Watsons Bay to North Bondi Coastal Walk…

I’ve told you before about the Coogee to Bondi coastal walk (or vice versa)…what I haven’t told you is that the track extends further north…to Watsons Bay…and further south.

Yesterday I did the northern leg- from Watsons Bay to Bondi.

This part of the coast takes your breath away.

The cliffs are sheer and craggy, the water more shades of blue than a dulux colour chart, and enough “dream on” real estate to have you reaching for that lotto entry.

The walk starts with a short climb up to the Gap. Get your breath back and admire the view before continuing through to your next look out spot, Jacobs Ladder, just a few minutes walk away.

The views southward star to open up at the old Signal Station and Macquarie Lighthouse, but soon after this, at the end of Christison Park, will be the first of a few deviations away from the coast. Don’t worry, you’ll still only be a block away from the cliffs, and there are still breaks in the inconveniently located houses for glimpses of the ocean.

At Diamond Bay, you’ll find the Federation Cliff Walk leg of the path, with steps leading you up and around the headland and into Dover Heights.

Take a few minutes to wander across the road to Dudley Page Reserve- the views of the city are incredible. From here you can see the coast as it winds from Rushcutters Bay, into Garden Island, around to the Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge. Apparently it gets mobbed at New Year and whenever else there’s a firework display.

From here you’ll head back to the cliffs for a bit and then it’s downhill all the way into Bondi…and a well deserved young coconut juice with cucumber and lychee slushie at Miss Chu’s…or one of the many other choices.

Sure you can do it the opposite way and finish off with lunch at Doyles on the Beach, Doyles on the Wharf or a beer at the pub, but after walking down the hill into North Bondi, I’m not sure that I’d be wanting to start my walk with climbing it!

How far is it?

Around 9kms.

How hard is it?

I’d rank this as being moderate.

There are some climbs, there are some stairs, but there’s also plenty of flat bits in between to get your breath back on.

Allow 2-3 hours to allow for ambling, photos, oohing and aahing over the views and if only-ing about the real estate.

What about the paths?

There are places where there is no path, places where you have to divert a block or so away from the coast (pesky homeowners who’ve built in the way of where you want to walk), and a couple of bush tracks. On the whole it’s evenly surfaced, although quite narrow in parts.

Dog Friendly?

Yep, but leashed only, of course. This is a doggy paradise, with the council thoughtfully leaving dog bowls under the water bubblers, and bins to deposit your little plastic bags.

Toilets?

Yep. There’s some at the start at Watsons Bay. Also, there are apparently others at the reserves you walk through or past.

Coffee?

Nothing on the path itself, but plenty of options at both Watsons Bay and Bondi. If you’re so inclined, pack a picnic lunch and find a grassy spot.

Don’t forget…

A hat, sunscreen and water….and swimmers so you can have a dip at Bondi.

Getting there…

I caught a ferry from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay. For the return leg you can either hop a bus from Bondi Beach to Bondi Junction or the city. Trains are available at Bondi Junction to the city.

Duck across to www.131500.com.au to plan your trip.