Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach offers an array of Bondi activities for fun under the Australian sun.
The place is so captivating that no visit to Sydney is ever complete without people spending the entire day swimming in the famed Icebergs, hitting the trail from Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk, or enjoying the bustling cafes, shops, and day-to-day events at the Pavilion.
Here are some other suggested activities to soak up the laidback energy and exquisite beauty that is on display at Bondi.
Swim at Icebergs
Many locals believe a plunge in the refreshing salt waters of Bondi Icebergs is like a baptism into the Bondi neighbourhood; or at the very least, a wonderful way to shake off your jetlag. Although there is a small entry fee for the Icebergs building itself, the beauty of this landmark is the Pacific Ocean waves that fill the swimming pool – merging with that world-famous azure blue of the ocean that Instagrammers can’t get enough of.
While this does mean that the water temperature is often a tad on the “chilly” side (it’s not called Icebergs for nothing) it does guarantee a truly invigorating swim. And on the upside, sunbathers can warm up by lazing on the surrounding rock shelves, or grabbing a hot coffee at the in-house café afterwards. Icebergs is open Monday-Friday, 11 am-10 pm.
Take a surfing lesson
You don’t have to be an ocean-going expert to give a surfing a crack as local group “Let’s Go Surfing” will take you through the basics. This award-winning adventure company is perfectly positioned at the north end of Bondi Beach, with loads of surfboards and gear for hire, plus some of the friendliest instructors. They’ll get you set up, warmed up and standing up in no time, regardless of your age or ability. This is an epic activity for a small group of mates or even try it solo if you want to tick something cool off your personal bucket list.
Bondi to Bronte Coast Walk
If you want a free adventure that embraces the best coastline in Sydney’s east, then this is for you. Grab your walking shoes, your camera and hit the trail. Starting at Bondi Beach, you can choose how far you want to walk, with either the ambitious trek to Coogee Beach for the speedy walkers or you can meander your way as far as Tamarama, Bronte or Clovelly. Along the way, you’ll pass some striking natural sandstone rock features, plenty of photogenic beaches and equally photogenic locals doing their daily exercise routine. Stop for a coffee or an ice-cream at the Tamarama café, and don’t forget your bathers.
In the event you are thinking of bringing a pram or bike or the kids, remember there are lots of stairs and small hills. There are plenty of water fill-up stations along the way, so remember to hydrate. South Bondi to North Bronte is about 1.5 kilometres or a 45-minute walk. For those seeking an easier way back, buses run from Bronte back to Bondi.
Farmer’s market
Bondi Beach boasts some of the best markets in Sydney with foragers able to take their pick between the Farmer’s Produce Markets on Saturdays or the colourful stall-holders markets on Sundays. Either way, you’re sure to find a bargain with fresh fruit, veg, flowers, juices, jams, plants, baked bread and an array of fashion-friendly finds. Local musicians liven up the scene while you peruse the produce or you can kick back on the lawns of Bondi Beach public school and soak up the sunshine and the trendy hipster atmosphere. No dogs allowed, but there is puppy parking at the entry gates.
All stalls accept cash or card. And there’s plenty on offer for grown-ups and mini-marketeers with the playground up the back. Open 10am-4pm every weekend, except in extreme weather.
Bondi Pavilion
After a recent multi-million-dollar revamp, Bondi Pavilion has been brought back to life. This local landmark has been refreshed to house plenty of creative spaces for locals to play and visitors to enjoy including pottery and art studios, music rooms, a theatre, gallery spaces, cafes, souvenir shops and more.
This is also the go to venue for seasonal events throughout the year including film festivals, yoga and breathwork sessions, photography exhibitions and live music concerts. Entry is free and is worth a visit just to take a walk around and enjoy the history of this old space that has seen the many eras of Bondi come and go.
Waverley Cemetery
If you think cemeteries are morbid then you haven’t seen Waverley Cemetery. This is a place to visit just to take in the beauty of the location alone, perched high above the eastern beaches in one direction and the district views of Coogee, Clovelly, Randwick, and Tamarama in every other direction. The names and dates you’ll find throughout the grounds are beautiful in themselves, telling many stories of loved ones passed and now decorated with a kaleidoscope of colourful flowers and palm trees.
The cemetery has even won some major garden awards in recent years. Entry is free – and easy if you’re on the coast walk as you pass right on through it, or from the northern gates at St Thomas Street where car access is also possible.
