With millions flocking to Australia every year, there is one place they all have on top of their lists to see. Bondi beach. Over the years Bondi beach has become the most famous beach in Australia with a long list of celebrities keen to have a dip in its crystal blue water. With an endless array of waves and golden sand, an international flavor of cafes and restaurants, Bondi has its own unique style of its own. Whether your keen to soak up the sun with the 'in crowd' of Sydney, or you would rather have a relaxing day with the family, Bondi beach is the place for you.
Situated on Sydney's eastern beaches, next to Bronte and Clovelly, Bondi is the closest ocean beach to the center of Sydney. With its young alternative feel and vibe, it's a nice change to the smaller more family oriented beaches of Bronte and Coogee. With some amazing waves, delicious food, private children's swimming pools and million dollar views, Bondi has become synonymous with Sydney's elite.
Check out some great photos
here.
Bondi beach also has a vibrant and alternative restaurant and café culture, which runs through the kilometer long Campbell Parade. So if the fridge is bare, come down to eat at some of the most celebrated restaurants in the country.
Bondi Iceberg's has become arguably one of the world's best restaurants. With towering views over the surfers below and with open 180-degree views of the ocean, Bondi Iceberg's mixes a beautiful clientele with mouth watering mediterranean cuisine. You might even spot a celebrity whilst you eat with locals Michael Clarke, Lara Bingle and Kylie Minogue frequent guests at the restaurant where the beautiful people of Sydney come for a meal.
If the glitz and glam is not your thing, then head down to the cheaper smaller bars and restaurants on Campbell Parade. A nice cold beer and snack at waterfront bar
Ravesis is a local favorite, or you could get a cheap $7 dollar steak from the
Bondi Hotel, a place which is always filled to the brim with a mixture of young surfers and English backpackers.
If your more interested in making a bargain whilst the kiddies play in the water, then head down to the
Bondi markets. Established in the early 90's, the Bondi Markets are open every Sunday morning. Mix in with the locals and try and find the next big thing. With a great mixture of up and coming designers there is everything from arts and crafts, cheap jewellery, vintage and designer clothes.
If your tired of swimming with hundreds of other people and bumping into kids whilst you catch waves, then head over to
Bondi Icebergs Swimming Pool. The recently upgraded Bondi favorite, located at the southern end of Bondi Beach, and underneath the Bondi Icebergs restaurant is Sydney's most iconic outdoor-ocean swimming pool. Open all year round, join hundreds of families during the summer, or the professional sports teams during winter bracing the freezing conditions pacing through their recovery sessions.
The promenade is another great place on Bondi beach where popular events are held all year round. During the last few months of every year the
sculptures by the sea is held, which is one of the most famous outdoor art exhibitions in the world. Looking to get fit before summer? Why not join the keen joggers that attempt the Bondi to Coogee run and along the way you might be lucky enough to experience some of Australia's finest art. Other notable Bondi yearly events include the Bondi carols by the sea held in December and the
Sun Herald City to Surf which attracts 60 thousand runners every year and culminates at the Promenade.
Unlike many other traditional Australian beaches, Bondi has a unique international feel. Over the years Bondi has become synonymous with backpackers and European tourists. During the summer months, hundreds of backpackers congregate on the beach to enjoy a traditional Australian Christmas. This normally includes games of beach cricket and football or plenty of drinks shared around the BBQ.
So if it's a nice day in the sun you want with the family, or you would rather a cold beer whilst gazing at Sydney's A-list celebrities, a day at Bondi beach offers everything you want and more!
By James Newell
