DK Travel : Sydney : Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach

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Bondi may just be the most famous stretch of sand in the world. This glorious 1-km (0.6-mile) long sweep of golden sand, with rugged Ben Buckler at its northern end and the Bondi Icebergs to the south, is Sydney’s favourite playground, packed with swimmers, surfers and people-watchers alike. Just before the beach is the lively tourist strip Campbell Parade, beyond which is a diverse suburb that embraces surf culture, artists, actors, media tycoons and the vibrant Jewish, Kiwi and Pacific Islander communities. There is some serious money in Bondi, but it’s never snobbish and always great fun.
Let’s go Surfing (see Swimming & Surfing) offers surfing lessons for beginners.

Top 10 Attractions

1. The Beach

It’s hard to resist this gorgeous arc of golden sand, even given how crowded it gets in peak season. Hire a deck chair if towels aren’t your thing, and sit back and enjoy the scenery. One of Bondi’s great attractions is its varied tribe of devotees.
2. Swimming

The sand shelves off gently at the northern end of the beach, ideal for body surfing. Always swim between the flags. If the weather is on the wild side, leave the water to the surfers and enjoy the Coastal Walk instead.
3. Surfing

It would be a shame to visit this famous surfing beach without at least trying to catch a wave. The southern end of Bondi Beach is restricted to surfers; boards and wet suits are available for hire nearby. Get a lesson from Let’s Go Surfing.
4. Ben Buckler

If you ever doubted the power of the ocean, check out the rock just below Bondi’s northern headland, Ben Buckler. According to its brass plaque, this 240-tonne monster washed up during a storm in 1912. The nearby rock pool is great for children.
5. Campbell Parade

5. Campbell Parade

Bondi’s main tourist drag is always buzzing. Backpackers and tourists rub shoulders with supermodels, surfies and actors. It’s a great place for gelati, fish and chips, or a beer overlooking the water.
6. Pavilion

This 1920s pavilion is home to a lively comm-unity cultural centre that hosts movies, theatre, workshops, free art exhibitions and special events. There are also showers and changing rooms inside.
7. Bondi Icebergs

7. Bondi Icebergs

So named because its members swim year round, this clubhouse is a Bondi institution. It’s home to one of Sydney’s finest restaurants (seeIcebergs Dining Room) and the world’s only surf-life saving museum. Don’t miss its saltwater pool washed clean by ocean swells.
8. Coastal Walk

Start this spectacular 5-km (3-mile) walk behind the Bondi Icebergs. Follow the path around to Tamarama Beach, also known as “Glamarama” for its “beautiful people”. Further down the path is Bronte Beach, followed by tiny Clovelly Beach (see Beaches), Gordon’s Bay and Coogee, a less crowded version of Bondi.
9. Sculpture by the Sea

Combine your coastal walk with this annual festival, at which more than 100 artists take full advantage of Bondi’s wind-sculpted sandstone headlands as the setting for their works. They are exhibited from late October to November.
10. Surf Lifesavers

10. Surf Lifesavers

Those tanned and athletic men and women patrolling the beach in red and yellow caps are members of Bondi Beach’s Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club, which was founded in 1907, and is the oldest such club in the world.

Practical Information

For cheap eats with a million-dollar view, get a table on the balcony of the North Bondi Returned Servicemens’ League (RSL) at the northern end of the beach. Visit Bikini Island at 38 Campbell Parade for a great range of women’s swimwear. Let’s Go Surfing: www.letsgosurfing.com.au Beached at Bondi: below the promenade: 9389 5836 towels $4, deck chairs $5, shelters $9, surfboards $14 Bondi Pavilion Community Cultural Centre: 8362 3400 Open 9:30am–5:30pm Mon–Fri, 10am–5pm Sat-Sun, www.waverley.nsw.gov.au Bondi Markets: Bondi Beach Public School; Warners Ave Open 10am–4pm Sun