Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk: Sydney’s Most Iconic Walk
One thing about me: I explore cities on foot.
Walking is free, it helps me get my bearings quickly, and it gives me a much better sense of how a city fits together. I’m always more confident navigating once I’ve seen it with my own eyes instead of just on a map.
Most of my exploring happens early in the morning. I sneak out while my kids and husband are still asleep, grab a coffee, and wander - making it back by the time they’re waking up, already caffeinated and ready for the day.
Before our trip to Sydney, I added the Bondi to Coogee Beach Walk to my list. This iconic trail follows Sydney’s eastern shoreline, passing Bondi, Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly, and Coogee beaches.
Some mornings I walked solo as the sun rose over the Pacific; another afternoon we tackled part of the path as a family on the hunt for dinner. However you do it, the Bondi to Coogee walk is a relaxed, scenic way to experience Sydney which is exactly how I like to explore a city.
This walk is so popular that it even has its own page on the official Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, highlighting why it’s one of Sydney’s most loved coastal routes.
Walking the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Trail
Coastal walk sign in Tamarama with distances listed.
The Bondi to Coogee Beach Walk is one of those rare experiences that truly lives up to the hype, it was clear why this walk is considered a Sydney must-do. The path hugs the coastline, offering uninterrupted ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and the kind of scenery that makes you stop every few minutes to take photos.
The walk is easy to moderate, with a well-maintained paved path for most of the route. There are several staircases and gentle climbs, but nothing that feels overwhelming. Instead, the elevation changes add variety and constantly reward you with new perspectives of the coastline.
Beaches Along the Bondi to Coogee Walk
One of the best parts of the Bondi to Coogee Beach Walk is that it doesn’t feel like one long stretch of path, it feels like a collection of distinct beach experiences, each with its own personality.
Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach is where the walk begins (or ends) and it sets the tone immediately. Famous for its surfing culture, lively atmosphere, and endless café options, Bondi always feels energetic.
The iconic Bondi Icebergs pool
At the southern end of the beach, the iconic Bondi Icebergs ocean pool clings dramatically to the coastline, making it one of the most photographed spots along the walk. You can pay to swim in the iconic Bondi Icebergs pool, but fair warning—it’s as cold as ice, no matter the season.
I loved the rock formations from Bondi to Tamarama, they truly feel otherworldly.
Tamarama Beach
Just beyond Bondi, Tamarama feels smaller and more intimate. Framed by cliffs and offering sweeping ocean views, it’s a picturesque stretch that often feels quieter than its famous neighbor. It’s a perfect place to pause, sip your coffee, and watch the waves roll in before continuing along the trail.
Bronte Beach
Bronte is a local favorite and less touristy. With grassy picnic areas, a family-friendly vibe, and a beautiful natural rock pool, it’s an ideal mid-walk stop. Whether you’re stretching your legs, cooling off in the water, or simply soaking in the scenery, Bronte invites you to linger a little longer.
Waves crashing along the rocks at Bronte Baths.
Bronte is home to the Bronte Baths, a beloved ocean pool carved into the sandstone cliff rocks at the southern end of the beach. Constructed in the late 1880’s, it’s a popular spot for a mid-walk dip or a break by the water, especially in the early morning hours.
Clovelly Beach & Gordon’s Bay
As the coastline curves inward, the scenery shifts at Clovelly Beach. The walk moves off land onto the Waverley Cemetery Sesquicentenary Boardwalk, a recently renovated metal boardwalk section. Dramatically perched on the cliffs overlooking the ocean, the historic headstones set against crashing waves and endless blue views make this stretch of the walk especially striking and one of the most memorable photo stops along the trail.
Clovelly was my turnaround point on the walk. This narrow, calm bay is popular for swimming thanks to its protected waters. It took me just about an hour to make it from Bondi Icebergs to this point, stopping every few minutes to take pictures and videos - it can also be done much quicker! It was easy enough to fit into a quiet morning before the rest of the family woke up.
Just beyond Clovelly, Gordon’s Bay is well known for snorkeling and its underwater nature trail, offering a completely different way to experience Sydney’s coastline.
Coogee Beach
Image of Coogee from Sydney.com website.
Coogee Beach marks the end (or beginning) of the Bondi to Coogee walk. The wide sandy beach is backed by cafés, restaurants, and bars, making it an easy place to refuel after the walk. Coogee is also home to several ocean pools, including Wylie’s Baths and Giles Baths, perfect for a refreshing swim with a view.
No tickets, no tours, no schedule - just comfortable shoes, a coffee in hand, and the ocean alongside me. It was the kind of walk that didn’t feel like an “activity,” just a really good way to start the day.
If you like exploring on foot, sneaking out early while the city is still quiet, and seeing a place at a slower pace, this walk is absolutely worth doing. For me, it was one of those mornings that reminded me why I’ll always choose walking as my favorite way to explore a city. Views like these make every step worth it.
Make sure to check out my other Australian blogs!
What I Packed: Australia in January
