The Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk: Map, Photos & Is It Worth It?

About the Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk

The Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk is a 4 mile (6.4 km) walk along Sydney’s eastern shores. You’ll pass some of the best beaches in Sydney as well as a collection of more local bays, beaches, and parks.

The walk is suitable for those of all ages and levels of fitness.

You’ll hike along the coast with minimal tree cover, so do bring sunscreen as you will be exposed to the elements throughout your walk.

While living in Sydney, I completed this walk three times. I’ve walked the traditional direction by starting in Coogee, and have also done the walk from Bondi to Coogee. In my opinion, the standard route of starting in Coogee and ending in Bondi is ideal. The views are best when looking out towards Bondi Beach, plus there is more to do at Bondi upon finishing the walk.

I also did this walk on a visit to Sydney in 2015, when I was just 12 years old. Some of the photos in this guide were taken during that walk.

I recommend completing the walk in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat. That way, upon reaching Bondi Beach, you can spend the hotter part of the day in the water. Relaxing on the beach after finishing the walk is a nice reward. Alternatively, you can start the walk just before sunset for some fantastic photos.

And if you like this walk, you may also like the Spit to Manly Walk, a similar walk in Sydney that takes you along the northern beaches and the suburb of Manly.

Coogee to Bondi  Coastal Walk Map

Coogee to Bondi Trail Stats

Distance: 6.4 km (4.0 miles)
Difficulty: Easy
Total Ascent: 190 meters (625 feet)
Total Descent: 195 meters (640 feet)
Time: 2 to 3 hours

Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk elevation profile

Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk

Step-By-Step Trail Guide

Coogee Beach

Beginning in Coogee, follow the paved path that loops around the northern side of the beach. You’ll reach an open, grassy park with benches alongside the path that overlook the beach. This is a great spot to enjoy a meal and lookout over the beautiful coastline.

Coogee Beach

Continue to follow this wide path and follow signs for “Eastern Beaches Coastal Walkway”. Some signs use this as the name for the Coogee to Bondi walk.

Along your walk, the trail will feature a lot of small climbing segments. You’ll frequently hike down to a nearby beach, walk across said beach, and hike back up to overlook the coast. 

The view between Coogee Beach and Gordon’s Bay

Gordon’s Bay & Clovelly Beach

About 15 minutes after departing Coogee, the path will lead you down to Gordon’s Bay, which is supposedly a great spot for snorkeling.

Gordon’s Bay | Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk

After Gordon’s Bay, you’ll climb up and down a large stone staircase, and a few minutes later arrive at Clovelly Beach. There is a large parking lot here, a cafe, playground, and public restrooms.

From Clovelly Beach, the trail will lead through Burrows Park, which is a collection of sports fields and outdoor gym equipment that overlooks Clovelly Beach. Continue onwards to Waverley Cemetery. Here you’ll have great coastal views in either direction.

The view looking back towards Clovelly Surf Club and Coogee Beach

On the rocky peninsula between Clovelly Beach and Waverley Cemetery

Waverley Cemetery. This is about the halfway point of the walk.

The view from Lookout Point

Bronte Beach

A few minutes beyond Lookout Point, you’ll arrive at Bronte Beach, which is one of the largest beaches you will see on this walk. Here you’ll find a natural saltwater swimming pool, a large park, public restrooms, and cafes that line the road nearby.

When we walked the trail in April of 2023, there were signs posted stating that the beach was closed due to dangerous currents. If you see signs like this, don’t get in the water. You can however still enjoy sunbathing in the sand, but do so further from shore.

Bronte Beach

Bronte Beach | Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk

Tamarama Beach

Cut across to the northern end of Bronte Beach, where you’ll continue up a small hill and hike down to Tamarama Beach. You can think of this spot as a smaller Bronte Beach, but just as beautiful and with far fewer people. Keep in mind that there are less amenities here than at Bronte, and this beach was closed as well due to dangerous surf.

Tamarama Beach is the last beach you’ll find before reaching Bondi Beach, which is about a mile from here.

Tamarama Beach

The coastal cliffs between Tamarama Beach and Bondi Beach

Looking back at Tamarama Beach

The view from Marks Park, looking back towards Bronte Beach

Bondi Beach

After Tamarama Beach, you’ll enter Marks Park and then walk past Squid Bay. At the northern end of Squid Bay is a fantastic panoramic lookout offering sweeping views of Bondi. In my opinion, the views here are the best on the entire trail. This is a great spot for a photoshoot.

Walk down to sea level along a paved stone path, and after climbing up your last short staircase, you’ll arrive at Bondi Icebergs, situated at the southern edge of Bondi Beach. This can be regarded as the end of your trail, but for some their walk isn’t completed until they step onto Bondi’s white-sand beach.

Bondi Beach and Icebergs Pool

Bondi Icebergs | Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk

Bondi Beach

Before and After the Walk

What to Do in Bondi

Bondi Beach hosts the Icebergs Swimming Club, which is both a scenic saltwater pool and restaurant/bar. Grab a bite here and go for a swim.

You can learn how to surf with Let’s Go Surfing, one of the top companies in Australia for surf rentals and lessons.

Don’t forget to spend your time sunbathing on Bondi’s white-sand beach, and afterwards stop at one of many fantastic restaurants that line the beach. After one of the walks I did, I had a great lunch at Bondi Trattoria.

What to Do in Coogee

Coogee Beach is much smaller than Bondi but is just as vibrant. The beach is surrounded by a quaint suburb full of enjoyable restaurants, and you’ll often find people picnicking out in the nearby grassy park. There is usually minimal surf at Coogee Beach, so it’s a great spot to relax in the water.

How to Get to Coogee and Bondi

How to Get to Coogee Beach

From Circular Quay, take bus 373 or 374 to Coogee Beach (40 minutes). Get off at ‘Arden Street near Coogee Beach.’ You can get bus timetables here. You can also use Uber to get to Coogee Beach.

How to Get to Bondi

To return to the city center of Sydney, take bus 333, 380, or 389 to Circular Quay. You can also use Uber to get to and from Bondi Beach.

How to Get Between Bondi and Coogee

If you want to return to where you started the walk, perhaps because you drove to the start, then taking a bus usually involves a transfer. See the New South Wales Transport website for route details and bus numbers. Alternatively, you can take an Uber.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the walk from Coogee to Bondi?

The walk from Coogee to Bondi is 6 km (about 4 miles) and takes 2 to 3 hours. On this walk, you pass several of Sydney’s most famous beaches, plus get to see stunning coastal scenery.

Should I walk Bondi to Coogee or Coogee to Bondi?

We have done the walk in both directions and think it is best walking from Coogee to Bondi. In this direction, the views are best when looking out towards Bondi Beach, plus there is more to do at Bondi upon finishing the walk.

Is the Coogee to Bondi walk difficult?

The Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk is a 6 km (4 mile) walk that is rated as easy. There are some ups and downs on the trail, as well as a few staircases to climb, but this is a good walk for all ages and ability levels.

Is the Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk worth it?

The Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk is one of Sydney’s most famous coastal walks. On this walk, you get to see several of Sydney’s most beautiful beaches (on this list are Coogee, Bronte, Bondi, and Clovelly), rugged coastal cliffs, hidden bays, and saltwater pools. There are also numerous cafes along the walk, if you want to take a break and grab a bite to eat. This walk is one of the best things to do in Sydney.

Bondi Beach | Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk

More Great Hikes Around the World

If You Like This Hike…

If you like the Coogee to Bondi Coastal Trail, here are six similar hikes from around the world:

• The Cinque Terre, Italy
• The Path of the Gods, Amalfi Coast, Italy
• The Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
• The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, Algarve, Portugal
• The Stave-Bleik Coastal Trail, Vesteralen Islands, Norway
• Walking from Fira to Oia, Santorini, Greece 

If you have any questions about the Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk, or if you want to share your experience, let us know in the comment section below.

More Information for Your Trip to Australia

SYDNEY: Get started with our Sydney Bucket List, which contains 40 of the best things to do in Sydney. We also have a guide to 20 great restaurants and bars in Sydney, the best beaches in Sydney, where to stay in Sydney, the Spit to Manly walk, and a Guide to Skydiving in Sydney.

SYDNEY ITINERARIES: Learn how to plan your time with our One Day in Sydney itinerary, 2 Days in Sydney Itinerary, our 3 Days in Sydney Itinerary, and our 4 Days in Sydney Itinerary.

BLUE MOUNTAINS: Get started with our article Best Things to Do in the Blue Mountains and learn how to spend one day in the Blue Mountains. We also have a guide on how to visit Scenic World, how to hike the Wentworth Falls Track Loop, and a detailed trail guide for the Grand Canyon Track.

TASMANIA: In Tasmania, hike to Cape Raoul and Wineglass Bay, explore the Tasman Peninsula, spend some time on Bruny Island, visit Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, and cruise to Tasman Island.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA: One of the best things to do in South Australia is to visit the wine regions near Adelaide. Plan your visit with our Guide to McLaren Vale, our Guide to Barossa Valley, and our Guide to Clare Valley.

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