Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk: An Insider’s Guide to the Trail

The Bondi to Coogee walk is one of the most iconic coastal walks in Australia — and for good reason. With sweeping ocean views, stunning beaches, and plenty of spots to stop along the way, it’s easily one of the best things to do in Sydney.

But if you’re wondering how long it takes, where to start, or what to expect, this guide covers everything you need to know. From key highlights and hidden gems to practical tips and the best time to go, here’s how to plan the perfect Bondi to Coogee walk without the stress.

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk: The Stats

Length: ~6.4km/4 miles one way (12.8km/8 miles roundtrip) 
Distance: 5.5km (one way)
Difficulty: Easy – moderate
Time: Allow at least 1.5 hours- may take longer if you’re stopping for pics along the way like I do!
Bring: a hat and sunscreen, sneakers/hiking boots, camera, and a reusable water bottle
Start of trail: Notts Avenue – Bondi Icebergs or Coogee Beach (South)

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk Tips

Here’s a few tips you may want to know before you take on the walk:

1. If you can, avoid the weekends – especially midday. Whilst the trail is fairly wide, it can get pretty busy!
2. Bring a water bottle, a hat and sunscreen as there is no shade on the trail. You can also refill your water at plenty of places along the way. There is also the option to stop at a cafe along the way.
3. Ideally, start early and combine it with coffee and breakfast at a cafe either before or after you finish.
4. If you are visiting between May and October, keep an eye out for migrating Humpback Whales! They aren’t rare and you can often see them from the trail. Dolphins are also possible to see all year round.
5. If you don’t like swimming in the ocean there are various ocean baths you can soak in along the way for free!
6. Gordons Bay is one of the best snorkelling spots in the whole of Sydney. You will walk past this spot on the walk so keep that in mind if you have the time.
7. The Coogee Pavilion is a great place to finish the walk. You can get a well-earned drink and they also have things like table tennis and games.
8. You can continue the walk from Coogee to Maroubra another one of the best beaches in Sydney, which will take another hour or so.
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The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

Starting at Bondi Icebergs: Sydney’s most famous ocean bath

If you’re starting point is at Bondi, the trail leaves the road via some steps down to the shore then soon heads up to the top of the cliffs to MacKenzie’s Point which is a viewing platform where you can see out to sea for miles.

Stunning beach no.1: Tamarama

Follow the cliff top path around from Bondi and you’ll eventually get to Tamarama Beach.

Stunning beach 2: Bronte

Bronte is like Bondi’s sister beach and has an ocean pool poo for lap swimming, a smaller rock pool, a kiosk for snacks and a bunch of cafes up on Bronte Rd.

Waverley Cemetery & Clovelly Bowls Club

The track soon moves onto a stunning boardwalk that makes you feel like you’re suspended above the sea, offerring the ocean on one side and a cemetery on the other. After the boardwalk you will pass Clovelly Bowls Club and the sports ground.

Want everything planned for you? My 7-day Sydney itinerary breaks down exactly what to do each day, plus local tips to help you make the most of your trip.

Stunning beach 3: Clovelly Beach & Gordon’s Bay

After the park, the track descends to Clovelly Beach, a very narrow, but long stretch of sand. On the far side is another ocean bath and concrete platform to stroll along by the water. Behind this is a cafe which is another great place to stop for a drink. Gordon’s Bay is the least crowded of all 6 beaches and a wonderful spot for a snorkel.

Stunning beach 4: Coogee

You’ve reached the end of the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk! Enjoy a drink at Coogee Pavilion or a swim at the women’s only bath! Coogee is one of Sydney’s best beaches and is definitely a well worth reward for the walk!

Public Transport to the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

Getting to/from Bondi: Public Transport is by far the easiest way to get to the start and end of the Bondi to Coogee Walk. The best way to get to Bondi is either by the 333 or 380 bus (this goes regularly from Circular Quay Stand B). This will drop you off at Campbell Parade by Bondi Beach.

Alternatively, you can get the train from Central, Town Hall, Martin Place or Kings Cross to Bondi Junction. You can get a bus from the train station down to the beach.

The bus from Circular Quay normally takes about 45 minutes and the train is a lot quicker.

Getting to/from Coogee: The only way to Coogee is by bus. Buses go from Central station in the city or from the bus stands at Eddy Street. Just look at the front of each bus and see which stops at Coogee. 

If you want to park to do this walk, you’ll need to find a back street. Although you can park on the Bondi Beach front, the cost is high and the hours are limited. It is also incredibly busy, even at 8am!

If you’re doing the walk we’d recommend leaving the car at home. The hassle of parking on the Eastern beaches (especially on a weekend) just isn’t worth it. You can easily get an uber or get there by public transport.

Sculpture by the Sea

A fun version of the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is to do the track during the time Sculpture by the Sea is on. If you time it right (it is usually on in October) then you can do the walk at the same time that quirky art is being exhibited along the path between Bondi and Tamarama.

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As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
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