The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is the most photographed urban walking trail in Australia — a 6 km cliff-edge path along the Tasman Sea coast linking five swimming beaches and several rock pools, doable in 2-3 hours at a relaxed pace with stops. The walk's combination of beach, cliff, ocean, and the chance to swim or coffee-stop along the way makes it the consensus 'one half-day in Sydney' activity for most travellers.
Start at Bondi Beach (the most famous, with surf schools and the iconic Icebergs ocean pool at its southern end). The trail begins at the south headland and follows the cliff above Tamarama (a small surfers' beach), Bronte (family-friendly with a sandstone-rim ocean pool and a grassy park for picnics), Clovelly (a narrow inlet ideal for snorkelling — local fish are surprisingly tame), and ends at Coogee. Each beach has surf lifesavers, public toilets, and a cluster of cafes; pace yourself for swims and food breaks, not a forced march.
The walk is suitable for all fitness levels — paved or boardwalk surface throughout, with some stair climbs at headland transitions. Strollers can mostly manage it but expect some heavy stair sections. Sun protection is essential — there's no shade on the cliff path. Carry water, sunscreen, swimsuit, and a microfibre towel. The path is open 24/7; sunrise (5-7 AM in summer) is the best time for photography but the cafes don't open until 7 AM.
The last weekend of October hosts Sculpture by the Sea — over 100 outdoor sculptures installed along the entire walk for two weeks, free to view, transforming the trail into the world's largest free public art exhibition. Avoid that fortnight if you want a quiet walk, schedule for it if you want art. After Coogee, a 372 bus runs back to Bondi Junction or Central in 30 minutes; alternatively, Uber back is easy. Reverse the direction (Coogee to Bondi) if you want to end with sunset drinks at Icebergs.