Bondi Beach is in Sydney, Australia. It is one of the most famous beaches in Australia, known predominantly for the golden sands and incredible surf. It has quite a bit more than that, though – from unique boutiques to a burgeoning food scene to a happening nightlife and a plethora of ritzy accommodation. Here is what you need to know about Bondi.
HOW TO GET TO BONDI BEACH
It is located 8km west of Sydney’s CBD. You can get to Bondi Beach on the express buses from the city centre, which take about 30 minutes. Trains go from the city centre to Bondi Junction, which is a 10 minute bus or taxi ride from the beach.
If you have your own car, parking at Bondi can be scarce. You may find yourself walking for twenty minutes after you have parked the car.
WHAT TO DO AT BONDI BEACH
Take your togs and jandals, but toss a sundress in your bag. After a day on the beach, head to nearby Campbell Parade for an afternoon pick-me-up or shop till you drop along the Gould Street.
Walk the famous Bondi to Coogee trail.
This winding clifftop trail (3.7km each way) takes in some of Australia’s best scenery. The walk starts just past the Bondi Icebergs pool. Alternately, walk the Watson’s Bay trail, which takes you along winding cliff paths past Australia’s oldest lighthouse and down to the Gap. This is one of the best places for whale watching in the winter months.
Chill out at the Bondi Icebergs ocean pool.
What better place to enjoy the sun than from the natural swimming pool at Bondi? If you fancy something a little less popular, how about the rocky swimming hole at Bronte Beach? Either one is a treat. Both
Learn to surf.
Bondi’s gentle waves are a great place to learn to ride the tide. The
WHERE TO STAY AT BONDI BEACH
Lifesavers Club is the oldest in the world, and the beach is protected enough, which are two great reasons to hang ten here. Bondi also hosts several surf competitions throughout the year.
Get festive.
Bondi hosts a number of great festivals through the year, from the Ben and Jerry’s Openair Cinema in the summer to the City2Surf fun run to the winter Bondi Winter Magic festival. The local Bondi pavilion also has a variety of theatre workshops ongoing.
Wine and dine.
Bondi is quickly becoming an excellent spot for all sorts of food and drink. Top-rated chefs regularly open new restaurants in Bondi, and the staples consistently stay above par. At either end of the beach are two of the best restaurants in Sydney: Icebergs Dining Room and Bar, run by Maurice Terzini, and North Bondi Fish, with Matt Moran front and centre. Both Campbell Parade and Hall Street are jam packed with great eateries.
The bars are packed from sundown onwards. Get there early and snag an outside seat. Wine bars The Corner House and Neighbourhood are local hot spots.
Wander the farmers market on Saturday’s for fresh local produce, locally made honey, jam, pickles, and more. Get there early for the pick of the litter.
People enjoying on beach photo credit: bonditocoogeewalk.com.au
WHERE TO STAY AT BONDI BEACH
Bondi has some great accommodation. Most of it is high end boutique hotels or backpacker hostels, but you may find some awesome deals. Below are some recommended places to stay.
QT, 6 Beach Rd, Bondi Beach NSW
Adina Apartment Hotels, 69-73 Hall St
Hotel Bondi, 178 Campbell Parade
Backpackers, 110 Campbell Parade
Bondi Beachouse YHA (hostel), Fletcher St & Dellview St
Bondi Beach, Sandcastle, 1 Wallis Parade
Turquoise Water of Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia photo credit redy2go.com.au
