Randwick City has 29 kilometres of rugged coastline along the Pacific Ocean and the north east shores of Botany Bay, with spectacular cliffs and the iconic beaches. This coastline brings millions of visitors every year to the coastal reserves, ocean pools, beaches and the Eastern Beaches Coastal Walkway.
The Coastal Walkway is one of Sydney’s greatest assets and residents and visitors can experience the ocean right on their doorstep, while still being just five kilometres away from a major city. Many people’s favourite walks are from Clovelly Beach in the north to Maroubra Beach at the southern end. Council is working on upgrading and extending the existing 15 kilometre coastal walkway so that it runs along Randwick’s entire coastline.
In the last two years alone Council has spent over $2.25 million on coastal walkway improvements. Last year, almost one kilometre was added and a further 500 metres has just been completed.
The $700,000 upgrade of a major section at Alexandria Parade, Coogee took several months. Prior to the work being carried out, people were forced to walk on the road and makeshift paths. After extensive community consultation, Council constructed a brand new walkway, installed seats for viewing, planted native species, restructured the road, built a formal car park and erected a safety fence. This has resulted in a walkway that is easier and safer for users.
The Coastal Walkway is used by around 750,000 people per year. In locations where housing is some of the most expensive in Sydney, it allows everyone to enjoy multi million dollar views for free, thus opening this beautiful area up to the entire community, not just the select few who can afford houses in these areas. Council has reinstated access to the coast in many areas that were previously inaccessible, and much of the walkway is now wheelchair accessible.