Sydney Things to Do Tips by SmilingTraveller

This has to be one of the most spectacular walks in the world. You can start and finish the walk at either Coogee or Bondi and make stops along the way as you please.

The walk is a combination of beaches, parks, local history and glorious scenery. Along the walk you will take in Bondi, Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly and Coogee Beaches, the cute little fishing cove at Gordon's Bay & Waverley Cemetery.

The walk follows a medium gradient clifftop path with occasional seating & several staircases (some quite steep). The beachside parks offer picnic shelters, coin-operated BBQs, play areas, kiosks, toilets & changerooms.

For something different along the way, take a detour into Waverley Cemetery. The first burial to take place there was on 4 Aug 1877. The cemetery grounds are open to visitors every day from sunrise to sunset. Some people of note buried in the cemetery are:
Jules Francoise Archibald - founder & editor of The Bulletin newspaper & provider of the annual portrait prize in his name
Sarah (Fanny) Durack - Olympic gold medal swimmer
John Fingleton OBE - Australian Cricketer & 'Bodyline' veteran
Harold Hardwick - champion swimmer & boxer
Lawrence Hargrave - Aviator & inventor
Henry Lawson - Writer & poet
Dorothea Mackellar - Poet
John Sands - Greeting card manufacturer & stationer
George & Charlotte Sargent - Meat pie bakers (infamous Aussie brand)
Arthur Tauchert - Star of the silent movie 'The Sentimental Bloke'
Victor Trumper - Test Cricketer

You will encounter all sorts of people along the walkway - people walking their dogs, sweaty athelic types on their daily run, tourists, locals and day trippers. During the month of November each year you can also experience "Sculptures By The Sea" between Bondi & Tamarama beaches.

Allow at least 2 hours walking time, more if making frequent stops. In the summer months it's best to walk in the early morning or late afternoon - the middle of the day can be very hot. Don't forget the sunscreen!

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Address: Eastern Suburbs of Sydney
Directions: Buses 365, 380, 381 & L82 to Bondi,361 to Tamarama, 373 & 374 to Coogee and 378 to Bronte stop near the walk.

Both Coogee & Bondi beaches offer metered parking.
Website: www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/council/bprs/parks/parks/coastwalk.html
Other Contact: www.coastwalk.ismagical.com

My home Coogee has has quite a long history (for a Sydney suburb). The original track which brought people to the Coogee Beach area back in 1832 would have followed the basic route now taken by Anzac Parade & Alison Road. Still today, the feeling you get when you are in Coogee is that of a seaside village. It is a great place to swim, eat, walk & picnic. You can explore the beautiful coastal walks - both north & south of the beach, the parklands with outdoor barbeque and picnic facilities, the children's play areas, the 3 swimming pools, or just relax on one of the finest sand beaches in Sydney.

The water is usually sparkling clean, except for the odd day when seaweed is washed up onto the beach. The beach is usually quite "flat" by Sydney standards, but there are days when it can be rough so it's wise to stay within the flags - at least on those days.

The northern point of Coogee is now named "Dolphins Point" and is the site of a memorial to the 20 local residents (including members of the Coogee Dolphins Rugby League Club) and other Australians who perished in the tragic terrorist bombing in Bali in October 2002.

Enjoy a meal or a drink day or night at one of the many cafes, restaurants and pubs including the Coogee Bay Hotel, the Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach and the Coogee Palace bars.

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Address: Eastern Suburbs of Sydney
Directions: Catch a 372 bus from Central Railway or a 373 or 374 bus from Circular Quay. Another option is the 314 bus from Bondi Junction.
Website: http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/mons1/

Certainly not one of Sydney's most beautiful beaches, but being one of the most famous in the world it should rate a visit.

The beach is approximately a kilometre in length and is patrolled by lifesavers who ensure that swimmers stay between the red & yellow flags - very important that travellers do this as many rescues are necessary every year due to lack of experience swimming at surf beaches. During the summer months Bondi Beach can be very crowded, but the water is clean and the sand is also cleaned every day.

Bondi is a great place for people watching and there are some good cafes and restaurants along the beachfront. There are also many other activities all year round at Bondi Beach, many of them are centered around the Pavilion. Activities range from surfing competitions and kite flying to festivals, markets & galleries.

From 17 December 2004, Bondi Beach and all other beaches in the Waverley Council precinct were deemed "Non Smoking" zones. Hurrah!!

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Address: Campbell Parade, Bondi, Eastern Suburbs of Sydney
Directions: Catch a 380 or L82 bus from the city or Bondi Junction railway station. Buses are frequent and will drop you right at the beach.
Website: www.gobondi.com

Even as a local I often walk around the city marvelling at the beauty of the buildings against the blue summer sky. Obviously, even in the land of sunshine we don't always have perfect days, but when we do the whole city dazzles.

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Directions: Walk around the CBD and you will find beautiful buildings all over.