Whilst the city and Sydney Harbour are sure to offer spectacular scenery with incredible views of Sydney’s sparkling skyline, Sydney Harbour Bridge and the world-famous Sydney Opera House, we also can’t get enough of exploring Sydney’s Eastern coastline; home to Bondi Beach.
This spectacular shoreline is made up of next-level stunning beaches, pretty coves and bays, breathtaking views and beautiful coastal walks. Ready to soak up a little beachside bliss? Explore by foot with our favourite walks in and around Bondi:
Our top 6 walks in Bondi:
Bondi to Bronte
2.5km / Approx 1hr+ depending on stops
The Bondi to Bronte walk is a must-do, offering an easy 2.5km walk with uninterrupted coastal views and a fantastic vantage point of Bondi Beach. You’ll also catch a glimpse of some pretty dreamy beachside mansions along the way!
Starting at Bondi’s famous Icebergs Pool, walk up the coastal track to Mackenzie’s Point for panoramic views of Bondi. Soak up the views before continuing on through Mackenzie’s Bay to Tamarama Beach. This much-loved local hangout is home to a small stretch of sand, volleyball nets and a grassy area. The next beach you’ll come to, Bronte Beach, is – we think! – one of the most beautiful beaches in the East. We recommend going for a dip in Bronte’s natural rock pool at the South end of the beach or jump into Bronte’s stunning ocean pool!
Bondi to Coogee Walk
6km / Give yourself 2-3 hours to complete the walk. Trust us you’ll want to take snaps along the way!
If you’ve got a bit of time on your hands don’t miss the Bondi to Coogee walk; one of Sydney’s most famous clifftop coastal walks. Further South from Bronte Beach, the coastline leads on to several more stunning beaches including Clovelly, Gordon’s Bay (our favourite snorkelling spot in Sydney), ending at Coogee Beach.
The beach at Coogee is sheltered by Wedding Cake Island, making it a great spot for swimming with lifeguards patrolling the long stretch of sand. Set up on the grass for a beachside picnic or for a true Aussie experience, make the most of the many free-to-use BBQs!
All that walking got you thirsty for a cold one? The rooftop at Coogee Pavilion offers a great sundrenched sipping spot for those post-walk drinks with views overlooking the beach.
North Bondi > Federation Cliff Walk
9km / Approx 3 hours
Amazing views, hidden coves and a dreamy sunset at the end; this popular coastal walk ticks a lot of boxes! Start the walk the right way with a delicious brekkie and a coffee in Bondi. We love Speedos Cafe in North Bondi, serving up ‘the world’s most Instagrammable food’ as well as tasty vegan, gluten and dairy-free options.
Heading North, follow the residential path to William’s Park where you’ll find some interesting Aboriginal Rock engravings. Then walk to Dudley Page Reserve with some of the best views of the city in Sydney. Diamond Bay is another must-visit – a hidden spot with some incredible sandstone clifftop views. The coastal path continues all the way down to Watsons Bay where you can enjoy a well-deserved rest – and an arvo bevvie or two! We love Watsons Bay Hotel overlooking Sydney harbour for an afternoon to evening hangout with epic sunsets!
The Federation Cliff Walk officially starts at Dover Heights. If you’re short on time, bypass the first 4km by starting in Dover Heights. Jump on the bus from Bondi Beach to Watsons Bay hopping off at Raleigh Reserve.
Hall Street, Bondi
Take your time with a leisurely stroll along this short shopping strip.
One for the shopping-lovers! There’s no need to stray too far from the golden sands of Bondi with this on your doorstep. One of our favourite local walks involves a stroll along Hall Street. Set just back from the beach, explore some cool boutique shops, lively cafes, fresh food stores and restaurants. You’ll find Gertrude and Alice, named one of the top 10 bookstores in the world by National Geographic here. It doubles up as a cafe so you can sip as you read and browse. Be sure to check out Bondi’s laneways along Gould & Curlewis St for unique boutique finds!
Centennial Park
3.5km / Approx 45min/1.5hrs walk
Sydney’s answer to New York’s Central Park, Centennial Park is up there with our favourite places to while away a sunny Sydney arvo. The loop around Centennial’s Grand Circuit drive takes about an hour to walk or longer with some detours into the centre of the park.
You’ll pass picnic-goers, bike-riders, enchanting cafes, hidden forests and even an equestrian Centre. Feeling Peckish? Head to The Spruce Goose Diner, a cool little food truck parked up next to a pretty duck pond in the centre of the park.
How to get there: The walk to one of the Park entrances takes about an hour from Bondi Beach. Want to save your energy? Hope on a bus to Bondi Junction and start your walk from there.
Hermitage Foreshore walk
2km / 30mins One-way
The Hermitage Foreshore Walk from Rose Bay to Neilsen Park takes you harbourside with incredible views of the Sydney Harbour skyline and Shark Island. Walking from Rose Bay you’ll pass Milk Beach, a beautiful little beach and one of Sydney’s best-kept secrets. Soak up the stunning vistas and history surrounding Strickland House, a 19th-century heritage mansion with out of this world harbour views. Don’t forget your swimmers!
The walk ends at Shark beach at Neilsen Park. But don’t let the name put you off – this harbour beach is protected by shark nets and is one of the prettiest beaches around! The beach is a protected suntrap so if floating in calm turquoise waters under the sun is your thing, you’ll love it here!
How to get there: Find walking track details and directions on the official NSW National Parks website.
With the best ocean views of Bondi, WakeUp! Bondi Beach is the perfect base to explore the area and experience local Aussie beach life. Enjoy complimentary surfboard hire, daily social activities and an open-air rooftop mere seconds from the sand. Check out our rooms and book your Bondi beach stay today.