Bondi Beach is a popular beach and the name of the surrounding suburb in Sydney, Australia. It is located 7 kilometres east of the Sydney CBD.
'Bondi' or 'Boondi' is an Aboriginal word meaning water breaking over rocks or noise of water breaking over rocks. The Australian Museum records that Bondi means 'place where a flight of nullas took place'.
Between 1855 and 1877 Francis O'Brien of the Bondi Estate made the beach and the surrounding land available to the public as a picnic ground and pleasure resort, but for many years threatened to stop public access to the beach because of its popularity. It was not until June 1882 that the Government acted and Bondi Beach opened to the public.
Today, Bondi is well known for its great sandy beach, as well as its surf. It is a modern and trendy coastal resort, which is very popular. Bondi has a number of cafes and restaurants which look out over the beach and makes a great place to stay and visit.The beach is backed by attractive parkland, where you can relax, play games or take a walk. It is also a popular place amongst rollerbladers, skaters and cyclists. There is a fantastic promenade backing the beach, which continues along the coast, around the headland.
Heading towards the northern headland you can also see one of Sydney's Aboriginal sites. Within the golf course there are some great Aboriginal rock engravings, giving you an excuse to have a break from the game.
At the southern headland there is a fabulous coastal walk which takes you past a number of smaller coves until you reach Coogee, which is well worth it. The views are fantastic and although the walk is a little strenuous in parts, it is also relaxing and very enjoyable
Campbell Parade is the ocean road where the majority of the cafes and shops can be found. There is also a lively and busy atmosphere along here, whatever time of day. There is also a market to the North of Campbell Parade, where you can pick up some great bargains.
Bondi attracts a wide range of people from its old Jewish and Italian communities to travellers as well as Aussie surfers. You can learn to surf on Bondi, which is a must. If you already know a few moves but don't have your own board, then you can hire both surf boards and boogie boards from the small hire shop on the beach. They also offer lockers so you can keep your valuable safe when swimming.
Bondi Beach can be reached from the centre of Sydney on bus numbers 380, 333 (prepay only), 382 and 389 (you must change buses at Bondi Junction). You can also get the train to Bondi Junction, and then either walk or catch a bus onto Bondi Beach.
Once in Bondi there is a range of accommodation including hostels, hotels and bed and breakfasts for you to choose from.
Featured Bondi Beach Activities
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