From Bondi Beach to Coogee

After the fast pace of my first day in Australia, today I wanted to take it easier. Even though I am not usually a beach-going bear, I could not miss one of Australia’s most iconic places, so I caught a cab to Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach.

I have to confess to being a little underwhelmed. The beach is nice enough, but I have seen more exotic and/or longer ones in many other parts of the world. There was hardly any breeze, so the famous Bondi surfers were struggling to put on a show for me. Probably the most interesting part of Bondi was the Icebergs artificial sea water pool complex at the very end of the beach.

I was tempted to have a dip but had other plans for the day – to walk the coastal path from Bondi to Coogee. Sooner after leaving Bondi, I was admiring some wonderful scenery, with the reddish brown rocks of the coast contrasting with the deep blue sea and bright blue sky.

The path links many smaller beaches, less famous than Bondi but sometimes prettier.

I particularly liked Bronte beach, which had a natural protected pool in the sea (the “Bogey Hole”) as well as its own artificial saltwater pool.

I stopped for a dip – the sea was cool, but the late morning sun was hot, and by dipping in and out of the water I could maintain a comfortable body temperature.

After an hour or so I showered and got dressed again to continue the coastal path. It passed by more beaches and then skirted the Waverley cemetery, where many famous Australians are buried.

I finally arrived in Coogee in time for a late lunch of Australian mussels. The food, sun and sea air made me a bit sleepy, so I found a shady corner of beach and dozed off. When I woke up it was time to head home again. I spent the evening chilling in the refined ambience of the club I was staying in, the UUSC club – Australian cities have many such clubs, reflecting the cultural influence of Britain.

In addition to the usual elegant sitting rooms, dining rooms and bar, the UUSC had a small art collection that I admired with a glass of club wine in my paw.

It had not been the busiest day’s travelling of my life, but I had enjoyed the slower pace and fresh sea air. I felt that I had recharged my batteries, ready for another day visiting Sydney tomorrow.

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