A trip to Sydney would not be complete without walking at least a portion of this three and a half mile paved, seaside path along spectacular sandstone cliffs and beautiful coves. With a day to myself I take the #333 bus (also available #380 or #389) from Central Quay in Sydney to Bondi, famous for its expansive beach and surfing "between the flags." A popular beach destination, I'm not surprised that this town has all the typical beach amenities you expect from honky tonk stores, beach cafes, surf shops and lots of people watching. After poking around a few stores I headed for the path at the southern end of the beach. As the path winds up its first hill I'm immediately struck by the "Icebergs" a large pool complex originally built for the Bondi Lifesaving Club. The two large pools are fed with ocean water making a winter swim on Bondi both a bit warmer and a lot safer. The complex is now open to visitors for both swimming and enjoying a meal or drinks overlooking the beauty of the waves and beach. Having just eaten I kept going along the path making a note to myself to plan a meal there on a future trip!
Continuing along the path I pass by some statues that are part of the Sculptures by the Bay exhibit and then came upon a small beach called Tamararma otherwise known as "Glamarama" evidently because of the "beautiful people" that frequent this lovely spot with its elongated beach and small cafe' . A short walk further along the path I came to Bronte beach, a larger popular beach with places to eat, a playground and a large grass park with BBQ pits behind the beach. At the southern end of the beach are the Bronte Baths another example of what I learned are very common man made pools along the coastline that provide a sheltered place to swim at the beaches. Here you can swim in seawater that is constantly circulated through the pool without worrying about the large waves or occasional shark.
Heading south again I climb a hill as the path takes me over some dramatic sandstone cliffs and past the historic Waverley Cemetery where I marvel at the intact Victoria and Edwardian monuments. Past the cemetery I come upon the Clovelly Bowling and Recreation park where orderly teams of white uniformed players bowl on bright green manicured lawns. What a contrast to my next site where I find another coastside pool (Clovelly Coastside Pool) at Bundock beach. But this time instead of people in the pool I watch some daring souls who are defying the heavy surf. I watch as they sit on the concrete walls wait for the surf to crash over them and pull them out into the cove. As a mother I panic as I watch them rise up and down with the wave surges and swim until they get close to the wall again and then that final surge pushes them up and over the wall back to their original spot. Oh to be young again!
Next I see Gordon's Bay with signs to an underwater nature trail. I hear it is set up for scuba divers but on a calm day even snorkelers can follow an this 600 meter underwater self guided and signed trail. Maybe next time I'll bring my snorkel.
Now near Coogee and the end of the walk I pass by the Bali memorial to the Giles Baths. Originally built in 1928 these "hydrotherapy" hot baths were a spa like location where "hot boxes" promised weight loss benefits and men could swim in the buff along this gorgeous coastline. Now in disrepair the original baths are no longer in use but the location features inlets and natural pools where everyone can enjoy a swim. As I look down to Coogee, complete with beautiful wide beach, amphitheater, park and restaurants I'm a bit tired but sad that this beautiful walk is over. Its taken about two and a half hours to complete the walk with plenty of time for photo and water stops and time to just look out and marvel at the beauty of nature here along the New South Wales Coast. If I have the chance to return I know that I can join the trail at various points with the only difficulty being which place to choose for a return trip!
