Bondi and Coogee: beaches, pools and the coastal walk

Bondi Beach

Bondi is a kilometre-long curve of golden sand between two sandstone headlands, about 7 km east of the CBD. The name is usually linked to an Aboriginal word for water breaking over rocks. On summer weekends it is packed; on a weekday morning in autumn or winter you will share it with swimmers, surfers and dog walkers.

The renovated Bondi Pavilion has a café, galleries and changing rooms, and Campbell Parade behind the beach is lined with cafés, surf shops and casual restaurants. The north end (near the Bondi Baths) and the 'Bondi rescue' lifeguard tower are easy landmarks.

Swimming, surfing and Icebergs

Lifeguards patrol Bondi year-round. Swim between the red and yellow flags: the south end can have a strong rip known as the 'Backpackers' Express'. Beginners can take a surf lesson in the gentler areas set aside by the lifeguards.

At the south end, Bondi Icebergs is an ocean pool where waves crash over the wall into the lanes. Entry is paid and it closes on Thursdays for cleaning; check current hours. The restaurant and bar above have one of Sydney's great views.

Surfing

Bondi Beach 2-hour surf lesson

2 hours

A small-group lesson for beginners at Bondi, with board and wetsuit; not for children under 12.

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City tour

Half-day panoramic city tour with Bondi

Half day

A coach and walking tour of the city highlights and Bondi Beach, good if you are short on time.

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The Bondi to Coogee walk

The 6 km clifftop path from Bondi Icebergs south to Coogee is the city's most loved walk. It passes Tamarama, Bronte with its ocean baths, the clifftop Waverley Cemetery, Clovelly's sheltered inlet and Gordons Bay. Allow two to three hours with swims and coffee. Full details are in our coastal walks guide.

In late October and early November the stretch from Bondi to Tamarama usually hosts Sculpture by the Sea, a free outdoor exhibition; check the dates for the current year.

Coogee and the southern beaches

Coogee is smaller and more relaxed than Bondi, with a grassy foreshore, a lively hotel and historic ocean pools: Wylie's Baths and McIver's Ladies Baths (for women and children). Further south, Maroubra is a big surf beach and La Perouse, on Botany Bay, has Aboriginal history and calm water.

Clovelly and Gordons Bay are favourite snorkelling spots on calm days — look for the friendly blue groper, a protected fish.

Getting there

For Bondi, take the train (T4) to Bondi Junction and then a frequent bus (route 333 is one of the main ones) to the beach; the whole trip takes about 30–40 minutes from the CBD. Direct buses from the city also run. For Coogee, buses run from Central and the CBD. Pay with Opal or a contactless card — see getting around.

Staying by the beach

Stay at Bondi or Coogee if beach mornings matter more than harbour views; you are 30–45 minutes from the city by public transport. Prices peak in December and January.