Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk: Icebergs Pool, Tamarama, Bronte and Clifftop Bays

Stretching for 6 kilometres along the weathered Hawkesbury sandstone cliffs of Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is the finest urban ocean trail in Australia. Maintained by Waverley and Randwick councils, the free paved path links five sandy surf beaches, four calm snorkelling and rock-pool bays, clifftop Aboriginal rock carvings, and historic Waverley Cemetery. Walking continuously from north to south takes around two hours, though most visitors spend half a day stopping for swims and coffee.

Bay-by-bay route from Bondi Icebergs to Coogee Beach

1. Bondi Beach and Bondi Icebergs (0 km): Begin at the golden crescent of Bondi Beach and walk to its southern headland at Notts Avenue, where the 50-metre saltwater lap pool and shallower kids' pool of the Bondi Icebergs Club (founded in 1929 by winter swimmers) are wedged directly into the wave-swept rock shelf.
2. Mackenzies Point and Marks Park (1.2 km): Round the dramatic overhanging sandstone ledges of Mackenzies Point (looking down on ancient Aboriginal rock engravings of marine creatures carved into the flat rock platform near Marks Park) where the annual Sculpture by the Sea outdoor exhibition takes place each spring (see our seasonal guide).
3. Tamarama Beach (1.6 km): Drop into a narrow, deep sandstone gorge framing a short strip of sand known locally as "Glamarama"; while great for sunbathing and kiosk coffee, Tamarama's tight headland walls create a fierce rip current, so only experienced surfers enter when the surf is up.
4. Bronte Beach and Bronte Baths (2.5 km): Climb over the next headland to Bronte, where a wide grassy park with free electric barbecues and Norfolk Island pines sits behind the beach, and the free 30-metre Bronte Baths rock pool is tucked under the southern cliff face.
5. Waverley Cemetery and Clovelly Bay (3.8 km): Follow the timber boardwalk suspended along the cliff edge below Waverley Cemetery (established in 1877, where poet Henry Lawson is buried above the Pacific surf) down into Clovelly, a narrow fjord-like inlet flanked by concrete sunbathing promenades that shelter calm, waveless water ideal for lap swimmers and families.
6. Gordon's Bay and Coogee Beach (4.8 to 6 km): Skirt the wooden fishing boat racks and underwater nature trail of Gordon's Bay (home to resident blue gropers) before climbing the final headland past the Bali Memorial at Dolphin Point into Coogee Beach, anchored by the historic McIver's Ladies Baths, Giles Baths, and Wylie's Baths (established in 1907).

Which direction to walk and what to pack

Walking north to south (starting at Bondi and finishing at Coogee) is popular because you begin with the classic opening view over Bondi Icebergs, though walking south to north from Coogee to Bondi in the morning puts the sun behind your back for photographs. Nearly the entire path is exposed to direct ocean sun with very little shade, and the stretch between Bronte, Clovelly, and Gordon's Bay includes several steep flights of stairs. Wear trainers with solid grip, carry a refillable water bottle (chilled drinking fountains sit at every beach), and pack a towel and swimwear for the free rock pools at Bronte, Clovelly, and Coogee.

Getting to Bondi and returning from Coogee

To reach the start at Bondi Beach from the CBD or Circular Quay, ride the T4 Eastern Suburbs train to Bondi Junction Station and transfer to the high-frequency 333 bus down to Campbell Parade. At the end of the walk in Coogee, either take a short bus up to Randwick to board the L2 Light Rail straight back to Central Station and Circular Quay, or catch bus 373 directly into the city using your contactless card (see our Opal transit guide).