Famous for its stunning beach and seaside culture, Bondi Beach is a great spot to visit for a long weekend or if you have a day to spare during a visit to Sydney.
Despite only being located 7km from Sydney’s CBD, Bondi Beach offers the relaxed atmosphere of a seaside holiday destination.
Elements of community are apparent too, with a thriving cafe and dining scene, and plenty of outdoor activities to embrace.
The beach itself is one of the most-visited tourist sites in Australia and has gained fame thanks to the likes of television shows such as Bondi Rescue and Bondi Vet, and has been used as a location in many films.
But explore beyond the beachfront and you’ll be pleasantly surprised with boutique fashion stores, wholefood cafes, unique small businesses and a neighbourhood that offers suburban charm.
Bondi Beach combines a striking coastline, delicious food and the best of the outdoors – the perfect elements for your next coastal break.
Things to do in Bondi Beach
Scenic coastal walk from Bondi Beach to Coogee
Do as the locals do, and take the popular Bondi Beach to Coogee coastal walk.
While it is only 6km long, the track is challenging, with lots of steps, inclines and changing pace, and can take about two hours to complete.
It’s well worth it for the incredible sea views, and the track winds around tiny coastal villages and inlets. The scenery offers stunning backdrops for photos, or can simply be admired as you walk by.
Break up the walk by stopping at one of the cafes along the path for a juice or coffee, before finishing with a swim at Coogee Beach. Don’t forget your hat, sunscreen and a bottle of water.
Begin the walk at the bottom of Notts Ave, near the Icebergs pool.
Aquabumps Gallery
To get a genuine feel for the surf culture and beach life that exists in Bondi, make a visit to Aquabumps Gallery.
The business, which has a popular website and about 40,000 daily email subscribers, focuses on exquisite photography of waves, surfers, swimmers and sunrises, mostly taken at and around Bondi Beach.
The gallery sells a huge selection of prints and framed photos so you can take a little piece of Bondi home with you.
Aquabumps Gallery: 151 Curlewis St, Bondi Beach.
Bondi markets. Picture: facebook.com/bondifarmers
Bondi markets
Love a good market? Then you’ll love the Bondi markets and its grassroots feel.
For the best in locally-grown fresh produce, baked treats and hearty meals, be sure to visit on Saturday mornings for the Farmers Market.
On Sundays, the Bondi Market offers a selection of clothing, exotic imports, handmade jewellery, arts, crafts, homewares, retro furniture, flowers and more. There’s something for everyone!
Farmers Market: Saturdays 9am – 1pm. Bondi Beach Public School, Campbell Pde, Bondi Beach.
Bondi Market: Sundays 10am – 4pm. Bondi Beach Public School, Campbell Pde, Bondi Beach.
Bondi Icebergs
Bondi Beach is also famous for its aqua-blue swimming pool, Icebergs.
A landmark of Bondi Beach for more than 100 years, the public can enjoy laps in the large pool or take the kids along to the smaller splash pool.
The sauna is available for use with every swim entry. There’s also an on-site gym, yoga classes, and massage and spa therapies.
If swimming is not your thing, head to the facility’s bistro to enjoy a bite to eat or a refreshing drink while taking in the panoramic views of Bondi Beach.
Bondi Icebergs Club: 1 Notts Ave, Bondi Beach.
Places to eat and drink in Bondi Beach
Harry’s
For a sensational breakfast or lunch and a damn fine coffee, Harry’s is the place to visit.
The menu uses locally-sourced produce and organic ingredients, where possible, to offer an elegant yet fresh selection of meals.
The exposed brick walls and smooth wooden decor give this cafe a modern atmosphere.
Harry’s: 2/136 Wairoa Ave, Bondi Beach.
Gertrude & Alice cafe and bookshop
Love coffee? Love books? Combine both at Gertrude and Alice, a cafe set inside a bookstore. The cafe stocks and sells new, used and collectible books.
This place has a distinct vintage look and feel and is the perfect spot to pick up a new read and while away the afternoon with a cup of tea or coffee.
Gertrude & Alice: 46 Hall St, Bondi Beach.
Sefa Kitchen
Be transported to the Middle East at Sefa Kitchen.
This intimate restaurant offers an exotic menu of sharing plates inspired by Middle Eastern flavours.
Try the beetroot salad with bulgur, feta, almonds and hummus, the honey haloumi or crispy duck.
Although this restaurant is located just outside Bondi Beach (up the hill on Bondi Rd), the superior customer service and elegant atmosphere make it worth the trek.
Sefa Kitchen: 292 Bondi Rd, Bondi.
Where to stay in Bondi Beach
We recommend staying at an Airbnb in Bondi Beach, either a short walk from the main beach or Campbell Parade.
Getting to Bondi Beach
Fly to Sydney Airport, take the train to Bondi Junction station, then a bus to the heart of Bondi Beach.
Alternatively, hire a car from the airport and drive – it’s about 13km from the airport to Bondi Beach.
Disclaimer: The writer travelled at their own expense.
