Bondi beach, one of Australia’s most famous beaches is set on the eastern beaches of Sydney. Nestled along this coastline are other, arguably more picturesque, beaches. These all form the renowned coastal walk showcasing stunning ocean views, sandy beaches, and dramatic cliffs, the perfect way to take in the breathtaking beauty of this captivating corner of the world. Add in 4 rooftop bars and the walk just got elevated!
The official start to the walk is at the famous Iceberg’s restaurant and club in Bondi. But if you fancy an alternative rooftop bar way to enjoy this bucket list activity, whilst seeing a bit more of the infamous Bondi beach, and make a day of it, then I got you. Ideal for 18+ solo walkers, couples or friends alike complete with suggested timeline for your day. Let’s go!
Checklist for your walk
Firstly your checklist: make sure you have trainers not thongs (flip flops), a big bottle of water (there’s water stops you can fill up on way, this is the one I use) sunscreen, a hat, sunnies, a portable phone charger (you will be taking all the photos, this* is my fav) ID (I’ll come back to this), and a bag should you buy any souvenirs. I like a foldable rucksac so if I don’t buy any then it stays in my pocket! Try this from Amazon*
For all the ‘poms’ like me don’t be fooled in winter, on a cloudy day that you don’t need that sunscreen – you do! The sun is much stronger and different here. And in summer whilst blue skies will make for better photos, a cloudy day will be a godsend to walk in.
How to get to Bondi from Sydney
If you are coming from the city then there’s a few ways to get over to Bondi. Uber is by far the quickest (20 mins) and the most expensive. For a more economical journey, get the train from Central, Town Hall, Martin Place or Kings Cross, to Bondi Junction (big shopping to be done here) and then a bus down to the beach. Note the queues at Bondi can be long and a bit haphazard. I prefer the 333 bus (tap to pay) from Circular Quay all the way even though can take an hour. If you are in a little crazy or need to burn off a lot of wine then you could walk it in 2 hours but save some energy for the coast! However you choose, start, get off or be dropped at North Bondi to start!
Starting point for Bondi coastal walk
11am start: As I mentioned most people start at Icebergs but for the scenic, rooftop way then we are starting at the very cute and cosy Speedos Cafe for one of their insta worthy breakfasts/ brunch or even just a coffee – complete with a message of the day!
12.30pm Walk along the beach until you get to Glory Days Pavillon for a rooftop bar view of this iconic beach and some hydration! Note that this stop is only applicable is you come on the weekend in the summer. Sadly it’s not open in the week or winter. Boo!
If you are a fan of the TV series ‘Bondi Rescue’ then you will be able to perch here and see the team in action!
Serious note, If you are drinking any alcohol before or during walking – please ensure you have also hydrated on water as sunshine, heat and booze can be a toxic sunstroke waiting to happen. So please drink responsibly – soda water is perfectly acceptable!
13.15: From the beach make your way to the street and walk along to the bottom of the hill. Just before Boost juice, you will find your next rooftop bar in Bondi called Dom Pedros. A Mexican themed adorably kitsch terrace complete with a cactus! Perfect for a little tequila boost, as when on a Mexican themed rooftop!
14.00: Now you can finally walk up the hill to the original start point at Icebergs. You may want to grab yourself a souvenir at this point as this will be your last chance unless coming back to Bondi.
You are probably hungry again and as you are at the famous Icebergs bar and restaurant, with insane sea views, it would be rude not to stop for a spot of light lunch at this rooftop terrace.
Bondi to Tamarama
15.50: NOW, the walk officially begins! Leave Icebergs and you will see up the hill the path is signposted. From Bondi firstly to the much lesser known and smaller beach of Tamarama – get your phone ready for some sensational sea views
Throughout your walk there will be so many photo moments, so unless you are supplementing the gym with this walk (many locals do) take it at your pace. You’ll also see sea sculptures and if you are lucky enough to be going end of October then there is always an exhibition lining your walk.
Tamarama to Bronte
15. 15 From there to Bronte beach then past the Waverley Cemetery which sits on high behind you – I mean what an amazing place of rest!
Bronte to Clovelly
16.20: Carry on to Clovelly beach – where there’s a great restaurant called Sea Salt if you fancy a little snack stop or indeed a dip in the ocean. Which you can do at each beach and make it an even longer ocean day of fun!
Clovelly to Coogee
17.30 Refuelled and ready it’s on to the last leg heading to Coogee beach.
Here you will end your walk with a well earned celebratory drink at the rooftop bar at coogee’s pavilion! This is where you may need your ID – regardless of age they were asking everyone who entered for one, so best to have in case – you can’t have made it this far to fall at the last rooftop bar! 😉
Celebrate at Coogee Rooftop
18.00: One last climb to the rooftop as it’s now time to rest, relax and rose on this ocean view, tremendous tunes and all the vibes rooftop feeling very smug at all your steps!
How long does the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk take?
If you are short on time and just want to do the walk, no stops, then allow about 70-120 minutes depending on your pace. Strolling can take a good few hours (a rookie mistake I made last visit – despite having done it many times when I lived there. I ignored my memory and listened to google maps that says an hour! Definitely allow 2! If you follow my rooftop way then it can take anything from 2 – 8 hours depending how much swimming, eating and rooftop drinking you fancy!
Do I have to start in Bondi for the costal walk?
Not at all. You can start in either Bondi or Coogee or even one of the other beaches along the way to shorten the walk. If you are heading to Coogee first then the train stop is Randwick but then there is a 30 minute walk to start at the rooftop Pavilion. There are buses – check google maps for the day you are planning. Or a 10 minute Uber, it will be pricey. Note also that the Pavilion doesn’t open until 12.
*The Amazon links are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and buy it!