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."
With nearly one kilometer of white sand, Bondi Beach is a great place to get away from the populous Sydney and enjoy South Wales' beautiful beaches. In their migratory months, schools of dolphins and even whales can be seen off the coast. The rare fairy penguin has even been known to make the occasional appearance.
As a starting point, there is no better place than the Bondi Pavilion. Stop by the Community Center for some visitors information, get ready for your beach day in the showers and changing rooms, or see the outdoor amphitheater.
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.
Bondi Beach has many options when you get hungry, from four-star restaurants to tiny cafes in sight of the water's edge. Mix with the locals and share a toast in one of the many pubs.
Bondi Beach has been a popular location for film and television, such as the lifeguard show Bondi Rescue or the fictional Breakers.
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.
When staying overnight (or for weeks at a time), Bondi Beach has every type of accommodation, from boutique hotels to down-to-earth hostels for backpackers and mid-range hotels, all bases are covered.
Only a thirty minute drive outside of Sydney, Bondi is reaches by following Oxford Street as it turns into Enfield and then Bondi Road. Due to limited parking, locals suggest public transportation, which leaves constantly from Sydney.