Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk: The Complete Guide
The Bondi to Bronte coastal walk is the shortened version of iconic Bondi to Coogee walk. It takes in some of the Eastern suburbs’ best scenery and the beautiful beaches of Bondi, Tamarama and Bronte.
While the longer version is stunning and definitely worth checking out, the Bondi to Bronte walk definitely has its place.
The shorter distance means you can spend more time relaxing at the stunning beaches, having a barbecue at a park along the way, or enjoying the area’s excellent bar and dining scene.
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Quick Facts: Bondi to Bronte Walk
- Location: Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, traditional lands of the Bidiagal, Birrabirragal and Gadigal people.
- Distance and time needed: Depending on where you start and end, the Bondi to Bronte walk is 1.5-2.5km. It takes 45 minutes to an hour, one way.
- Difficulty: Easy. Suitable for most ages and fitness levels with occasional sections of stairs and inclines. Not suitable for prams or wheelchair users.
- Highlights: Bondi Beach, Iceberg’s Pool, Mackenzie’s Point Lookout, Tamarama Beach, Bronte Ocean Baths
Bondi to Bronte walk map
Bondi to Bronte OR Bronte to Bondi?
This one is up to you! Whether you start in Bondi or Bronte, you will have a great time. Both beaches have decent public bus connections to get to and from other parts of the city. There is plenty to do in both Bondi and Bronte to keep you busy.
I personally prefer walking from Bondi to Bronte. I live in Bondi so usually do this walk for exercise and end with a swim in Bronte Beach Baths. There is just as convincing an argument to be made, that the reverse direction is better and you can end with a swim at Bondi Beach or a drink at the North Bondi RSL for sunset.
There are no wrong answers to this question.
Getting to the start of the Bondi to Bronte walk
If you are driving, there is paid parking at both Bondi and Bronte beaches. The spaces are limited and fill up quickly. You might have some luck finding parking in surrounding streets, but I recommend taking public transport, particularly if you are visiting on the weekend when it gets very busy.
To get to the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk from other parts of the city, first take a train to Bondi Junction station.
From Bondi Junction interchange, to get to Bondi Beach take the 333 bus from Stand A, or the 380 bus from Stand B. To get to Bronte Beach, take the 379 bus from Stand B.
To ride Sydney buses, you will need to tap on and off with an Opal card or credit card.
The Bondi to Bronte Walk
Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach is by far Australia’s most famous beach. If you’re visiting Australia for the first time, it is a must-see, not just for its natural beauty but for its iconic status in Australian culture.
There are more beautiful beaches in Sydney, but there no doubt something special about Bondi Beach. The way this stretch of sand has developed the culture of the whole suburb, which has been exported to the world through shows like Bondi Rescue and every advertisement for Australian tourism ever made. And as a result, Bondi Beach has become a beacon for travellers near and far. The sands of Bondi Beach are packed to the brim with people from all over the world every day of the week.
I live in Bondi and I often think it would be nice to live near a more secluded beach. Then I go down and get in the ocean, see the smiles on faces, the tourists taking selfies, and I too get caught up in Bondi’s spell; the infectious positivity, the simple joys.
To start the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk, head to the south end of the beach towards Bondi Iceberg’s famous ocean pool. Iceberg’s Pool is open every day except Thursdays. It is a private club, but you can buy a day pass to use the pool. If you just want to take photos, the coastal walk will take you along the top balcony of the club where you can get a good angle looking back over the beach.
Mackenzie’s Point Lookout
Continue up the hill past Iceberg’s until you reach Mark’s Park and Mackenzie’s Point Lookout. This part of the path winds around the natural rock formations of the coastline. There are some stairs in this part of the walk.
Mackenzie’s Point lookout is a great place to do a bit of whale watching. If you are there between May and November, keep an eye out for humpback whales breaching as they migrate along the East Coast.
Tamarama Beach
As you continue around the headland past Tamarama Point, you will start to see Tamarama Beach. Tamarama Beach is the perfect spot to take a rest. There is a lovely park with shaded picnic areas and barbecues.
Public toilets, water refill stations and a small kiosk selling food and cold drinks are located within the park.
Bronte Beach and ocean baths
Continue walking south along the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk until you reach the final destination, Bronte Beach. Bronte Beach is quieter than Bondi, but still draws quite a crowd on summer days.
There is a large park behind the beach where people picnic and barbecue. There are a few restaurants and cafes along Bronte Road that are worth checking out. You can also grab fish and chips and have a picnic in the park.
The Bronte Baths are the highlight of Bronte Beach. First opened in 1887, Bronte Baths are one of Sydney’s oldest ocean pools. Carved into the sandstone cliff, the pool has five 30 metre lanes. While there are usually people swimming laps for exercise, most visitors to the pool are relaxing around the sides or holding onto the ropes and getting sprayed as the waves outside crash against the edge of the pool.
Unlike Iceberg’s Pool, Bronte Baths are free to use. They are open everyday, although they are closed for cleaning for 4 hours at low tide every Wednesday.
Bondi to Bronte Walk: Things to Bring With you
The Australian sun is harsh, much harsher than in many other parts of the world. There is not a lot of shade along the Bondi to Bronte walk so it is best to come prepared. I recommend bringing the following for a safe and enjoyable walk.
- Sunscreen. You will likely need to reapply if sweating or going for a swimming.
- Sun-protective clothing, hat, sunglasses
- Swimwear and towel
- Water bottle – there are plenty of places to refill along the way
- Comfortable shoes. You do not need hiking shoes, or even enclosed shoes. I often do this walk in my Birkenstocks. Thongs/flip flops might not be the best as sometimes the path gets wet and slippery in parts.
Bondi to bronte: faqs
Where to stay in Bondi
Bondi Beach is one of the most touristy areas of Sydney and is filled with great accommodation options for all budgets. As a local, these are my top recommendations for each price range. This is where I recommend friends and family to stay when visiting.
Budget – It’s no joke that Australia is expensive, and Bondi is one of the most expensive post codes. You’re not going to find super cheap accommodation anywhere. The best prices are at backpackers hostels, some of which are not great. By far the best backpackers in Bondi Beach is Wake Up! Bondi.
If you’re travelling with a group or looking for more apartment-style budget accommodation, check out Hotel Bondi. They have reasonable prices and are located right on the beach.
Mid-range – Consider staying at an apartment-style hotel like Adina Bondi. It’s just a few minutes walk to the beach and close to great restaurants and bars.
High-end – Although there are some great hotels in and around Bondi, nothing beats your own seaview apartment. It is an expensive option but if you’re up for a splurge, look for apartments like this one that offer the unparalleled Bondi experience.
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Looking for more inspiration for great walks around Sydney?
The Cape Banks Walking Track, La Perouse
Living in Bondi Beach must be amazing! What I’d really like to visit based on your post are the Bronte Baths.