They say life is a beach, and in Bondi, it really is. There’s nowhere better to soak up coastal life in Sydney than Bondi; it’s one of the most famous beaches in the world, and a must-visit on your trip to Australia. Not only that, but you can also check out Tamarama, Bronte and Coogee, for even more coastal adventures.
There’s surfing, swimming and some of Sydney’s best walks to tick all the activity boxes, plus plenty of cafes, restaurants and laid-back bars to check out too. People come here from all over the world, so if you’re wondering what to do in Bondi, we reckon this is the perfect article for you.
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Coastal Walks
We’re making a bold claim here, but Bondi Beach is home to two of the best walks on Australia’s east coast, whether you just want to stretch your legs for a couple of hours or go on a much longer Sydney adventure.
The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk stretches six kilometres of coastline, taking you through Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly and Gordon’s Bay before ending at Coogee. This is the perfect walk to enjoy looking out over the ocean, rocky headlands and plenty of stunning beaches to stop off along the way. The full route (no stops) takes around two hours, but you should make the most of it and grab a coffee or stop for a swim on the way. If you want to make the walk shorter, stroll to Tamarama or Bronte and turn around.
If you want a bit more of a challenge, you need to tackle the Bondi to Manly Walk. It’s not for the faint-hearted, as there’s a good 80 kilometres of coastal and harbourside tracks involved. You’ll get to see some amazing sights along the way, including the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, before arriving at the amazing Manly Beach. Don’t feel like you have to do it all in one day, most visitors complete it over several days. Each section will bring you something different, helping you see the best of Sydney along the way. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes and avoid rushing to help you really get into your walk.
Swim at Bondi Icebergs
Icebergs in Bondi? It’s not quite what you’re thinking of, as Bondi Icebergs is actually an ocean pool. It’s one of the most iconic spots in Sydney and has the experience of being a lifeguard patrolled lap pool, but with the addition of the ocean waves making you feel a little closer to the sea.
The Bondi Icebergs pool is open year-round, although they might close according to coastal conditions and different swimming events. There’s also a kid’s pool, so youngsters can get the chance to swim in this amazing setting. And if you don’t fancy a swim, you can just enjoy the views from the surrounding deck.
This is one of Bondi’s top activities, so if you want to avoid the crowds, get there early, and share a swim with some of the locals. When you’re done, grab a coffee at one of Bondi’s breakfast spots and soak up the early morning atmosphere.
Bondi Markets
You can’t visit Bondi without hitting up the weekend markets. The markets are at Bondi Beach Public School on Campbell Parade, which is just opposite the beach, so you can mix beach time and a bit of browsing too.
Bondi Farmers Market is on every Saturday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, and is the place to meet plenty of local food vendors. They sell everything from fresh ingredients to ready-to-eat treats and street food. It’s a great place to pick up brunch or get some picnic bits to enjoy at Bondi Park.
You’ll then got the Bondi Markets on Sundays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and this is where you’ll find independent designers, artists and vintage wares. This is a great place to pick up clothes, jewellery and home bits with the beach as a relaxing backdrop, making it one of our top choices for fun things to do in Bondi.
Surf in Bondi Beach Like a local
Surf culture in Bondi is unreal, so you’ll want to get in the water if you want to see what all the fuss is about. The beach has a long connection with Australian surfing and even surf lifesaving, and there’s nothing quite like seeing the first surfers head out at sunrise to make you feel like you’re in Sydney.
Beginners have plenty of options for surf lessons, with plenty of surf schools in Bondi. You can learn basic techniques, ocean conditions and a bit of surf etiquette before you head out into the water. You can also hire a wetsuit and board, so you won’t have to pack one with you. Just a note of caution, the conditions at Bondi can change from day to day, so be sure to check conditions, listen to the lifeguards and stick to appropriate areas.
And if you’ve had enough or just want to surf-watch, go and enjoy a post-surf coffee at one of the many excellent beachside cafés overlooking the water.
Sport & Social Clubs
If you’re active, you’ll love Bondi, where plenty of people start their day with a workout. From 5:00 am onwards, you’ll see locals (and visitors) swimming, surfing, running and training along the beachfront before stopping for a coffee on the way to work. We recommend joining them for an energising and fun thing to do in Bondi, that will help you feel more like a local (even if it’s just for the morning).
Restaurants & Afternoon Drinks
We couldn’t write a piece about Bondi without talking about the food. There are loads of cafés along the beach, as well as neighbourhood restaurants and bars to chill out in. No visit to Sydney will be complete without checking out the local foodie sites, so book a space at one of the best Bondi’s breakfast spots and get in on the action.
Our top picks for where to eat and drink in Bondi include:
- bills: Ideal for easy-going eats and chilled atmosphere.
- Totti’s: A good pick for groups who want something more Italian themed.
- Iberica: A Spanish restaurant with amazing flavours and atmosphere.
- Promenade Beach Bar at Bondi Pavilion: A solid choice for drinks and casual bites near the sea.
You won’t be short of places to eat and drink, so take a stroll around Campbell Parade, Hall Street and Gould Street until you find somewhere you fancy trying.
How to get to Bondi & Where to Stay
Bondi Beach is really easy to get to from Sydney CBD on public transport. Trains run to Bondi Junction, and you can hop on a bus to get you to the beachfront. Some buses will also take you from the city to Bondi. You can also walk from the CBD in about an hour and a half to two hours; it’s a stunning walk that goes through Hyde Park, Paddington and then onto Bondi Junction and Bondi Road.
There are loads of cool places to stay in Sydney, but we’ve got a soft spot for the CBD. You’ll get to see the Opera House, Darling Harbour and enjoy some of Sydney’s other neighbourhoods like Surry Hills, Paddington and Redfern.
Oaks Sydney Hyde Park Suites is a perfect choice for couples, solo travellers and business trippers too. You’re close to Hyde Park, Oxford Street and Museum Station, and plenty of shopping too. You can choose from studios through to roomy apartments and enjoy all of the facilities like the heated rooftop pool, spa and gym. It’s on the edge of the CBD, which makes it perfect for getting to Bondi.
If you’re heading to Sydney with family or as a group, then Oaks Sydney Castlereagh Suites is the perfect choice for you. It’s in Haymarket, which is near Central Station and Chinatown, and has a mix of studios and apartments with kitchen facilities, an indoor heated pool, spa and a gym. With a great choice of apartments available, you’ll be right at home, and close enough to major transport links to get around Sydney easily.
Both Oaks properties are ideal for discovering what to do in Bondi while still getting to check out the rest of Sydney. Go with Hyde Park to be close to Oxford Street and the east of the city, or Castlereagh to be near Central Station and enjoy some larger apartments.
To wrap it up!
Bet you didn’t think there was more to Bondi than the beach? Well, as you can see, life in Bondi is about more than just sand and surf. It’s the place to go for amazing walks, ocean pools, weekend markets and more, and you’ll definitely want to enjoy being active while you’re there. And don’t forget the brekkie culture too, as cafés all over the world try to recreate this amazing brunch scene.
If you’ve only got a day here, start it with a swim between the red and yellow flags or some surfing and then head for a stroll towards Bronte, before heading back for some lunch and a few drinks. Stick around for the evening or head back to the CBD to enjoy the rest of what Sydney has to offer.
