Relax Away the Day in Bondi
Posted by Brad Peterson | Travel Destination | Posted on December 11th, 2009
Only a short distance from the New South Wales capital of Sydney, Australia lies the thriving seaside town of Bondi Beach. Pronounced “bahn-dai” with long “i” sound, this beach is the place for summer days filled with sun and surf
Founded in the 1850s as part of Sydney’s expansion to the suburbs, Bondi Beach takes its name from an Aboriginal word meaning “waves crashing over rocks.”
To get out of the exciting but populous Sydney, escape to the white sand paradise waiting at Bondi’s beautiful coastline. You may be able to watch the migration of whales and dolphins or might sneak a peak at the elusive fairy penguin.
Start at Bondi’s Community Center located at the Pavilion, the town’s focal point and home to outdoor theaters, shower and changing rooms, food stands and tourist information.
Hitting the beach, stroll along the sandy coast and sunbathe with the bronzed locals, or take a swim in the clear blue waters on the northern side of Bondi Beach. For more challenging waves, surfers can head south, where the water can be perilous for a swim but heaven for a surf session. In the summer months, lifeguard patrols are all over the beach and shark nets are laid out for further protection.
Take in a bit of Bondi Beach’s history and beauty with one of the scenic walks. Start at Bondi’s old Pavilion, begun in 1928, on the way to the cliffs of Bronte. See the Hawkesbury sandstone belt which dates back to over 200 million years B.C. Or visit the old Bronte Baths en route to Waverley Cemetery.
For a taste of Bondi’s racy beach culture, check out the southern beaches, where local ordinances are ignored by topless sunbathers on a regular basis. In fact, the beach holds the world record for biggest bikini photo shoot of all time.
Popular local events include the 14-kilometer City to Surf Fun Run which takes participants from downtown Sidney to the sandy coastline of Bondi Beach every August. In September you can enjoy the Festival of the Winds, a kite festival which is fun for the whole family.
Along the waterfront is a wide variety of cafes, restaurants and bars to suit any budget. Have a pint in one of the pubs and see why the locals are known for their friendliness.
Bondi Beach has been featured as the backdrop for a number of television series, including Breakers and Bondi Rescue, which follows the efforts of the lifeguard patrols.
The eyes of the world were on Bondi Beach during the 2000 Summer Olympics, when it served as the setting for the beach volleyball games.
Visitors looking to spend a night or weeks in Bondi Beach will find accommodations in any price range. Backpacker hostels, small upscale hotels and charming bed-and-breakfasts are all options.
Just thirty minutes away from Sydney by car, Bondi Beach can be accessed by taking Oxford Street out of the capital until it becomes Enfield Drive and then Bondi Road. Due to the traffic and parking crunch on popular weekends, locals recommend going to Bondi Beach via public transportation. Buses to Bondi usually leave Sydney on an hourly basis.
If you are looking for surf travel services in Sydney’s southern beaches, call Brad from Sydney Surfboard Hire This and other unique content ” articles are available with free reprint rights.
