Walking the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk with a Dog

The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is one of the most popular walks in Sydney, thanks to its scenic views and the many beautiful beaches that it visits. It’s popular with both visitors and locals alike, including many local dog owners. Find out more about walking the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk with a dog, one of the best dog walks in Sydney.

Are Dogs Allowed on the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk?

Dogs are allowed along the entire length of the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. Dogs are just not allowed onto any of the beaches that the walk passes, although dogs are allowed to walk on the promenades behind the beaches, such as at Bondi, Bronte and Coogee.

Are Dogs Allowed Off-Leash on the Bondi to Coogee Walk?

Dogs need to stay on leash for the entire length of the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. There are a few off-leash parks that the walk passes, where you can let your dog off-leash for a run, see below. However, you’ll need to leash your pup again when you continue on the walk.

Off-Leash Parks along the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

Along the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk there are multiple off-leash dog exercise areas. From north to south, feel free to let you dog off leash at:

Marks Park: Located on the headland to the south of Bondi Beach, dogs are permitted off-leash at Marks Park before 8:30am and after 4:30pm. During the yearly Sculpture by the Sea exhibit, dogs need to remain on-leash all day long, though I’ve noticed this is not always enforced.

Bronte Park: Dogs are allowed off-leash in part of Bronte Park, before 10am and after 3pm. Head up to the rear of the park, to the section known as Bronte Gully – see the map on this page or look for signs. In the majority of the park, including next to the Coastal Walk, dogs need to remain leashed.

Burrows Park: The best off-leash dog exercise area along the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is Burrows Park, just south of Waverley Cemetery and before Clovelly Beach. Dogs are permitted off-leash all day long. Just keep your dog leashed on the sporting field located in the park, plus off the surrounding bush reserve and rock platforms.

How Long is the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk?

The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is 6km long, making for a total distance of 12km if you walk the entire length and then retrace your footsteps.

If your dog is not up to such a long walk, just walk part of it. Or else, if you have a smaller dog, you can make use of public transport options to return to your starting point.

Getting To and From the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

The easiest way to access the Bondi and Coogee Coastal Walk with a dog is by car. However, parking around Bondi is far from easy, especially on sunny weekends. Not to mention many streets have a 2-hour time limit, while other options can be quite expensive. I recommend choosing a quieter stretch of the Coastal Walk to park and start your walk.

Alternatively, if you have a smaller dog and a carrier bag for them, it’s possible to make use of Sydney Buses to get to and from the walk. Small pets in a carrier bag are permitted on buses in Sydney, with permission from the driver, ideally outside busy periods.

You could also take advantage of the bus to return to your starting point, reducing the length of your walk. However, generally there are no buses directly between Bondi and Coogee – you’d have to transfer at Bondi Junction.

Best Time to Walk the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk with a Dog

The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is popular year round. However, as dogs can’t enjoy a dip at the many beaches along the way, like many human walkers do, I’d recommend avoiding the hot days of summer.

Instead, consider walking the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk with your dog during the cooler months, or else early or late in the day over summer, avoiding the hottest part of the day. Perhaps set out early and combine it with brunch at one of the many dog-friendly cafes along the route?

Dog-Friendly Cafes along the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

Do like the locals do and stop to enjoy one of the many dog-friendly cafes dotted along the Bondi to Coogee Walk, whether brunch, lunch or just a coffee or juice.

The best stretch of cafes close to the middle of the walk is at Bronte. Make a detour to the strip of cafes along Bronte Road, at southern side of the park along Bronte Beach. Most cafes have outdoor tables – check whether your dog is allowed.

Alternatively, you could also stop by the Tamarama Beach Kiosk at the southern end of Tamarama Beach. It has plenty of outdoor tables, with dogs warmly welcome. Another option is at Clovelly, where the walk passes right by Sea Salt Clovelly. Open daily, leashed dogs are welcome to join you on the terrace.

There’s also plenty of cafes on offer in both Bondi Beach and Coogee – most cafes with outdoor tables will allow pet dogs to join you, but double check if you can’t see any other dogs around.

Variations to the Walk

The most popular variation on this walk is to just walk one section of it. The Bondi to Bronte section is probably most popular, but the hardest area for parking, while the stretch that passes Waverley Cemetery offers stunning views.

It’s easiest for me to get to Coogee with my dog (using the local bus routes), so I’ve walked the southern end from Coogee to Clovelly, passing the pretty Gordons Bay.

It’s also possible to lengthen the walk in either direction. At Bondi, head north for 1km along the promenade, then head north along Military Road, connecting with the Federation Cliff Walk at Dover Heights. Heading south, it’s possible to continue to Maroubra, via a combination of walkways and some street footpaths.

Check out more tips on walking the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk.

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