North Bondi
We started at North Bondi Surf Club. It increases the distance of the walk, but you get to walk the length of this beach.
The Murals
On your way along the beach, check out the murals below the car park.
Bondi Icebergs to Tamarama
Check out the pool…there was a yoga class happening here as we walked past. I couldn’t think of a better place to salute the sun.
From up here you get a great view back across the beach too.
A relatively steep set of stairs brings you to some pretty great looking rock formations that are perfect for catching your breath at.
This part is known as Mackenzies Point, and apparently there are carvings in the rocks. I’m yet to see them, and today the path was busy, so we didn’t stop.
From here you can also see all the way along the cliffs to Coogee.
Follow the path around to Tamarama Beach- also known as Glamorama for the beautiful people who frequent it in the summer.
Tamarama to Bronte
Following the path around to Bronte Beach, don’t forget to look down as well as ahead. The water colour was just gorgeous today.
Next beach is Bronte. There are shops and a large park here, so it’s a good spot to stop for coffee or something to eat.
You can walk around to the ocean pool, although this does bring you to a dead end.
There was a swimming comp on this morning that we stopped and watched for a bit.
Rejoin the path by heading up the hill to the right of the path. This climb up the headland road is one of the longer climbs of the walk.
Bronte to Clovelly
Up the top we have more rock formations,
and a view across to Waverley Cemetery.
There are plenty of famous Aussies buried here- in what is probably the best view to have for eternity- so if you have time, take a wander through.
As you take the steps up the cliff, stop at the top for a breather and a look back. The views are spectacular.
Past the cemetery is Clovelly Bowling Club.
The sign says it all.
Clovelly Bay is a narrow, sheltered beach. There’s a little park here and a cafe if you need a caffeine boost.
Clovelly to Coogee
Ok, now we come to the stairs. Oh, the stairs. At the top there is a rewarding view over Gordons Bay.
Follow the path down past the boat sheds before you have another steep climb.
Keep going, because at the top you’ll be on the headland above Coogee. It’s all downhill from here.
Coogee
On the top of Dolphins Point is the memorial to those who died in the Bali bombings in October 2002.
Follow the path down to the beach and the official end of this walk. If you want to, you can continue through past Maroubra to La Perouse…for another day.
What’s for lunch?
We ate at the Coogee Bay Hotel- across the road from the beach- outside in the beer garden. It’s casual, and we were sweaty.
The fish and chips are good and the beer is cold.
There are heaps of other options in Coogee though…
How fit do you need to be?
The entire leg from Coogee to Bondi is around 6kms- depending on where you start and finish. Starting at North Bondi, and with detours, we walked about 8kms.
Whilst there are a lot of hills and some very steep butt clenching stairs, it isn’t a hard walk if you have average fitness levels. For every set of stairs, there is a level off or downhill for recovery. There are also lots of water stations and chairs along the walk.
How long should I allow?
Allow 2 hours and take your time. There is plenty to take photos of along the way.
Accessibility?
Not really. Some parts of the path are ok for prams and wheelchairs, but there are a lot of stairs. Check with Waverley Council as to which parts are wheel friendly.
Getting There:
Buses from the city run regularly. Check out Transport NSW to plan your trip. You can drive and there is (limited) paid parking along the way and at either end.
It gets really busy on the weekends.
What else?
If you’re walking a dog, they must be on a leash. Oh, and don’t forget your hat, sunscreen and water bottle.
Want to know more?
Check out www.bonditocoogeewalk.com.au.
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