There are many beautiful walks around Bondi Beach, especially if you love coastal scenery. One of the most famous coastal walks around the area is Bondi to Waverley Cemetery via Bronte. It is a fairly easy-going walk of medium grade, although the first part does have some steep steps.
The walk starts at the Bondi Pavilion, then walk down the beachside promenade and continue south along the coastal walk. The walk finishes at Waverley Cemetery – just less than 4km one way. You can choose to walk back the way you came, or you can catch a bus. There are picnic areas with barbeque facilities and toilets at Bondi, Tamarama and Bronte.
At the start of your walk, take a look at the Bondi Pavilion. The building has been around since 1928, and was created when sea swimming became more popular. When it opened it contained changing areas for 12,000 people, a gymnasium, Turkish baths, shopping facilities, and a ballroom, and to this day, is still a fundamental part of Bondi culture.
You can also witness the history of surf living saving in Australia, with both Bondi SBLSC and Bronte SLSC claiming to be the oldest surf living saving club in the world, after both having been in existence since 1906.
Also check out Bondi Icebergs Club above Bondi Baths. Bear in mind that full membership can only be obtained if you swim three out of four Sundays each month during the winter months of May to September, for five years. But you can take a dip to cool off there too, as visitors are welcome!
Keep an eye out for the Aboriginal rock carvings at Marks Park, as well as the views from Mackenzies Point south to Maroubra, where you will see sandstone cliffs that date back to the Triassic Age (190-225 million years BC).
At Bronte, you will see Bronte Baths, open since 1887. Around that time, regulations said that Gentlemen were allowed to swim from daylight to 10am, and then 4pm til dark. Ladies were allowed to swim 10am til 4pm every day apart from Sundays and public holidays, which were reserved exclusively for men.
Waverley Cemetery was established in 1877, and the first body was buried there that year. The cemetery is a fascinating piece of history, with many notable Australians buried there. It’s open from sunrise to sunset, and there are guided tours available.
The Bondi to Waverley Cemetery is the ideal way to spend a few hours. The scenery is spectacular, both facing out to sea and towards land. You are sure to spot some interesting flora and fauna along the way, from native finches in the Banksia, to Eucalyptus, Norfolk Island Pines and Melaleuca. So why not pack a picnic and some sunscreen and head off on an adventure. Just don’t forget your camera!
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