the Bondi Iceberg pools was much more of a wow-factor than when walking in the other direction.

There are also more options for cafes and restaurants in Bondi than there are when arriving in Coogee, so after a morning spent walking you can reward yourself with some nice food once you arrive in Bondi.

For these reasons, I’d recommend walking this route from south to north, which means walking into the sun. So make sure you pack a decent hat and sunscreen to protect your skin from the harsh Aussie sun!

Where to Start the Coogee to Bondi Walk?

First, we’ll look at how we did this lovely walk, starting from Coogee:

STARTING AT COOGEE

You’ll start right in the middle of Coogee Beach. Starting from Coogee Bay Road, turn left, heading in a northerly direction with the beach on your right-hand side.

Follow the marked walkway that will lead you past the 180m long Coogee Pier, which will be the starting point of the walk.

STARTING AT BONDI

This guide will follow the walk from the direction of Coogee to Bondi, but it is very easy to reverse the walk’s direction and do it the other way around.

If you’d like to start from Bondi, the best place to start is the centre point of the beach, at the Bondi Pavillion. Then, you’ll turn right and head south along the promenade to find the marked walkway along the coast.

It’s pretty much impossible to get lost on this walk. If you’re walking from Coogee to Bondi, as long as you have the sea on your right you’re most likely going in the right direction.

Same goes for Bondi to Coogee but the other way around, if you have the sea on your left you’re probably on the right track.

Coogee to Bondi walk points of interest

There are 15 places of interest along the walk that are worth acknowledging. Look out for them and pause along the way to appreciate the view or learn more about Sydney’s history.

Stop 1 – Coogee Beach

Starting from the Coogee Pavilion, make your way along the beach and around the corner toward the headland.

Next, take the path that veers right and off of the main path, leading towards the memorial for the local victims of the Bali Bombings.

Stop 2 – Shrine to Virgin Mary on the Fence

This is where there is said to have been apparitions of the Virgin Mary on the fence near Dolphin’s Point in Coogee. “Our Lady of the Fence Post” was erected in 2003 as a place to witness the apparition and leave blessings at the shrine.

Stop 3 – Bali Bombings Memorial

The Bali memorial is a towering Bronze Station at Dolphin’s Point, which honours everyone who died in the Bali bombings.

The three linked figures in the statue symbolize family, friends and community, as well as growth, hope and strength in unity.

Stop 4 – Dunningham Reserve Sandstone Cliffs

Make a 500m detour to the viewing spots and rocky points of this bush regeneration area in Dunningham Reserve. Admire the unique Hawkesbury Sandstone cliffs, and maybe spot a whale or dolphins in the sea below.

Stop 5 – Gordon’s Bay

Continue around the headlands for views of Gordon’s Bay, where you’ll find a small boardwalk that leads you through the native Banksia scrubs and onwards to Gordon’s Bay.

Stop 6 – Gordons Bay Underwater Nature Trail

Stop to read the information board along the walkway that depicts the interesting nature trail that is hidden beneath the waters and how it was formed. You’ll find out what makes it a snorkelers paradise!

Stop 7 – Clovelly

Clovelly Beach is surrounded by a small forest of trees, and the shallow bay is filled with calm aquamarine waters.

On the north side of the beach, you’ll find a shaded picnic area and a small playground, while on the south, there is an ocean pool and cafe as well as the Clovelly Lifesaving Club.

Stop 8 – Waverley Cemetery

The track then passes the Waverley Cemetery.

This part of the wooden boardwalk that swings around the famous cemetery was opened to the public in 2009, and was the missing piece in the Bondi to Coogee walking trail that made it into the continuous path it is now!

Stop 9 – Bronte Beach

The walk can be concluded at this point if you’ve had enough for the day, as many do in the Bondi to Bronte walk! You’ll find a lovely park behind the beach and numerous cafes and restaurants.

Bronte also has a stunning ocean pool at the southern end of the beach, as well as a sheltered rock pool called the Bogey Hole. Bronte was my personal favourite spot along the Coogee to Bondi walk.

It had such a chill vibe and I loved how there was a surfers corner at one of the beach where the waves were breaking, but also a sheltered rock pool where you could swim calmly in the clear water.

Best of both worlds! You can surf but also go for a casual swim without being swept away by the waves.

Stop 10 – Bronte SLSC

The next recognisable landmark you’ll pass is the Bronte Lifesaving Club, which offers scenic views of the beach and the pathways you’ve traversed thus far!

Stop 11 – Dobroyd Head

Further along the pathway, you’ll get to the next headland, called Dobroyd head. This is where you’ll find the Arabanoo lookout which offers fantastic views over to North and South Head and over the expansive Pacific Ocean.

Stop 12 – Tamarama

Tamarama, also called Glamarama by the locals, is where you may spot some surfers out catching the somewhat rough swell.

Tamarama beach is popular for sunbathing and playing volleyball on the courts behind the beach, and also has great BBQ and picnic facilities.

Stop 13 – Aboriginal Engraving Site

The next stop is where you’ll get to see a cliff-top engraving site along the cliff path that depicts a sea-ray or whale or perhaps a basking shark. An ancient aboriginal engraving on the rocks with sweeping ocean views!

Stop 14 – Mackenzies Point

Mackenzies Point is the largest headland and only a short stroll from Tamarama. You’ll find a lookout point here to snap some more incredible photos of the surrounding headlands as you get closer to the iconic Bondi Beach.

Stop 15 – Monument to Black Sunday

The Black Sunday monument is a statue commemorating the significant tragedy of swimmer’s lost to the sea at Bondi Beach.

It was arguably the largest mass surf rescue in Australia’s history and occurred on Sunday the 6th of February 1938.

Stop 16 – Bondi Beach

Lastly, you’ll meet the enticing sight of the Bondi Iceberg pools set on top of the crashing ocean waves as you reach the iconic Bondi Beach.

The Icebergs complex has a kiddies pool, deck, sauna, cafes and restaurants, while the northern end of the beach is where you’ll find Bondi’s children’s pool.

All along the golden sands of the 1km stretch of beach, you’ll find people swimming, surfing, snorkelling, and relaxing in the sun.

Bondi also has many shops and restaurants along the beach where you can enjoy a nice meal or a well-deserved cold one!

Where to stay near the Bondi to Coogee walk

If you are planning on embarking on this exciting meander along Sydney’s scenic coast, you want to be close by to save time and money on transport fees and additional planning.

So where is the best place to stay to make this walk easily accessible and fully enjoyable?

Bondi Beach

Bondi is possibly the most popular area along the famed Bondi Beach in Sydney. Many backpackers and Bondi locals are proud to call this area their home.

I’m actually planning to move to Sydney next year and hoping to be able to call Bondi home too. If you’d like to start the journey from Bondi Beach and make your way to Coogee, then this is the best place to base yourself.

Hotel Bondi

Hotel Bondi offers comfortable accommodation across the road from Bondi Beach, with a magnificent view of the stretch of golden sands. There are many nearby shops, bars and restaurants to relax and refuel after the coastal walk.

Check out the latest prices and availability at Hotel Bondi here

Bondi Beach Backpackers

Bondi Backpackers is just a 2 minute walk from the beach and offers dorm rooms with free use of surfboards, snorkelling equipment and bodyboards.

It’s a great affordable option and a good place to make friends to come along on your walk with you!

Click here to see the latest prices and availability at Bondi Beach Backpackers

Coogee

Coogee is an easy part of Sydney to get to from the airport, located just about 15 minutes away and with many different accommodation options, but not as many shopping locations as there are around Bondi.

Coogee Sands Hotel and Apartments

Coogee Sands is located in an excellent position in Coogee just 20 metres from the beach. There are different room types to suit all types of travellers and great views of where you’ll be walking along the scenic coast!

Book your stay at Coogee Sands Hotel here!

Coogee Beach House

Coogee Beach House is a more affordable option that offers a variety of rooms with a great location near Coogee beach – breakfast included!

Click here to see the latest prices and availability at Coogee Beach House

What to pack for the Bondi Beach walk

The Bondi to Coogee walk, or Coogee to Bondi, is open to the elements and so it’s important that you take the appropriate gear with you!

Packing list for the Bondi to Coogee walk:

– Comfortable walking shoes – it may be a pretty walk with lots of beach involved but you’re still going to be walking for 6km!

– Hat

– Sunglasses

– Sunscreen – the Aussie sun can be very harsh!

– Water bottle (there are refill stations along the way)

– Light all-weather jacket – you never know!

– Snacks – in case none of the cafes hit your fancy!

– Swimsuits

– Fast drying towel

Final thoughts on the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

The Bondi to Coogee Beach coastal walk is an incredibly scenic coastal walk that is a must-do experience when staying in Sydney!

There is so much to look out for and interesting history to discover along the way, not to mention the constant awe-inspiring views of the headlands and the views all the way across the ocean to the distant horizon!

You’ll have the chance to spot some marine life, visit iconic parks and beaches, swim in stunning pools, and have an overall good and active excursion out in the sunshine before reaching the most famous beach in Sydney!

There are a few alternatives to this walk, and it can be shortened or lengthened depending on your fitness level.

I loved ending the walk in Bondi to have a nice refreshing swim and a drink at one of the many seaside cafes to really take in the views and enjoy the lively atmosphere!

Looking for more Australia travel tips? Check out these guides:

• Daintree Rainforest tour from Cairns
• Blue Mountains day tour from Sydney
• Australia road trip planner
• Noosa Heads fairy pools guide
• Best things to do in Fraser Island in 3 days
• Great Ocean Road 2-day itinerary
• Everything you need to know about visiting the Whitsunday Islands
• Brisbane to Cairns 2-week road trip itinerary
• Aussie outback packing list
• 7 epic day trips from Cairns
• Should you snorkel or scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef?
• Uluru 3-day itinerary

Enjoyed reading about the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk? Pin it!