A Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

If you’re planning a trip to Sydney, there’s no doubt the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk has appeared on some of the best things to do in the city.

I’ve done this walk several times and, like many others, can attest to how incredible it is. Several things make this walk special, firstly, the fact it’s so close to Sydney CBD is great. You can go from the city skyscrapers to coastal scenery in less than 1 hour. Also, you don’t need to be a professional hiker to enjoy the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk – it’s accessible for most people and there are plenty of stopping points along the way.

Both locals and tourists enjoy the Bondi to Coogee Coastal walk too with many using it as a running trail before work and then visitors to the city taking in the sights throughout the day.

Stay here if you’re planning a holiday to Sydney
👉 The Porter House Hotel Sydney

This guide to the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is designed to show you what you can see along the way, give you some helpful hints and tips to make the most of the walk, and to convince you to add this activity on to your itinerary for your Sydney trip!

What Is the Bondi To Coogee Coastal Walk?

The Bondi to Coogee Walk is a coastal train between Sydney’s Bondi Beach and Coogee Beach. The walk consists of pathways and paved sections with a small amount on the roadside and will take you past some spectacular parts of the coastline including Gordons Bay, Clovelly Beach and Bondi Icebergs. Be prepared for gorgeous beaches, waves crashing against rocky sections of the walk, and both locals and tourists using this popular trail from dawn until dusk.

You can do the walk one way – around 6km in length – or do a there and back walk from your starting point to enjoy the Bondi to Coogee Walk both ways. No doubt you’ll see something different doing it both ways!

Quick Guide For The Bondi To Coogee Coastal Walk

Distance
Approximately 6 kilometres

Time
Around 2–3 hours, depending on pace and stops. You can also spend all day completing this walk but 2-3 hours is the minimum time you should allow to walk between Bondi and Coogee.

What You’ll See Along The Way
Bondi Beach, Bondi Icebergs, Mackenzies Point, Tamarama Beach, Bronte Beach, Waverley Cemetery, Clovelly Beach, Gordons Bay and Coogee Beach.

Starting Point for The Bondi To Coogee Coastal Walk
Bondi Beach (near Bondi Icebergs or the southern end of the beach). If you’re starting at Coogee Beach, head to the North end of Coogee Beach towards the Bali Memorial, you’ll see the trail from here.

Finishing Point for The Bondi To Coogee Coastal Walk
Coogee Beach or Bondi Beach depending on your direction!

How To Get There

• To Bondi Beach: Bus services run frequently from the city centre in Sydney – look out for either the 333 or the 380 from main spots such as Circular Quay or Town Hall, as well as Elizabeth Street near Hyde Park. Alternatively, you can catch a train to Bondi Junction from Central,Town Hall or Martin Place and then hop on a bus from Bondi Junction to Bondi Beach. You can also take a 25-minute walk from Bondi Junction to Bondi Beach down Bondi Road.

• To Coogee Beach: Regular buses run to Coogee for the centre of Sydney – look out for either the 373 or the 374 for a quick and affordable transport option.

• Buses take cards so all you need to do is tap on with your bank card – it’s easy peasy!

• Alternatively, you can get a taxi to either Bondi Beach or Coogee Beach – a great way if you’re short on time but can afford a bit more for the convenience.

Public Toilets
Public toilets are available at Bondi Beach, Tamarama Beach, Bronte Beach, Clovelly, and Coogee Beach.

Accessibility of the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
The walk is not fully wheelchair accessible due to stairs, steep sections, and uneven paths. Some individual sections near beaches and parks are accessible but parts are not suitable for those who struggle walking or are walking with a stroller or buggy.

Bondi to Coogee Walk Difficulty
As mentioned above, the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Trail is not fully accessible and does require a moderate level of fitness. However, it is easily done even if you don’t class yourself as a walker. The trail is easily broken up into small sections with plenty of stopping points along the way and there’s no way you’re going to be walking non-stop, especially with the views along the way. 

There are some hills and steps as you dip into the coves and beaches along the walk but again, there’s no rush and is suitable for those who don’t do intense hikes.

Best Time for the Bondi To Coogee Coastal Walk
I’ve enjoyed this walk in winter, spring and summer and all have been incredible. Of course it’s more spectacular in the sun which makes Sydney’s coastal colours really pop but even on a cloudy day, you can get away from the dramatic views.

Here are my recommended times to do the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

• Early morning – it’s quieter and if you start in Bondi you have the chance of catching a beautiful sunrise before you start the walk.
• On a cooler day – the Sydney heat can be relentless so if you’re visiting in the height of summer try and pick a cooler day if your schedule allows.
• During Sculpture by The Sea which turns the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk into an outdoor art gallery. The trail can get crowded around points during this event so although I’d recommend visiting during this period, be aware it can get busy.

There are also seasonal variations to consider

• Summer (Dec-Feb): This time of year is hot, sunny, great for swimming, but can get very busy. This time of year is when it’s especially important to enjoy the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk earlier or later in the day.
• Autumn (Mar-May): This is when you’ll find the walk warm, pleasant, and also less crowded than summer. I’ve done it in Spring before and although I landed on a cloudy day, it was a gorgeous temperature to enjoy the views.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and comfortable for walking. This time of year is especially excellent for spotting migrating humpback whales so grab your binoculars if you want the chance to spot some incredible wildlife.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and beautiful weather which often coincides with the “Sculpture by the Sea” event. This event is amazing with art dotted along the trail from Bondi, but just be cautious that this can also draw in big crowds, making parts of the trail a bit difficult to pass.

Top Tips For The Bondi To Coogee Coastal Walk

Start In Coogee

Personally, I prefer to start the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk in Coogee. Doing it this way round means you can end your walk with that classic view of Bondi and spend the rest of your day hanging out on Australia’s most famous beach, grabbing some lunch on Bondi’s promenade, and even welcome in the evening with a few cocktails at one of the many bars around this lively suburb.

If you do enjoy the walk going from Bondi to Coogee, there is plenty to do in Coogee – the beach is gorgeous and it’s always fun to enjoy a few refreshing schooners at the Coogee Bay Hotel.

Start Early in the Morning

Although this walk won’t be deserted in the morning – Sydney has a large group of early birds who enjoy a coastal run/walk/swim when the sun rises – it will be quieter than if you were to start at lunchtime. 

The most recent time I’ve done this walk, we started just before 10am after grabbing a coffee and pastry from Little Jack Horner to enjoy on the beach (watch out for the seagulls if you do this, I got swiped by one that was after my croissant!) 

There were already a good amount of people heading out to do the same walk we were about to enjoy and it was particularly crowded coming to Mackenzies Point Lookout around 1.30pm. Although we set off later than expected, the walk was still enjoyable and we weren’t jostling for space until we got to the area around Bondi.

Allow Around 3 Hours

I’d recommend allowing around 3 hours to enjoy the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk but you can definitely spend the best part of a day walking this trail. There’s plenty of stops along the way where you can enjoy a coffee, grab food, enjoy a surf, or relax on the beach. If you do it in 3 hours though, you won’t be rushing – you can take it steady and soak in the views. I’ve done it quicker than this before but as you can see from the times above, we took around 4 hours to do it on our latest walk in October. It was a gorgeous day, I was stopping a lot to take photos, and we enjoyed a little relax and swim at Clovelly Beach.

Take a Snorkel

If you’re going for a swim at Clovelly Beach or Gordon’s Bay, take a snorkel as you’ll likely see some incredible wildlife underwater. Gordon’s Bay has an underwater trail and at Clovelly Beach there were stingrays and plenty of fish to spot. We didn’t have a waterproof phone case to take photos so I’d also recommend one of these too!

Wear Comfortable Shoes

I’ve done this walk in trainers, sandals, and flip flops, and all were comfortable so it’s whatever you’re happiest in. I would say trainers were probably the better option just for steadiness but I’d wear my Teva sandals anytime on this walk. They’re ideal if it’s a hot day, have good grip for any uneven surfaces, and easier if you want to take a dip in the sea.

Take Plenty Of Water

This one goes without saying but it’s worth taking plenty of water for the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. Especially if it’s a hot day you’ll need it as there’s not much shade along the trail.

Be Aware Of Safety Conditions

Although the Bondi To Coogee Coastal Walk is mainly paved and well marked, it’s worth being aware that there are some rocky parts and sections which run along the top of the cliffs. There are no barriers on some parts so be careful on these sections if you’re travelling with kids or venturing a bit closer to the water to enjoy the view.

Most sections are also patrolled by lifeguards but if you’re taking a dip in a section that doesn’t have lifeguards, make sure you’re aware of the sea conditions and have knowledge of local rips that can be dangerous to even the strongest swimmers. On lifeguard patrolled beaches, stay between the flags so you can remain as safe as possible.

Australia’s sun, heat and UV conditions can also be brutal so take a hat, plenty of water and suncream to stay protected from the heat.

Fancy doing the walk with a guide? Try this out 👉 Bondi Sunrise Yoga and Coastal Walking Tour

Top Stops Along The Bondi To Coogee Coastal Walk (Starting From Coogee Beach)

Coogee Beach To Gordons Bay – Distance = 0.8km

Accessed only by pedestrian footpaths and reminiscent of a European island beach with the fishing boats lined up on the shore, Gordons Bay is a secluded haven both on and off land. This sheltered cove is a stunning first stop on the Bondi to Coogee (or Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk?) and if you like snorkelling there is a 600m long underwater nature trail to enjoy, which on a clear day can be done from the surface of the water.

I’ve not done the underwater nature trail but Gordons Bay is probably my favourite stop on the coastal walk – it’s quiet, peaceful, and just so picturesque. 

Gordons Bay to Clovelly Beach – Distance = 1km

If you like a bit of sand with your snorkelling, Clovelly Beach is the place for you. Another sheltered cove with plenty of space for sunbathing, Clovelly Beach also has an array of marine wildlife to spot on an ocean swim. There’s no underwater trail here, although in the water you might spot a big blue grouper named “Bluey”. There’s also a 25m long salt water pool if you don’t want a dip in the ocean, and plenty of concrete platforms if you want some time by the beach without getting sandy. If we weren’t heading for Bondi, I could’ve stayed here all day.

Clovelly Beach to Waverley Cemetery – Distance = 1km

One of the most striking sights on the Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk is the state-heritage listed Waverley Cemetery.  What must be one of the most beautiful locations for a cemetery, Waverley Cemetery sits on top of the cliffs near Bronte Beach and covers over  40 hectares of land overlooking the South Pacific Ocean. First opened in 1877, this is the resting place for around 100,000 people, some of which are notable Australians, with many grand monuments for those who lay here made from white carrara marble.

If you have the time and inclination, you can take a wander around Waverley Cemetery or just admire the views as you walk by to the next stop of Bronte Beach.

Waverley Cemetery to Bronte Beach – Distance = 0.8km

Bronte Beach is a good pit stop if you fancy a quick coffee or drink. With plenty of coffee shops – there’s Salina Cafe, Jenny’s Cafe, Coop Bronte, Lazy Frog, or the Bogey Hole Cafe, and many others to choose from – grab a refreshment and watch as the waves roll in at Bronte Beach. If not though, Bronte is a wonderful part of the Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk and is another beach with a saltwater pool – this one is 30m long! – if you need to cool off when the weather’s warm. 

Bronte Beach is also a popular spot for summer barbeques thanks to the park behind the beach which has plenty of space and loads of barbeques and picnic benches to enjoy an afternoon at! Surfers also come here to catch waves but conditions can be challenging due to underwater rocks, so grab your board if you’re an experienced rider only!

Bronte Beach to Tamarama Beach – Distance = 1.2km

Also known as “Glamarama”, Tamarama Beach is a gorgeous beach that’s great for surfing if you do want to catch a wave or two although it is still recommended for experienced surfers. I could’ve happily watched people riding the waves all day! Just like Bronte Beach, you can enjoy a barbeque here too – just rock up with your own food and cook up a storm on a warm day!

Tamarama Beach is also where you can enjoy the start of Sculpture by the Sea if you’re visiting in October – a wonderful 2km trail full of incredible art work set against the blue hues of Sydney’s ocean and sky.

Tamarama Beach to Mackenzies Bay and Mackenzies Point – Distance = 0.6km

Mackenzies Bay is one of the smallest parts of the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk which most of the time just appears as a rocky inlet but when the conditions are right, a small sandy beach appears. The rocks can be slippery here if you do venture a bit closer to the water so I’d recommend sticking to the path as this part of the walk isn’t patrolled by lifeguards. This part of the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk also gets rather busy when the Sculpture By The Sea trail is on – however the art is amazing so it is worth battling the crowds for. 

Other times of the year, this part of the walk, for me, is a link to get between Tamarama Beach and possibly one of the most iconic parts of the Bondi to Coogee Coastal walk…

Mackenzies Point to Bondi Icebergs – Distance = 0.6km

Bondi Icebergs is one of those places you see on classic photos of Bondi Beach. The turquoise blue water of the saltwater pool creates a contrast against the pale sand of Bondi – definitely grab your camera for your own photo of this postcard view. The good news is, if you’ve brought your swimmers and want a dip in this famous 50m pool, it’s open to the public as long as there’s space so why not enjoy a swim?

Bondi Icebergs has been open since 1929 and official swimming members have to compete in weekly Sunday races between May and December for 5 years. That’s some commitment! If you’re more committed to enjoying the view, you can get some food and drink at the Icebergs Dining Room!

Bondi Icebergs to Bondi Beach – Distance = 0.5km

Surely, this is Australia’s most famous beach right? If you’re in Sydney, you can’t not go visit Bondi Beach and ending the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk here is a great way to get your first taste of this part of Sydney’s coastline. You can’t get away from Bondi’s energy – it’s a lively place where many people come to enjoy a slice of the good life. 

Along Bondi’s main street, Campbell Parade, there are plenty of places to grab some food or a well-earned drink after your walk. We landed on Curly Lewis Brewing Co. for some snacks by the sea and a drink or two. Salty’s next door also looked like a good place to get food and a drink with the amount of people enjoying a lunchtime break there.

Try this out at Bondi Beach 👉 2 Hour Surf Experience At Bondi Beach

If, like us, you don’t want to leave Bondi immediately after finishing your walk, it’s well worth spending the rest of your day here. We enjoyed a stroll along the beach, again watching people catch some waves, and headed up to North Bondi for a cocktail at Pocket Bondi. Just set a little back off the beach, this small cocktail bar is a delicious way to wile away an hour. It could easily be set on a Spanish island with its white interiors and warm lighting. 

The rest of our day was then spent getting ice cream at Anita’s and venturing up to 44 North to enjoy a few more drinks while a big storm rolled in.

If you don’t want to spend the rest of your day enjoying the local haunts of Bondi, there are plenty of shops to spend some Aussie dollars in. One of the main things I wanted to do in Bondi and sadly didn’t get around to doing (I don’t know why because it was basically opposite 44 North) was to have a look around Aquabumps, a photo gallery of gorgeous pictures of Bondi taken by Uge. Nearly every day, Uge heads down to the beach and documents life at Bondi capturing the waves, people surfing, locals enjoying a stroll in the morning sun…it doesn’t look like a bad way to be living life.

He sends out an almost daily email with the photos he’s captured, as well as an update on the morning’s weather and surf, but you can also check the photos out in the Aquabumps gallery. I always promised myself, after being a skint backpacker living in Sydney for a year, that I’d treat myself to a print when I made it back to the city. But, that will have to be for next time now!

However you end up spending your time in Bondi, it’s an easy place to spend a day or more, just soaking up the atmosphere and living the dream Aussie beach life for a few hours! 

FAQs for the Bondi To Coogee Coastal Walk

How Long is the Bondi to Coogee walk?

It’s around 6km long one-way. Return to your starting point to make the walk 12km and enjoy a longer stroll!

Is Bondi to Coogee Better Than Coogee to Bondi?

Personally, I prefer starting the Bondi to Coogee Walk at Coogee Beach. For me, this is because I love seeing Bondi Beach come into view as I circle round from Mackenzies Point. There’s also a lot more to do in Bondi if you plan on spending the rest of your day at the beach. However, Coogee is a gorgeous beach and is a really relaxing place to spend your time if you end the Bondi to Coogee Coastal walk here.

On a Sunday, I’d actually recommend doing the coastal trail from Bondi to Coogee and go and enjoy Sunday afternoon drinks at Coogee Bay Beach Hotel along with many other Aussie’s and tourists!

Can You Do the Bondi to Coogee Walk With Kids?

Yes definitely although not for those who require a buggy. There are plenty of stops along the way for tired little feet and as mentioned much of the coastal trail is paved. Just be careful around sections of the walk where there are no barriers on the cliff tops. 

Is the Bondi to Coogee Walk Free?

Yes, it’s completely free so it’s a great activity to do if you’re visiting Sydney on a budget!

Can You Do Part Of The Bondi to Coogee Walk?

Definitely, you can just do small sections of it depending on the amount of time you have. Each section is beautiful in its own way so pick a section and enjoy!

Is the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk Open Year-Round?

It is! The Bondi to Coogee Walk is open 365 days a year and if you’re lucky enough to enjoy Sydney throughout several seasons, you’ll get to experience the walk in different ways.