Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk – New South Wales, Australia
Another place I really wanted to see while in Sydney was Bondi Beach—partly because of its iconic status, and partly because I’ve heard about it countless times on shows like Bondi Rescue. While browsing AllTrails, I discovered the popular Bondi to Coogee Walk, but decided to tackle it in reverse. From my hotel, I hopped on a bus directly to Coogee Beach. The ride was easy and took around 30 minutes, but I quickly realized the buses didn’t announce stops. I stayed alert the entire time, watching Google Maps like a hawk to make sure I didn’t miss mine.
The bus dropped me off right by the beach. Before starting my walk, I paused to take in the scenery. One of the first things I noticed was how different the sand felt compared to home—fine, white, and powdery, stretching out toward a stunning expanse of deep blue ocean. Even though it was winter in Australia, the weather was pleasantly warm. Beachgoers were everywhere: surfers catching waves, families relaxing, and others simply enjoying the sun.
The coastal walk itself is well-maintained and easy to follow, winding through a series of beaches, parks, rock pools, and rugged sandstone formations. It offers incredible views of ocean cliffs, bays, and coastline the entire way. While the trail is around 6 km one-way, you can easily extend your walk depending on the viewpoints and beaches you stop at.
From Coogee Beach, I continued along the trail until I reached a small, quiet spot called Clovelly Beach. Surrounded by greenery, it felt like a hidden pocket of calm. I took a short break at a viewpoint called Cliff’s Edge—accurately named, as you’ll definitely want to watch your footing, especially on windy days. The rugged sandstone cliffs and crashing waves below made the view unforgettable.
After soaking in the scenery, I continued toward Bronte Beach. Just before the beach sits Bronte Baths, a beautiful ocean-fed pool built into the rocks. It’s easy to see why families prefer swimming here rather than in the ocean, as Bronte Beach is known for strong rip currents. I stopped briefly at the lookout, enjoyed the view, and then moved on.
The next stop was Tamarama Beach, a smaller but picturesque stretch of sand. I didn’t linger long and instead continued to Mackenzie’s Point Lookout. From here, you get your first distant view of Bondi Beach, along with sweeping cliffside scenery and a look at the nearby coastal neighborhood. I rested, drank some water, reapplied sunscreen, and luckily found a spot to refill my water bottle before continuing.
About 10 minutes later, I reached my goal for the day—Bondi Beach. The sand here was even whiter and finer than the other beaches I had passed, which made walking across it surprisingly tiring. Numerous signs along the beach warn visitors of changing conditions and potential hazards, a reminder of the strong currents Bondi is known for.
Despite Bondi’s reputation as a busy tourist hotspot, it wasn’t peak season when I visited, so I had space to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed or in anyone’s way. I watched surf lessons taking place across the shoreline, people sunbathing, and fellow walkers like me strolling at a relaxed pace.
I continued past the main beach area toward Ben Buckler Point, a perfect spot to get a sweeping, full view of Bondi’s curved shoreline. The rock formations, powerful waves crashing into the cliffs, and dramatic coastal landscape were absolutely worth the extra walk. I later learned this area is also a beautiful place to watch the sunset.
I’m really glad I found this trail on AllTrails—it's scenic, approachable, and a fantastic way to take in Sydney’s coastline.
Background
The Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk is one of Sydney’s most iconic seaside trails, tracing a route that highlights the city’s rugged coastline and beach culture. The track connects several historic beaches, each with its own identity. Coogee Beach has long been a popular family destination dating back to the early 1900s, known for its calmer surf and relaxed atmosphere. As you move north, you'll pass Gordons Bay, a protected aquatic reserve home to an underwater nature trail and diverse marine life.
Bronte Beach has a long history tied to surf lifesaving, while Tamarama—often dubbed “Glamarama”—earned a reputation for being one of Sydney’s most fashionable beach spots. The walk ends at Bondi Beach, arguably Australia’s most famous shoreline and home to the world’s oldest lifesaving club, established in 1906. Over time, the coastal path has evolved from a local link between beaches into a globally recognized scenic walk, showcasing New South Wales’ shoreline at its best.
Getting There
Reaching the Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk from central Sydney is straightforward, whether you choose to start from Coogee Beach or Bondi Beach. From the CBD, several buses run directly to Coogee, including routes that depart from major hubs like Central Station, Museum Station, and Circular Quay. The ride typically takes 25–35 minutes depending on traffic, and the bus stops are only a short walk from the shoreline where the trail begins.
If you prefer to start at Bondi Beach and walk south instead, frequent buses also run from the CBD to Bondi Junction, where you can transfer to a short connecting bus to Bondi Beach itself. For travellers using rideshare or taxis, both beaches are easily accessible and generally take around 20 minutes from central Sydney. No matter which direction you choose, the coastal walk is well connected and easy to reach without a car.
Route Overview
Distance: 9.04 km (Coogee Beach → Bondi Beach)
Total elevation gain: 175 m
Duration: 1 hr 35 min (with breaks 1 hr 55 min)
Difficulty: Easy
Cost Breakdown
Bus: Museum Station → Arden St at Coogee Bay Rd Bus Stop — AU$4.49
Food: AU$12.35
