Looking to level up your fitness while soaking in some of Sydney’s most beautiful scenery? Stair workouts are one of the most effective (and underrated) ways to build strength, boost cardio and clear your mind—all without a gym membership.
The Eastern Suburbs is packed with incredible stair runs, from coastal climbs with sweeping ocean views to leafy hidden gems tucked away in quiet neighbourhoods. Whether you’re training hard or just out for a scenic walk, these spots deliver.
Here are 15 of the best stairs in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs—with locations, nearby attractions and a little local insight for each.
1. Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk Stairs
Location: Bondi Beach to Bronte Beach Coastal Walk
Nearest attraction: Bondi Beach & Bronte Park
These stairs are part of Sydney’s most famous coastal walk, where locals and tourists blend into a steady rhythm of movement. Early mornings here feel electric—runners, walkers and ocean swimmers all sharing the same path as the sun rises over the Pacific.
2. Bronte to Tamarama Climb
Location: Tamarama Marine Drive / Bronte Park
Nearest attraction: Tamarama Beach
Short but brutal, this climb is a favourite for quick fitness hits. You’ll often spot locals doing repeat sprints, pausing briefly at the top before heading back down for another round.
3. Coogee to Gordon’s Bay Steps
Location: Near Arden Street, Coogee
Nearest attraction: Gordon’s Bay
Tucked away from the busier paths, these steps lead to one of Sydney’s most peaceful bays. It’s the kind of place where a workout easily turns into a swim or a quiet moment by the water.
4. South Coogee Coastal Stairs
Location: Coogee to Maroubra coastal path
Nearest attraction: Wylie’s Baths
This stretch feels like a choose-your-own workout, with multiple stair sections breaking up the walk. The ocean is never far away, and the salty breeze keeps you going.
5. Maroubra to Malabar Headland Stairs
Location: Malabar Headland National Park
Nearest attraction: Malabar Ocean Pool
Less polished and more rugged, these stairs feel like a true escape. Wide open spaces, fewer crowds and the sound of waves crashing below make it a favourite for those wanting something different.
6. Diamond Bay Reserve Stairs
Location: Ocean View Drive, Vaucluse
Nearest attraction: Diamond Bay Lookout
These stairs are all about drama—towering cliffs, crashing waves and uninterrupted ocean views. It’s hard not to stop halfway just to take it all in.
7. Parsley Bay Reserve Stairs
Location: Parsley Road, Vaucluse
Nearest attraction: Parsley Bay Beach & playground
A gentler option surrounded by greenery, this spot feels like a hidden pocket of calm. Perfect for a slower workout followed by a relaxed family outing.
8. Watsons Bay to Hornby Lighthouse Track
Location: Camp Cove, Watsons Bay
Nearest attraction: Hornby Lighthouse
This route combines stairs with open walking tracks, leading to one of Sydney’s most iconic lighthouses. It’s the kind of place where fitness meets postcard-perfect views.
9. Dudley Page Reserve Stairs
Location: Military Road, Dover Heights
Nearest attraction: Dudley Page Reserve lookout
More about the destination than the challenge, these stairs lead to one of the best vantage points in Sydney. Sunset sessions here are hard to beat.
10. Waverley Cemetery Clifftop Stairs
Location: Trafalgar Street, Bronte
Nearest attraction: Waverley Cemetery
There’s something uniquely peaceful about this location. With ocean views stretching endlessly, it’s a place for reflection as much as movement.
11. Cranbrook Stairs
Location: Cranbrook Lane, Rose Bay
Nearest attraction: Rose Bay Marina
A staple for Rose Bay locals, this 135-step climb is short but effective. The real magic happens on the descent, with sparkling marina views opening up below you.
12. Cooper Park Stairs
Location: Bellevue Road, Bellevue Hill
Nearest attraction: Cooper Park & Bellevue Hill shops
This is where fitness meets nature. After powering up the steep stairs, you’re rewarded with shaded walking trails that feel worlds away from the city.
13. Marathon Steps
Location: Marathon Road, Darling Point
Nearest attraction: Steyne Park & Double Bay
These stairs have a practical charm, connecting neighbourhoods while doubling as a popular workout spot. There’s always a sense of community here, especially on weekends.
14. Hermitage Foreshore Trail Stairs
Location: Access via Vaucluse Road / Strickland House
Nearest attraction: Milk Beach & Nielsen Park
This is less about speed and more about soaking it all in. The gentle rhythm of short staircases along the harbour makes it one of the most beautiful walks in Sydney.
15. Gap Park Stairs
Location: Gap Road, Watsons Bay
Nearest attraction: The Gap Lookout
Dramatic and unforgettable, these stairs climb alongside towering cliffs with sweeping ocean views. It’s a workout that feels both powerful and humbling at the same time.
Why stair workouts are so effective
Stairs are a powerhouse workout:
- Build leg and glute strength
- Improve cardio fitness quickly
- Burn calories efficiently
- Boost endurance
And when each climb comes with a view like this, it’s easy to stay motivated.
Final tip
Turn your stair session into a mini adventure—plan a swim, coffee or picnic nearby. It’s the perfect way to balance fitness with everything we love about living in the Eastern Suburbs.
Whether you’re chasing fitness goals or just want a scenic way to move your body, these stair runs offer the perfect mix of challenge, variety and unforgettable views.
Step on up! Construction on Little Bay beach stairs now complete
