Coogee to North End Maroubra Beach

This is the clifftop stretch of Sydney's eastern beaches walk, running from Coogee Beach south to the north end of Maroubra along boardwalks, headland parks and cut sandstone. It is a genuine dog walk rather than a beach day, because Randwick City Council keeps dogs off the sand at both ends. Everything between the two beaches is on-lead dog territory.

The dog setup

The one-way distance is about 4 to 5 km depending on your line, and AllTrails maps the return trip at 8.2 km, which takes two to two and a half hours all up. The surface alternates between sealed path, timber boardwalk and uneven sandstone with steps cut into it, so this is not a pram or wheelchair route. The walk passes the Mahon and Ivor Rowe rock pools and holds ocean views for nearly all its length, with parts of the route dropping onto suburban footpaths through South Coogee.

Leash status

Randwick City Council manages the route. Dogs on lead are welcome on the coastal path, the boardwalks and the surrounding parks, but they are prohibited on the beach sand at both Coogee and Maroubra, and the ban covers the ocean pools too. Council enforces it, so plan rest stops in the grassed reserves rather than the sand.

Water, terrain and hazards

Cliff edges run close to the path in places with low fencing or none at all, so this is a short-lead walk if your dog lunges at seabirds rather than an extendable-lead stroll. There is very little shade along the whole route, and the sandstone steps are slick when wet. Drinking fountains sit at the Coogee and Maroubra ends with toilets at both beaches, but there is nothing in between, so fill up before you set off.

Max: The clifftop is no place to test recall. Short lead, one hand free, and eyes on the swell.

Getting there and parking

Start at the end of Coogee Bay Road or Dolphin Street in Coogee, or from the reserve at the north end of Maroubra. Free street parking around Dolphin Street carries time limits worth reading, and there is parking behind Maroubra beach. The 350 bus links the two ends, and dogs travel on Sydney buses if securely restrained, which makes doing it one way practical.

When to go

Early morning gives you cooler rock, fewer crowds and the best light over the pools. The exposed clifftop sections are punishing at midday in summer, and the sandstone steps turn slick after rain or heavy swell spray.

While you are out there

At the Coogee end, Grant Reserve Walk adds a short headland circuit above the beach, and Cafe Rafaele is an easy coffee stop. At the Maroubra end, Chalk Espresso Bar sits close to the beach. More options across the state sit on the New South Wales trails guide, and the surrounding suburb is on the Coogee destinations page.