Shoreline

I started the day walking through Potts Point, which is adjacent to The X. It is a remarkable juxtaposition to its dodgy neighbour.  There are a number of gated houses, art deco design buildings and luxurious condominiums funneling around Elizabeth Bay, where I pitted for some down time to enjoy the sunny morning. 

Afterwards it was a hike down the steep hills to Woolloomooloo Bay, which is essentially a naval pier before climbing The McElhone Stairs back to The X.  The stone steps were constructed in 1870, a modest 113 stair climb.  I applaud the fitness fanatics that were at a pace up/down the steps. 

I picked up the bike at the hostel and headed over to Centennial Parklands, which is spread over 360ha.  Alas, a place with dedicated recreation paths to cycle on!  The loop is about 5km, which was great for a few laps. The Parklands encompass a few green spaces including Moore Park (with golf course), Queens Park (no government buildings here), the Cricket Grounds, Royal Randwick Racecourse (horses) and The Entertainment Quarter (EQ) that houses Sydney’s studio space (think Eastern Avenue).  The grounds themselves are about 5km outside the CBD. 

Upon working up an appetite I headed over to the EQ for some lunch before catching some late afternoon rays.  Aaah...

The following day was a hot one; nary can a cloud be seen.  After making a few more laps around Centennial Parklands, it was time to visit the acclaimed beaches of East Sydney.  

First stop was at the famous Bondi Beach.  As I cycled my way through Bondi Junction, it seemed like a nice hip place to be with various outdoor promenades.  There was a wealth of condominiums and houses beyond the price range for most.  

View of Bondi Beach  from beginning of Coastal Walk

The entry into the broad swept arc shaped beach was down the steep twisting turns of Campbell Parade; it was good fun and a near death experience, but I survived my risky ride in good form.  Bondi is likely Sydney’s most popular beach that is generally geared towards the narcissistic ilk.  

It was certainly packed with gorgeous people abound; but, I witnessed a few individuals less adequate than myself, so I found myself a plot on the beach.  There was no shame here; there were topless women, G-strings, speedos and shorty’s for the men…all a sight to behold.  However, it was no more an example of vanity than some of the coastal LA beaches I have visited.  

The sand was golden and lush far more rich than St. Kilda down Melbs way.  There were also a number of surfers in the bay tackling the breaks that were all adept riders.  It was a relaxing couple of hours of tanning broken up by lunch at the pavilion.  

It was recommended by several folks to make the 6km coastal walk from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach, which ensued after eating.  The pathway is pedestrian only, so the bike was by side for the journey except for the occasional period where I could make haste.  

The walk was a stunning promenade along the ocean side passing through various cliff side communities having the gorgeous vistas as permanent backdrops to their abodes.  It was an undulating saunter with a few flights of stairs that required a bike lift on my shoulder from time to time. 

Along the way a few other less populated beaches could be found such as Tamarama and Bronte.  The latter looked like a good place to visit for another day of tanning.  There were beautiful rock formations that made for picturesque photo opportunities.  It was convenient access to walk along the rock shoulders along the shore and park for a moment or two of reflection and/or appreciation. 

There were also various natural formed inlets where one could wade in the water or kids could splash about or entertain the novice snorkeler.  In a couple of locations there were also adjacent man made infinity pools that dumped off into these coves.

Waverly Cemetery

An interesting site was the Waverly Cemetery furnished with white marble headstones.  I guess having a stunning ocean view is also sought in the afterlife.  The walk ended at Coogee Beach, which was the largest beach area next to Bondi, but equally as busy.  

I finished the day with a little more sunshine along with a protein fruit shake before trekking (mostly uphill) back to the hostel.