The Bondi to Tamarama Walk is one of Sydney’s shortest and most scenic coastal walks. The route covers approximately 1.2–2 kilometres between Bondi Beach and Tamarama Beach, depending on where you start and finish. You can walk it in about 30 minutes without stopping, but it’s worth allowing at least an hour for photographs, viewpoints and a break at Tamarama.
It’s the shortest stretch of the famous Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, and an honored one, too: every spring, the Bondi to Tamarama stretch becomes part of Sculpture by the Sea for three weeks. This is a free outdoor sculpture exhibition that places more than 100 works along the cliffs, beaches and coastal path.
Visit at any time of year for the scenery. Visit during Sculpture by the Sea for one of Sydney’s most memorable free events—but expect crowds.
Living in Sydney, we did this walk many times, and also in different seasons, and with visitors of different interests. Not to mention our own stubborn toddler, with a strong intention of getting wet any given chance. Well, he’s a school boy now, and we’re looking for safe swimming options as we walk this route together.
So let’s see how to make the most of it, including the details for the exact route, time and transport information.
Bondi to Tamarama Walk at a glance
Sculpture by the Sea in 2026: 16 October – 2 November
- Distance: Approximately 1.2–2 km one way
- Walking time: About 30 minutes without stops — allow 1–2 hours with photographs and beach time
- Difficulty: Easy, with some stairways
- Start: Southern end of Bondi Beach, near Notts Avenue
- Finish: Tamarama Beach and Park
- Best direction: Bondi to Tamarama
- Best time for walking: Early morning or late afternoon
- Best time for Sculpture by the Sea: Weekday morning during the exhibition
- Accessibility: Not suitable for prams or wheelchairs along the full route
The distance is short, but the route includes a headland, stairs, slopes and exposed sections. It’s not a flat promenade, rather a scenic coastal path.
The Bondi to Tamarama Walk
Start at Bondi Beach
Begin at the southern end of Bondi Beach, near Notts Avenue and the Bondi Icebergs viewing platform. It’s one of the most photographed parts of Bondi, and even after many visits I still keep my camera close by. You know, the lights might be the most perfect on a current visit. 🙂
If you want to walk on Bondi Beach, participate in a group surf lesson, or simply stroll the promenade and look for ice-cream, calculate with about 1-1.5 km of extra walking. Yes, Bondi Beach is long.
From the southern end of Bondi Beach, follow the coastal path south towards Mackenzies Point. The route rises gradually, and I like to keep turning back for the views towards Bondi Beach.
Generally, I prefer facing Bondi as I walk this route, but if you’re only doing the Bondi to Tamarama section of the coastal walk, Bondi is the more practical starting point. So just don’t forget to look back.
Mackenzies Point
Mackenzies Point is the most dramatic section of the short walk. The path passes sandstone cliffs and open coastal viewpoints before turning towards Tamarama.
On clear days, the views are wide and impressive, but in windy weather, the headland is suddenly much less comfortable than Bondi Beach below.
Mackenzies Bay
After Mackenzies Point, the path takes you around the headland, then descends lightly towards the more sheltered Mackenzies Bay. This is actually a small patch of sand that’s only revealed at low tide, but what I found the most impressive here are the views of the bay, with Tamarama and Bronte Beach in the distance.
Again, don’t forget to turn back here either. The walking path looks quite picturesque as it snakes along the coastline.
Descending to Tamarama Beach
After Mackenzies Point, the path descends towards Tamarama. There are different stairs, and you can choose to get down to the sand, or stroll behind it on a paved promenade.
This bay is smaller and more enclosed than Bondi, with a distinctly different atmosphere. It’s surrounded by parkland and headlands, and it’s probably the most visually striking beaches in Sydney’s Eastern suburbs.
It’s not a playful beach where you wade in casually tough. The surf is usually powerful, and the beach is known for strong currents and rips. If you swim, stay between the flags. The beach has dedicated surf and swimming zones and they exist for a reason.
Tamarama Park has toilets, drinking fountains, benches, grassy areas, a small playground and a café.
Before leaving, walk towards the headland at the northern end of Tamarama for an elevated view over the beach. It’s one of the best places to appreciate the small scale of the bay and the surrounding cliffs.
If you’re continuing to Bronte, follow the coastal path south from Tamarama.
Should you continue to Bronte?
Yes, if you have time. The Tamarama to Bronte section adds roughly another kilometre, and continues through one of the most scenic parts of Sydney’s eastern coastline. A typical “low effort, big reward” addition which gives you another fabulous beach, the Bronte baths, the Bogey Hole and better cafés. Well, and a longer and more satisfying coastal walk.
If you’re already at Tamarama and feel comfortable, continuing to Bronte is usually worthwhile.
Sculpture by the Sea, a genuinely special Sydney event
Sculpture by the Sea is a free outdoor sculpture exhibition held along the coastal path between Bondi and Tamarama. It usually takes place for approximately three weeks in late October and early November, although the dates vary each year.
The official Sculpture by the Sea dates in 2026: 16 October – 2 November
The exhibition features more than 100 sculptures displayed on the beach, cliffs, headlands and path. I really like how the coastline becomes an open-air gallery this time of the year, with the ocean and sandstone landscape forming the backdrop.
There’s no overarching theme, but it’s usually a collection of diverse and eclectic sculptures – some small, some big, some funny, some beautiful, some provoking. They are both from Australian artists and artists from around the world.
From 2025 I particularly remember the playful dolphins leaping out of a giant, bright red retro toaster (the artwork of Drew McDonald), the large wooden water dragon (by Andrew Cullen), or the sofa made of rock and looking over Mackenzies Bay (by Ayad Alqaragholli). But another piece stayed with me, too, touching on the phenomenon of older women sidelined and marginalized in our society.
As memorable as the Sculpture by the Sea exhibition is, it’s also one of the busiest times to visit this section of the coast. Which is not to keep you away, but a bit of planning can make it more enjoyable.
How to visit Sculpture by the Sea
Go early on a weekday. Weekday mornings are generally the best time to see the exhibition with fewer people around. Arriving before 9am gives you a better chance of photographing the sculptures and enjoying the views without the heaviest crowds. By late morning, the path can become much busier. Weekends and public holidays are particularly crowded.
Walk and wander around. The exhibition extends across the entire coastal path, not just Bondi or Tamarama Beach. Allow time for the sculptures around the headlands rather than treating the event as something concentrated at either end.
Allow several hours. The walk itself is short, but Sculpture by the Sea is not a quick point-to-point walk. You will stop to look at the works and the views, and take many pictures (and wait for your turn to take more). Allow around two to three hours if you want to experience the exhibition without rushing.
Use public transport. Parking near Bondi and Tamarama is limited even outside the exhibition period. During Sculpture by the Sea, spaces fill quickly and traffic can be slow. You save your nerves if you choose public transport instead.
Bring your water bottle and sun protection. The route is exposed and shade is limited. Have your water bottle with you, don’t forget to refill it, and wear sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
Best time to do the Bondi to Tamarama Walk
Sculpture by the Sea normally takes place in late October and early November. For comfortable walking, May to October is generally a good period. For swimming at Bondi or Tamarama, December to March offers warmer weather and longer days. Here’s my month-by-month guide to the best time to do this coastal walk.
As for the time of day, mornings are usually the best for a quieter path and softer light. Late afternoon can also be beautiful, although check the sunset time in winter and allow enough time to finish before dark.
Avoid the middle of summer days if possible. The path is exposed, shade is limited and the headland can become uncomfortable in high heat.
All in all
The Bondi to Tamarama Walk is short, scenic and easy to add to a Sydney itinerary.
Visit during Sculpture by the Sea for a free outdoor gallery unlike anything else in Sydney—but go early on a weekday, use public transport and allow several hours. Visit outside the exhibition season for a quieter coastal experience.
Making a day of it? Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi’s surf culture and the coastal walk are easy to combine into a memorable day. You can sign up for a Bondi surf lesson to add another activity to your visit.
If you have time, continue to Bronte for a longer and more rewarding coastal walk. For the complete route, transport details and all the beaches along the way, see our Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk guide.
Last updated: October 2026
FAQ: Bondi to Tamarama Walk
How long is the Bondi to Tamarama Walk?
The walk is approximately 1.2–2 kilometres one way, depending on the exact start and finish points. It takes around 30 minutes without stops, but allow one to two hours for photographs and beach time.
Is the Bondi to Tamarama Walk difficult?
It is an easy-to-moderate coastal walk with a headland, stairs and slopes. It’s short, but not completely flat, and it can feel more challenging in heat or strong wind.
Is the Bondi to Tamarama Walk pram-friendly?
No. It includes stairs, slopes and uneven sections, so it’s not suitable for a pram or wheelchair from end to end.
When is Sculpture by the Sea?
Sculpture by the Sea usually takes place for around three weeks in late October and early November. Check the official event website for the confirmed dates.
Is Sculpture by the Sea free?
Yes. Entry to the outdoor exhibition is free, although donations are welcome.
Can you swim at Tamarama?
Yes, but it’s not among the best swimming beaches in Sydney since it can have strong surf and currents. Swim between the flags and follow lifeguard advice.
Is it worth continuing to Bronte?
Yes, if you have time and the conditions are suitable. Bronte adds roughly another kilometre and offers another beach, cafés, Bronte Baths and more coastal scenery.
How crowded is Sculpture by the Sea?
It can be very crowded, especially on weekends and late mornings. Visit on a weekday before 9am for a more manageable experience.
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