Why the world loves Bondi beach – and where the locals go

Sydney might as well just be renamed Bondi Beach, if the whims of international visitors and expats are anything to go by. For most, it’s the part of Sydney that makes them truly fall in love with our slice of Australia’s east coast. These are things you should do in Bondi if you want to truly soak up the local culture.

The famous stretch of sand set against the surf, flanked by ocean pools and coastal walks, is as symbolic of Sydney’s easy, breezy lifestyle as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. But you’d be mistaken for thinking Bondi’s charms are all about its croissant-shaped beach. Beyond the golden shoreline and surf culture, there are endless cafés and bars all giving the city’s most famous stretch of sand a sense of magnetism that few beach suburbs around the world have.

Bondi has its own identity that makes it unlike anywhere else in Australia.

Spend the day walking the coastal paths, shopping in local markets or learning to ride the waves, then settle in for sundowners overlooking the Pacific. That’s the first layer of Bondi done and dusted. But there’s also so much more packed onto those backstreets, from Hall Street to Gould Street and Hastings Parade. Bondi’s steady sense of community and culture is unmatched.

I’ll tell you why below, and give you a guide on how to experience the best of it from a local’s perspective.

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How to get the most out of Bondi Beach

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1. Take the coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee

This is the coastal walk. The one everyone knows and loves: the grand, spectacular Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk that adorns Instagram feeds and has inspired visitors for decades. Taking the paved path from Bondi Icebergs and around to Bronte and onwards, it passes towering cliff faces, golden sands, picture-perfect rock pools and a heritage-listed cemetery. In total, you’re looking at a 6km route that takes between two to three hours. Just be weary of the steep sections and stairs; I’ve tripped one more than one occasion!

2. Take a surf lesson with Bondi’s experts

Let’s Go Surfing is the only officially licensed surf school on Bondi Beach and is as essential to the coastal lifestyle as the sand itself. They’ve been teaching the tricks of the waves on Sydney’s most famous beach for more than 25 years. Individual lessons are the most popular choice for visitors, but those staying for longer might want to look into the comprehensive six-week course; it’ll have you riding waves with the best of them. Lessons are tailored for all ages and group sizes so no one feels left out.

3. Score a bargain at Bondi Markets

Every weekend—come rain or shine—the grounds of Bondi Beach Public School are transformed into a bustling marketplace. On Saturdays, the Bondi Farmers’ Market brings growers, farmers, bakers, baristas, fresh food vendors and artisans together for a weekly celebration of food (9am–1pm). On Sundays, you can shop local designer fashion, accessories, handmade homewares, vintage clothing and fresh food (10am–4pm). Just be warned: it gets mighty busy on both days, so I recommend showing up before peak time, which is typically 11am-12pm.

Address: Bondi Beach Public School, Campbell Parade and Warners Avenue, Bondi Beach NSW 2026.
Opening hours: Farmers Market: Saturdays 9am-1pm. Bondi Market: Sundays 10am-4pm.

4. Go on an Aboriginal walking tour

Aboriginal elder, artist, teacher, performer and Bondi local, Walangari Karntawarra, leads walking tours in his local area, sharing his culture and knowledge with small groups. The route follows a gentle downhill trail that takes you past Aboriginal rock carvings, as you learn about traditional bush foods and medicines still growing in the area. Tours also finish at Bondi Pavilion, right by the beach, so you can have a swim while looking back on the coastline with a fresh new perspective on Bondi’s history. As I always say, taking a walking tour with a local should be the first thing you do so you can oriente yourself before exploring any area with more depth and knowledge.

5. Don’t ignore what’s inside Bondi Pavilion

The grand building of Bondi Pavilion has stood above Bondi Beach for almost 100 years is ‘a haven for community, arts and culture’. There’s a gallery, theatre, music, art and pottery studios, and several bars and restaurants. Make sure to take a look at the ever-changing program of events and shows. From Sydney Fringe Festival and Sydney Comedy Festival to art exhibitions and musical or theatrical performances, the program caters to all ages and interests. My favourite thing to do is head upstairs to the terrace that overlooks Bondi Beach; very few people climb those stairs when there’s not an event on, so it’s a great place to just rest and think away from the crowds.

Address: Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach, NSW 2026

6. Shop the world at Bondi Junction

Don’t be fooled by the name—Bondi Junction isn’t quite near the beach, it’s around 2.5 kilometres up the hill towards Centennial Park and Paddington. It’s the main transport hub in the area, with the train and bus station providing travel across the Eastern Suburbs and back to the city. Some of Sydney’s best shopping can be found here, too. Westfield Bondi Junction is filled with more than 300 stores, including designer and boutique fashion from Chanel and Prada, alongside the likes of Zara, Cos, Cotton On and David Jones. The city’s second Apple Store is also in Bondi Junction. For those staying in self-catered accommodation, there’s an Aldi and Coles at the Eastgate Bondi Junction shopping centre.

Westfield Bondi Junction: 500 Oxford St, Bondi Junction NSW 2022. Monday–Saturday from 9:30am; Sunday from 10am.
Eastgate Bondi Junction: 71/91 Spring St, Bondi Junction NSW 2022. Monday–Saturday 9am-5:30pm; Thursday 9am-9pm; Sunday 10am-4pm.

7. Eat, drink and swim at Bondi Icebergs

The famous Bondi Baths at Icebergs are a global icon that has stood as a Bondi Beach landmark for more than 100 years. They’re open to the public all year round—subject to tides, swimming races and stormy weather, of course. There’s the large lap pool and smaller kids’ pool, as well as a sauna on the pool deck level, which is included with pool admission. Bondi has the lion’s share of Sydney’s wellness offerings nowadays, but nothing really compares to swimming in those restorative waters while looking over the ocean.

Address: 1 Notts Avenue, Bondi Beach NSW 2026
Pool opening times: Monday–Friday 6am–6:30pm; Thursday closed for cleaning; Saturday–Sunday 6:30am–6:30pm.
Price: Adults from $10, children from $7, family passes from $30.

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Foodies flock to Bondi for good reason: Here’s where to eat at any time of day

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Bondi’s breakfast scene is all about wellness

Joining the early birds to watch the sunrise? Many of the cafés and coffee shops open early so you can grab a coffee to keep you warm while watching, or go for brunch afterwards. Up South, Glory Days and Harry’s are classics. If you’re heading from the city, alight the 333 bus on Bondi Road and pick up a coffee and a cookie from Up South. If you’d rather sit down to eat, head to Glory Days down at the beachfront, where you can tuck into brekkie rolls, eggs, porridge, smoothies, coffee and more — made even better by the views. Harry’s has been a favourite with Bondi locals since 1997, and you’ve probably seen their matcha cans all over social media.

On Hall Street, Gertrude & Alice is the cute bookstore café that’s lined with books and serves brekkie rolls, soup of the day and more throughout the day and into the evening. Cali Press is another favourite with locals looking for healthy salads, sandwiches, coffee and smoothies, and Bills helped kick the whole thing off; it’s still dominating despite fierce competition.

Other early morning favourites include Will & Co—their tasting bar on Gould Street serves a bespoke coffee menu—Blackwood, where you’ll find a Mediterranean and Asian-inspired brunch menu, or Promenade Beach Bar at Bondi Pavilion for the ultimate morning views during the weekend. Another internationally inspired spot is Lox Stock & Barrel, a New York-inspired deli/diner dishing out freshly baked bagels, among other options.

Where to find a hearty lunch in Bondi

There’s no shortage of options when it comes to hunting down a great lunch on the go. Chains like Fishbowl and Betty’s Burgers mean you can easily stick to what you know, but where’s the fun in that? A new addition to Bondi’s food scene, Greenbergs is a counter spot serving big, hearty salads, crunchy smashed potatoes with house ranch and soups. Lox in a Box, meanwhile, is another place to pick up a perfectly filled bagel to enjoy on the go.

If you’d rather have a longer sit-down lunch, look no further than Rocker in North Bondi. Tuck into pasta, pork belly or their mountainous Sunday roast before wandering down to the beach afterwards. North Bondi Fish is a firm favourite for, you guessed it, seafood. They also offer $15 margaritas on rainy days—just keep an eye on their socials for the announcement. Ikaria is even closer to the golden sands and serves Greek dishes, including souvlaki and meze, all day long during weekends (evening only during weekdays).

Finally, Tottis is a Sydney institution and its Bondi venue boasts a beautiful courtyard out the back. Take a seat outside or in the light and bright indoor restaurant, and load up on woodfired bread with burrata, the cucumber, stracciatella and chilli antipasti and any of the pasta dishes. You can’t go wrong.

Book into these Bondi favourites for dinner

Bondi may have built its reputation as a laid-back surfer’s paradise, but that doesn’t mean locals don’t like to dress up for a romantic date night or special occasion. Sean’s Panorama (known simply as Sean’s) has been serving Bondi Beach for more than 30 years, and is the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxed three-course feast with some fine-dining chops. Choose from three options for each entrée, main and dessert, and check out the wine-by-the-glass menu on the wall. Nearby, Raw Bar is the walk-in-only Japanese restaurant that’s essential for sushi and sashimi.

Iberica on Bondi Road (and sister to Ikaria) is a super chic Spanish-inspired restaurant where dishes are designed to be shared, tapas style. Another place for global flavours designed to share, Etheus is the new beachfront Greek restaurant that’s ideal for summer nights.

In the mood for Italian? Head to Makaveli or Bondi Trattoria. Bangkok Bites is the always-busy Thai place that serves huge portions (ask for a doggy bag), and Carbon is another Bondi Road gem where tacos, woodfired Mexican dishes and margs are on the menu.

Bondi’s nightlife is more about its bars than nightclubs

From the duo behind Makaveli, Pocket only opened in September 2024 but is already a firm favourite with locals. Open from 6am, you can come for coffee and stay all day until 11pm (Tuesday–Sunday). It’s an intimate café/restaurant/bar with outdoor seating and impressive views of the famous beach. Pull up a seat and take your pick from their cocktail menu—the grapefruit paloma is a personal favourite—or selection of wine and beer. Icebergs Bar is, of course, renowned for its location and views, and was crowned Restaurant Bar of the Year 2024.

For those looking for high energy, live music and all-around buzzy vibes, get yourself down to Saltys. This SoCal-inspired surf bar is the unofficial home of margs in Bondi, and hosts DJs every weekend, happy hour every weekday (4-6pm) and bottomless brunch every day.

Hotel Ravesis has three bars to choose from: the public bar, where live performers and old school classics play out; Drift, where guest DJs play late into the night, and the Terrace Bar with its wraparound outdoor seating. Beach Road Hotel, on the other hand, is a few roads back from the beach but a go-to for any good night out, whether you’re watching sport on the screens, testing your knowledge at their Tuesday trivia nights, or hitting the dance floor (it’s Bondi’s biggest!).

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Bondi’s hotel scene is small and boutique

Bondi isn’t just a place to visit for the day; it’s worth checking in for a night or two to soak up the beachside lifestyle. Luckily, the area offers stays to suit every kind of traveller, from boutique hideaways to apartment-style convenience.

Just across the road, QT Bondi is a five-star hotel that brings a dose of playful luxury. Expect colourful interiors, eclectic design details, and a vibe that matches Bondi’s creative spirit. It’s boutique living at its most stylish, with the beach just a flip-flop stroll away. Another great option is The Blue Hotel Bondi, which blends modern smart-hotel tech with retro-inspired design. Check-in is digital, the rooms are effortlessly cool, and you’re right in the thick of Bondi’s dining and nightlife scene.

Backpackers and budget-conscious travellers can’t go past Wake Up! Bondi Beach. With unbeatable rooftop views of the ocean and a buzzing social atmosphere, it’s a great spot to meet fellow adventurers and enjoy Bondi without breaking the bank. Plus, Salty’s is just downstairs.

For those wanting self-contained comfort just steps from the sand, Adina Apartment Hotel Bondi Beach is a top choice. Its modern studios and apartments come with kitchen facilities and plenty of space, making it ideal for longer stays or families who like a little independence.

If you don’t mind being a short hop from the beach, Meriton Suites Bondi Junction offers a more urban base with panoramic views over the city and coastline. Spacious serviced apartments, a pool, and transport links at your doorstep make it a practical pick for those wanting easy access to both Bondi and the CBD.

Wherever you stay, Bondi offers more than just a bed for the night—it’s a chance to live the beachside dream, even if only for a little while.

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How to get to Bondi

As a general guide, bus routes 333, 380 and 381 take you right to the beachside.

From Sydney Airport: Take the Airport Train to Bondi Junction station, then catch a bus (333, 380, or 381) to Bondi Beach.

From Sydney CBD: Take the train T4 to Bondi Junction and catch any of the aforementioned buses to the beach.

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