Bondi to Coogee – Coastal Strolling in the Romp

Bondi to Coogee – Coastal Strolling in the Romp

Bondi Beach Signage Sydney, NSW 2018

One of the most overused and famous beaches in Australia is Bondi Beach.  Millions of tourists from all over the world show up season after season to layout, swim out, and hang out at this area of land where sand meets ocean water.  Even a reality TV show is named after this beach.  Bondi Beach is worth grabbing a flat white or long black coffee on a fine Spring day with a local Aussie born and raised in Sydney.  The nice part about travel is meeting people that know the area and what to avoid.  Now Aussies are sun saturated with beach culture so when a local says Bondi is not the best beach to visit – you better listen.  Now the older I get the more I like to avoid tourist traps, but without missing some stapled attractions.  And Sam knew a great compromise of both.  The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk.

Overlooking Bondi Beach Sydney, NSW 2018

Utilizing good old Uber (a little comical to me when asked if the US has Uber) Sam and I took off from her flat near New Town (a place very much like Mass Ave with a Broadripple flare in Indianapolis) to some street I have long since forgotten to begin our stroll on truly amazing Bondi to Coogee coastal walk.  This 6k (3.5 miles) walk started at an overwatch point with a perfect view of Bondi.  While not overly crowded I am sure the water is a bit too brisk for even me.  So, a quick snapshot from my phone and a glance or two at the surfers waiting to wade in we were off headed on the path south. 

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk Sydney, NSW 2018

The views on the walk were an incredible mix of rugged rock cliffs, clear views of the waves crashing and climbing up those cliffs, yellow flowers dotting the ground ever so often, signs (being largely ignored) telling all to not go past the fence, fellow walkers enjoying the Springtime air, and passing by saltwater pools where older men in banana hammock swimsuits show off their bodies while swimming laps.  They apparently have the same confidence as any European guy (but minus the gold chains around their neck of St. Peter).  I have to say, in life, there some things that cannot be unseen.  Yet, when you travel, best to simply go with it.  No worries, right mates?!

Past a "Do Not Cross" sign along the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk Sydney, NSW 2018

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk Sydney, NSW 2018

There are a couple of beaches we passed on this unforgettable morning stroll.  The names are truly foreign to me – Tamarama, Bronte, and Clovelly.  It all seems smaller in size but also less crowded with tourists.  One of the more hilarious points of this mini-adventure occurred at one of the smaller beaches.  We started with just a leisurely layout sunbathing and chatting with her friends that showed up.  Not too long after Sam and I ventured to dip a toe or foot into the water.  Yes, too brisk for me.  The conversation centered around when to get in the water and when not to.  Key to avoiding all things that kill you in Aus, always and I mean ALWAYS watch what the locals do and follow suit.  As her being the local expert she began telling me that there are blue bottle jellyfish.  While rarely causing death, the injury can be quite serious.  Great, folks!  Another creature that can hurt me down under if the spiders, Roos, or snakes don’t get me.  But while she told me more about how even their detached tentacles can hurt you, I looked down and no more than a few inches away from where she just stepped a less than palm-sized bluebottle jellyfish was apparently enjoying the view along with us. 

As any guy would do, I said while pointing at it, “Is that one?” In true Aussie fashion, she just looks down mutters something like, “Yeah Nah, that’s not good”.  Then she takes one small sidestep away before headed back to our little group.  She never truly flinched.  Yeah Nah, folks, she is Australian for sure. Soon enough it was time to walk to a park bench near the sand and have a bevie.  The whole experience reminded me of that pint filled arcade bar showing off our bums for a quick bum picture oh not so too long ago… 

Park Bench near the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, Sydney, NSW 2018

Ultimately, from what I can tell about Aussies are they tend to be infused with an adventurous spirit, lighthearted warmth, and mildly reckless decisions making abilities.  With a bottle of red wine to toast with our little crowd, and the Sun warming all it touched, I must conclude, it was a G’day.  Glad I didn’t get stung in my romp... But even if I had, I'd still take life in the Romp so you don't have to Folks.

~~~©Dustin J. Casey 2021~~~