Name: Sydney
Rating: 4.6

Bondi Beach, Sydney Overview

Sydney is known for its beaches, and none is more popular than the Bondi. Stretching for almost 1 kilometre on the coast of the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, it is perhaps Australia’s most famous beach, owing to its golden shoreline, laidback beach culture and waves that make it a haven for surfers. Some of the major things to do at the beach include enjoying the sunrise at Ben Buckler point, snorkelling, surfing and taking a swim in the Bondi icebergs, among others.

As one of the oldest beaches in the country and an Australian National Heritage Site, you can be sure that Bondi beach will offer everything for a complete beach vacation. However, to take in the absolute beauty of Sydney’s coastline, the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk has to be on the top of your list, where you walk about 6 kilometres atop a cliff to Coogee beach, taking in the astounding beauty of the beaches and the treats between them.

Don’t forget to indulge in fantastic seafood along the way, as Bondi and Coogee are chock full of some of the best eateries under the sun. Other activities include shopping at the Bondi market, visiting the Bondi pavilion, and experiencing the Coogee art gallery.

Bondi Beach Restaurants

There is no dearth of restaurants at Bondi Beach, given its massive popularity and the love of good food in Australia. There are countless stalls on the beach offering you the signature fish and chips that are a must when you visit any Australian beach. The Campbell Parade that runs along Bondi beach features every cuisine offered in each of its stalls. Some of the must-visit eateries here are Bondi Trattoria, North Bondi Fish, Sean’s Panorama, Bondi Surf Seafoods, Pompei’s, Icebergs Dining Room and Bar.

Bondi Beach Hotels

Being a hub for tourists and backpackers from across the globe, Bondi Beach is loaded with hotels for every kind of traveller on any kind of budget.

Backpacker/Low-budget (AUD 50-80 per night): Noahs Bondi Backpackers, Bondi Backpackers, Bondi Beach Backpackers, The Village Bondi Beach
Mid-Range (AUD 100-150 per night): Charing Cross Hotel, Beach Road Hotel, Ultimate Apartments Bondi Beach, Bondi Beach House
Luxury (AUD 150+ per night): Hotel Bondi, Adina Apartment Hotel Bondi Beach, QT Bondi

Bondi Beach Bars

No visit to the beach can be deemed complete without a nice cold beer to beat the heat or rejuvenate after a long day of swimming and surfing, and Bondi beach is no exception to that rule. There are tons of bars along the beach roads with some delicious bar bites to complement your cold brew. Some of the bars you can’t miss here are The Bucket List, Bavarian Bier Café Bondi Beach, Bondi Beach Public Bar, Neighbourhood Bondi, Icebergs Dining Room and Bar.

Bondi Beach Cafes

If beer is not your thing, fear not, because the cafes at Bondi beach will come to your rescue. Whether you’re looking for some healthy vegan snacks or a scrumptious brekkie (slang for breakfast), there’s a cafe here for everyone. Some of the cafes you should try out are Lush on Bondi, The Depot Bondi, Porch and Parlour.

Surfing on Bondi Beach

It is no secret that Australians love surfing, and Bondi Beach is not only Australia’s favourite surf destination but is also one of the most coveted surfing beaches across the world. The sound and sight of the crashing blue waves as they hit the golden sands of the one-kilometre shoreline are enough to draw out surfers from every nook and cranny of the world. The North end of Bondi Beach has been rated the gentler side, where you’ll find a majority of the crowd splashing around and enjoying the sun. As you progress down the coast, you’ll find the ocean getting progressively rougher, with the southern end being reserved for seasoned surfboard riders, owing largely to the rip current known as the Backpackers’ Rip. Whether you’re a hardcore surfer, a beginner or just want to try it out to have the complete experience, Bondi beach has you covered.

Surfing Schools: Lets Go Surfing, Waves Surf School
Surfing Shops: Lets Go Surfing, Bodyboard King, Bondi Surf Co, DisruptSports, Sunburnt Mess
Surfing Rentals: 20$ All Day Bondi Beach
Surfing Cafes: Vida Surf Shop Cafe

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

Time required: 2 hours,
One of the top activities at Bondi Beach is the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. Beginning from the southern end of Bondi Beach, this six-kilometre long walk might seem like a bit of a stretch, but the views you get along the way will make you wonder how two hours passed by so quickly. Along the way, you will pass by Tamarama beach, Bronte Beach and Clovelly beach, before finally reaching Coogee, where the Coogee Pavilion has loads of eateries with breathtaking views where you can relax and enjoy a refreshing beverage as you relive the glorious sights that you passed by on this walk. During October and November, you will also be treated to the unique Sculpture by the Sea exhibition, an added treat to the eyes along with the lush greenery and rugged terrain of Australia’s eastern coast set against the dreamlike blue waters of the ocean.

Bondi Beach Facts

The name Bondi comes from the aboriginal word Boondi which signifies the water or noise of the water breaking on the rocks. However, the Australian Museum states that this word means fighting sticks, meaning that this as the sight where people fought with ‘Boondi’ fighting sticks
Bondi Beach holds the Guinness World Record for the largest swimsuit photo shoot, recorded for 1010 models in swimsuits in 2007.
The deadliest day of Bondi Beach, referred to as Black Sunday, happened in 1938, when around 200 people were swept away by the sea together, resulting in 5 deaths and multiple injuries.
Bondi Beach is a major filming location, featured in many TV shows and movies. The TV show Bondi Rescue is based on Bondi Beach.
More than half the population of Bondi Beach are not originally Australian, owing to its massive international appeal
Bondi Beach was the host of the beach volleyball event during the 2000 Summer Olympics.

Things to do at Bondi Beach

Surfing: Bondi Beach is a world-famous surfing destination, evidenced by the crashing waves and the many surfers you’ll see riding their boards constantly looking for the next challenge.
Swimming: You can either swim in the tamer waters at the North End of Bondi Beach or opt for the 2 ocean pools at Bondi Icebergs, available at AUD 6.50 for adults and AUD 4.50 for children. Swimming areas on the beach are marked by the flags, and there are lifeguards at the beach to ensure the safety of visitors.
Sculpture by the Sea: An annual event held at both Bondi Beach in Sydney and Cottesloe Beach in Perth, this is credited as being the largest outdoor exhibition of sculptures in Australia, featuring unique artworks by Australian and international artists.
Yoga: Yoga is a very popular activity at Bondi Beach. Many private groups and studios such as Yoga by the Sea, Bondi Beach Yoga Studio and BodyMindLife offer classes as well as venues for people to practice and enjoy yoga at the beach.
Massages: If you are looking to just relax by the beach, then there is no better way than to have a relaxing massage, offered by many massage spas and therapists at Bondi Beach and in the surrounding area.
Beach Volleyball: You will find many beach-goers enjoying a game of beach volleyball. You can join them are start your own little match on the sands of Bondi Beach.
Shopping: Being a major tourist destination, Bondi Beach has a bunch of souvenirs and beach-themed products for you to buy. Even if you’re not buying anything, you are sure to love just cruising through the shops by the beach.
Skating: The Bondi Skate Park, opened in 1991, serves as a destination for daring skaters who want the grand view of the coast as they perform their tricks on wheels.

How to Reach Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is located on the Central East Coast of Sydney, in the Eastern Suburbs.

By Train: The T4 Train Line will take you to Bondi Junction, which is located 3 kilometres from the beach. You can either opt to walk or take buses 333, 333N, 380 to reach Bondi Beach.
By Bus: The only direct buses from the main city of Sydney are 333 and 333N, which can be taken from the Museum Station on Liverpool Street.
By Car: Bondi Beach is located 7 kilometres east of Sydney’s CBD, home to popular landmarks like the Opera House and Darling Harbour. You will have to take the Cross City Tunnel from this area, turning into Ocean Street at Edgecliff and head towards the Bondi Junction from there. Take the Lamrock Avenue a kilometre away from the junction and turn into Campbell Parade to reach Bondi Beach.

Tips for Visiting Bondi Beach

Be sure to carry sunscreen and sunglasses.
If you are planning on doing yoga, carry your yoga mat.
Do not venture past the flagged areas of Bondi Beach for swimming.
While the South End of Bondi might seem calm, the waters here are dangerous. Do not try swimming here.
Try to avoid coming to Bondi Beach by car as parking is a major hassle in the area.