Sydney Beaches & Coast: The Ultimate Coastal Day
Beyond the harbour, Sydney is a city of surf beaches, clifftop paths and headland ferries. This coastal itinerary strings together the Bondi to Coogee walk, a beginner surf lesson and the ferry to Manly — with a Blue Mountains day trip as an inland alternative — and the best-rated tours to book for each.
At a glance
- 1Bondi to Coogee coastal walk
- 2Surf lesson at Bondi Beach
- 3Ferry to Manly & North Head
- 4Blue Mountains day-trip option
Morning: the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk
Sydney's most famous walk hugs the cliffs for six kilometres from Bondi to Coogee, past Tamarama, Bronte and the Waverley clifftop cemetery. Allow two to three hours at an easy pace, with swim stops and coffee along the way. A guided coastal walk adds the geology and local stories and often includes lunch, from around AU$100; the self-guided route is free and well signposted the whole way.
Midday: learn to surf at Bondi
Bondi's gentle south-end break is where much of Sydney first stood up on a board. Group surf lessons run about two hours with boards and wetsuits included, from around AU$59, and most guarantee you will catch a wave. Lessons are timed to the tide and morning conditions, so book the day before and check in early at the Bondi Beach flags for your instructor.
