Bondi Beach
Australia's most famous urban beach, with a 1-kilometer stretch of golden sand, surf breaks, the Icebergs seawater pool and a 6-kilometer clifftop coastal walk to Coogee.
Bondi Beach is 7 kilometers east of the city center. Its 1-kilometer crescent of golden sand faces the Pacific Ocean. It is the birthplace of Australia's surfing and lifesaving culture. The world's first surf lifesaving club was founded here in 1907, and the reality show Bondi Rescue was filmed here. The waves at the north end are small and suitable for swimming and beginner surfing. Surf lessons cost about A$80 to A$100 for 2 hours, and board rental is about A$25 per hour. The south end has bigger waves and is the domain of experienced surfers, so always swim between the red and yellow flags. At the south end, below the cliffs, is the Bondi Icebergs, a seawater pool built in 1929. Waves crash directly into its 50-meter lap lanes, making it one of the most photographed scenes in Australia on social media. Entry costs about A$10. Upstairs are the Icebergs restaurant and bar. Behind the beach, Campbell Parade and Hall Street are lined with cafés, brunch spots such as Bills and Speedos Cafe, and surf shops. On Sundays, the Bondi Markets sell handcrafts and secondhand clothing. The most recommended activity is the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. Starting from the Icebergs, it follows the cliffs south past Tamarama, Bronte (with its seaside barbecue areas and ocean pool), Clovelly (for snorkeling), and the Waverley Cemetery overlooking the sea, ending in Coogee. The walk is 6 kilometers and takes about 2 to 3 hours. Along the way, sandstone cliffs and bays offer spectacular views, and humpback whales are often seen spouting in winter and spring. Each year from October to November, the Sculpture by the Sea exhibition displays more than 100 installations along the walk. It is free to visit. Getting there: take a train to Bondi Junction, then transfer to bus 333 or 380 for about 15 minutes. Alternatively, take bus 333 directly from the city center, which takes about 40 minutes. Parking by car is expensive and hard to find. Notes: UV levels are very high, so reapply sunscreen every 2 hours. Rip currents are dangerous, so do not swim outside the flags. Alcohol is banned on the beach. Summer weekends are extremely crowded, so early morning is best.
Opening hours
Open all day (lifeguards on duty approx. 06:00–19:00)
Nearby sights
- Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
- Watsons Bay & The Gap
- Taronga Zoo
- Mrs Macquarie's Chair
- Art Gallery of New South Wales
- Australian Museum
- Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
- St Mary's Cathedral & Hyde Park