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Bondi Beach, NSW

Bondi Beach (see video below – 4:36) is one of the most iconic beaches in Australia and is renowned for its beauty and perfect surfing conditions. Located in the eastern suburbs of Sydney just 8km from Sydney CBD, with its beautiful white sand beaches and it’s crystal-clear waters, it’s easy to see why so many people flock here year after year.

Known For:

  • Iconic Sydney beach with world-class surfing waves
  • Youthful, dynamic nightlife

Bondi Beach is about one kilometre or 0.62 miles long and there’s plenty of activities available for visitors like swimming, snorkeling, surfing and more. The atmosphere at Bondi Beach is always energetic and upbeat with plenty of restaurants and cafes to tempt you.

Home to Bondi Surf Bathers, the oldest life saving club in Australia established in February 1907, Bondi’s beach-centric reputation is long established. With its lifesavers, surfers, sun worshippers and barefoot locals Bondi is a definitive example of Sydney‘s city beach culture.

bondi beach

Bondi Beach’s popularity can be traced back to the late 1940s when it started to build a worldwide reputation. The beach rapidly gained attention from locals and tourists, with large crowds flocking there on weekends and holidays. In the early 1950s, several cafes, kiosks and businesses opened up around Bondi Beach drawing more city locals and tourists to the area.

Today, Bondi Beach is one of Australia’s most frequented tourist destinations, drawing in visitors from all over the world each year.

Bondi at Sunset

Why is Bondi Beach so popular?

The combination of its picturesque beauty, perfect surfing conditions, vibrant nightlife and activities have made Bondi Beach an icon.

It’s location, being one of the best ocean beaches close to the city, makes it a popular beach for locals and visitors alike and is often listed as one of Australia’s best beaches.

Visitors can take part in a variety of activities, from sunbathing to swimming, snorkeling and surfing. There are also plenty of bars, restaurants and cafes nearby offering up some great food and drinks to enjoy.

Bondi Beach is also a popular spot for photoshoots, social gatherings and festivals, further adding to its vibrant atmosphere. With so much to see and do, Bondi Beach is an ideal destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and spend some time in a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.

Bondi

While the beach is very popular, you can also stroll cross Campbell Parade and enjoy Bondi away from the sand. Take in the view of the Pacific from one of the laidback outdoor cafes or trendy restaurants that serve lively crowds with brunch, lunch and dinner.

Watch for celebrities from behind your sunglasses. Don’t have any? Bondi is the place to buy them, with an abundance of shops selling the whole gamut of fashionable surfwear and beach accessories or visit the popular beachside markets on Sundays.

Where To Stay

When visiting Bondi Beach, there’s a wide variety of accommodation options to suit different tastes and budgets. For those seeking a high-end experience, Bondi offers several luxury hotels.

These hotels typically offer stunning ocean views, exceptional service, and amenities such as fine dining restaurants, spas, and fitness centers. They are perfect for travelers who prioritize comfort and elegance.

If you’re looking for something with local charm, consider staying at one of Bondi’s boutique hotels or bed and breakfasts. These accommodations often provide a more intimate and personalized experience. They combine modern comforts with unique character, often reflecting the artistic and laid-back nature of the Bondi community.

Ideal for families or longer stays, serviced apartments in Bondi Beach offer the convenience of home-like amenities, including kitchen facilities and separate living areas. They provide a blend of hotel-like services and the comfort of having your own space.

Bondi Beach is also a great destination for budget travelers, with a range of hostels that offer affordable lodging. These are excellent choices for backpackers or solo travelers, offering a social atmosphere and often organizing events where you can meet fellow travelers. For a more local experience, there are numerous Airbnb and vacation rental options available in Bondi. These range from cozy studios to luxury beachfront homes and can be a great option for those who prefer self-catering accommodations

Things to do

There’s a wide variety of things to do at Bondi Beach, from North Bondi to the southern end, below are some of the highlights from this iconic beach.

Dining Out

Enjoy the outdoor dining scene and watch the passing parade of roller blades, skateboarders and exercise fanatics pounding the promenade from the comfort of your chair.

Dining Out - where to eat at Bondi Beach

Soak in the sun, with many al-fresco style dining options, as well as a wide range of cafes to choose from.

Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk

Take the Bondi to Bronte scenic coastal walk and reward yourself with fish and chips or a fresh mango whip at the Bronte end. You can just wander along the walking trail, or take a guided walking tour and get even more out of the experience – learn about the many icons, the history of the area, and the aboriginal heritage.

Starting from Bondi Beach, the walk takes you along clifftops looking out onto Tamarama and Bronte beaches. As you journey along your route you’ll be able to see a variety of native wildlife such as wallabies, kookaburras, and stingrays. The path is also home to a variety of different plant life with lush green foliage and wildflowers offering a picturesque backdrop to your adventure.

Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk

The end point of this picturesque coastline walk is Bronte Beach where visitors can relax on the sand or take a dip in the crystal-clear waters before heading back to Bondi. This scenic walk has become increasingly popular over the years due to its stunning landscape and natural beauty, making it a must-see destination for any Sydney visitor!

Bondi to Coogee Beach Walk

The Bondi to Coogee Coastal walk is 6km and takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, as well as several beaches, parks, and rock pools along the way.

The walk starts at Bondi Beach at Notts Avenue – a small road on the southern end of the beach, and ends at Coogee Beach, passing through several other beaches including Tamarama Beach, Bronte Beach, and Clovelly Beach. Along the way, you’ll also see the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk, Waverly Cemetery, and the famous Bondi Icebergs Club. The walk is relatively easy and suitable for people of all fitness levels. It’s a great way to experience the natural beauty of Sydney’s coastline and a great opportunity for photography.

Take a Trike Tour

Hop on a trike and explore Bondi, Bronte, Coogee Beach and many of the other eastern beaches of Sydney. Trike tours are a clever way to visit some of the top sights in Sydney with a knowledgeable guide, who’ll save you time and energy as they do all the work.

Sightseeing bus tours

Bus tours are also an excellent way to get around and see the area in style, travelling through some of Australia’s most beautiful scenery and taking in all the sights.

There’s also the hop on, hop off bus that visits the area. It stops at all the main attractions and provides ample time to jump out and take photos, before hopping back on and continuing your journey.

Sculpture By The Sea

Every year, Bondi Beach hosts the renowned Sculpture By The Sea exhibition. This free outdoor sculpture event sees artists from around the world display their work along a two kilometer stretch of sand and clifftops which overlooks the Tasman sea.

The works are made from a range of different materials such as wood, stone, metal, and glass, and range from the abstract to the surreal. The exhibition has become an iconic event in Sydney’s cultural calendar attracting thousands of visitors each year.

Bondi Sculpture By The Sea

Swimming and Surfing

The golden pristine sands, the cerulean blue ocean and the Aussie sun shine make an ideal combination for a swim and surfing. Along the beachfront, you’ll find multiple surf schools where you can learn to catch waves and improve your technique.

Additionally, there are a number of lifeguards that patrol Bondi Beach all year round ensuring the safety of swimmers as they cool off in the ocean.

You can learn to surf with ‘Lets Go Surfing’. This popular surfing school has been teaching people of all ages and abilities the art of riding waves at Bondi Beach Sydney since 1995.

For those that don’t feel confident enough to jump onto surf boards or venture out into the ocean, there are options for a dip in the safety of a rock pool at either end of the beach. The warm waters and steady waves make Bondi an ideal spot for enjoying a relaxing swim in the ocean.

Bondi Icebergs

Swim in the iconic Bondi Icebergs surf pool. The Bondi Icebergs are known for their open-water swimming, with the pool located at the southern end of Bondi Beach. The club has been training swimmers since 1929 and is home to one of Sydney’s most iconic clubs.

Bondi Icebergs

The renovated pool offers an array of activities from cardio and yoga classes, to a 50m long training course and a 25m lap pool. The pools are not heated – they take fresh water from the ocean. The pool also has lifeguards on duty during business hours.

The venue is open to the general public seven days a week during daylight hours, so you can enjoy a dip and sunbathing in this beautiful setting. There are several cafe options within Bondi Icebergs, for a bite to eat.

Swimmers at Bondi Icebergs

Explore the Pavilion

Enjoy a seafood lunch or perhaps a gelato at the famous Bondi Pavilion. The “Pav” as it’s affectionately known, is the historic heart of Bondi Beach. The art deco building is home to a museum, theatre and gallery, as well as a range of beachside bars, restaurants and cafes.

Take a stroll around the parklands adjacent for stunning views and lush vegetation. This vibrant area offers plenty of fun activities, including a children’s playground and skate park.

The Bondi Pavilion is also the perfect spot to watch summer sunsets! Take a seat on the balcony overlooking the beach while enjoying some of the best views in Australia.

Bondi Pavilion at sunset

Relax in the Sun

Bondi Beach is a great place to relax, sunbathe and just enjoy the atmosphere of this popular destination. There are plenty of spots to lay your towel or beach

Boutique Shops

Shop till you drop at the nearby Bondi Junction mall and Westfield Shopping Centre (one of the largest in New South Wales).

North Bondi

North Bondi is known for its laid back vibe and local cafes. The area is a great spot for a relaxed lunch or late afternoon snack. Climbing the rocky headland, and exploring the marine life in the rock pools is a popular pastime.

North Bondi

Weather at Bondi Beach

The Bondi Beach weather is generally warm and sunny most days of the year. Summer temperatures can reach as high as 33°C (91F), while winters are mild with average day time temperatures of 20°C (68F). The water temperature tends to be warmer in the summer months, making it ideal for a swim.

Christmas On Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach Sydney is known as a great place for travellers and backpackers to enjoy Christmas day – it’s such a novelty for people from northern climates to spend the day at the beach. Keep in mind that Bondi Beach is classified as an alcohol-free zone. This means you are not permitted to consume alcohol on the beach.

Christmas On Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is a great place to experience the Aussie coast lifestyle and culture. Whether you’re there for a dip in the ocean, some sunbathing or simply to take in the sights, you won’t be disappointed with what’s on offer at this iconic beachside location.

Experiences

  • 18-35's
  • Active
  • Food and Wine
  • Historic/Heritage
  • Honeymoon
  • Indulgence/Luxury
  • Nature based
  • Relaxation
  • Romance

Popular Activities

  • Adventure
  • Beach
  • Canoeing
  • Cycling
  • Fishing - Beach
  • Food and Wine
  • Kayaking
  • Nightlife
  • Sailing
  • Seakayaking
  • Sightseeing
  • Skating
  • Snorkelling
  • Surfing
  • Swimming
  • Wind Surfing

About Bondi Beach

  • Locality: Suburb
  • Bondi Beach Postcode: 2026
  • State: New South Wales
  • Region: Sydney
  • Latitude: -33.89054
  • Longitude: 151.27486
  • Elevation: 18m
  • Population: 11656
  • Median Income: $64532
  • Area (Sq/km): 1.219
  • Timezone: Australia/Sydney

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