The Eastern Beaches daytrip.

Our Local Expert Says:

This walk is really beautiful - a must see. You can walk as far as Coogee, along the cliffs and through Waverly cemetery, which has to be the best-situated cemetery in the world. Very highly recommended.

Description:

If one activity epitomizes Sydney, this could be it. A 4-mile walk on the wild side that literally traverses the rocky cliffs, golden beaches, pristine bays and grassy knolls between two iconic beaches. Doesn't cost a cent; just a few hours of free time. And it's not strenuous; more gently undulating than roller-coaster terrain, but highly exposed in windy weather because you're on the edge of the continent for much of the way.
Start at Bondi, behind the Icebergs Club, head south and keep the Pacific Ocean on your left. Joggers and all manner of humanity pass this way. After rounding MacKenzie's Point and Bay, the path rises towards Tamarama Beach. Look out for signs of ancient Aboriginal occupation, including rock carvings depicting migrating whales. Bronte Beach then beckons, with its 1880s ocean baths (Sundays and public holidays were originally reserved for men back then, but times have changed). Many café options along the way can turn the walk into a full day out.
After slicing through a sandstone cutting beyond Bronte, cross the Calga Reserve and tread carefully through Waverley Cemetery, where many notable literary luminaries were laid to rest.
Clovelly comes next. The very... read more

Description:

This is a much-awaited annual summer event. Contemporary sculptures created by Australia's popular sculptors, as well as leading artists from around 15 countries are exhibited on the seashore. This, one of the largest outdoor events of the country, attracts a huge crowd of around 400,000 visitors each year. So come by to check out these astonishingly creative original pieces of art. For further information, check the website.

Our Local Expert Says:

Even Sydney residents check in for a weekend here when they want a stylish beachside stay to recharge those batteries.

Description:

A mere 100 yards from one of the world's most famous beaches. Check. A sun drenched deck and courtyard for relaxing and breakfasting. Beautifully appointed and stylish rooms with period features. Check. A clean, well-equipped shared kitchen so I can save money on meals. Check. But close to bustling cafes, bars, restaurants and chic boutiques where I can spend up when I want to. Check. If there was a quaint little bookshop, that would be a bonus. Check that too.
It's probably fair to say that Bondi Beach just about has it all. Plenty chose to stay elsewhere but visit it often. Others chose to base themselves at Bondi and find it hard to leave. That's your dilemma.
If you choose to stay beachside (which is only 20 minutes to the city anyway), you'd be hard pressed to find a better value, clean and professionally run establishment as Bondi Beach House. Once a large family home, its 9 rooms (capable of hosting up to 21 guests) offer a choice of singles, doubles and delightful bright suites. They all have wonderful period features, in-room tea and coffee making facilities, plus flat-screen TVs. Many of the larger rooms come with folding French doors and plantation shutters to let in those... read more

Description:

Tucked away on a side street in Sydney's famous Bondi Beach this food store is a treasure known mostly to Bondi Beach locals. Selling a huge range of fresh organic fruits and vegetables to local beachgoers, aside from the fresh produce, they stock a small boutique range of organic products such as yogurt, noodles, breads and cakes. Their fresh juices are the best in Bondi and their takeaway selection is just as hearty. A fun place with a bohemian edge, which is a welcome relief from the glitz and trash that can sometimes seem overwhelming on Campbell Parade, along the waterfront.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is Australia's most famous beach. Massive amounts of sand, and in Summer, thousands of people. Watch yourself in the waves if you're not used to ocean swimming, because they can be dangerous.

Description:

A visit to Bondi should be on every visitor to Sydney's itinerary. It's Austraila's most famous beach, and for a reason. Bondi is a massive quarter moon of sand, wedged between two rocky headlands, endlessly pounded by huge ocean waves, its sand draped with sun-lotion slick bodies in various states of undress, kids running around on the sand, the old guys in their speedos (trans: Australian for male swimming briefs).

When you're tired on the beach, then head in for the hippy cafes, cool kids, boho locals and tourists tourists tourists of the colourful and so, so Sydney streets immediately behind the beach.

Our Local Expert Says:

A big beer barn by the beach. They do food, they do beer - a place for a quick one after a swim, or to party all night, if that's your thing.

Description:

To the mostly local patrons the hotel in which this restaurant is nestled, is known as the Regis (once its old name). Within the hotel there is a betting area, pool hall, pokies and No Names-a very cheap pasta restaurant. There are also three bar areas. The ground floor bar is filled with casually dressed locals. Upstairs it is a lot trendier and younger: the upmarket rear bar often has jazz bands playing, and the other bar is filled with pool tables and contemporary bands or DJ's playing mostly hip hop.

Description:

Cheap drinks, a rich history and unmatched views of iconic Bondi Beach make the Icebergs Club the best and only bar to soak in Bondi. Supplying the mostly local crowd with fairly priced drinks and gorgeous afternoon views, the Icebergs Club accommodates for all. With bands and live entertainment playing most nights and a priceless view, the Icebergs Club becomes a must visit venue when in the area. The flocks of locals can't be wrong when it comes expiriencing the best Bondi has to offer. The Bondi Icebergs Club has been the front-runner for winter swimming for over 75 years, and they aren't slowing down anytime soon. You can also hire a downstairs venue for functions and parties with an equally stunning view of the ocean.

1 Notts Avenue, tel. 61 2 9130 3120

Trent van der Jagt, Sydney Local Expert

Description:

In 1995, this fantastic well maintained development won the Francis Greenway Award for Conservation. Located on the coast, just 15 minutes south east of Sydney's Central Business District, are the unique, cliff hugging platforms on stilts and beautiful baths known as Wylies. For a truly relaxing swim and bake, you cannot go past the ambiance and beauty of this sunny, restful spot.

Description:

This tiny beach is nestled between Bondi and Bronte and is patronized almost exclusively by Sydney's beautiful people. While the surf can be dangerous and prone to rips, Tamarama is a haven for serious sunbathing as well as celebrity watching. The beachfront cafe has a well-deserved reputation and the park behind the beach offers picnic tables and barbecue facilities. Three inspectors patrol the beach daily between October and May (9am-7pm) and volunteer lifesavers are also on duty at the weekend and public holidays (Summer only). Very limited car parking.

Description:

Popular with all age groups, Bronte Beach is close to the inner city and has managed to retain a great deal of its original charm. Choose between a superb body surfing beach and a twenty-five meter ocean pool. The large adjoining park offers picnic and barbecue facilities as well as shade and is patronized by an extraordinary, multi-cultural mix of families at weekends. Three inspectors patrol the beach daily (9am-7pm) between October and May; volunteer lifesavers are also on duty at the weekend and public holidays (Summer only). Parking very limited.

Description:

Clovelly Beach offers a totally different experience due to its protective breakwater. The waves (and marine life) splash over the wall of rocks into a large, sheltered rock pool, which is ideal for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. Sunbathing is confined to concrete expanses although there is a tiny stretch of sand at the northern end. The adjacent park has picnic and barbecue facilities. Two inspectors patrol the beach daily from 7am-7pm (Summer) and 9am-5pm (Winter); volunteer lifesavers are also on duty at the weekend and public holidays (Summer only). Large, free car park.

Description:

This Australian location is a pilgrimage destination for visitors around the world; however it is a fully functional and operational cemetery first. In spite of its local, state, and national significance and being a treasure trove of history Waverley Cemetery receives no government funding for its operation. All revenue is derived from the provision of their services (the sale of Rights of Burial in graves and memorial gardens, burials and ash interments, grave maintenance plans, guided tours, etc).

Description:

Close to the inner city, Coogee Beach is becoming increasingly popular with backpackers and tourists as well as Sydneysiders. The surrounding area includes a promenade, barbecue facilities and outdoor showers. There are also two rock pools at the southern end. When you tire of the beach, pop across the road and enjoy a bite at one of Coogee's countless cafes, restaurants and hotels. Two inspectors patrol the beach daily and volunteer lifesavers are also on duty at the weekend and public holidays. Limited, free parking at the northern end.