Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia, hotels

Closest Beach To Sydney

An Australian Icon

Bondi Beach is synonymous with Australia and is usually a 'must see' for visitors to Sydney. It is difficult to trace the exact origin for the spread of Bondi 's popularity but accessibility to the area was increased around a hundred years ago when a tram was introduced linking the beach to Sydney. Bondi 's notoriety may have been further enhanced by the young Prince Charles' frequent visits to Bondi in the 1970's and on one occasion when a plucky bathing beauty stole a kiss from him in front of the World 's media. For whatever reason, Bondi Beach is undoubtedly an Australian icon.
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Close To Sydney

If you are staying in Sydney itself, Bondi is easily and quickly accessible (and visa versa.) Bondi Beach is only around 10 Km (6 miles) from central Sydney, see map, and, depending on traffic conditions, should take around 20 minutes by car. The Eastern Distributor Expressway has greatly improved access and journey times to Bondi from the Sydney CBD. Alternatively, the train can be taken from the city to Bondi Junction and then a bus to Bondi Beach.

The Beach

Bondi Beach is a wide 1 km long strip of golden sand arched around Bondi Bay and pinched between Ben Buckler to the north and Mackenzies Point to the south. At the southern end of the beach is a public seawater 'rock pool', home to the famous Bondi Icebergs Club who derive their name from swimming even during the colder winter months. The southern end is also popular with surfers as good waves break at this point. The beach is an extremely pleasant place to walk whilst toying with the surf, especially during the long summer evenings. It is just long enough to provide a good walk, without being too strenuous.

Bondi Beach has its famous Beach Pavilion, which includes a cafe, changing rooms and equipment hire (chairs, sun shades etc), towards the northern end. A grassy reserve between Campbell Parade and Queen Elizabeth Drive, in front of the beach, is a popular location for those wishing to relax or picnic without venturing on to the sand. The Surf Patrol (almost as famous as the beach itself) set up flags on the beach in appropriate places and the patrolled areas are between the red and yellow flags. Always swim between the flags because if there is a rip it can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea. The Life Guards will be happy to advise you of the conditions.

Campbell Parade

Bondi Beach's promenade is called Campbell Parade which is lined by a mixture of hotels, trendy cafes, restaurants, hair and beauty salons, and boutiques. You will find all manner of cuisine including Indian, Mexican, Modern Australian, Thai, Chinese, Japanese, French, Mediterranean as well as take away fish and chips and burgers.

There are several hotels directly off the promenade including the Swiss Grand Hotel and the Bondi Hotel - a popular location for accommodation, bars and dining areas.

Beautiful People

Bondi Beach does boast homes belonging to several Australian celebrities and it has a reputation for its 'beautiful people'. You may see athletic looking people running up and down the beach or exercising to tone the body beautiful. You may even see the occasional pop star or model in one of the many Bondi cafes or restaurants. If you enjoy people watching, Bondi is the place for you.

The Walk to Tamarama and Bronte

A footpath around the beachfront links Bondi Beach to Tamarama Beach (a very small and pretty beach). Tamarama Beach is surrounded by houses, cafes and a grassy reserve and is one of the most desirable and trendy locations in Sydney. The walk to Tamarama over Mackenzies Point is a must and provides excellent views over both Bondi and other beaches to the south. You will more than likely be passed by joggers or power walkers who may stop from time to time to perform strenuous looking exercises.

After a coffee in Tamarama you can continue the walk along the beachfront footpath until you arrive at Bronte Beach. Being half a kilometer long and with another seawater rock pool at its southern end, Bronte looks like a miniature version of Bondi Beach. Bronte Beach has its grassy reserves and is well known for its 'cafe strip' where you are sure to find something to your liking. The views along the walk are also magnificent.