Sydney Walking Trails and Oz travel tips

Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk

Total Length: 6 km

Time Required: 1.5 – 2 hours

Difficulty: Easy to Medium, with some steep sections

Snaking along the beaches and cliff tops East of Sydney, this six kilometer-long coastal walk from Coogee to Bondi winds through cozy beaches, and picturesque little towns against the breathtaking backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. The path is mostly paved and easily traversed, although not friendly to wheelchairs.

Start your walk on the left side of Coogee Beach. The path will take you past several beaches, including Gordons Bay, Clovelly beach, Bronte beach, and Tamarama. Keep an eye out for whales, as lucky walkers have been known to glimpse a few. If you want a swim to cool down, Gordons Bay is the ideal place for some scuba diving or snorkeling. Alternatively, try a swim in some of the rock pools along the way. The one on Bronte beach is one of the largest rock pools on the path. Stop for a drink in one of the cafes along the way, or wait until you reach the world famous Bondi Beach at the end of the walk.

How to Get There and Back

Take buses 372, 373, or 374 from Circular Quay to Coogee. Get out at the last stop to find yourself right on Coogee beach. From Bondi Beach, take buses 380, 381, or 382 to get back to Circular Quay. Coogee and Bondi are in Zone 6 and 7 respectively, so the ride will cost $4.20 for a one-way journey. Alternatively, getting a travelten will get you ten tickets and save you $8.40.

Federation Cliff Walk

Total length: 5 km

Time required: 1.5 – 2 hours

Difficulty: Easy to Medium, with some steep sections

Most tourists only view the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House from Circular Quay, or from the decks of a ferry. For a different perspective, make some time for a stroll along the sandstone cliffs guarding Sydney Harbour and enjoy some picture perfect views of the bay.

The walk begins at Raleigh Reserve. From Dover Heights, walk down Raleigh Street, off Military Road, the main road running through town. The path will take you through the parklands on top of the sandstone cliffs, where you’ll have unparalleled views of the 80-metre high cliffs and the Pacific Ocean. Other sights to watch out for include Macquarie’s Lighthouse, Australia’s first, and the huge breakers at The Gap. The walk ends at the beach at Robertson’s park in Watson’s Bay, where you can reward yourself with a cool drink in one of the quaint cafes.

How to Get There and Back

From the city, catch buses 323, 380, 382 or L82 to Dover Heights. To return to Circular Quay from Watson’s Bay, take buses 324, 325 or 380. Both Dover Heights and Watson’s Bay are in Zone 7, so prepare exact change of $4.20 each way for the bus.

By: Sharen Furlotte

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