The Best Coastal walks to discover this Easter
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With the mercury starting to drop, Easter is the perfect time to explore the many coastal walks within shouting distance of Australia’s capital cities. As well as being free, coastal walks are a great way to burn off those long weekend indulgences too!
There are certainly plenty of options to choose from, given Australia is wrapped in some 36,735 kilometres of coastline. The good news is you needn’t venture too far outside the city limits to experience it. From iconic urban strolls to rugged clifftop hikes, here’s a list of coastal walks within an hour’s drive of Australian capital cities.
But first, coffee.
With many eateries closed on public holidays, consider adding a refreshing brew to your day bag. Our favourite coffee for this scenario is a delicious cold brew, which can be pre-made before departure. Cold brew travels well and saves you from needing to carry or source hot water.
Best prepared in a cold brew coffee pot, this style suits beans with a brighter roast profile like the Blade Runner Blend. Boasting a juicy toffee-like flavour that is lighter than most typical espresso blends, Blade Runner is part of an exciting third wave in specialty coffee making that is being driven by Scandinavian roasters.
Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
Location: Sydney, NSW. Distance: 6km one way.
Taking in six kilometres of superb Sydney coastline, the iconic Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is one of the best ways to spend a few hours in Sydney. From globally adored Bondi Beach, the trail hugs the coastline around Mackenzies Point to Tamarama, continuing down through Bronte and Clovelly before dropping into Coogee. With panoramic ocean views, sandstone cliffs and plenty of places to stop for a dip, Bondi to Coogee is the ultimate Sydney beach walk.
Need somewhere to relax at after your coastal hike? Be sure to check out our Campos café friends at the Beach Shack or Tropicana in Coogee, or any one of our 24 café locations nearby.
The Coastal Walk
Location: Mornington Peninsula, VIC. Distance: 30km for the full walk, with shorter sections available
Stretching for 30 kilometres between Cape Schanck and the Point Nepean National Park, the Coastal Walk is just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne. Serving up dramatic views, rich vegetation and thundering surf, the Coastal Walk is one of the best ways to explore the Mornington Peninsula. There are options for every fitness level, from sweeping beach trails to steep, rocky tracks. However, be sure to factor in high tide if embarking on beach sections of the walk, as access can be difficult.
Why not drive to Cape Shank from Melbourne via the Nepean Highway, which takes you down along the beach (as opposed to Mornington Peninsula Freeway). That way, you can call into Robinsons Bookshop in Frankston or Mt. Eliza Village Fruits and stock up on Campos beans too!
Bruny Island – Cape Queen Elizabeth Track & Truganini Lookout
Location: Hobart, TAS. Distance: Various, from <1km to 12km.
Bruny Island is a hop, skip and a jump across D’Entrecasteaux Channel from Hobart. Teeming with wildlife, from fairy penguins and fur seals to white wallabies and wedge tailed eagles, Bruny Island is a stunning location that is ideal to explore on foot. The island boasts a dozen or more walking trails, of varying distances and degrees of difficulty. From a short walk up to Truganini Lookout to the 5-hour Cape Queen Elizabeth Track, which winds through 12 kilometres of breathtaking beaches and bushland.
We recommend calling in to Trade’s Table based in Hobart before you set off to get your warm coffee fix before sipping on your cold brew fix later in the day!
Tallebudgera Creek Loop
Location: Gold Coast, QLD. Distance: 6.2km return.
The looping circuit around Tallebudgera Creek is a fantastic add-on to the busy Burleigh Heads coastal hike. Starting from the golden shores of Burleigh Heads, choose from the steep upper rainforest track or the lower oceanside route. The Tallebudgera Creek Loop then heads inland around the Conservation Park, which is home to dense mangroves and a riot of local birdlife.
If you’re looking to fill your bellies with something delicious before setting off on this trek (partnered with a cup of Campos of course), look no further than Commune Café.
Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty
Location: Adelaide, SA. Distance: 7.8km return.
Located on the city fringe of Adelaide, the Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty hike is popular among locals and visitors alike, with an estimated 600,000 walkers enjoying the trail each year. Part of Cleland Conservation Park, the trail has some notoriously steep sections, earning it Grade 4 hiking status. Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty takes in scenic views, timber boardwalks and plenty of local flora and fauna.
Did you know Taste Baguette has three locations around Adelaide which all serve delicious cups of Campos Coffee? Why not check them out next time you’re in the CBD.
Scarborough Beach Walk
Location: Perth, WA. Distance: 6.1km one way.
Characterised by turquoise water and beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see, Western Australia’s coastline is as beautiful as it is vast. Even from within the Perth metro area, there’s always another post-card worthy beach waiting around the corner. A daily ritual for residents of the northern beaches is the Scarborough Beach Walk. Incorporating six kilometres of mixed-use footpath, the Scarborough Beach Walk winds past rolling sand dunes, parks and cafés, with ever present views of the sparkling Indian Ocean.
Make a pit stop in to our friends at The Exchange on Walters to fuel up before exploring the scenic delights around Scarborough.
East Point Reserve
Location: Darwin, NT. Distance: 8km return.
A stroll through the palm trees and mangroves of East Point Reserve is the quintessential Top End experience. This network of pathways and cycling tracks stretches north from Fannie Bay, heading up past Lake Alexander and around East Point Recreation Reserve. With many places to stop and enjoy one of Darwin’s famous sunsets, the coastal hike is also dotted with fascinating WWII historical signposts.
Did you know that drinking warm beverages on warm days can actually cool you down? Something you will likely need to keep in mind on any trip to Darwin. Be sure to stop by Laneway Specialty Coffee or Besser Kitchen & Brew Bar to get your warm brew fix before heading off with your cold brew for the day.
Cullendulla Beach Track
Location: Canberra, ACT. Distance: 2km.
While Australia’s landlocked capital offers plenty of walking trails close to the city, a short two-hour drive will get you to the coast. Located across the Clyde River from Batemans Bay, Cullendulla Beach Track is an easy stroll along a timber boardwalk. Inhabited by a host of local birdlife, Cullendulla Beach is a stunning, peaceful location and the perfect place to stretch the legs.
You’re spoiled for choice with places to grab a Campos Coffee around Canberra. Check out any one of our 13 café partners before starting your drive to Cullendulla Beach for the day.
