Thinking of taking the Bondi to Coogee walk while in Sydney? In this guide, I share my top tips for taking the walk as well as where to stop along the way.
Completing the Bondi to Coogee walk in the sunshine was one of the highlights of my visit to Sydney. We hopped on a bus from Woolloomooloo and arrived at the super iconic Bondi Beach, which was amazing to finally see after hearing about it. From Bondi Beach, you can take the iconic Bondi to Coogee Walk. It’s a 6 kilometre clifftop coastal walk with stunning views across eastern Sydney’s beaches. En route, you pass beaches, parks, rock pools, and swimming pools. You can hop from beach to beach, stop off for drinks and food, and take it at your leisure. And of course, you can make it ultra Aussie and have a barbecue on the beach. The walk takes around two hours, although you can also extend it by another hour and a half if you choose to continue to Maroubra. In this guide, I share my top tips for taking the Bondi to Coogee walk, as well as some of the best things to look out for.
Quick tips for visiting Bondi
Get this: a Sydney explorer pass, which offers access to the city’s top attractions
Don’t miss: an open top hop-on, hop-off bus tour to see Sydney’s best bits, including Bondi
Bucket list experience: a 2 hour surfing lesson on Australia’s iconic Bondi Beach
Flights: Find the cheapest flights to Sydney with Skyscanner
Stay: Find the most affordable hotels in Bondi on Booking.com
What to bring on the Bondi to Coogee Walk
There are a few key items I took with me on the Bondi to Coogee walk. Hopefully these will help you too:
- A reusable travel water bottle – I don’t go anywhere without one of these any more. It’s super cheap and is easy to just refill and shove into a backpack when you’re out on the walk. It’s so important to stay hydrated in Sydney in the sun, and this water bottle helps you to avoid buying single use plastics.
- A good factor 50 sunscreen – I’d always recommend wearing a SPF 50+ while in Australia where the sun can be so strong. This is a good, affordable suncream which you can slather on before the Bondi to Coogee walk.
- A quick drying beach towel – this towel was a godsend for me in Australia. It’s super lightweight so you can shove it into a backpack. Given there are so many pools and beaches along the Bondi to Coogee walk, it was really helpful for when I wanted to stop and swim, as it dry really quickly. I also love the design, and it comes in a bunch of different colours.
- Swimwear – a non-negotiable for this walk! I just wore my bikini under my outfit so I could quickly undress and go for a swim, before popping lightweight clothes back on top for the rest of the walk.
- A backpack – I’ve used this Trespass backpack for as long as I can remember. It’s lightweight, holds up to 30 litres, is really comfy, and comes in a range of colours. It served me so well for my travels around Australia, and so I highly recommend it.
- A good camera – you can’t visit such beautiful places without taking a good quality camera to get some amazing shots. I love the Canon EOS 90D and always take it on my travels.
- Snorkel set – I was so glad I brought this with me on the walk as there’s a great spot for snorkelling at Gordon’s Bay. This is a good, solid set that I also took to the Seychelles, and you can just shove it in your backpack.
Arriving at Bondi Beach
Starting off the Bondi to Coogee walk, I must admit, I was a little underwhelmed by Bondi Beach. I felt exactly the same when I visited Waikiki Beach in Oahu, Hawaii. It’s another world-renowned beach which is often glamourised in popular culture, but in reality, is pretty crowded and commercialised. I much preferred the other beaches along the walk that are still beautiful but a little more peaceful. Make sure you visit Palm Beach and Watsons Bay while visiting Sydney.
Check out my guide to my favourite beaches in the world, if like me, you love beautiful beaches with a relaxed vibe.

Bondi Icebergs Club is, however, pretty cool. It’s a beautiful pool with a Bondi ocean backdrop. You can grab a bite to eat, a cold drink with a view, or simply go for a swim in the iconic pool. It’s also the starting point of the Bondi to Coogee walk.

Starting the Bondi to Coogee Walk
Once we had a good look over Bondi Beach, we set off on the Bondi to Coogee walk all along the coastline. It’s one of Sydney’s most famous walks, and – as we soon found out – very popular with locals. You can totally see why though. There are some incredible views and it’s lovely to walk or jog along the coast for a while, just soaking up the views and the atmosphere. A great place for a daily run or catch ups with coffee and a friend. The beaches and parks along the way are great places to rest, swim or you can grab a bite from one of the cafes, hotels, restaurants or takeaways. Most beaches offer picnic shelters, play areas, kiosks, toilets and changing rooms, and Tamarama, Bronte, Coogee, and Maroubra have free electric barbecues.

The walk takes around an hour and a half with the odd short break, and depending on how quickly you plan to walk it whilst taking in the marvellous scenery. I would, however, advise walking during the week – we went on a Sunday and it was heaving with locals jogging and walking, particularly as it was such a beautiful, hot day.
Bondi to Tamarama Beach
The first beaches we passed were McKenzies Bay (only appears at low tide, and also the smallest beach in New South Wales) and Tamarama Beach. From this point, you get awesome views of both North and South Bondi. McKenzies Bay is super popular with surfers, so you can stand and watch from the railings which offer a great view. Tamarama is nicknamed ‘Glamarama’, where Sydney’s most beautiful people hang out. Tamarama Beach is just over a kilometre away from Bondi Icebergs, taking around 25 minutes to get to. Watch out for an Aboriginal engraving of a shark next to the walk, below Marks Park. Each October – November, you’ll also find the annual Sculpture by the Sea exhibition on the Bondi to Tamarama walk which is well worth a visit.

Tamarama to Bronte Beach
The next section of the Bondi to Coogee walk is the Tamarama to Bronte Beach walk. It’s a simple walk around 700 metres long, taking around 5 minutes as well as any stops you might want to make. The easiest part of the walk, you’ll pass Tamarama surf club headquarters and Tamarama Park. Don’t forget to pause and take in the magnificent views across the Pacific Ocean. You can also watch the surfers at McKenzies Point and Tamarama Beach while you walk towards Bronte Beach. Bronte has a bunch of different facilities, including two swimming pools (Bogey Hole and Rock Pool), a large playground for kids, a park with picnic tables and electric barbecues, and a model train for kids.

Bronte to Clovelly Walk
The next portion of the Bondi to Coogee walk is the Bronte to Clovelly walk. You come across view after incredible view on this section of the walk. It’s hard to keep walking without stopping to take it all in. The cliffs above Bronte Beach are the perfect resting point for views across the entire Bondi to Coogee walk. The section is just over 2km in distance, taking around 50 minutes without stops. There is a bit of an incline, some steps, and a clifftop boardwalk. You’ll pass by Bronte rock pool, Clovelly Bowling Club, and the historic Waverley cemetery on the rocky juts. What a place to be buried!

Before long on this section of the Bondi to Coogee walk, you’ll find Clovelly swimming pool. There’s never far to go on the walk before finding a swimming pool perched on the edge of the ocean.

After passing the swimming pool, you’ll see Clovelly Bowling Club. Here, you might even catch a game. There’s a cliffy area here with some of the best views of the entire Bondi to Coogee Walk. You’ll soon be able to catch a glimpse of the gorgeous waters of Clovelly Beach. It’s tranquil and so pretty and reminded me of a hot, tropical version of Cornwall, UK. I can see why it was the setting of a photoshoot whilst we were there.

Clovelly to Coogee Beach
Not too far away, you’ll find Coogee Beach itself. The final section of the Bondi to Coogee walk is just under 2km long, taking around 45 minutes to complete. It’s slightly more difficult than the rest of the train, with a board walk, steep stairs, and inclines. You’ll enjoy great views of Bondi to the north, and the Malabar Headland to the south. If you fancy, you can stop off at Gordon’s Bay for some snorkelling or diving, too.

Coogee is another gorgeous beach, and nicer (and quieter) than Bondi Beach in my opinion. We sat and sunbathed for a while, taking in the beautiful views. There are a bunch of cafes and coffee spots in Coogee so you can find somewhere to eat and drink. After ticking off another handful of the world’s best beaches, I finished the day with sushi. A wonderful way to spend a day in Sydney!

Bondi to Coogee walk: FAQs
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about the Bondi to Coogee walk:
How long is the Coogee to Bondi walk?
The Bondi to Coogee walk spans approximately 6 kilometers (around 3.7 miles) and typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to complete at a leisurely pace. The time can, however, vary depending on your walking speed and how often you stop to take in the stunning views along the way. You could also allow a full day to do the walk and enjoy a few swims at each of the beaches en route. We did the walk across an afternoon, stopping off at different points along the way.
Is the Bondi to Coogee walk difficult?
The Bondi to Coogee walk is considered moderate in difficulty. While it’s not an extremely challenging hike, there are some sections with stairs, inclines, and uneven terrain. The path follows the coastline and includes some cliffs and rocky areas, so there are elevation changes along the way. Most people with a moderate level of fitness should be able to complete the walk without any issues. It’s a good idea to wear comfortable walking shoes, bring water, and take breaks as needed, especially if you’re not used to walking longer distances or dealing with varied terrain. Overall, it’s a beautiful and rewarding walk that offers breathtaking views of the Sydney coastline.
Is Coogee Beach better than Bondi?
This is a very subjective question! Both Coogee Beach and Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, have their own unique charm and attractions, and which one is ‘better’ is down to your own personal preferences. Here’s a summary of the main differences between the two beaches:
- Coogee Beach – known for its more laid-back and relaxed atmosphere compared to the bustling Bondi. It’s a family-friendly area with a calmer vibe, a pretty park nearby, and a promenade. Coogee is popular for swimming, snorkelling, and a peaceful bit of sunbathing. The ocean pool at Coogee is also a favourite among visitors.
- Bondi Beach – famous worldwide and tends to be more crowded and vibrant. It’s a hotspot for surfers, and has a buzzing atmosphere with numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops lining the streets near the beach. Bondi also has the iconic Bondi Icebergs ocean pool.
Whether Coogee Beach is ‘better’ than Bondi Beach depends on the kind of experience you’re seeking. If you prefer a quieter and more laidback beach with a family-friendly atmosphere, Coogee is probably your best bet. If you’re after a livelier beach with a buzzing atmosphere, great dining options, and a more energetic vibe, Bondi might be better for you. That said, both beaches have their own appeal and are well worth visiting.
Is there a direct bus from Bondi to Coogee?
Yes – if you don’t fancy the Bondi to Coogee walk and fancy travelling between the two in more comfort, there is a direct bus between them. The most common bus for this route is the 374 bus, which travels between Coogee and Bondi Junction. From Bondi Junction, you can transfer to other buses or trains to reach Bondi Beach itself. Another option is the 353 bus, which also runs between Bondi Beach and Eastgardens via Coogee.
How many beaches are on the Bondi to Coogee Walk?
There are 6 beautiful beaches you’ll pass on the Bondi to Coogee walk, each with its own charm and characteristics:
- Bondi Beach – the starting point, famous for its surf and vibrant atmosphere
- Tamarama Beach – a small and picturesque beach, nestled between two headlands
- Bronte Beach – a family-friendly beach with a park, rock pools, and an ocean pool.
- Clovelly Beach – known for its calm and sheltered waters, Clovelly Beach is perfect for snorkelling
- Gordons Bay – a stunning bay along the walk where people swim and snorkel
- Coogee Beach – a relaxed, family friendly beach with a seaside promenade
Tips for the Bondi to Coogee walk
There are a few things I’d recommend having taken the Bondi to Coogee walk myself:
- Plan your travel. I’d recommend planning your transportation to and from Bondi and Coogee before taking on the walk. There are plenty of buses, but just check timings before so you know the schedule and aren’t left waiting for too long.
- Check the weather. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on the weather forecast before you begin the walk. Although you should mostly experience beautiful weather, be prepared for rain or extreme heat to make your walk more enjoyable.
- Wear good footwear. Comfortable trainers or walking shoes are a must as the trail has some varied terrain, steps, and some worn paths. I’d definitely dodge flip flops (or thongs) – comfy footwear will make the walk a lot more enjoyable!
- Dress for the sun. There’s no denying the Aussie sun is strong, so make sure to slather on sun lotion, wear a hat, and bring your sunnies for the walk. You should also take regular breaks in the shade along the route.
- Bring snacks and water. Make sure to stay hydrated throughout the walk, especially on hot days. Snacks and fruit can also help give a quick energy boost too. There are some shops along the way, but not for a good portion of the Bondi to Coogee walk.
- Start the walk early or late. To dodge the crowds and enjoy the scenic views, I really recommend starting the walk early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
- Respect the environment. Help to preserve the natural beauty of the area by disposing of any rubbish properly and following designated pathways. Respect any signs or guidelines for the protection of wildlife and the environment.
That’s my guide to taking the Bondi to Coogee walk – I hope you found it helpful and that it answers any questions you might have. Are there any other walks in Sydney you’d recommend? Let me know in the comments below.
Wow! This is probably one of the most picturesque beaches I’ve seen, Laura. I am definitely adding Bondi Beach to my bucket list. That swimming pool seems exceptional!