As Australia’s most famous beach—and the star of its own reality TV show, “Bondi Rescue”—Bondi Beach delivers with its crescent of golden sand, crashing waves, and crowds of bronzed sunseekers. Just minutes from downtown Sydney, this is the spot to work on your tan, hit the waves, sip cocktails at a beachside bar, or hike along coastal cliffs.
The Basics
A tour of Sydney’s beaches wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Bondi Beach, whether it’s to take in the ocean views, hike the Bondi to Clovelly Coastal Walk, or sign up for a surf class. Many Sydney city tours include a photo stop at Bondi, alongside other activities such as a Sydney Harbour cruise; a tour of the Manly, Paddington, and Kings Cross neighborhoods; or a day tour to the Blue Mountains or Hunter Valley. The most thrilling way to see Bondi is by zipping along the coast in a speedboat or soaring overhead on a helicopter tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Changing rooms, restrooms, and showers are available, but bring your own umbrella, sunscreen, and beach towel.
- Travelers should swim only in designated areas and when the lifeguards are present, as the waves can be strong.
- Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Bondi Beach and Bondi Park.
- Bondi Beach is wheelchair accessible, and beach wheelchairs are available at the Lifeguard Tower.
How to Get to Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach is set on the Pacific Coast in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, about five miles (eight kilometers) southeast of Sydney Harbour. Regular buses run to Bondi Beach from downtown Sydney, while trains run to Bondi Junction, a 10-minute bus ride from the beach. Bondi can also be reached via a 45-minute shuttle bus ride from Sydney Airport.
When to Get There
The sun shines year-round at Bondi Beach. To avoid hoards of tourists, visit outside of summer—temperatures can reach 85°F (30°C) even in spring and autumn—or get there for sunrise. Consider going on a Sunday for the famous Bondi Markets, or time your visit to coincide with an event such as the Festival of the Winds in September, the Bondi Winter Magic festival in June and July, or the open-air beach cinemas in summer.
Things to Do at Bondi Beach
Bondi is a hot spot for swimming, surfing, sunbathing, water sports, and various outdoor activities. Join a game of beach volleyball, take a yoga class on the shore, hike the Bondi to Coogee coastal trail, or try paddleboarding, windsurfing, or kitesurfing. You’ll also find children’s playgrounds and pools, the Bondi Iceberg Baths, a skate park, and the Bondi Golf Club.
