Bondi Beach is a world famous beachside locality of Sydney.
Understand
Bondi has become a favourite of the "barmy army" of British tourists, who annually gather on its sands for a Southern Hemisphere Christmas in the sun. Bondi is also now home to numerous youth hostels with backpackers who congregate mainly in the summer months. It is not uncommon to hear Norwegian, French, German, Dutch, Swedish, Danish or Spanish while walking across the beach or through the cafes.
Bondi Beach has a vaguely alternative feel, despite the obvious commercialism present, and attracts a large number of "individuals"; watch out, for example, for the guy who will strip off near the shops, to walk stark naked through the traffic on Campbell Parade, before going down to the beach.
Bondi Beach is very tolerant; topless sunbathing is common and gay and lesbian couples displaying affection can be seen.
Getting there
Don't confuse Bondi Junction and Bondi Beach. Getting to Bondi Junction is just one step on the way to the beach. It is about a 3km walk from one to the other, so you may want to consider your transport options.
By train and bus
You will save up to 25 minutes travel time by taking the train to Bondi Junction, and catching the bus from there, over the equivalent bus trip all the way from the city. Tickets are available to "Bondi Beach" from any train station that include the train to Bondi Junction and the 10 minute bus ride from there to Bondi Beach.
From central Sydney, take the Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra line trains from Central, Town Hall or Martin Place stations to Bondi Junction (10 mins). From there, a bus (lines 380, 381, 382, L82, 15 mins), will get you to Bondi Beach (2 km downhill). Ther is no need to write down the bus numbers since stand A1 at Bondi Junction is just for buses going to Bondi Beach, and they depart frequently. Bondi Junction has a large bus terminal, but it is quite well signposted. The train ride takes 10 minutes from Town Hall to Bondi Junction.
By bus
Buses run to Bondi Beach every 5 minutes from Bondi Junction and the City during the day (6AM till 9PM) and then at 15 minute intervals from approximately (9PM till 1AM) then every half hour during the early hours.
The best route from the city is the 333. The 333 bus is a prepay only bus, and you must purchase a ticket in advance from the kiosk at Circular Quay or from a newsagent (if you don't already have a travelpass or travelten).
Other routes 380, 382, 381 or X84 with the destinations showing North Bondi, Dover Heights, Watsons Bay or Bondi Beach also go to Bondi Beach, but make more stops, and it is usually worth waiting for the next 333. You can buy tickets on the bus (or use the prepaid tickets as well).
For more information see the transport infoline .
From the Airport
See Sydney Airport information for more airport information.
Taxis from the airport cost around $40 and takes about 25 minutes.
Shuttle services run from the airport direct to Bondi Beach and Cost around $15 per person. You need to get on a Eastern suburbs shuttle.
The cheapest and also the slowest way is to get bus 400 to Bondi Junction direct from the airport, and then get bus (see above) to Bondi Beach.
See
Topless sunbakers;
Bondi Beach, of course!
Things to do
Walk on the coastal walk (at the bottom of Notts Avenue, off Campbell Parade) to Tamarama , Bronte , Coogee and eventually Maroubra.
Bondi Icebergs - A popular rock swimming pool with restaurant and bar facilities upstairs that look over the entire beach. It is named for the brave swimmers who compete here in the winter months. Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 6.00AM and 7.00PM, Saturday & Sunday:6.30AM - 6.30PM. Entry $4 Adults/$2.50 Children/Seniors.
Surf with Let's Go Surfing, the only surf school on Bondi Beach. Alternatively, shops along Campebell Parade sell / rent surf boards and body boards, as well as wetsuits.
Swim but always stay between the flags where lifeguards keep a watch on the swimmers. On weekends and public holidays, volunteer lifesavers also perform watch duty on the beach. Strong rip currents and sandbars are the dangers on the beach, so the unexperienced swimmers should always find out the sea condition from the lifeguard or lifesaver before entering the water.
Scuba Dive at North Bondi. Meet the protected Blue Groper and visit the Cathedral Cave. Rent scuba gear from Dive Bondi at 198 Bondi Rd. PADI dive certification is available: Open Water is $425, Advanced Open Water is $375.
Events
The Festival of the Winds- an annual kite-flying Festival in September.
North Bondi Surf Classic Held each year a 2k swimming race for people of all ages.
Sculpture by the Sea- An annual outdoor display of sculpture (over 100 separate works) distributed along the Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk (begins at the bottom of Notts Avenue, off Campbell Parade). Free.
Eat
Bondi Trattoria Café Restaurant, 34b Campbell Parade, tel 02 9365 4303. A fusion of Australian and Italian cuisine, in a relaxed and ambient setting.
Bondi Surf Seafoods, 128 Campbell Parade. ph 02 9130 4554. The Bondi Beach Fish Shop is the place to go for that dubious local speciality, the deep fried Mars Bar. Fans of the bar counsel caution: no matter how strong you think you are, restrict yourself to one deep fried Mars Bar daily.Bondi Surf Seafoods
Gelato Bar Café Restaurant, 140 Campbell Parade. ph 02 9130 4033. Gelato Bar is one of the oldest places in Bondi and has built up a reputation over 40 years. They specialise in French pastries, crepes and of course gelato. It is a wondeful place to go for a quick coffee or even dinner, the food is a mix of Mediterranean using fresh Australian produce. It overlooks the beachfront and has a wonderful view.
Drink
It is quite possible to go to Bondi Beach on a sunny Sunday afternoon, and not bother with any of that sand or water. The two biggest bars in Bondi are the Beach Road Hotel and Bondi Hotel. Both are excellent places to catch the finals in a cricket match or have a few drinks with your mates. Another great bar is at the previously mentioned Bondi Icebergs, it has a great view of the beach and relatively cheap drinks. Make sure to take some form of ID that proves you live outside a 5km radius as this is a club and the rule require that you be a member if you are inside 5km.
Of course, if you want to be "seen" then go for Ravesis on the corner of Hall St and Campbell parade. It attracts the beautiful people.. or at least those who think they are beautiful.
Bondi locals will tend to go for BBs. Relocated from its cramped spot on Curlewis St, BBs is hidden down an alley next to the Mambo surf shop on Campbell Parade. Live music, surf videos and a more relaxed vibe than the goldfish bowl up the road.
Sleep
Budget
Bondi Sands, 252 Campbell Parade, tel 04 1456 8930, - A clean, friendly hostel 60 metres from the beach.
Indy's Backpackers, 35a Hall Street and Campbell Parade, tel 02 9365 4900, fax 02 9365 4994 - With two different locations, right in the heart of Bondi's cafe scene, Indy's Backpackers offers clean and comfortable rooms for the budget conscious.
Bondi Beachhouse YHA, Cnr Fletcher and Dellview Sts, tel (02) 9365 2088 - Awesome beach views from the rooftop. Free snorkelling gear, surf and body boards. Weekly backpacker entertainment nights.
Buy
Markets
Bondi Beach Markets, every Sunday 9AM-3PM in the grounds of Bondi Beach Public School, (Campbell Parade, one block north of the main shopping centre).
Congratulations on making it to the world famous Bondi Beach. Time now to discover some of Sydney's other fantastic but lesser known beaches all accessible, and all up and down the Sydney coast. Each has its own character. Try the other Eastern Suburbs beaches, some within walking distance. Cronulla Beach is just over the Georges River further south. Sydney's Northern Beaches stretching north from Manly to Palm Beach.
Contact & location
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Bondi Beach is a world famous beachside locality of Sydney.
Understand
Bondi has become a favourite of the "barmy army" of British tourists, who annually gather on its sands for a Southern Hemisphere Christmas in the sun. Bondi is also now home to numerous youth hostels with backpackers who congregate mainly in the summer months. It is not uncommon to hear Norwegian, French, German, Dutch, Swedish, Danish or Spanish while walking across the beach or through the cafes.
Bondi Beach has a vaguely alternative feel, despite the obvious commercialism present, and attracts a large number of "individuals"; watch out, for example, for the guy who will strip off near the shops, to walk stark naked through the traffic on Campbell Parade, before going down to the beach.
Bondi Beach is very tolerant; topless sunbathing is common and gay and lesbian couples displaying affection can be seen.
Getting there
Don't confuse Bondi Junction and Bondi Beach. Getting to Bondi Junction is just one step on the way to the beach. It is about a 3km walk from one to the other, so you may want to consider your transport options.
By train and bus
You will save up to 25 minutes travel time by taking the train to Bondi Junction, and catching the bus from there, over the equivalent bus trip all the way from the city. Tickets are available to "Bondi Beach" from any train station that include the train to Bondi Junction and the 10 minute bus ride from there to Bondi Beach.
From central Sydney, take the Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra line trains from Central, Town Hall or Martin Place stations to Bondi Junction (10 mins). From there, a bus (lines 380, 381, 382, L82, 15 mins), will get you to Bondi Beach (2 km downhill). Ther is no need to write down the bus numbers since stand A1 at Bondi Junction is just for buses going to Bondi Beach, and they depart frequently. Bondi Junction has a large bus terminal, but it is quite well signposted. The train ride takes 10 minutes from Town Hall to Bondi Junction.
By bus
Buses run to Bondi Beach every 5 minutes from Bondi Junction and the City during the day (6AM till 9PM) and then at 15 minute intervals from approximately (9PM till 1AM) then every half hour during the early hours.
The best route from the city is the 333. The 333 bus is a prepay only bus, and you must purchase a ticket in advance from the kiosk at Circular Quay or from a newsagent (if you don't already have a travelpass or travelten).
Other routes 380, 382, 381 or X84 with the destinations showing North Bondi, Dover Heights, Watsons Bay or Bondi Beach also go to Bondi Beach, but make more stops, and it is usually worth waiting for the next 333. You can buy tickets on the bus (or use the prepaid tickets as well).
For more information see the transport infoline .
From the Airport
See Sydney Airport information for more airport information.
Taxis from the airport cost around $40 and takes about 25 minutes.
Shuttle services run from the airport direct to Bondi Beach and Cost around $15 per person. You need to get on a Eastern suburbs shuttle.
The cheapest and also the slowest way is to get bus 400 to Bondi Junction direct from the airport, and then get bus (see above) to Bondi Beach.
See
Topless sunbakers;
Bondi Beach, of course!
Things to do
Walk on the coastal walk (at the bottom of Notts Avenue, off Campbell Parade) to Tamarama , Bronte , Coogee and eventually Maroubra.
Bondi Icebergs - A popular rock swimming pool with restaurant and bar facilities upstairs that look over the entire beach. It is named for the brave swimmers who compete here in the winter months. Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 6.00AM and 7.00PM, Saturday & Sunday:6.30AM - 6.30PM. Entry $4 Adults/$2.50 Children/Seniors.
Surf with Let's Go Surfing, the only surf school on Bondi Beach. Alternatively, shops along Campebell Parade sell / rent surf boards and body boards, as well as wetsuits.
Swim but always stay between the flags where lifeguards keep a watch on the swimmers. On weekends and public holidays, volunteer lifesavers also perform watch duty on the beach. Strong rip currents and sandbars are the dangers on the beach, so the unexperienced swimmers should always find out the sea condition from the lifeguard or lifesaver before entering the water.
Scuba Dive at North Bondi. Meet the protected Blue Groper and visit the Cathedral Cave. Rent scuba gear from Dive Bondi at 198 Bondi Rd. PADI dive certification is available: Open Water is $425, Advanced Open Water is $375.
Events
The Festival of the Winds - an annual kite-flying Festival in September.
North Bondi Surf Classic Held each year a 2k swimming race for people of all ages.
Sculpture by the Sea - An annual outdoor display of sculpture (over 100 separate works) distributed along the Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk (begins at the bottom of Notts Avenue, off Campbell Parade). Free.
Eat
Bondi Trattoria Café Restaurant, 34b Campbell Parade, tel 02 9365 4303. A fusion of Australian and Italian cuisine, in a relaxed and ambient setting.
Bondi Surf Seafoods, 128 Campbell Parade. ph 02 9130 4554. The Bondi Beach Fish Shop is the place to go for that dubious local speciality, the deep fried Mars Bar. Fans of the bar counsel caution: no matter how strong you think you are, restrict yourself to one deep fried Mars Bar daily.Bondi Surf Seafoods
Gelato Bar Café Restaurant, 140 Campbell Parade. ph 02 9130 4033. Gelato Bar is one of the oldest places in Bondi and has built up a reputation over 40 years. They specialise in French pastries, crepes and of course gelato. It is a wondeful place to go for a quick coffee or even dinner, the food is a mix of Mediterranean using fresh Australian produce. It overlooks the beachfront and has a wonderful view.
Drink
It is quite possible to go to Bondi Beach on a sunny Sunday afternoon, and not bother with any of that sand or water. The two biggest bars in Bondi are the Beach Road Hotel and Bondi Hotel. Both are excellent places to catch the finals in a cricket match or have a few drinks with your mates. Another great bar is at the previously mentioned Bondi Icebergs, it has a great view of the beach and relatively cheap drinks. Make sure to take some form of ID that proves you live outside a 5km radius as this is a club and the rule require that you be a member if you are inside 5km.
Of course, if you want to be "seen" then go for Ravesis on the corner of Hall St and Campbell parade. It attracts the beautiful people.. or at least those who think they are beautiful.
Bondi locals will tend to go for BBs. Relocated from its cramped spot on Curlewis St, BBs is hidden down an alley next to the Mambo surf shop on Campbell Parade. Live music, surf videos and a more relaxed vibe than the goldfish bowl up the road.
Sleep
Budget
Bondi Sands , 252 Campbell Parade, tel 04 1456 8930, - A clean, friendly hostel 60 metres from the beach.
Indy's Backpackers , 35a Hall Street and Campbell Parade, tel 02 9365 4900, fax 02 9365 4994 - With two different locations, right in the heart of Bondi's cafe scene, Indy's Backpackers offers clean and comfortable rooms for the budget conscious.
Bondi Beachhouse YHA , Cnr Fletcher and Dellview Sts, tel (02) 9365 2088 - Awesome beach views from the rooftop. Free snorkelling gear, surf and body boards. Weekly backpacker entertainment nights.
Buy
Markets
Congratulations on making it to the world famous Bondi Beach. Time now to discover some of Sydney's other fantastic but lesser known beaches all accessible, and all up and down the Sydney coast. Each has its own character. Try the other Eastern Suburbs beaches, some within walking distance. Cronulla Beach is just over the Georges River further south. Sydney's Northern Beaches stretching north from Manly to Palm Beach.
Contact & location
Be the first one to add a review
The photos displayed on this page are the property of one of the following authors:
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TC, Evan Prodromou, Jeff, Peter, Ravikiran Rao and bh, Inas, MarinaK, Pjamescowie and Nzpcmad
This travel guide also includes text from Wikipedia articles, all available at
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