It doesn't matter how many times you've strolled the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk: it never gets old. The iconic trail starts at Bondi Beach, the most famous stretch of sand in the country, and weaves its way through stunning coves, bays, lookouts, rock pools and parks before ending up at Coogee Beach. Next time you go, bring your digital camera and follow our guide to capturing the coastal walk.
In this guide:
- Tips to know before you go
- Historical sites on the Bondi to Coogee walk
- The most photogenic spots on the Bondi to Coogee walk
Tips to Know Before You Go
1. Wear proper shoes
The path is mostly paved, but it can get rugged in some places and there are a few sets of stairs — so you'll want to wear comfortable walking shoes or sneakers. Although the walk is suitable for most ages and fitness levels, make sure you stick to your limits. At 6km long, the coastal walk can take up to 3 hours at a leisurely pace. If that's a little too much for you, the shorter version covering Bondi to Bronte is 2.5km and is just as scenic.
2. Stay hydrated!
While there's usually a lovely breeze coming off the water, it can get hot — especially if you're walking in the middle of the day. Bring a water bottle with you, and refill it at the drinking fountains you'll find at every beach along the track.
3. Dress for the weather
Sneakers aside, it's a good idea to wear a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. In winter, rug up with a windbreaker and layers that you can peel off if you get too warm.
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Historical Sites on the Bondi to Coogee Walk
The Bondi to Coogee walk isn't just a great way to get fit while practising your photography skills — the coastal paths are dotted with some fascinating points of cultural interest, too. You might be curious about these sites, both from a photographic and sentimental standpoint:
Shrine to the Virgin Mary
Back in 2002, a Coogee local claimed she saw an apparition of the Virgin Mary on the fence near Dolphin's Point. It happened again the next day at the same time, so she snapped a photo and sent it to a newspaper. That newspaper piece is still pinned to the site, which is incredibly picturesque and overlooks the ocean.
Bali Bombings Memorial
Also located in Coogee, this memorial pays tribute to the tragic Bali Bombings of 2002. It's marked by a beautiful bronze statue, which weighs nearly a tonne and symbolises family, friends and community.
Waverley Cemetery
Perched on the clifftop between Clovelly and Bronte Beach, this heritage-listed cemetery is the final resting place of many interesting and famous people, including the famous poet Henry Lawson and Australia's first Prime Minister, Edmund Barton.
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The Most Photogenic Spots on the Bondi to Coogee Walk
While the entire Bondi to Coogee walk is breathtakingly scenic, there are a few key spots you won't want to miss photographing. From beautiful ocean pools to secret beaches, here are some of the places bound to give you a stunning shot:
Bondi Icebergs
One of the most iconic — and most Instagrammable — spots in Sydney, the smooth, clear waters of the Icebergs pool provide the perfect contrast to the shifting, crashing ocean waves below. The challenge is finding a fresh way to capture it!
Tamarama Beach
Known affectionately as 'Glamarama,' this beach is small but very beautiful. The colourful Surf Life Saving Club looks over the beach in a very photogenic way, and you'll definitely want to spend a few minutes framing the area where the ocean meets the shore.
Mackenzie's Bay
Most of the time, the small bay between Bondi and Tamarama Beach is nothing but rocks. But every few years, the bay magically becomes a beach overnight. It's a true mystery why, but if you're lucky enough to be there when it happens, make sure you photograph it!
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Ready to Capture the Walk?
Find all the camera gear you need for your next coastal adventure at Ted's Cameras, or visit your local Ted's store for expert advice from our team.
Best Time of Day to Photograph the Bondi to Coogee Walk
Timing is everything in coastal photography. The golden hour after sunrise is ideal for the Bondi to Coogee walk — soft, warm light rakes across the sandstone cliffs and rock pools, and the crowds are minimal. Starting at Bondi around 6–7am gives you beautiful easterly light over the ocean for the first half of the walk. If mornings aren't your thing, the hour before sunset works beautifully from Coogee back toward Bronte, bathing the clifftops in amber tones. Midday light tends to be harsh and flat — fine for documentary shots, but less flattering for seascapes and portraits. Avoid overcast days if colour and contrast matter to your shots, though overcast light can work well for moody long-exposure water photography.
What Camera Gear to Bring on the Walk
The Bondi to Coogee walk covers 6km of coastal terrain, so travelling light is key. A mirrorless camera or DSLR with a versatile zoom lens — such as a 24–70mm or 18–55mm — will handle most scenes, from wide coastal vistas to tighter detail shots of rock pools and clifftop flora. If you plan to shoot long exposures of the ocean, pack a compact travel tripod and an ND filter. A polarising filter is also highly recommended to cut glare off the water and deepen the blue of the sky. Keep your gear in a comfortable camera backpack, and consider a weather-resistant bag in case of sea spray near the cliff edges. Don't forget extra batteries — a full walk in sunshine can drain power quickly.
The Most Photogenic Spots on the Bondi to Coogee Walk
Knowing where to stop makes all the difference. Here are the standout photography locations along the trail:
- Bondi Beach: Start wide — capture the sweep of the bay from the southern headland for a classic establishing shot.
- Mackenzies Bay & Tamarama: Dramatic cliffs and a narrow beach make for striking compositions. Watch for waves on the rocks.
- Bronte Beach: The ocean baths and Norfolk Island pines frame beautifully against the sea.
- Waverley Cemetery: Unexpectedly photogenic — sandstone headstones against an open Pacific horizon create a powerful, contemplative image.
- Clovelly: The calm, narrow inlet offers unique turquoise water shots unlike anywhere else on the walk.
- Coogee Beach: Finish with a wide-angle shot of the beach from the grassy headland lookout to the north.
For a closer look at premium filter options including polarisers and ND filters suited to coastal shooting, check out our guide to the NiSi filter and lens accessory lineup at Ted's Cameras.