Coogee to North End Maroubra Beach

This is an 8.2 km coastal walk from Coogee Beach south to the north end of Maroubra, along clifftops, boardwalks and headland parks. Dogs are welcome on lead for the whole route, with one hard limit: they cannot go on the sand at either end.

The walk. 8.2 km, rated moderate, taking two to two and a half hours one way. The surface alternates between sealed path, timber boardwalk and uneven sandstone with steps cut into it, which is why it does not work as a pram or wheelchair route. It passes the Mahon and Ivor Rowe rock pools and holds ocean views for most of its length.

The rules. Randwick City Council manages the route. Dogs on lead are allowed on the coastal path, the boardwalks and the surrounding parks, but they are prohibited on the beach sand at both Coogee and Maroubra. The ban covers the ocean pools as well. Council enforces it, so treat this as a clifftop outing rather than a beach day and plan your rest stops in the grassed reserves instead.

Hazards. Cliff edges run close to the path in places, and there is very little shade along the whole route. The sandstone steps are slick when wet.

Water. Drinking fountains sit at both the Coogee and Maroubra ends, and there are toilets and showers at both beaches. Nothing in between, so fill up before you set off.

Getting there. 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 the one way walk practical.

Nearby with the dogs. Coogee Dog Park is the off-lead option at the northern end. Grant Reserve Walk is a much shorter alternative from the same starting point. For afterwards, Coogee Courtyard and Pool Coffee Eatery sit at either end of the walk.

When to go. Early morning or late afternoon. The lack of shade is the real constraint, and the path fills with runners and prams through the middle of the weekend. Good for big runners who need the distance, provided they can walk past that much water without getting into it.

Sources

• Off-leash dog areas - Randwick City Council · www.randwick.nsw.gov.au
• Dogs and cats - Randwick City Council · www.randwick.nsw.gov.au
• Coogee to North End Maroubra Beach - AllTrails · www.alltrails.com

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