I don’t want to finish writing about Sydney’s pools. It was such a fun weekend and I loved sharing it with you all. Fortunately, I have more material because not only did we swim…… we walked, the best way to fully appreciate this spectacular coast line.
The Bondi to Coogee walk is a 6km trail that offers spectacular views, stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs and rock formations, coffee shops and of course ocean pools.
The path begins just beyond Bondi’s Icebergs Pool and heads out to Mackenzie’s point lookout. Skirting beneath Mark’s Park and along the rocky outcrops you are immediately drawn to the rugged beauty of this coast. The contrasting colours between the blues of the ocean, turquoise of Icebergs, yellow/brown cliffs and the greens of the park, makes this area seem like a painting or work of art.
Continuing around the headland, you arrive at Tamarama Beach. With the path high above the beach you can appreciate this cute little bay for all it’s worth. Two things struck me. One, they groom the beach (much like a ski slope!) and the surfers here are hard core!
With visible rips and massive sets rolling in, it is easy to see why ocean pools were built in this area……. But they don’t protect the surfers!! During the course of our walk we saw many a surfer out in the thick of it searching for their next thrill.
From Tamarama it isn’t far to Bronte beach. A lovely little beach with white gazebos dotting the grass, Bronte is much quieter than its big sister Bondi.
After a swim at Bronte baths at the southern end of the beach, we set off around the corner to find the most amazing cemetery (of all things). Gravestones scatter the grassy hilltop as the coastal gives way to a boardwalk over the scrub covered cliff. Absolutely amazing views for a final resting place.
As we passed the cemetery and with the sun blazing, my friend and I commented on the fact we had both forgotten to bring a hat. As if my magic, we rounded the corner stumbled across Jesse’s shop. Jesse, a 14 year old entrepreneur, has set up a stall just as you approach Clovelly Bowling Club. He sells all the essentials including hats, umbrellas, drinks, suncream and icy poles. And boy was he a sales man! Initially wanting a hat, we left with three hats, an umbrella, water and had even tipped Jesse for his efforts.
Next is Clovelly Bay where we stopped for a swim and delicious brunch at Seasalt cafe. I highly recommend the shakshuka (food blog next!).
Grateful for the sustenance and caffeine, we embarked on the final leg of our walk to Coogee Beach. Passing Gordons Bay we noticed a number of divers in the water and discovered there is a highly regarded dive trail here. Banking that for another day, we headed on to Coogee Beach where we had four ocean pools to enjoy.
Coogee Beach offers plenty of places to eat, drink, swim and relax. The vibe in this area is very relaxed and a lot less touristy and pretentious than Bondi. We spent hours here swimming, lunching and drinking cocktails before grabbing an Uber back to our Airbnb.
Loved our coastal walk and swim marathon! But a word of warning, this walk is not flat…. steps, hills, ramps equals thigh and glutes burner!
TTB
If you missed the swim blogs:
https://thetravelbee.blog/2024/04/18/the-ocean-pools-of-sydney-part-1-tamarama-to-coogee/
https://thetravelbee.blog/2024/04/20/the-ocean-pools-of-sydney-part-2-icebergs-bondi/
https://thetravelbee.blog/2024/04/21/the-ocean-pools-of-sydney-part-3-malabar-to-mahon/
The Travel Bee 