SYDNEY | As arguably Australia’s most famous beach, Bondi Beach needs little introduction. What visitors to Sydney may be less aware of though, is the cliff top coastal Bondi to Coogee walk. It’s a six kilometre walk that takes about two hours to complete and a “normal” walking pace, and allows you to take in stunning coastline vistas, beaches, parks, cliffs, bays, rock pools, and more.
Starting at Bondi, the route takes you through several landmarks and points of interest. They are, in order:
- Bondi Beach
- Monument to Black Sunday
- Mackenzies Point
- Aboriginal engraving site
- Tamarama Beach
- Dobroyd Head
- Bronte SLSC
- Bronte Beach
- Waverley Cemetery
- Clovelly
- Gordons Bay Underwater Nature Trail
- Gordons Bay
- Dunningham Reserve Sandstone Cliffs
- Bali Memorial
- Shrine To Virgin Mary
- Coogee Beach
Special note should be mentioned of Waverley Cemetery. When I first did the walk it was probably the thing that impressed me most. It’s a heritage-listed cemetery on top of the cliffs at Bronte that opened in 1877. The cemetery is noted for its largely intact Victorian and Edwardian monuments, and is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world. When you lay your eyes upon it you’ll see why.
If you visit in late October/early November, there’s the added bonus of being able to see Sculpture by the Sea, the world’s largest public outdoor sculpture exhibition. It extends for the two kilometres of the walk between Bondi Beach and Tamarama Beach.
The walk is a Grade 2 track suitable for most ages and fitness levels. It’s well marked, with the occasional steep sections of stairs. Make sure you remember your hat, sunscreen, and water before you kick off. Once you’re done, head over to the Coogee Pavillion for a drink and a bite to eat – it’s one of the best spots on the beach for a feed.