Headed to Sydney and looking for the best things to do in Bondi Beach?! Keep on reading; I’m sharing all my favorites — beaches, eats, walks, and more!
Bondi is quite simply a beach-lovers paradise. It’s the quintessential Aussie surf town full of turquoise water, soft white sand, perfect waves, and those super iconic Bondi Icebergs. Plus rolling surf, iconic lifeguard towers, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle. If you love surfing (and/or sunbathing!), fitness, and healthy eats (gimme all the acai bowls, please and thank you), you’re gonna fit right in.
Bondi Beach is Australia’s most famous beach – it’s the perfect place to live the Australian laidback lifestyle. And I found that out right away!
I seem to kinda have a thing for surf towns (yes, even though I don’t actually surf, haha). Over the years I’ve visited and loved San Pancho and Sayulita (Mexico), Canggu and Uluwatu (Bali), San Clemente and Santa Cruz (California), Lagos (Portugal), Paia and Oahu’s North Shore (Hawaii), and I’m sure a few more that I’m forgetting about it. And Bondi is no exception – I just loved it!
Whether it’s the strong surf culture with a deep respect for the ocean, a laid-back attitude, the active lifestyle, the healthy eats, or just the fact that they’re all located on the coast, there’s just something about them that I truly identify with. And I’m not alone.
Bondi is synonymous with Australian surf culture, so there’s a reason it attracts millions of visitors each year. I mean, who doesn’t love soft golden sand, beachy boutiques, al fresco dining, and surfers running into the waves?! And of course endless summer vibes (and let’s face it — tanned shirtless Aussie lifeguards, haha).
Enjoy my guide on the best things to do in Bondi Beach! Counting down the days until I can visit again!
Things to do in Bondi Logistics
Where is Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach is located in the eastern suburbs of Sydney, Australia (known for their affluent residential areas, stunning coastal scenery, and vibrant beach culture). Specifically, it’s situated along the coastline of the Tasman Sea, approximately 7 kilometers (4 ½ miles) east of Sydney’s central business district (CBD).
Meaning it’s not hard to get from the city center to the beach, even if you’ve only got one day in Sydney (yes, you can totally see both the Opera House and Bondi Beach on the same day).
Also, Bondi Beach is surrounded by other stunning beaches, like Tamarama and Bronte (which I highly recommend you check out as well!). All these beaches are connected by the scenic Bondi to Coogee coastal walk – easily one of the best things to do in Bondi Beach!
It’s terribly far from other major cities (like Melbourne and Brisbane), so don’t even think about doing a day trip to Bondi Beach unless you’re in Sydney, haha.
How to Get to Bondi Beach
Well, since Bondi Beach is in AUSTRALIA, you’ll of course need to get yourself to Sydney first, haha! And thankfully once you’re there, it’s relatively easy to get to Bondi! Unfortunately you can’t take the scenic ferry like you can to Manly, but thankfully, there’s other ways of getting there (just not as exciting).
Public Transport
- Bus: The most convenient way to get to Bondi Beach from Sydney CBD! All buses from the city start from Circular Quay and the ride to Bondi Beach takes 45 minutes. Make sure to catch bus #380 or #333. You can also take the 389 bus which doesn’t go along the waterfront at Bondi Beach, but stops a few blocks away (an easy walk).
- Train: Catch the train from Central Station or Town Hall, ride a few stops to Bondi Junction Station (the nearest train station to Bondi Beach), then hop onto a 380 or 333 bus for a 15 minute ride to the beach. A little more complex since this route involves both a train and a bus, but may be faster depending on where in the CBD you’re coming from.
Rideshares: Uber and Didi are both super popular in Sydney (I suggest downloading both apps before arriving in Australia). Always check both to see if one’s got drastically better pricing (they seemed to fluctuate a lot when we were there).
Our ride from Darling Harbor (where we stayed in the CBD) to our Bondi Beach hotel took about 15-20 minutes or so.
Driving: Without traffic (there’ll undoubtedly be at least a bit), expect the drive to take roughly 20 minutes from the CBD to Bondi Beach.
But just remember, you’ll need to park somewhere (which is tricky – Bondi is super popular and most spots have expensive parking meters and/or limits of 2 hours).
When to Visit Bondi Beach
Remember, since Australia’s in the Southern Hemisphere, it experiences opposite seasons than both the United States and Europe. This means that when it’s our winter here in the States, it’s summer over in Australia. Just something to keep in mind when you’re planning your trip!
Sydney (and Bondi!) experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Overall, it’s got warm summers, mild autumns and springs, and relatively mild winters. Meaning there’s no horrible time to enjoy all these things to do in Bondi Beach! A bit more info:
Summer (December to February)
Summer is peak tourist season at Bondi Beach, with warm weather, long days, plenty of sunshine, and the occasional heatwave and warm thunderstorm. Absolutely perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and being outdoors, but the beach can definitely get pretty crowded this time of year.
Expect temps to range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Plus high humidity. You’re in for a sweaty time my friend! Thankfully there’s the ocean and rock pools to cool off in. Planning on hanging at the beach and getting your tan on? Visit in summer (just remember the sunscreen!!!).
Fall (March to May) and Spring (September to November)
The shoulder seasons (fall and spring) see milder temperatures, lower humidity (thank goodness!), and fewer tourists compared to the busy summer. It’s kinda the sweet spot (the water’s still warm enough for swimming and the weather’s ideal for coastal walks and outdoor dining). I’d definitely consider going in fall or spring next time I plan another Sydney trip.
Visiting from October to November? You’ll get to see Sculpture by the Sea, which is basically an outdoor sculpture exhibition held along the coastal walk between Bondi Beach and Tamarama Beach!
Winter (June to August)
Winter is low season in Sydney! Meaning less crowds! Thankfully the weather’s pretty mild, with temps ranging from 8°C to 17°C (46°F to 63°F) – haha yea, it’s not that cold at all. Not exactly beach water, but hey, not terrible! But early mornings and evenings can get quite chilly, so definitely bring some layers for the walk if you’re not out midday.
And winter (actually anytime between May and October) is the prime time to spot migrating humpback whales! Keep your eyes peeled on the ocean – it’s quite common to see them this time of year. Not everyone realizes this, but you can actually see dolphins year round!
Where to Stay in Bondi Beach
Wanna stay by the beach? I gotchu! There’s plenty of accommodation options in Bondi, everything from hip boutique hotels and beachfront resorts to serviced apartments and trendy hostels!
Regardless of where you choose to stay, make sure to book well in advance if you’re visiting during the summer months (December through February). This is PRIME TIME (with the highest prices), and tourists from Australia and around the world flock to Bondi. Can you blame them?!
- QT Bondi: sleek and artsy, located seconds from the sand and surf, and where we stayed! Highly recommended!
- Bondi 38 Serviced Apartments: 1 and 2 bedroom apartments with a full kitchen only steps from the beach
- Adina Apartment Hotel Bondi Beach: a polished apartment hotel in a sleek, pastel-colored building
- Wake Up! Bondi Beach: chic hostel only 5 minutes from Bondi Pavillion
- Bondi Beach House: a rustic guesthouse only a 5-minute walk from Bondi Beach with warm decor and furnished terrace
- The Baxley Bondi: a bit further from the beach set in a leafy residential area, but super cute if you’re looking for a quiet area nearby
Tip: While you can also stay nearby in Bondi Junction (it’s just a short bus ride over), if you wanna ensure you have time for all the things to do in Bondi, I’d stay by the beach itself. Plus, that makes it super easy for early morning surf sessions!
Other FAQs about Bondi
How to get around Bondi: WALK! Honestly, once you get to the area, you can really walk to everything there is to do in Bondi. I wouldn’t bother with a car as parking is annoying and expensive. You can even walk all the way to Coogee Beach via the popular Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk – by far one of my favorite things to do in Bondi!
How long to spend in Bondi: Depends on how long you wanna be by the beach! Plenty of tourists visit Bondi Beach as a day trip from Sydney’s CBD (or even just an afternoon if all they’ve got is one day in Sydney).
But if you really wanna live the laid back Aussie lifestyle, stay a few nights like we did!
Should I spend the night in Bondi? That’s entirely up to you! If you’ve got 5 days in Sydney or so, I recommend splitting up your accommodation with a few nights in the buzzy city center (CBD) and the remaining nights at the beach (either Bondi or Manly).
We chose to spend 2 nights in Bondi, and I swear, there’s nothing like waking up and walking 2 minutes to the beach. And then watching the surfers at sunrise, wink wink.
Bondi vs. Manly: They’re both beautiful beaches in Sydney and both worthy of a visit — you really can’t go wrong with either.
We felt Manly was more chill (with plenty of locals and a relaxed/casual vibe) while Bondi seemed a tad more lively and tourist-focused (with trendy cafes and bars – perfect for surfers, sunbathers, and fitness enthusiasts).
What to bring to Bondi: If you’re just visiting for the day, you honestly don’t really need all that much!
I say wear your bathing suit (you’re coming to the beach afterall!), and bring along sunscreen (make sure to reapply it often!), a beach hat, a fast drying towel, and a reusable water bottle. All the essentials for that perfect beach day!
Slather on that SPF: And on that note – stock up on the sunscreen! Not everyone realizes this, but there’s a legit hole in the ozone layer in Australia. Meaning that UV indexes get crazy high, and sunburns happen all too easily.
Protect yourself by reapplying SPF 50+ sunscreen multiple times per day. Yes, even on overcast, cloudy days. Unfortunately, Australia’s the skin cancer capital of the world… don’t be a statistic.
Are there sharks at Bondi Beach? Yup! There’s been plenty of shark sightings here at Bondi Beach, as sharks are a natural part of the marine ecosystem in the area. HOWEVER, shark attacks at Bondi Beach are EXTREMELY rare. So please don’t let this deter you from visiting.
Lifeguards closely monitor the waters, and the beach will be temporarily closed if any sharks are seen. There’s also shark nets installed offshore to protect swimmers and surfers (a super controversial approach though) and at times, air surveillance teams. Avoid swimming at dawn or dusk – this is when sharks are more active. And ALWAYS listen to lifeguards!
According to the Australian Shark Incident Database, there’s been 36 shark bites in Sydney harbor since 1791 – so extremely rare considering the millions of people in the water every year.
Are there beach bathing boxes at Bondi? Beach huts, or bathing boxes as they’re typically called in Australia, aren’t as common over here in Sydney as they are in Melbourne. At least we didn’t see any (at all).
If you’re looking for those, you’ll wanna make your way south to the Brighton Bathing Boxes (I personally LOVED how eclectic and colorful they were when I visited – so fun!).
A Note on Potential Dangers and Staying Safe
Yes, Bondi is beautiful and the waves are perfect for surfing. BUT (there’s always a but!) there’s some potential dangers to steer clear of when visiting. Even the most beautiful places have risks – be aware!
Rip currents: Bondi Beach is known for strong rip currents (which can quickly carry even the strongest of swimmers out to sea). Always make sure you’re swimming between the red and yellow flags – this is where lifeguards patrol and the safest swimming conditions are marked.
Of course, always pay attention to warning signs and flags posted on the beach, and never swim alone – it’s always safer to swim with a friend or in a group. And the most important rule of all: NO flags = NO swimming.
Large waves: Bondi is a surfing beach, so of course there’s large waves! But during high surf and storms, these powerful waves (some as high as 4m!) can be super dangerous for inexperienced swimmers and surfers. If you’re not confident in your abilities, it’s better to sunbathe instead.
Sun exposure: I feel like a broken record, but please oh please slather on that sunscreen! Australia has a super high UV index, and Bondi Beach is no exception.
Wear 50+ SPF (reapply multiple times, especially if you’re in and out of the water), seek shade when necessary, and be sure to stay hydrated. No one wants a nasty sunburn, or even worse, heatstroke or dehydration.
And as they say in Australia – slip, slop, slap, seek, and slide! Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, seek some shade, and slide on sunglasses. The Aussies make everything more fun, haha.
Marine life: Yes, I’m talking about sharks (which I went into detail about above) but possibly something even more scary – the deadly Australian box jellyfish. While they’re typically found mostly across northern Australia, these extremely dangerous creatures (that are actually the most venomous marine animal *in the world*) have been making their way down south due to climate change and increased ocean temps.
I don’t say this to scare you, but always be on the lookout and don’t under ANY circumstances touch any marine life, even if you think you know what it is. More often than not, the beach will be closed if there’s any deadly jellyfish around.
Brief History of Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach has a long history, but I’m gonna try and sum it up for you real quick (no one wants an unwarranted history lesson before the beach!). And if you do, well, then, I’m not your girl, haha.
The area around Bondi Beach has been inhabited by the Gadigal people, part of the larger Eora Aboriginal group, for thousands (and thousands) of years. They called the area “Boondi,” meaning “water breaking over rocks” or “noise of water breaking over rocks”, which is where the name today comes from!
European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, and by the early 19th century, the land around Bondi was used primarily for farming and grazing. Then in the mid-19th century, Bondi started to gain attention as a potential resort destination – the construction of the Bondi Hotel in 1859 was the true beginning of this, with the Bondi Baths being constructed in 1887.
Then there came Australian surf culture in the early 20th century, with lots of surf competitions. After WWII (when Bondi played a big role in Australia’s defense efforts), there was even more tourism and development, including the iconic Bondi Pavillion.
Today, people come from around the world (literally!) to experience all the fun things to do in Bondi Beach. Including myself, and hopefully you, soon, too!
Finally, what you probably came here for – all the fun things to do in Bondi Beach!
Things to do in Bondi Beach, Australia
Swim and sunbathe at the beach
Okay, this one’s kinda obvious, but of course swimming and sunbathing are two of the most popular things to do in Bondi Beach.
I mean, swimming at Bondi is a quintessential Sydney experience after all – it’s a great way to enjoy the iconic beach culture. Bondi Beach is shaped like a crescent and is super long – at over half a mile and just about 1km! So there’s lots of space to spread out, but it does get busy on summer weekends.
The beach is patrolled by professional lifeguards year-round (you’ll see so many of them, and they’re not known to be bad looking… wink wink – basically bronzed Aussie lifesavers, haha). Just don’t go getting caught in a rip current on purpose… they’ve got a serious job to do!
On that note, you’ll need to swim between the red and yellow flags – indicating the areas patrolled by lifeguards and where conditions are safest for swimming.
ALSO – always look out for dolphins; they enjoy the waves too!
Watch the sunrise from Bondi Beach
Wake up early – there’s nothing like a Bondi sunrise. And no, you won’t be alone, haha. We were surprised just how busy the beach was at 6:30 in the morning – expect to be surrounded by surfers catching a few waves before work, friends/families sipping coffee on the sand, people walking their dogs, and others in bootcamp classes, meditating, or doing yoga on the beach. It’s definitely way more peaceful and serene than later in the afternoon though, that’s for sure.
Bondi people are definitely not my people (I’m more of a night owl), but boy do I respect them! Kinda makes me wanna become a morning person… ehh… not really! But the way that early morning light hits the water is something else.
Take a surf lesson
Bondi Beach is famous for its gnarly waves, making it one of the top surf destinations in the world. So… there’s no better place to learn how to surf than here at Bondi (there’s a reason surf lessons are one of the most popular things to do in Bondi Beach afterall!).
I highly recommend a lesson if you don’t consider yourself a super experienced surfer – waves vary depending on so many factors (like swell direction, tide, wind, etc), so always go with a pro! Catch your first wave on a surf lesson with Let’s Go Surfing, one of the most respectable companies in the area. You’ll really be able to increase your confidence, surf knowledge, and technique! Or if you’re a chicken like me, watching the surfers is just as fun.
Note that surfing at Bondi is a year-round activity, but contrary to what you might think, late fall through winter (May – August) is actually the best time for surfing over here! The waves are more consistent, and the water is oh so crystal clear. Who knew?!
And if you’re lucky, you may be in town for a surf event and/or competition. Some of the most popular are the Australian Open of Surfing (one of the biggest events held at Bondi Beach) and World Surf League (WSL) which hold qualifying events and specialty contests every so often.
Boutique shopping on Gould Street
There’s no shortage of trendy Bondi boutiques and surf shops on Gould Street. Some favorites I came across were Nude Lucy, Lucy Folk, La Luna Lifestyle, Fox & Dove, LMND, Tuchuzy, Andrea & Joen, and Nimble Activewear.
And remember, if you’re visiting from the states, everything’s basically 30% off… just saying (wink wink). It’s the perfect spot to pick up a few new bikinis (Australian brands really know their thing).
Do the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
By far one of the best things to do in Bondi Beach is to walk the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk! There’s a reason it’s one of Australia’s most iconic walks, and it’s a fantastic way to see Sydney’s eastern coastline.
Think rugged coastal cliffs. Stunning white sandy secluded beaches. Saltwater ocean pools. Hidden bays teeming with wildlife (yes, you can snorkel here!). And thankfully some beachside cafes when you inevitably feel famished and need some nourishment (possibly in the form of ice cream, haha).
And even though I was dripping with sweat (…the entire time), I’d do it all over again. Why? THE VIEWS, OMG. They kept getting better and better. Perfect if you can’t fathom just hanging on the beach all day and need something a bit more adventurous.
You’ll start at Bondi Beach, making your way to the famous Bondi Icebergs Swimming Club, then past plenty of gorgeous views and beaches like Tamarama Beach, Bronte Beach (don’t miss the stunning Bronte Baths), Waverley Cemetery, tiny Clovelly Beach, Gordons Bay and the Aquatic Reserve, and finally over to Coogee Beach.
The entire 6km trail hugs the coastline, and it’s a fairly flat and straight forward walk with minimal elevation gain. There’s some steep paths and several staircases – all totally doable, just tiring in the sun.
Read Next → Everything You Need to Know about the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk (!!!)
Cool off at the Bondi Icebergs Swimming Club
THIS is the iconic swimming club located at the southern end of the beach. And yes, it’s that famous ocean pool you see in all the photographs.
You don’t need to be a member of the exclusive swimming club to access the Bondi Icebergs – anyone can join in for a swim. Admission is only a few bucks (yes, you need to pay), but it’s the perfect place to swim laps or simply lounge by the pool (a tick off the bucket list for sure). Note that the pool is closed for cleaning on Thursdays.
The Icebergs Club has a long history dating back to 1929 when a group of local lifeguards formed the club to maintain their fitness during the winter months. They would brave the cold ocean waters every morning, earning them the nickname “Icebergs”! A more permanent pool was built in the 30’s, and then expanded to its current size years later.
Just know it’s a saltwater ocean pool – not your typical swimming pool. Meaning if there’s large waves that day, you bet they’ll be crashing right into the pool. We watched some MASSIVE waves barrel right into the Icebergs, and it was beyond wild! Be careful out there! Or you can simply sip a cocktail upstairs instead if that’s more your speed, haha.
Bondi Pavillion
The iconic Bondi Pavilion, a cultural and community hub, was built in 1929 and has been a focal point of Bondi Beach ever since. We walked through the Pav (some local lingo!) numerous times during our stay in Bondi, as our hotel was literally across the street!
I honestly didn’t understand what it was when I was there (guilty), but now know it’s a vibrant cultural hub for the local community. There’s a whole slew of events, performances, and exhibitions, including art shows, music festivals, theater productions, and community gatherings – think comedy festivals, songwriting programs, book launches, and lunchtime concerts. Plus tons of other things fitness and wellness. There’s really something for everyone here.
Bondi Beach Graffiti Wall (Bondi Sea Wall)
The Bondi Beach Graffiti Wall (also known as the Bondi Sea Wall) is probably one of the quickest things to do in Bondi Beach, and thankfully, it’s easy to find! You’ll probably pass it as you walk to the Icebergs, as it’s right along the promenade at Bondi Beach (near the Bondi Skate Park).
What is it? Exactly as it sounds! A wall showcasing tons of vibrant street art and murals, all painted by talented street artists, graffiti writers, and muralists. It’s constantly evolving with new art regularly being painted over old ones. So what you see will very much be different from what I saw!
Most people just passed the artwork and didn’t give a second glance, but I really loved all the colorful paintings. The quality of the art pieces were just incredible!
Swim in a rock pool
Sydney is synonymous with ocean rock pools – there’s just so many! And yes, the Bondi Icebergs are just one of them (there’s actually another at the other end of the beach in Bondi – but no one seems to talk about this one)!
Since so many beaches in the area have strong waves and dangerous rip currents at times, these rock and ocean pools provide safer and more controlled environments for people to swim in with calmer waters and often lifeguard supervision. Plus they’re built right on the water, so you get the best of both worlds – calm swimming with a view of the waves, haha.
Here’s a few others near Bondi Beach:
- North Bondi Children’s Pool: This little gem is actually located on the northern end of Bondi Beach, away from all the busyness on the sand! The water is pretty shallow (depending on tides of course) so is perfect for kids (hence the name). I watched the sunset here one night and wow – just wow.
- Bronte Baths: This was by far my favorite of all the ocean pools I saw in Sydney, just a short coastal walk south of Bondi via the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. Look how gorgeous it is!
- Clovelly Ocean Pool: Another ocean pool I spotted on the way to Coogee, and one I desperately wished I cooled off in (even for a hot second!). This one’s not as busy as Bronte or the Icebergs, and there’s hardly any waves crashing in (since Clovelly is kinda more like a calm bay than a real beach).
Watch the sunset from the Children’s Pool
Or anywhere really, haha, just don’t miss a Bondi sunset. On the left side of Bondi Beach you’ll find what’s known as the Children’s Pool — and it’s an excellent place to watch the sunset! I loved hanging on the grass watching the sun go down, chatting up some locals, and playing with their cute pup.
It seems like everyone comes out at sunset to watch – kinda like in San Pancho, Mexico (another of my favorite little surf towns). And although you won’t get to watch the sunset over the water (since Sydney’s on the East Coast), it’s still ridiculously gorgeous.
Indulge in some Bondi specialities
No day in Bondi is complete without a flat white and a pastry from Gertrude & Alice (the coolest cafe bookstore), some acai from Bare Naked Bowls, ice cream from Anita’s Gelato (worth the wait, I promise), and Bondi Trattoria (I scarfed down a whole pizza from here!).
There’s no shortage of cafes and restaurants, but I also heard great things about Speedo’s Cafe, Gelato Messina, The Depot, Tottis, and Harry’s Bondi. Plus egg and bacon sandwiches from Porch and Parlour, authentic Israeli food from Basta Sydney, and avo bagels from Lox Stock & Barrel.
Stroll through the Bondi Markets
Just like in Manly, Bondi Beach has its own market full of artisanal goods, clothing, crafts, and gourmet food. Think homemade jewelry, one-of-a-kind ceramics and artwork, boho dresses and vintage-inspired pieces, lots of swimwear and accessories, and even some upcycled clothing.
Held at Bondi Beach Public School, it’s not huge by any means, but only a few minutes from the beach so you might as well stroll through and get a snack or two (I’m always down for some artisanal cheeses and freshly baked bread…). The perfect place to pick up food for a picnic on the beach!
And if you’re missing your pup back home, be sure to check out the puppy parking areas, haha! Things just make sense in Australia!
It’s only held on the weekends, so plan your time in Bondi then if you don’t wanna miss the market! Since we were visiting mid-week, we unfortunately didn’t get a chance to check out all the stalls. But hey, that’s a reason for me to head back!
So there ya have it – the best things to do in Bondi Beach! Are you visiting Sydney (or Australia) anytime soon?!
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