After a stint of hiking in the Blue Mountains I relocated to Bondi Beach for some much needed sunbathing. The weather wasn't always on my side but that didn't stop me from getting out and exploring the beautiful coastline around Sydney. I started by walking from Bondi to Watsons Bay. The journey is around 7km, north of Bondi, depending on how closely you manage to stick to the cliff edge and can be achieved in a couple of hours, depending on how long you spend stopping and gawking at the scenery. And what some beautiful scenery there is to see!

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I had booked to stay in a shared apartment on AirBnB. Given that my stay was so close to the holiday season, even the backpackers places were a little out of my price range so I was thrilled to find a place so close to Bondi Beach. It was perfect as a base in between all of my hikes.

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As you leave Bondi, heading north, you do also rise in elevation and there are fantastic coastal views to the left and amazing Sydney Harbour views to the right. In between the giant mansions and rooftop apartments, you can catch glimpses of these views and if your zoom allows, catch some pretty cool photos. Dudley Page Reserve - an open park area - is in a perfectly elevated spot for seeing the city views, it was here I watched the fireworks that welcomed 2017. 

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Following that, there's also the Bondi to Coogee walk which is around 5km in the opposite direction, with more picturesque scenery to be glimpsed along the way.

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What many people don't know about is the national park of Botany Bay. Located to the south of Sydney city centre - very close to the airport - is a whole expanse of naturally formed rough rock formations and clifftops which provide for some great views and a very refreshing walk to clear away any New Year's Eve cobwebs! Entry to the park is free and depending on where you want to start exploring, depends on whether you pay for parking or not. There is also the option to camp overnight - with barbecue and toilet facilities provided- for a fee. Whether you have a week, a day or a couple of hours, I would not miss traipsing around the rocks of Botany Bay.

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The whole coastal drive from the likes of Dee Why and Palm Beach in Sydney's Northern Beaches right down to Cronulla and beyond in the southern suburbs is well worth the drive. Each beach has its own character and there are plenty of little nooks and bays to be discovered along the way. Many beaches allow 4x4 vehicles to access so pull over, let the tyres down and enjoy exploring the beach on wheels, as well as on foot.