The ultimate Bondi Beach guide: things to do and where to eat, drink and stay

A globally famous stretch of sand and glittering water featuring great surf, ocean pools, coastal walks and nearby bars, restaurants, shops and markets, this is your guide to Sydney’s most famous beach.

All around the world, Bondi Beach is one of the top landmarks people associate with Sydney. It’s more than just a beach though. Its golden shoreline, surf culture and endless cafés and bars all give the city’s most famous stretch of sand a magnetic pull that visitors and locals alike struggle to resist.

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. Whether you’re here for a morning swim or a week-long stay, Bondi delivers the ultimate Sydney beach experience.

Top things to do in Bondi

1. Bondi to Coogee coastal walk

This is the coastal walk. The one everyone knows and loves. 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. It’s a 6km route that takes between two to three hours—but you can make a full day of it by stopping for a swim at the beaches. Suitable for most ages and fitness levels, just be wary of occasional steep sections and stairs.

2. Take a surf lesson

Let’s Go Surfing is the only officially licensed surf school on Bondi Beach. They’ve been teaching the tricks of the waves on Sydney’s most famous beach for more than 25 years. From individual lessons to a six-week course for those staying for longer, there are plenty of options: adults, families, kids, large groups and even tours and retreats. If there’s anyone who can get you riding the waves, it’s the guys and gals at Let’s Go Surfing.

letsgosurfing.com.au

3. Go to 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).

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.
bondimarkets.com.au

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 groups. It’s a gentle downhill route that takes you past Aboriginal rock carvings, as you learn about traditional bush foods and medicines still growing in the area. Tours finish at Bondi Pavilion, right by the beach.

walangari.com.au

5. Check out Bondi Pavilion

The grand building that 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 and is well worth checking out ahead of your visit to Bondi.

Address: Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach, NSW 2026
bondipavilion.com.au

6. Shopping in Bondi Junction

Don’t be fooled by the name—Bondi Junction isn’t quite near the beach, it’s around 2.5 kilometers 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. Whatever you need, you’ll likely find it around Bondi Junction.

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

7. Bondi Icebergs

The famous Bondi Baths are a global icon that have 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 kid’s pool, as well as a sauna on the pool deck level which is included with pool admission.

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.

icebergs.com.au

Where to eat

Brekkie and cafés

Joining the early birds to watch 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 Harrys are classics that you’ve likely seen on social media. You can’t go wrong with a matcha and a pastry or full breakfast from any of these.

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 is renowned as one of the best brekkie spots—you may even spot an influencer or two.

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 brekkie 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.

Lunch and casual dining

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 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 lunchtime 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.

Dinner and date night

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 lovers for more than 30 years, and is the perfect laid-back-but-special spot to enjoy a three-course feast. 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 is a must for any fans of 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 we think will become our go-to spot this summer.

Elsewhere, in the mood for Italian? Head to Makaveli or Bondi Trattoria. Bangkok Bites is the always-busy Thai place that’s 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.

Bars and drinks

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 round 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 guests 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, FYI).

Sweet treats

You can’t go far without stumbling across an ice cream shop in Bondi. Ben and Jerry’s, Gelato Messina and Rivareno are all here, of course, as are Yochi and Anitas, which often battle it out for the longest queue along the front. Luca & Luca comes from the team behind Harrys and Raw Bar, two well-known local favourites, and Mapo is an artisanal gelateria that started in Newtown but is now in Bondi and will soon open in Darlinghurst too.

For baked goods, Sundays is a small but mighty micro-bakery that has had people queuing up for hours each weekend, in the hopes of getting their hands on some of the cinnamon scrolls. There are three main flavours (classic, Kinder Bueno and Biscoff) and a monthly special, as well as a menu of matcha drinks and the coffee coconut cloud for any caffeine fiends.

Where to stay

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.

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.