ABOUT
THE BONDI ROLLERCOASTER
What is it?
Why is it needed?
Who will it benefit?
The Bondi Rollercoaster is a proposed step-free and accessible path from South Bondi Beach to Marks Park that will run concurrently to the existing path, creating an unbroken coastal experience for all.
Right now, if you use a wheelchair, struggle with stairs or push a pram, there is no accessible coastal route to reach Marks Park from Bondi Beach. This unnecessary barrier denies many the simple joy of experiencing Bondi’s breathtaking ocean views.
An accessible path will benefit everyone. Wheelchair users, older adults, those with limited mobility, and parents with prams will finally have equal access to the coastal walk. Everybody will enjoy reduced congestion and an improved, safer pathway.
Additionally, the new path will provide an alternate route in the event of future storm damage, ensuring the coastal walk remains accessible year-round. During busy events like Sculpture by the Sea or peak exercise hours, it will help ease congestion, creating a better experience for all.
How will it work?
Marks Park and Notts Avenue have already been upgraded for accessibility. It is proposed the remaining section of the path can be completed in three stages:
Stage I: Marks Park to the Northern Stairs (Marks Park)
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Extend the existing path at the eastern end of Marks Park down along the “Path to Nowhere”, a sloped viewing platform that is currently only accessible by stairs.
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This will immediately improve access to the viewing platform and create an alternative route for able-bodied walkers while bypassing the currently closed coastal section.
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A link from the south-eastern end of the “Path to Nowhere” to the lower pathway at Mackenzie’s Point would open step-free access all the way to Tamarama Surf Life Saving Club.
Stage II: Northern Stairs (Marks Park) to Notts Avenue
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Construct a pathway from the end of Stage I at the Northern Stairs that lead down from Marks Park, wrapping around the natural contours of the landscape to connect with the cul-de-sac at Notts Avenue
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Once complete, this would provide a fully accessible route from Notts Avenue to Marks Park.
Stage III: South Bondi to Notts Avenue
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Build a bridge south east of the South Bondi toilet block, wrapping around the stone wall to the overhanging lookout on Notts Avenue, just north of Bondi Icebergs.
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This final link would create a seamless, step-free coastal walk from Bondi Beach to Marks Park and Tamarama.
How did the idea come about?
For Waverley local Justin Reid, the ocean has always been a place of freedom. But as his muscular dystrophy progressed, the iconic coastal walk became an impossible journey—its beauty cut off by countless stairs. He envisioned a step-free path that would allow him and others with mobility challenges to experience the same breathtaking views as everyone else.
Justin shared his vision with his longtime friend, Adam Long, who immediately saw its significance. Walking the route with fresh eyes, Adam realised that a few well-placed extensions could seamlessly connect existing pathways, bypassing the steepest stairs without major disruption.
Together, they developed a plan and took it to Waverley Council in 2009. Councillors unanimously passed the motion, but unfortunately funding was never allocated. As the years went by, the need for an accessible path only grew, especially after storm damage in 2016 and a major cliff collapse in 2024 exposed the fragility of the current route. Yet, despite the clear need, the project remained stalled.
The Bondi Rollercoaster Campaign is the next step to turn a decades-old dream into reality.
If Waverley Councillors unanimously approved the motion for an accessible path in 2009, why hasn’t it been constructed yet?
This is a good question…
In 2024, artist, architect and friends Julian Pereira and David Da Costa Enes reignited the Bondi Rollercoaster debate at Sculpture by the Sea with their thought-provoking piece The Thinker.
Julian, a wheelchair user who lives with Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia, understands firsthand the barriers that prevent people with mobility impairments from accessing this stunning coastal walk. Their sculpture, inspired by Rodin’s famous work, symbolizes the disabled experience of constantly encountering obstacles that do not exist for the able-bodied and having to figure out solutions. It directly challenged why Waverley Council has yet to construct an accessible path from South Bondi to Marks Park.
The Thinker resonated deeply with many, sparking conversations and reigniting momentum behind the Bondi Rollercoaster campaign. By merging art and activism, Julian and David amplified the voices of Justin, Adam, and countless others who have long advocated for equitable access to the coastline. Their sculpture’s impact has opened dialogue with Waverley Mayor William Nemesh and Deputy Mayor Keri Spooner, bringing renewed attention to an overdue commitment and pushing accessibility to the forefront of the conversation.
The path remains unbuilt because full accessibility along the coastal walk has never been made a priority. But with growing community support, renewed engagement with Waverley Council, and the momentum sparked by The Thinker, we are determined to change that.
What are the next steps?
We need your help to make this a reality.
✅ Spread the word – Share our campaign on social media and talk about it with your friends, family, and local community.
This is a change that will benefit generations to come. Let’s make it happen.