Just a short bus ride or car trip from the SW capital of Sydney, Bondi Beach is a must on your Australian to-do list. Pronounced with a long “i” as in Bonzai, Bondi is the place for beach days of sun and fun.
Founded back in the middle of the’th century, as Sydney’s urban center began expanding, the unique name of Bondi Beach derives from an Aboriginal word meaning “waves crashing upon rocks.”
As a getaway from the urban center of Sydney, Bondi’s white sand beaches and alluring coastline are a beautiful option. If you are around during the migratory seasons, you could spot dolphins or even whales off the coast. The rarely seen fairy penguin may even catch your eye.
For visitor orientation, start at the Pavilion Community Center and pick up some helpful information. This town hub also has changing rooms and showers for bathers, several eateries and an amphitheater.
Down at the beach, take a pleasant walk along the white sand, compare your tan with the locals, or take a dip in the crystal clear waters at the northern beaches. Bondi’s southern beaches have great waves for surfers, though beginner swimmers should be very careful at these spots. Throughout the summer lifeguards patrol the beaches and shark nets are positioned out in the water to keep swimmers safe and sound.
Take in a bit of Bondi Beach’s history and beauty with one of the scenic walks. Start at Bondi’s old Pavilion, begun in’28, on the way to the cliffs of Bronte. See the Hawkesbury sandstone belt which dates back to over 200 million years B.C. Or visit the old Bronte Baths en route to Waverley Cemetery.
For a taste of Bondi’s racy beach culture, check out the southern beaches, where local ordinances are ignored by topless sunbathers on a regular basis. In fact, the beach holds the world record for biggest bikini photo shoot of all time.
Get into the groove of the wild City to Surf Fun Run which takes place every August. Participants make their way to Bondi Beach from Sydney’s center. Or go fly a kite in the annual Festival of the Winds in September.
Along the waterfront is a wide variety of cafes, restaurants and bars to suit any budget. Have a pint in one of the pubs and see why the locals are known for their friendliness.
Bondi’s stunning beach has caught the eye of the entertainment industry, as it serves as the location for Bondi Rescue (about beach patrols) and Breakers.
Bondi Beach’s stature grew even more in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, when the beach volleyball competition took place here.
When staying overnight (or for weeks at a time), Bondi Beach has every type of accommodation, from boutique hotels to down-to-earth hostels for backpackers and mid-range hotels, all bases are covered.
Only a thirty minute drive outside of Sydney, Bondi is reaches by following Oxford Street as it turns into Enfield and then Bondi Road. Due to limited parking, locals suggest public transportation, which leaves constantly from Sydney.
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