Grant Reserve Walk

Grant Reserve sits on the headland at the southern end of Coogee Beach, and the walk through it is a short, scenic 2.1 kilometres of boardwalk, paved path and sandstone steps with Wedding Cake Island offshore. Dogs are welcome on lead, with one hard exclusion: Randwick City Council prohibits dogs within 10 metres of the Stan Windon Memorial Playground.

The walk. The recorded route is 2.1 kilometres and about half an hour, graded easy, though the steps mean easy is doing some work. There are enough stairs and level changes that a pram or a wheelchair will struggle, and an older dog with sore hips will feel them. The route links Coogee Surf Life Saving Club south past Wylie's Baths and the Ivo Rowe rock pool toward Trenerry Reserve.

The rules. On lead throughout the reserve and along the coastal walkway. Dogs are prohibited within 10 metres of the Stan Windon Memorial Playground, and they are not allowed on Coogee Beach itself at any time. The land manager is Randwick City Council. Trenerry Reserve, just south, is the nearest dedicated off lead area if your dog needs a proper run.

Hazards. The path is exposed clifftop with no canopy, so it heats up fast and there is nothing between you and the sun. Sandstone turns slippery when wet or salted with spray. Keep dogs well back from the edges near the rock platforms, particularly on a big swell.

Getting there. The reserve address is Beach Street, Coogee. Street parking on Carr Street and Neptune Street is limited and largely metered, and on a sunny weekend it is not worth attempting. Buses 353, 373 and 374 stop near Coogee Beach, which is the easier approach.

Nearby with the dogs. Coogee Dog Park is the closest fenced option, Coogee to North End Maroubra Beach picks up where this walk finishes if you want to keep going, and The Little Kitchen on Arden Street is a short stroll back.

When to go. Early morning, any day. The headland catches first light and the crowds do not arrive until mid morning. Winter is better again, with whale traffic offshore and cool sandstone underfoot.

Sources

• Grant Reserve - Randwick City Council · www.randwick.nsw.gov.au
• Grant Reserve Walk - AllTrails · www.alltrails.com

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.