Grant Reserve Walk

Grant Reserve occupies the headland at the southern end of Coogee Beach, and the walk through it is one of Sydney's shortest coastal rambles with the biggest payoff: clifftop paths above Wedding Cake Island, BBQ shelters, open grass and a string of lookouts over the ocean. It is an on-lead walk throughout, best paired with an off-lead run elsewhere once you are done.

The walk

The circuit runs about 2.1 kilometres and takes 20 to 30 minutes at a relaxed pace, graded easy but with enough sandstone steps and level changes that prams, wheelchairs and stiff hips will feel them. The route links the Coogee Surf Life Saving Club south past Wylie's Baths and the Ivo Rowe rock pool toward Trenerry Reserve, so you can extend along the coast if the day allows.

Leash status

Dogs must be on lead through the reserve and along the coastal walkway at all times; this is not a designated off-leash park. Randwick City Council prohibits dogs within 10 metres of the Stan Windon Memorial Playground inside the reserve, and dogs are banned from Coogee Beach sand altogether. Trenerry Reserve, a short walk south, is the nearest council off-leash option for a proper run.

Water and facilities

The reserve has picnic shelters, BBQs, toilets and a playground, and the cafe strip back on Arden Street covers everything else. There is no dedicated dog water station on the headland, so carry a bottle and bowl, especially in summer when the exposed path offers no shade and heats up early.

Hazards

The clifftop is exposed with nothing between you and the sun, and the sandstone steps turn slippery when wet or sprayed. Keep the lead short near the rock platforms and unfenced edges, particularly on a big swell, and keep dogs off the shelf below the path.

Max: the rock shelf below the path looks walkable and is not, in the wrong swell. Keep the lead short along the fenced sections and do not follow other people down.

Getting there and parking

The reserve sits off Beach Street at the southern end of Coogee. Street parking on the surrounding streets is limited and metered, and it is not worth fighting on a sunny weekend. Buses 353, 373 and 374 run close to Coogee Beach, which is the easier approach.

When to go

Early morning, any day: the headland catches first light and the crowds stay away until mid morning. Winter adds whale traffic offshore and cooler stone underfoot.

More walks nearby

The Coogee to North End Maroubra Beach walk picks up the coastline if you want to keep going, and the fenced Coogee Dog Park handles the off-lead half of the day. For coffee afterwards, The Little Kitchen is a short stroll back from the reserve.

More options are on the NSW dog walks guide and the Coogee destination page.