Each year tens of thousands of people, from backpackers to billionaires, take to the golden sands of this wide, one-kilometre long city beach expanse to walk, jog, or just soak up the sun. Being only 10 kilometres from the city centre, Bondi Beach is one of Sydney's busiest beaches. There's a host of events held here all year round from community art shows to city to surf running marathons.
Throughout the year the beach hosts many local and international events from the annual City to Surf fun run to the Festival of the Winds kite flying festival. On Christmas Day, at the height of the Australian summer, it has become a tradition for families and travellers to meet and celebrate on the beach. It's a special place to be on New Year's Eve with thousands of revellers watching the local fireworks. You may have to buy a ticket to these events because of their popularity. Bondi Beach is also fun in winter, with an ice-skating rink built as part of the Bondi Winter Magic Festival.
Events often centre on the heritage-listed Bondi Pavilion Community Centre which has a theatre and exhibition gallery and an outdoor amphitheatre. Check out the Marine Discovery Centre inside and learn about Australia's amazing sea creatures.
Bondi is also the home of Australian surf-lifesaving. The Bondi Life Saving Club, formed in 1906, is Australia's oldest. In summer it is patrolled by volunteer lifesavers, making sure swimmers stay between Australia's iconic red and yellow beach safety flags. On Sunday mornings in summer you can watch the ‘Nippers', Australia's future life-savers, learning the ropes from a very young age. The calm protected waters are also a perfect place to learn to surf with a number of local surf schools to teach you how.
The main street along the beachfront is Campbell Parade, where you'll find a range of stylish surf and fashion shops, outdoor cafes and bars. It's a popular meeting place for Sydney's cafe society. The main streets leading back from the beach are Hall Street, Roscoe Street, Curlewis Street and Beach Road. Hall Street has cool fashion and designer labels while Curlewis Street has many art galleries. Every Sunday, the grounds of the local public school host the Bondi Beach Markets, a flea market where you may pick up some bargains including locally produced jewellery, handicrafts and vintage clothing.
Dine at the upmarket restaurant, Bondi Icebergs, named in honour of a group of dedicated locals who swim at the beach all year round, and where local celebrities can often be seen.
To discover more stunning beaches nearby, take the trail to Tamarama, Bronte and Coogee via the scenic coastal walk. From the cliffs on the six-kilometre Bondi to Coogee Walk you can see the entire expanse of Bondi Beach. Each spring, the Bondi to Tamarama Beach section of the walk is transformed by the Sculpture by the Sea exhibition with works by local artists.
If you are coming to Sydney you can't miss a visit to Bondi Beach, about 30 minutes by public transport from the city centre.
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