A Must-Read Guide to the Iconic Bondi to Coogee Walk

Embark on the iconic Bondi to Coogee walk to immerse yourself in the beauty and wonder of Sydney’s east coast.

The Bondi to Coogee coastal walk is one of Sydney’s most popular walking tracks. While Sydney is no stranger to magical, coastal walks, the Bondi to Coogee track is particularly renowned for its unparalleled beauty and incredible panoramic ocean views. This scenic six-kilometre walk showcases Sydney’s iconic coastline, providing opportunities to swim at stunning beaches, admire rugged cliffs and explore hidden coves. There are multiple ‘pinch yourself’ moments along the way; it’s hard to believe this coastal oasis is located in the heart of Sydney.

A couple walking to the water at Gordon's Bay for a swim

Gordon’s Bay is an idyllic spot for a swim along the route. (Image: Destination NSW)

Sydney certainly has an abundance of spotless beaches shimmering along the coast, and the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk is an excellent way to dive right in and discover them. The track is set at Grade 2 and is suitable for most fitness levels. Expect the walk to take around two to three hours to complete, although it’s best to allow for more time if you’re keen to properly explore the different stops and eateries along the way. Read on to find out why this coastal walk needs to be on your bucket list.

A picturesque view of the Bondi to Tamarama section of the coastal walk at dawn

The coastal walk is stunning from every angle at any time of day. (Image: Destination NSW)

Bondi Beach to Tamarama Beach

Distance: 1.2 kilometres

Bondi Beach, known as being one of the best beaches in Australia, has often been considered one of the Sydney locations everyone has to see at least once. The highly Instagrammable Bondi Icebergs is easily recognisable to locals and international tourists alike and has been welcoming visitors into the area for over 100 years. Open to the public all year round, you may choose to swim here before commencing your walk.

an aerial view of the tranquil white sand beach at Bondi Beach

Embrace a dip at Bondi Beach before you set out on the walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

Another recognisable element to Bondi Beach is the Bondi lifeguards, made popular by the reality TV show Bondi Rescue, so keep your eyes peeled to see if they are filming an episode while you are there. Interested in having something to eat, or a cup of coffee, from one of Bondi’s many amazing cafes before heading off? Locals like to visit Rocker, Porch and Parlour, and Makaveli.

Snap a picture of the iconic Bondi Icebergs. (Image: Destination NSW)

The coastal track begins at the southern end of Bondi Beach, from Bondi Icebergs, with some steep stairs that lead to sweeping views across Bondi. Make sure you are going the right way, as the opposite direction takes you on the Bondi to Manly walk. Shortly into your walk, you will come across an Aboriginal rock engraving of a whale, in rock a metre off the path. Unfortunately, while it is known to be an example of pre-European contact art, there is limited information about it today.

Mackenzie's Point in summer with Tamarama Beach in the background

Mackenzie’s Point occasionally reveals an elusive swimming bay. (Image: Getty)

Tucked between Bondi and Tamarama is the transient and elusive Mackenzies Bay. The beach is a marvel and there is no way of knowing whether you will actually see it as you walk past or not; it vanishes and reappears according to shifting seasons and tides, with no rhyme or reason. Sometimes it will stay concealed for years and then reappear unexpectedly as a golden, hidden swimming spot. If you see Mackenzies Bay on your journey it is best to take a photo, as it simply may not be there next time.

Marks Park near Tamarama Beach along the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

Marks Park is an excellent vantage point for whale sightings during migration. (Image: Destination NSW)

Further along, the headland lookout at Marks Park is an excellent vantage point to spot humpback whales making the annual migration along the coast. In October 2021, an artwork titled Rise was installed here. It serves as a respectful memorial to the lives lost in the area from the 1970s to 1990s, as a result of homophobic and transphobic hate crimes. From here, make your way towards Tamarama Beach, or as it is more affectionately known, ‘Glamorama’.

Tamarama Beach to Bronte Beach

Distance: 700 metres

As you make your way down to Tamarama Beach, you’ll pass by an art-deco surf lifesaving clubhouse. The surf life saving movement has had a profound impact on Australia’s identity, and while the Tamarama Surf Life Saving Club doesn’t have its own TV show like Bondi, it has nonetheless held a special place in the community since 1906.

Tamarama Beach is even more scenic at sunrise. (Image: Destination NSW)

The club is particularly important as Tamarama surf can be hazardous, and the combination of swimming between the flags and the watchful eyes of the lifeguards, keep the public safe. You’ll find Tamarama Kiosk on the sand’s edge for a drink and snacks, and there are amenities available too. While it is possible to walk around the beach, it’s worth coming down on the beach itself during Sculpture by the Sea, when the whole area becomes an outdoor exhibition gallery.

People on the sand and the water at Bronte Beach

Bronte Beach will soon come into view as you leave Tamarama behind. (Image: Unsplash)

It is an easy walk on to Bronte Beach, and the track is accessible to wheelchairs and prams. A fact that surprises people is that Bronte is named after the British Royal Navy officer Horatio Nelson, who led the British to victory in the Napoleonic wars after his success at the Battle of Trafalgar. Better known as Lord Nelson, he was also the first Duke of Bronte – a title bestowed on him by the king of Sicily in 1799, as a way of thanking him for his role in saving the kingdom of Sicily from Napoleon’s revolutionary French forces. Renowned for its rock pools and lush park, there is a strong sense that while Bondi attracts the international tourist crowd, Bronte is more where the Sydney locals choose to swim.

a surfer heading out to catch a wave at Bronte Beach, Sydney

Bronte Beach is a popular local spot for surfing and swimming. (Image: Destination NSW)

A refreshing dip into the vibrant blue waters of Bronte Baths is well worth it. Cut into the sandstone cliffs in the 1880s and surrounded by a white picket fence, the 38-metre pool with several marked swimming lanes is always popular. Alternatively, consider diving into the Bogey Hole rock pool, entering in from the beach.

Aerial view of the ocean pool at Bronte.

Swim laps at Bronte Baths. (Image: Destination NSW)

This swimming spot requires more strategy, as the best time to swim is the midway point between high and low tides, where the rocks are submerged by the water, but it is not too shallow. This is a gentler option for young children, or young-at-heart, who prefer more of a peaceful swim in calmer waters.

people enjoying summer at Bronte Beach, Sydney

Bronte Park overlooks the beach and offers plenty of grass areas and picnic tables. (Image: Destination NSW)

At Bronte Park, you’ll find sheltered picnic tables, free electric barbecues, and a large playground with slides, swings, and climbing jungles in the shade. If you find yourself walking this track on a weekend, public holiday or during the summer holidays, keep your eye out for the Bronte model train. A crowd favourite for kids and their parents, the model train makes its way around a circular track, against the beach backdrop.

Bronte has its own Surf Life Saving Club. (Image: Destination NSW)

Grab a coffee at one of the many beachside cafes on Bronte Road, like Locale or Favoloso espresso bar, and make use of the shower and toilet facilities before moving on to the next stop.

Bronte Beach to Clovelly Beach

Distance: 2.2 kilometres

To farewell Bronte Beach, climb the steps to the parking area across from Bronte Road cafes, follow the steps and head towards Calga Reserve. Note that the path up to Bronte rock pool doesn’t directly connect to the main track, so you’ll need to turn back on yourself. From Calga Reserve, you’ll be able to see stunning views out over the ocean.

the scenic Bronte Beach in the eastern suburbs of Sydney

Farewell Bronte Beach and make haste to Clovelly Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

A 500-metre boardwalk along the coastal cliff edge of Calga Reserve has rest stops and photo opportunities, showcasing incredible views over sheer cliffs, extending across the state heritage-listed Waverley Cemetery. Often considered to be one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world, Waverley Cemetery has been operating since 1877, and more than 100,000 people have been buried or interred there. If you take a moment to detour and wander through this peaceful place you will find the graves of some well-known Australians, including the first prime minister, Edmund Barton, writer Henry Lawson and Dymocks bookseller co-founder William Dymock.

View from Waverley Cemetery along the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

The Waverley Cemetery claims some of Sydney’s best views. (Image: Getty)

The first clue that you’ve arrived at Clovelly is the Clovelly Bowling Club. With arguably one of the best views of any bowling club in Sydney, you may be tempted to play a game of barefoot bowls. Keep walking and you will soon descend into narrow and picturesque Clovelly Beach.

The concrete platforms at Clovelly make it easy to distinguish along the route. (Image: Getty)

What makes Clovelly stand out from other beaches along this trail are the long concrete platforms on either side of the beach, where you’ll find people sprawled out sunbaking. The water is usually flat here, making it an ideal spot to float in gentle water. Alternatively, there is a 25-metre saltwater pool, known as the Geoff James pool, that is closer to the shore. If you need to take a rest from walking and want a bite to eat, drop in at the Seasalt cafe, close by the water’s edge.

Clovelly Beach to Gordons Bay

Distance: 800 metres

Quaint Gordons Bay, named after 19th-century government surveyor Lewis Gordon who obtained crown land in the area, is just around the corner and is only accessible by the Bondi to Coogee coastal track. One of the first things that you will notice is the racks of small boats from the local fishing club lining the banks, giving the impression you’ve wandered into a small European fishing town. Sand is limited, so most people opt to sunbathe on the rocky outcrops, or the tranquil waters encourage swimming, snorkelling and diving.

racks of small boats at Gordons Bay, Coogee

Gordons Bay is reminiscent of a small European fishing town. (Image: Destination NSW)

Gordons Bay features a popular dive spot protected by an offshore reef, known as the Gordons Bay Underwater Nature Trail – and it’s the only underwater nature trail in Sydney. What’s an underwater trail? As the name suggests, it’s a bush walk – but entirely underwater.

the Gordons Bay in Sydney's eastern suburbs

Gordons Bay is a tranquil spot to unwind. (Image: Destination NSW)

This self-guided trail is some 600 metres long, with a maximum depth of 14 metres, and is maintained by the Gordons Bay Scuba Diving Club. It is made up of concrete-filled drums that are connected by a chain and is typically completed in 40 minutes. For more information, check out the informative steel plaques along the way.

While it is undoubtedly too hard to do the Bondi to Coogee walk with scuba gear in tow, make sure you pack your snorkels, as snorkellers can still see the bottom on a clear day, and you may even be able to spot an eastern blue groper.

See the bottom of Gordons Bay on a clear day. (Image: Destination NSW)

Gordons Bay to Coogee Beach

Distance: one kilometre

The track is straightforward walking along from Gordon’s Bay, passing Koojah Cliff look-out for excellent views overlooking vibrant Coogee Beach. While Coogee certainly has an energetic atmosphere, it doesn’t have the same frenetic energy as Bondi.

Coogee Beach is more laidback than Bondi. (Image: Destination NSW)

Laidback, family-friendly and relaxed, Coogee has it all: picnic areas, a large and shady children’s playground at Grant Reserve, cafes, shops and recreation opportunities. If you make your way to the northern end of the beach, you’ll find beach volleyball courts set up ready for a game, looked after by the Coogee Beach Volleyball Association.

Go for a final swim in Coogee Beach, or head to one of the four ocean pools: McIver Women’s Baths, historic Wylies Baths, Giles Baths, and the Ross Jones Memorial Pool.

the hidden leafy entrance to Wylies Baths, Coogee

Take a dip at the Heritage-listed Wylies Baths. (Image: Destination NSW)

After your long walk along the Bondi to Coogee track, you’ve earned a well-deserved rest. Head to Balcony bar, one of the best rooftop bars in Australia, atop the Coogee Bay Hotel, for a relaxing drink, or stop by the Coogee Pavilion, the iconic heritage beach-front building.

Coogee Bay Pavilion features in the background at sunset

Coogee marks the end of the coastal walk and the Coogee Bay Pavilion awaits. (Image: Destination NSW)

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take?

The trip usually takes between two to three hours, although timing will be extended depending on the number of stops made. The track is classified as moderate, with some sections requiring more effort to be exerted, and this may also impact timing. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends, which may also impact overall walking time. Unfortunately, only some sections of the Bondi to Coogee walk are accessible, so refer to individual sections to work out distances and timing.

How to get there and back?

Although called the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, many people prefer to do this track in reverse. By starting at Coogee, you’re able to better appreciate the expansive beauty of Bondi Beach at the end of your journey and have more options for eating and drinking. Consider using public transportation, as there are regular buses through the Eastern Suburbs from the city. Buses for Bondi depart from Central Station and buses for Coogee leave from Museum Station.

Parking tips

Parking can be challenging, especially on weekends, as there is limited off-street parking available, so arriving early to secure a spot is a must. There is limited four-hour parking time available at Coogee and Clovelly on roads with coastal frontage, but these fill fast. Bondi Beach has paid parking options, and there are also street parking options along the route but be mindful of timings.

Sculpture by the Sea

Set against the backdrop of the ocean, Sculpture by the Sea is one of the iconic annual Sydney events not to be missed. Australia’s largest outdoor immersive sculpture exhibition is held in the fourth quarter of the year (in 2024 it will take place from October 18 to November 4).

Mackenzie’s Point Lookout featured a giant sculpture of a mirror ball during Sculpture by the Sea. (Image: Destination NSW)

Artists from around the world are invited to create unique sculptures to be showcased along the Bondi to Tamarama section of the coastal track. The exhibition aims to bring art into public spaces and is an epicentre of creativity and international acclaim.

Sculpture by the Sea 2018, Bondi to Tamarama, Sydney

Sculpture: Cool Shit by Damien Hirst (Image: Charlotte Curd)

For more iconic Sydney coastal walks, check out the Spit to Manly coastal walk.

Welcome to the first instalment of Hotel Addict, a monthly column where I check into Australia’s best hotels, exploring not just the rooms, but the stories, service and settings that make each stay unforgettable and worth adding to your wishlist.

Hotel stays have quietly become my thing. Long before I became a travel journalist, I was booking staycations just for a change of scenery. Some had charm, some had character, some had neither. Once, I even stayed in a hotel directly opposite my own apartment – partly for the novelty, partly because I wanted to see my life from a different angle.

For me, hotels represent a kind of mystery – I find myself wanting to know what these buildings contain. Many of them are designed with intention: lighting, materials, scent and sounds that often reflect the city they sit in. Time seems to gently pause in these spaces, which have increasingly become the destination itself for modern travellers.

It only felt fitting for the first hotel in this series to be in my home city and at the hotel that’s been at the top of my list: Capella Sydney.

A sandstone heritage building and palm trees

Capella sits within an Edwardian Baroque‑style sandstone building.

An email with a hotel program from the “Culturist Team” lets me know this will be a luxurious stay. There’s a guided walk around the Botanic Gardens, a weaving workshop and a Sydney contemporary art tour – the kind of addition that signals a hotel that’s tuned into the finer details, and one that’s not surprising given that Capella’s ethos centres on delivering personalised, immersive experiences.

Capella opened in 2023 within a transformed Edwardian Baroque‑style sandstone building in Sydney’s CBD that was originally designed by renowned Scottish-Australian architect George McRae. I often walk past this building and once attended an event inside – I distinctly remember being surprised by how beautiful it was. Bar Studio, Make Architects, and stylist Simone Haag were engaged to sensitively adapt the building for contemporary luxury while honouring its past, in collaboration with Heritage NSW and the City of Sydney.

When I arrive, I’m greeted by three different staff members along the way to reception. There’s a lovely subtle scent, which I later learn combines notes of bergamot, green tea leaves, peony, freesia, vetiver and cedarwood. This hotel strikes such a beautiful balance between grandness and intimacy, with large floral bouquets, contemporary artworks, impressively high ceilings that give it an international feel and quieter nooks to unwind in. Each space is unique, but they’re all unified by a warm, textural and layered design.

Sydney has been deserving of a hotel of this calibre for quite some time, with many of the accommodations in the city looking and feeling dated.

A modern hotel reception with high ceilings

The design strikes the perfect balance between grandness and intimacy.

I have a treatment booked at the hotel’s Auriga Spa prior to check-in. The space is ultra-luxe, moodily lit and intimate, featuring timber joinery, green walls and a sleek design that’s so perfect it almost transports me to Japan. I opt for the Replenish Beauty and LED Facial – a strategic choice with a TV segment on the horizon, and a hopeful bid to look extra fresh for the camera.

The treatment begins with me sitting in the softest robe of my life, wearing slippers and sipping chamomile tea. I’m then whisked away to my private treatment room, which has its own bathroom, a large skylight and a small Japanese-style garden. The treatment is extremely relaxing and moves through cleansing, exfoliating, massaging (arm, head, neck and face) and LED Light Therapy. There’s so much attention to detail – even at the end, the facialist puts my slippers back on me, while I’m still lying down.

Spa treatment room with a massage bed, featuring timber walls and a serene Japanese-style garden visible through a window.

A treatment at Auriga Spa might be the best way I’ve ever started a hotel stay. (Image: Rachael Thompson)

While this treatment certainly hasn’t had a Benjamin Button effect, my sister seems to think I’m glowing, so I walk away happy, or at the very least, zen.

Auriga Spa has a sauna, steam room, ice fountain and a beautiful indoor heated swimming pool. There’s also “experiential showers” – new to me, but essentially it combines water flowing from different places, changing temperatures, mood lighting, gentle sounds, and a subtle lemongrass scent.

You could easily spend the better part of a day at the spa and pool, even if you’re not a guest.

The indoor heated swimming pool with glass ceiling at Capella Sydney.

Guests outside the hotel can use the spa and swimming pool. (Image: Rachael Thompson)

I’m escorted to my room, drunk on relaxation, but I make sure to take note of how noisy the hallways are – answer: dead quiet. My room is 50 square metres, which is huge by hotel standards, but particularly for one in the CBD. It feels like a high-end apartment with floorboards, a freestanding bath and a seating/dining area. My eyes are immediately drawn to the line-up of macarons waiting for me on the dining table.

I’m thrilled to see the mini bar armoire includes a small wine fridge stocked with Minuty Prestige Côtes de Provence, Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, Handpicked Wines Pinot Noir, and Moët Grand Vintage. Not that I plan on using it (I simply could not justify the prices) – but it’s a nice extra that makes the room feel that much more luxurious. The drinks lineup reads like a who’s-who of local favourites – Young Henrys, Maybe Sammy cocktails, Four Pillars gin and Archie Rose gin. Snacks include Tyrell’s chips, Pringles, Natural Confectionery lollies, and a Carman’s oat bar.

Some small touches I appreciate that some hotels don’t offer: the option to choose your housekeeping time, an iron that actually works well, a Bluetooth speaker, the beloved wine fridge, aluminium water bottles and a bathroom without a glass door or screen that awkwardly exposes you. The one downside is that some of these rooms don’t offer much in the way of a view.

A modern hotel room with a monochrome paletter.

I stayed in a Premier Room which was elegant and relaxing. (Image: Rachael Thompson)

4:30pm is Swill Hour – a daily tradition that nods to the historical “six o’clock swill” in Australia. This one-hour event takes place in the Living Room and invites guests to gather and enjoy each other’s company with a signature cocktail in hand. This afternoon’s tipple is a Eucalyptus Gimlet, a clever, herbaceous little cocktail, by the multi-award-winning Maybe Sammy Team, served on coasters depicting drawings of the historic building. The canapé of the day is a tomato and stracciatella tart. I noticed several staff members chatting with guests like old friends, asking how their adventures earlier in the day went – clearly remembering previous conversations from earlier visits.

Dinner is booked for 6:30pm in Aperture – arguably the most beautiful area of the accommodation. It’s decorated with Australian flora and features a kinetic sculpture hanging from the roof that opens like flowers, with softly changing lights. Tyler, who is serving us, clearly admires the Capella brand, speaking enthusiastically about the other international properties he’s been to and sharing how he sometimes brings his five-year-old daughter here to use the pool.

Interior of Aperture at Capella Sydney, featuring lush greenery and a striking ceiling-mounted sculpture.

The scale of Aperture gives it an international feel.

I kick things off with a basil melon margarita – a winning recommendation – before tucking into the best prawn toast I’ve ever had. For mains it’s crispy Ōra King salmon and spaghetti with mud crab.

When I arrive back at my room, there’s a vegan leather journal on my bed with a note that says: “The ritual of journaling allows us to pause, reflect and focus.” This is part of the turndown service, and my slippers are neatly lined up next to my bed. Will I journal? No. Do I think it’s a nice touch? Yes.

Brasserie 1930 at Capella Sydney, where Art Deco elegance meets contemporary Australian cuisine.

Brasserie 1930 boasts Art Deco elegance.

The next morning, I make the predictable choice of smashed avo for breakfast at the on-site restaurant, Brasserie 1930. There’s also a buffet brimming with all the usual suspects.

Afterwards, I head to the pool to relax for a few hours before the 11am checkout. Despite my earlier resolve not to journal, I find myself reflecting nonetheless – an irony not lost on me – on my 21st hotel stay in Sydney. I write this with growing assurance that great hotels don’t just provide a place to stay; they create memorable moments, thanks in large part to fantastic staff. Kudos to the hiring manager.

Next stop: The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart!

A guide to the iconic Bondi to Coogee coastal walk