A clifftop coastal path with sweeping ocean views, dramatic sandstone cliffs, and (May-November) seasonal whale-watching opportunities from several headland lookouts.
The section of coastal path between Bondi and Waverley Cemetery offers some of Sydney's most dramatic ocean photography, with sandstone cliffs dropping directly into turquoise water and long unobstructed sightlines south along the coastline. Waverley Cemetery itself, its Victorian-era headstones perched directly on the clifftop, has become a distinctive photographic subject in its own right, framed against the Pacific horizon.
Between May and November, southern right and humpback whales migrate along this stretch of coast, and the clifftop lookouts occasionally offer distant sightings suitable for photography with a longer telephoto lens. The path's east-facing orientation makes early morning the most reliable time for strong, evenly lit colour in the water and cliffs before the sun moves overhead.
| Best time | Early morning for soft light and calm crowds; late afternoon for warm cliff-face tones |
|---|---|
| Best season | Year-round; clearest ocean colour on sunny winter days |
| Difficulty | Easy-Moderate — paved and packed-earth clifftop path with some stairs |
| Address | Notts Ave to Waverley Cemetery, Bondi Beach NSW 2026 |
Shooting notes
- Equipment
- Wide-angle and telephoto zoom (for whale spotting May-November), polarising filter
- Lens
- 24-70mm for cliff and coastline compositions; 100-400mm telephoto for distant whale sightings in season
- Composition
- Shoot from Waverley Cemetery's headland for sweeping views of the coastline curving south toward Bronte and Clovelly
- Tip
- Visit on a clear, sunny morning for the most saturated turquoise water colour along the sandstone cliffs
Location
Notts Ave to Waverley Cemetery, Bondi Beach NSW 2026
-33.8983, 151.2695 View on map
Highlights
- Turquoise water against sandstone cliffs
- Waverley Cemetery clifftop views
- Seasonal whale-watching photography
- Sweeping coastline vistas toward Coogee
Tips for visiting
- Bring a telephoto lens between May and November for a chance at distant whale photography from the clifftop
- Shoot in the morning for the best light angle on the east-facing cliffs and water
- Waverley Cemetery's clifftop headstones make a striking, if respectfully photographed, subject against the ocean
- Watch footing near cliff edges, especially on windy days or after rain when sandstone can be slippery
When to visit
Early morning for the clearest light and the calmest crowds along the clifftop.
Accessibility
Mostly paved with some stair sections; not fully wheelchair accessible along the full route.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Can I photograph whales from the path?
Yes, distant sightings are possible May-November with a telephoto lens, though sightings are not guaranteed on any given day.
Is it appropriate to photograph Waverley Cemetery?
Yes, it is a popular and permitted photography subject, though visitors should behave respectfully as it remains an active cemetery.