Sydney Beaches … A Walk from Bondi to Coogee

It was Good Monday – a public holiday in Australia when I did the walking adventure on Sydney Beaches. Its holiday, another opportunity for me, so I grab my chance on that holiday to come back again to Sydney. This time, I spent two days and just in the city. I arrived Sunday morning and the next day I decided to visit Bondi Beach.

The only thing that I prepared before going out that day was how to get to Bondi. Most of the time, I traveled with a definite plan, but that day, I don’t even know what I am going to do once I reached the famous beach in Sydney. As far as I remembered, I only heard the name of the beach as there are TV shows in the country where the settings used is Bondi Beach.

I left my hotel at The Bayswater Sydney before lunch time which located at Kings Cross. It’s just few minutes walk to Kings Cross Station in T4 Line. I took the train to Bondi Junction, then I took bus 381 to Bondi Beach. I know there’s bus going directly to the beach, but I have to figure out which bus stop I should hop on the bus, so I decided the easiest route which is train.

IMG_4787

When I reached Bondi Junction station and walk towards the bus station, I realized that it’s a Bondi Bus Interchange where other bus, stops at the same station. I find it very convenient because people will not be confused which bus to take because each bus number has their assigned gate. So I bought the ticket in the junction and queue in the gate where Bus 381 docks to pick-up its passengers.

Bondi Beach

I reached Bondi Beach and I got-off in one of the bus stop along Campbell Parade. I looked at the surroundings and I like what I had seen so far. The people in the vicinity were still manageable, not to many and not too few. So I walked a bit along Campbell Parade to see what I can find along the road, and the result, I found the place refreshing and comforting. The road on the left side has shops, cafe or restaurants and other business establishments which adds appeal to the place, while the beach and the pavilion are located at the right side of the road.

IMG_4693

IMG_4694

Campbell Parade

IMG_4695

Bondi Beach

IMG_4692

Bondi Pavillion

Since it’s a beach, typical scenery were obvious, people were just lying in the sand enjoying the sun, some were just sitting in groups and talking together, some were enjoying the water by swimming and surfing, somewhere like me just wandering in the beach on a beautiful sunny day. I spent sometime in Bondi Beach and even walked around at the whole stretch of the shore so I can take different photos of the famous beach in different angle.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Bondi Beach

IMG_4697IMG_4699IMG_4703

Bondi Beach from the start of walking trail

After loving my stroll around and appreciating the views of Bondi Beach, I continued my pace forward. Along the walking trail I just enjoyed the sea views that surrounds me. The walk was fascinating as the trail was not a lonely trail as there were other people does the same walk. Some did their normal walking as their working out routine, some were like tourist like me with their own cameras, some started their walks from the other directions towards Bondi so there’s counter flow in the trail. I felt admiration in the natures that I am witnessing while walking.

IMG_4705

At the walking trail looking towards Bondi Beach

Scenery along the walking trail between Bondi Beach and Tamarama Beach

IMG_4717

At the walking trail looking towards Tamarama Beach and Bronte Beach

Without any idea, how long my walk will be and what else I am going to see along the trail, my steps still never stops, maybe because I was so infatuated with the fantastic scenery that I am seeing and every time something beautiful to be seen, my eyes, my hand and my camera automatically synchronised in taking photos.

Tamarama Beach

IMG_4732

So my pace never stops and then I reached another beach, I can say that Australian loves water and most of them are great in waters. Though, if I live in Sydney, I will think the same outdoor activities. The beaches and shores are not far from the city. If you don’t have car, it’s not even a problem because it has strategic public transportation system that has in place, that’s why like me still able to reach such place.

IMG_4729IMG_4734IMG_4735IMG_4738

I stayed in the walking trail, I had been contented taking photos of Tamarama beach along the trail as the scenery were more appealing to me. I stopped from time to time to rest but most of the time to take photos.

Bronte Beach

IMG_4740

Bronte Beach is not far from Tamarama Beach, the two beaches are close to each other, so people who chose to swim or play around between these two has options to have both.

IMG_4741

Unlike Tamarama Beach, Bronte Beach is bigger and it has a pool in one side near rocky parts of the shore where both young and adults can enjoy.

IMG_4742

Up Close and Personal with Bronte Beach

IMG_4743

Bronte Park

IMG_4744

Bond Ocean Pool or Bronte Baths

After passing Bronte’s beach, park and baths, my walks continues. The distance of Clovelly Beach from Bronte Beach is quite significant. But along the way there’s two interesting stuff that I had seen. First is Waverley Cemetery not far from the cliff. Second, I witnessed a Barefoot Bowl (Lawn Bowl) game. It’s bowling played in the grass ground and swinging the ball like in bowling indoor games but the target is to get closer to the jack – a smaller white ball.  I stayed for a bit to watch how the game was being played.

IMG_4756

Waverley Cemetery

IMG_4758IMG_4759

Barefoot Bowl at Clovelly Bowling & Recreation Club

Other scenery to see between Bronte Beach and Clovelly Beach

Clovelly Beach

IMG_4765

As I was enjoying what I had seen so far in my walk, without realising that I reached Clovelly Beach. This beach has narrowest bay that I had seen in my walk and because of that, it has limited shore as its playground and the water looks deep as I had seen how the water gets darker even it’s not far from the sand. The beach has ocean pool or baths too similar to Bronte Beach just differ on its shape.

IMG_4761IMG_4767IMG_4766

Clovelly Beach and its Ocean Pool/Baths

Gordons Bay

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

An Awe-inspiring scenery of Gordons Bay from the walking trail

How many beaches that I discovered? Bondi, Tamarama, Bronte and Clovelly Beach. And it seems my walk never ends. While my steps keeps moving forward, I am wondering if there will be an end in that walking trail. I felt the sun in my face and in my skin. I can feel the heat scorching in my body but everytime I saw amazing and inspiring scenery, how can I tell to myself to stop this walking adventure. In the trail, I had a glimpse of fantastic view of Gordons Bay. The water is so clear that I dreamt myself soaking underneath.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

When I reached Gordons Bay, its different from what I am expecting. It is the smallest beach with quite treacherous shore where I found raised boardwalks and small boats which said to be from local fishing club reminiscing the European fishing village which is interesting.

Coogee Beach

IMG_4779

Before I reached the last beach for my walk, I strolled few more minutes from Gordons Bay. I passed a park at the top of the cliff which is part of the trail. Then, from a far, saw Coogee Beach. Like Bondi Beach its a busy one. I took time for photos before I decided to end my walk. Then, I felt tired and I felt hungry. My total time for the walk was around 4 hours for the walking distance which around 6kms. as I spent time taking photos and resting for a while to enjoy picturesque views of my surroundings.

Walking at the park before Coogee Beach

IMG_4782

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Coogee Beach

When I got full, again, I inquired where will I find the bus stop going back to Bondi Junction and after that, I walked straight to the bus stop. Waited for the incoming bus and then I found myself in Bondi Junction. From the junction, I took the train going to Circular Quay station for my next activity, though I was uncertain on the plan because of the timing, still the next adventure happened.

Sydney on its Darkness

Though I had seen Sydney Harbour before, it still refreshing to witness it from dusk to nighttime. My first night in my last trip in Sydney was spent to walk around Opera House, Circular Quay and The Rocks after doing the Queen Victoria Building tour.

I came from Circular Quay Station and walked towards Sydney Opera House. As expected, the vicinity area has its regular visitors from different parts of the world since the place is a top destination to see while in Sydney and while in Australia.

I reached surroundings of Opera House at sunset, so the settings of the building is different from the last time I saw it last 2013. Sunset was actually a great time as it gave me a chance to have two different and consecutive time of the day to be able to take pictures of the area, one was with fading sunlight and one was at nighttime. Because of this, I got a chance to see Opera House and its location in two different outlook. The walk also gave me a chance to experiment night photography (and to be honest I’m not really good at it, just a rookie).

While I was in Sydney Opera House area, I captured photos of Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. When I  walked towards “The Rocks” area, I was able to see Sydney Opera House from a far.

Here are the photos that I produced during that walk.

During Sunset

IMG_4514

IMG_4510

IMG_4511

IMG_4536

Sydney Opera House

IMG_4508

IMG_4509

IMG_4515

IMG_4518

IMG_4522

IMG_4531

IMG_4534

Sydney Harbour Bridge

IMG_4516

IMG_4517

IMG_4526

IMG_4533

IMG_4519

IMG_4525

IMG_4527

IMG_4529

IMG_4530

Up Close and Personal with Sydney Opera House

During Nighttime

IMG_4539

IMG_4543

IMG_4550

IMG_4581

IMG_4593

IMG_4616

IMG_4620

IMG_4621

IMG_4623

IMG_4624

IMG_4625

Sydney Harbour Bridge

IMG_4571

IMG_4577

IMG_4578

IMG_4579

IMG_4580

IMG_4595

IMG_4598

IMG_4602

IMG_4608

IMG_4614

IMG_4633

IMG_4634

Sydney Opera House

IMG_4583

IMG_4604

IMG_4592

IMG_4597

IMG_4600

IMG_4605

IMG_4610

Circular Quay

IMG_4631

IMG_4636

IMG_4641

IMG_4640

The Rocks

Next day, after my walking tour from Bondi to Coogee, the next plan was to see Manly Beach. I knew I’m running out of time and I hoped that I still able to see the famous beach but its getting dark. Though I have limited time to spare, I still grab my chance to visit Manly Beach.

IMG_4790

IMG_4797

IMG_4799

Sydney Opera House

And that being said, the second night was spent a bit in the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Beach and vice versa. I hopped-on in a regular ferry that goes between Circular Quay and Manly Wharf. When I reached Manly, I crossed a road and walked straight to “The Corso” – a street of outdoor markets and mall street before reaching the beach itself. But since it’s night, some stores are already closed. I move forward towards the beach, since its already dark, I haven’t seen much of Manly Beach. I had seen some portion of the shore, the ocean and the nearby buildings in surrounding areas.

IMG_4806

IMG_4807

IMG_4811

IMG_4819

Manly Beach

IMG_4812

IMG_4815

The Corso

IMG_4817

IMG_4822

Manly Wharf

After sometime in Manly, I decided to go back since the next schedule of the ferry to Circular Quay was approaching. While in the ferry, the same night gave me a chance to see Sydney CBD at nighttime from a distance and I had been able to witness how Sydney is magnificent at dark hours.

IMG_4836

IMG_4840

Sydney CBD and Sydney Opera House

IMG_4844

IMG_4845

IMG_4862

Sydney Opera House

IMG_4871

IMG_4873

Circular Quay

People : Music and Sunglasses

People (Post#2) : Music and Sunglasses

While walking towards Sydney Opera House, I saw other people enjoying the scenery in the area, while the others are just chilling with great music. Here is the snapshot of the band that was performing while I was roaming around the place. The photo is part of Sydney Walking Tour April 2014 collection.

IMG_4516

In The Middle Of Somewhere : The Corso

In The Middle Of Somewhere (Post#8) : The Corso

After getting off Manly Wharf, I walked along The Corso, the main street of markets or street mall not far from wharf and looks to be a busy street when its day time. It’s like a lane ways of outdoor markets too where most people passed before reaching Manly Beach. The photo is part of Sydney Walking Tour April 2014 collection.

IMG_4812

IMG_4815

Panoramic View : Sydney

Panoramic View (Post#26) : Sydney

On my way back to Circular Quay from Manly Beach, it gave me a chance to see Sydney skyline and even its Opera House to see how beautiful the city at night. While practicing night photography, I had capture a shot of the city. The photo is part of Sydney Walking Tour April 2014 collection

IMG_4840

Sydney Beaches … A Scenic Walk From Bondi To Coogee (in “We’re the Travelers”)

Hey guys, my post for Bondi and Coogee Walk has been published in “We’re the Travelers” site. This is my second post. I hope you enjoy the virtual walk. Please visit the link below.

Sydney Beaches … A Scenic Walk From Bondi To Coogee

IMG_4699

IMG_4738

IMG_4742

IMG_4744

IMG_4766

IMG_4770

IMG_4783

 

Twilight : Sydney Harbour Bridge

Twilight (Post#7) : Sydney Harbour Bridge

What can I say about this bridge? It is famous every time the new year is celebrated in the city as usually fireworks display held in the bridge. It’s fascinating to see the night version of this bridge. The photo is part of Sydney Walking Tour April 2014.

IMG_4581

Twilight : Manly Beach

Twilight (Post#6) : Manly Beach

When I visited Manly Beach, it’s already dark, therefore I haven’t seen it in day light. Due to limited time, I had been content in walking in the beach at night. The was named by Captain Arthur Phillip describes the indigenous people’s with confidence and manly behaviour and named it as ‘Manly Cove’. The photo is part of Sydney Walking Tour April 2014.

IMG_4819

Theme : Beach – Coogee Beach

Theme (Post#9) : Beach – Coogee Beach

The last beach I reached for the walking trail that I took is Coogee Beach. The volume of people I found in Bondi seems to be similar in Coogee. And seeing people in the beach, everyone was having a great time. The name of Coogee is said to be taken from a local Aboriginal word “koojah” which means “smelly place”. The photo is part of Sydney Walking Tour April 2014.

IMG_4782

Theme : Beach – Gordons Bay

Theme (Post#8) : Beach – Gordons Bay

This is one of the beach that quite unique because its not similar to the beaches that I found in my walk as this one is where The Gordons Bay Underwater Nature Trail can be found which is the spot for self-guided for snorkeling and scuba diving adventures. The photo is part of Sydney Walking Tour April 2014.

IMG_4773

Theme : Beach – Clovelly Beach

Theme (Post#7) : Beach – Clovelly Beach

So far, I already enjoyed three beaches, my walks hasn’t stopping yet. As I see the walking trail still there, my pace continues. I was amazed about the trail. And I still surprised after I found the fourth beach in front of me and that is Clovelly Beach. The beach was known as Little Coogee and renamed after the village of Clovelly on the north Devon coast, England. The photo is part of Sydney Walking Tour April 2014.

IMG_4765

Theme : Beach – Bronte Beach

Theme (Post#6) : Beach – Bronte Beach

So my walk continues after passing Tamarama Beach. I never expected that the walk will give me a chance to see different beaches in Sydney. I admired the city as it does not have only one beach near the metropolis but more than that. Anyone can immediately see a different sceneries aside from city buildings by just few kilometers driving from it. The name of the beach was came from Duke of Bronte, military figure Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson. The photo is part of Sydney Walking Tour April 2014.

IMG_4741

Theme : Beach – Tamarama Beach

Theme (Post#5) : Beach – Tamarama Beach

After enjoying my walk around and after appreciating the fascinating views of Bondi Beach, my pace moved forward not knowing what’s next to see or discover. Then, I saw another shore similar to Bondi but smaller one. And I saw there were people swimming, surfing and just lying on the ground beach enjoying the sun. I just reached Tamarama Beach in Waverly an eastern suburb of Sydney. Tamarama came from aboriginal word ‘Gamma Gamma’ which means ‘Storm’. The beach is also considered the most dangerous patrolled beach in New South Wales. The photo is part of Sydney Walking Tour April 2014.

IMG_4733

Featuring Our World : Bondi Beach

Featuring Our World (Post#3) : Bondi Beach

During my 4th time visit in Sydney which happened last April 2014 during my 3rd project assignment in Australia, I planned to explore a bit Sydney and some nearby outskirts of the city. One of the places that I explored by walking is the famous Bondi Beach. Honestly I was just curious because I always heard the beach many times while staying in Australia for more than 1.5 years. And I never able to really got a chance to see the beach even I had been in Sydney for quite times. And because of that, I really grabbed my chance to see it.

As I learned that Bondi word is actual an aboriginal word (local word of one of the first people lives in Australia). “Bondi” means “water breaking over rocks” which you can notice that while in the beach and the nearby rocky parts between the side of the beach. I can say that the beach is famous because anyone can visit it easily through any means of transportation as it is not far from Sydney central business district, therefore, people can immediately appreciate the beach without being far or away from the city. Based on history, Bondi Beach has been one of the location during Summer Olympics in 2000 when Australia won over Beijing China. And the beach is also recognized as one of the landmarks in Australia.

I got a chance to see Bondi when I planned to explore Sydney by walking and it happened when I did a walk from Bondi to Cogee.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Bondi Beach (Part 1)

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Bondi Beach (Part 2)

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Bondi Beach (Part 3)

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Bondi Beach (Part 4)

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Bondi Beach (Part 5)

Life In The Metro : Overlooking Sydney CBD, Circular Quay and The Rocks

Life In The Metro (Post#4) : Overlooking Sydney CBD, Circular Quay and The Rocks

During my first time visit in Sydney Australia, to be honest I can’t believed that I was seeing Opera House and Sydney itself. The city is one of my dreams that I never thought that’s going to happen or became a reality. The photo above was a partial snapshot of Sydney CBD which includes, the CBD itself, the Circular Quay, The Rocks and the Sydney Cove and when I captured this I was at Opera House. Seeing so many people in a famous city like Sydney is a normal thing. People flock to these kinds of places as it is known to the world. It can be a pride to anybody who was able to visit such places. I was really thankful I had a chance to walked around Sydney. I took this photo last April 2013 during musical collaboration event that I got a chance to joined in.

DSC05033

Quick Peek of Sydney Darling Harbour

I had a post about my first travel in Sydney entitle “Serenading at Opera House” that covers the first place that I visited which was the famous Sydney Opera House and then I returned to the city after almost two weeks since I got a deal for Blue Mountains and Jenolan Caves tour from Groupon which scheduled and planned prior to my first travel in Sydney. Why that was happened? It happened because the musical collaboration activity event that I attended in my first travel was announced after my Blue Mountains tour had been set.

Since I was in Australia for work and not for a holiday, the only days I had a chance to roam in Australia were mostly weekends, holidays and scheduled leaves. And similar to my first travel in the city, I just spent more than one day again in Sydney just for the tour. I booked a single room in a hostel for 1 night as I am a solo traveler. I can say that accommodations such as hotels in this prime city are quite expensive and you can get good deals in a short period of time with hostels unless I wanted to spend a lot of money for hotels for such one day holiday just to sleep for few hours.

I have to end such introductions since I’m here to tell my memories of my second visit in Sydney. I flew to Sydney at Friday night last April 2013. Then I took train from Domestic Terminal to Town Hall Station which in the middle of Central Business District of Sydney, then walked a little bit until I found the hostel that I will be staying for few hours of sleep. Yes I only had overnight in Sydney as I will be flying back to Melbourne in the evening the next day. I came to the hotel quite late like past 11PM, which I informed the hostel prior my flight as I wanted to make sure that they were aware of my arrival time because some hostels does not have 24 hours service desk and I cannot afford to sleep outside to a place that I had been second time and I do not knew someone personally. I can’t forget the experience that I had that night because the person in charge in the hostel was not around at the time I was in front of the building. I called the number and I felt relieved because someone showed up and open the door for me.

I checked out early in the morning and walked to the meeting place where the bus was stationed for Blue Mountains Tour. At the moment of my walk I saw Sydney on its most silent time which is Saturday morning because most of the time Friday night in Australia in major cities of this continent country down under are significant to them for party and chilling out. The bus was located at Level B2 Coach Terminal in Pirrama Road within The Star (The Star Sydney Casino Hotel) building.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

From the hostel (Sydney Backpackers in Wilmot Street) I walked few kilometres. From Wilmot St to George St, turned left to Bathurst St until I reached Harbour St. I passed IMAX Theatre and then saw Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre. I saw some hotels surrounding the famous harbour such as Novotel and Ibis Hotel. Pyrmont Bridge which carries pedestrian and bicycle traffic are also to be found in the harbour. I peek as well the Cockle Bay and Cockle Bay Wharf, a steam ferry before but now floating restaurant South Steyne Sydney. Last but not the least, I also passed the Australian National Maritime Museum.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

For me it was really a good walk and it was a good thing that I went to the bus coach terminal early and had ample time for normal walk and photo shots in the area.