Bondi
Sparkling blue ocean, fun eateries and a laid-back beach lifestyle sum up Sydney’s world-famous Bondi. Go for a swim in an iconic ocean pool, enjoy a yoga class overlooking the ocean or sip a sunset cocktail at a beachside bar. There’s also quality surf, bustling markets and a dramatic clifftop walk in this spectacular suburb that blends seaside life with city charms.
Highlights
By the water
Bondi is home to the world’s oldest surf lifesaving club, the Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club, founded in 1907. Professional lifeguards patrol the wide expanse of golden beach throughout the year, and their work – along with dramatic rescues and day-to-day beach life – is featured on the long-running reality TV show Bondi Rescue. With its temperate climate and iconic waves, locals and visitors swim year-round, and surfers can often be spotted enjoying the surf from dawn to dusk. A fun way to experience Bondi is to learn to surf with a surf school like Lets Go Surfing.
Lets Go Surfing, Bondi Beach
At the southern end of the beach sits the iconic Bondi Icebergs, a landmark winter swimming club established in 1929. Visitors can swim laps in the famous ocean pool, which is open year-round, or simply watch the dedicated Icebergs members who keep the tradition alive by swimming through the colder months – waves crashing just beyond the pool’s edge.
Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Beach
The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is a memorable way to appreciate the beauty of the area. The picturesque 6km track is carved into sandstone cliffs and offers uninterrupted views of the ocean, passing Tamarama Beach, Bronte Beach, Clovelly Beach and Gordons Bay, before finishing in beautiful Coogee. From May to November, it’s also a great vantage point to spot whales during their annual migration.
Things to do
Sculpture by the Sea is the world’s biggest annual free outdoor sculpture exhibition, showcasing the works of more than 100 Australian and international artists. Throughout October and November, the sculptures are dotted along the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk between Bondi and Tamarama beaches, set among the natural surrounds. Bondi's vibrant events calendar is full of more festivals, markets and activities.
Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi
Join Aboriginal-owned Bondi Aboriginal Walking Tours to learn about the area’s history, and see ancient rock carvings and traditional bush foods still growing along the coast. To meet local artisans, check out the Bondi Markets on Sundays, or pick up some fresh produce at the Bondi Farmers Markets on Saturdays.
Walangari's Bondi Aboriginal Walking Tours - Credit: Bondi Aboriginal Walking Tours
Eat and drink
Bondi is abuzz with beachside cafes, bars and restaurants. Speedos in North Bondi has been featured on many global “most Instagrammable cafes” lists thanks to its colourful breakfasts and waterfront location. Other popular spots for brunch include Porch and Parlour, known for its laid-back beachside vibe; Harrys Bondi, a local institution that has been serving post-swim coffees since 1997; and Lox Stock & Barrel, a NYC-style deli dishing up delicious bagels.
Speedos, Bondi
For fine dining combined with ocean views, book a table at Sean’s, an intimate restaurant with seasonal, produce-driven menus and views across the surf, or Icebergs Dining Room and Bar, an elegant, high-end restaurant perched above the Icebergs pool. For more waterside dining, check out Bondi Trattoria or North Bondi Fish.
Sean's Panaroma, Bondi - Credit: Sean's Panaroma
Hall Street and Bondi Beach’s other backstreets are dotted with plenty more dining options. Enjoy a drink at The Shop and Wine Bar, Rocker or The Beekeeper; and then grab dinner at The Corner House, Society Pizza or Totti’s. You can also head to beachside Campbell Parade for takeaway fish ‘n’ chips and savour them on the grassy knolls overlooking the water.
Totti’s, Bondi - Credit: Nikki To - Totti’s
Where to stay
There are plenty of places to stay in Bondi, from youth hostels to apartments, beach houses and beachside hotels. QT Bondi offers a boutique, high-end stay. Hotel Ravesis is right on Campbell Parade above a popular bar, or opt for a self-contained stay at the Adina Apartment Hotel on Hall Street.
Hotel Ravesis, Bondi
Getting there
Bondi’s proximity to the CBD is one of its main attractions, combining an urban lifestyle with a spectacular beach. It’s only 30 minutes by public transport from Town Hall station in the city centre, so it is easily accessible to everyone. Catch the train to Bondi Junction and then hop on a bus, or catch a bus that goes from the CBD straight to the beach.
