The Top Three Walks in Bondi

Whether you like to stretch your legs on a lonesome stroll and clear the head, take the dog for a scenic walk and soak up the views or turn up the tunes full blast and smash your PB, you’ll find some of Sydney’s best trails and tracks right here in Bondi.

Here are a few of our favourites:

Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk

One of Sydney’s most iconic walking trails, the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk is a local weekend ritual and an absolute must for any visitor.

The walk begins down the south end of Bondi Beach at the first pit stop – Bondi Icebergs for a dip in the world’s most photographed pool or a frosty beer on the Club’s balcony.

Then the highest lookout point of the walk offers breathtaking views both North and South and right behind the lookout, in Marks Park, you’ll see plenty of Bondi’s furry locals and even some Aboriginal rock carvings if you’ve got a keen eye.

The next rocky alcove is Mackenzies Bay, which might have a spot of sand on it but will undoubtedly offer a good show of surfers chancing their luck near the rocks and just past the Bay you’ll find the narrow and cozy Tamarama Beach. If there’s some swell, you might see some barrels but you’re better off sticking to the sand, as conditions tend to be more dangerous for swimming.

Finally, the walk ends at the beautiful Bronte Beach with the rock pool down the south end, a park full of BBQing backpackers and a strip of hipster cafes on the other side of the road.

For 18 days in October, the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk comes alive with the world’s largest (and freest) outdoor sculpture exhibition, Sculptures by the Sea. For the 21^st year, the open-air, cliff-top gallery will showcase over a hundred extraordinary artistic sculptures with the stunning expanse of the Pacific Ocean as their backdrop. To give you the VIP experience, QT Bondi has partnered with Sculptures by the Sea to bring you a sweet package.

Federation Cliff Walk (Bondi to Watsons Bay)

If you’ve got the energy and you want to avoid the Bondi to Bronte crowds, this 7km track is definitely your go-to walk. Setting out from North Bondi, the track wraps around the coastline all the way to The Gap, offering unparalleled views of the ocean and amazing cliff scenery the whole way.

After taking in the spectacular views from Ben Buckler, head up through the Bondi Diggers Golf Course for panoramic views of the city skyline and Bondi Beach then continue on to the Whiteish Cliffs of Dover Heights. A beautiful wooden walkway will guide you to the tropical landscape of Diamond Bay, where you might spot some rock climbers among the local wildlife. The path continues past the famous Macquarie Lighthhouse, the oldest lighthouse in Australia, which was first built in 1818 and ends at one of the city’s most famed ocean cliff lookouts, The Gap. To quench the thirst that you will have undoubtedly built up over the trek, head down to the Watsons Bay Hotel and enjoy a rosé with a view.

Hall St

For me, a short walk’s a good walk and the best walks end with your feet up…. preferably in bed. A leisurely stroll down the shops is about as much legwork as I like to do on a weekend and luckily again, Bondi’s got the best track around. The weekend bustle on Hall St mean the café’s are buzzing, the shops are full and anywhere you go will be full of energy. Bill’s for breakfast, Gertrude & Alice Bookstore for a coffee and Papa for desert is my type of walk… and it’s all just a few steps away from the comfort of your QT Gel Dream Bed.

words by james philips