Bondi to Coogee coastal walk: route and tips

Bondi to Coogee coastal walk visitors start at one of Sydney's best known beaches and follow a clifftop path south past Tamarama and Bronte. The path begins at Ben Buckler Point and runs on to Waverley Cemetery, and then on to Coogee. Waverley Council says the walk is "unique" for its mix of beaches, parks and views.

This guide gives the route in order, the time for the first part, the stairs, the swimming spots and how to cope in the sun.

Sources for this section: Waverley Council, Bondi to Bronte Coast Walk page.

The route in order

Going from north to south, the walk runs like this.

1. Bondi Beach. The Bondi Baths sit at the south end of the beach. They were built by the council in the late 1880s and have been home to the Icebergs Club since 1929.
2. Tamarama. The clifftop path leads to this small beach. The park here was once Wonderland City, a fairground that closed in 1911.
3. Bronte. The park has picnic shelters, coin-operated barbecues and kiosks. The Bronte Baths date from 1887.
4. Waverley Cemetery. It was first used in 1877. The poet Henry Lawson is buried there.
5. Clovelly and Coogee. The walk carries on south into Randwick City. For this part, Waverley Council points walkers to Randwick Council for information.

Near the path south of Mackenzies Point, you can see rock carvings left by Aboriginal people, including a shape like a shark or whale.

Sources for this section: Waverley Council, Bondi to Bronte Coast Walk page.

How long it takes

Waverley Council gives times for its part of the walk. It lists Ben Buckler to Bondi Beach as about 0.3 km, or 10 minutes. The Bondi Promenade is about 1 km, or 15 minutes. South Bondi to North Bronte is about 1.5 km, or 45 minutes. South Bronte to Waverley Cemetery is about 0.7 km, or 20 minutes.

The council puts the whole Waverley part at about 3.5 km, or 1.5 hours of walking. That does not include the stretch on to Coogee, so allow extra time for it, and more again if you plan to swim or stop for a meal.

Sources for this section: Waverley Council, Bondi to Bronte Coast Walk page.

Stairs and surfaces

The clifftop path from Bondi to Tamarama has a medium gradient. It has occasional seating and several staircases. The promenades, parks and beaches at Bondi and Bronte are fully accessible, but the clifftop sections are not step free. Waverley Council notes that wheelchair access to part of the Bondi to Tamarama path was planned. Check the stair marks on the council map before you set out.

Sources for this section: Waverley Council, Bondi to Bronte Coast Walk page.

Sculpture by the Sea

Each year the walk between Bondi and Tamarama turns into an outdoor gallery. Sculpture by the Sea describes itself as Australia's largest annual outdoor exhibition of contemporary sculpture that is free to the public. It shows about 100 works by artists from Australia and overseas. The organisers say it attracts up to 400,000 visitors. The path is crowded while the show runs, so allow extra time and expect to move slowly.

Other events use the walk and Bondi Park too. Waverley Council lists the City to Surf fun run, the Festival of the Winds kite day and the South American Festival.

Sources for this section: Sculpture by the Sea, home page, November 2008; Waverley Council, Bondi to Bronte Coast Walk page.

Getting there and swimming

Parking is paid and limited. Bondi has metered parking in Park Drive and ticket parking in Queen Elizabeth Drive. Bronte has some paid parking in Bronte Cutting. Buses are the easier choice. Waverley Council lists buses 365, 380, 381 and L82 to Bondi, 361 to Tamarama and 378 to Bronte. The parks along the way have toilets, changerooms, play areas and kiosks.

Council lifeguards are on duty all year at Bondi. At Tamarama and Bronte they are on duty from September through April. Always swim between the red and yellow flags. Dogs may use the Coast Walk only on a lead, and they may not enter the parks, beaches or cemetery. Collecting crabs, snails and similar sea life is banned in the protected areas along the coast.

Sources for this section: Waverley Council, Bondi to Bronte Coast Walk page.

Tips for hot summer days

The parks along the way give some shade, but the walk itself is exposed to the elements. These habits help.

• Start early. Set off in the morning, before the sun is high.
• Carry water. Take a full bottle, as Waverley Council advises.
• Cover up. Bring a hat and sunscreen, and put on more sunscreen after each swim.
• Plan your swims. Swim only at patrolled beaches, between the flags.
• Pack light. You will carry everything, including the stairs, so leave bulky items behind.

This is general information, not medical advice. On this exposed cliff path, dizziness or heat illness means stopping in shade, resting, and asking a doctor or lifeguard if it lingers.

Sources for this section: Waverley Council, Bondi to Bronte Coast Walk page.

Sources

1. Waverley Council, Bondi to Bronte Coast Walk (page as archived 12 March 2005): web.archive.org
2. Sculpture by the Sea, home page (archived 3 November 2008): web.archive.org