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  View at Google Maps |
Bondi Beach The name 'Bondi' is an aboriginal onomatopoeic word taken from the sound waves make as they boom into the shore, and then sigh away. Bon-di. It's one of the world's great beaches, and it's less that a minute from your door. Two tips; the south end (closest to the Bondi Beach House) is for board riders. The area is not particularly safe for swimming. It has a tremendous undertow (rip) known as the Backpacker's Express by the local life guards who tire of routinely pulling tourists from the surf. The north end of the beach - a level stroll away - is designated for swimmers. Secondly; in Australia, the red and yellow flags are recommended swimming spots. The areas between the flags are patrolled by voluntary life guards. Interestingly, Bondi was the first beach in the world to have life savers and they take great pride in being good at what they do. However, while it's nice to know someone may be looking out for you, you're still responsible for your own safety - so make sure you know how to swim before entering the surf. Bondi Pavilion The Bondi Pavilion is a heritage listed building in the middle of the beach. It functions as an art gallery, theatre, function centre, changing rooms, day care and sometimes cinema - all with the back drop of Bondi's surf. It's worth looking online as the Bondi Pavilion often has plays, festivals and cultural events. http://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/info/pavilion The Bondi Golf Course This small nine hole public course at the north end of the beach (the chimney stack you can see on the headland is in the middle of the course!) is well maintained and welcomes children. $13 will buy you a round of golf, and provide some of the best views in Sydney. Its features include a perilous drop into the ocean around the fourth hole, which has claimed many a novices’ golf balls. The Bondi Markets The Bondi Beach Markets are held every Sunday from 9am until 3pm in the grounds of the local school at the north end of the beach on Campbell Parade. Stallholders sell a large cross section of craft, clothing, collectibles, plants and food. Gertrude & Alice Bookshop & Cafe Named after iconic writers and lovers Gertrude Stein and Alice B Toklas, this trendy bookshop-slash-cafe offers a warm refuge in Hall Street, Bondi Beach. In this cosy space, secondhand books line the walls with tables scattered among the bookshelves. As you enter you will want to run your fingers along the rows of dilapidated spines, searching for a magical never-ending story, but make sure you don’t forget to look at the blackboard. It too is quite magical, with homely and wholesome meal suggestions. There is no printed menu, so make sure you order before you make yourself too comfortable. Then you can just sit back and enjoy your meal in the company of your favourite novelist. GoBondi.com To read more about the arts, culture, community and other events and locations you can experience around Bondi, visit GoBondi.com for more information. http://www.gobondi.com Lets Go Surfing Lets Go Surfing is Australia's greatest and friendliest surf school on Australia's greatest beach. It has been voted one of the top 3 tourist activities in Sydney. Their dedicated, fully-qualified staff, can help you catch the wave of your dreams, and provide you with surf gear to buy or loan from their store. http://letsgosurfing.com.au  Flickerfest Held in January, Flickerfest is a grass roots festival featuring local and international short films. Screened mainly outdoors in the ampitheatre behind the Bondi Pavilion, the week-long festival is accompanied by talks and workshops. http://www.flickerfest.com.au Alternative and Fringe Arts In January, Alternate and Fringe Arts events are held at Bondi Beach, in association with the Festival of Sydney. The Fringe Festival has been a lot of fun, but current status is unknown after the 'suits' in the local council took exception to nude night surfing and 10,000 people turning up for the fun. Stay tuned! Sculptures By The Sea An exhibition of local and international sculptors adorns the cliff walk each year, usually around late October and early November. The installation is enormously popular with locals, and worth visiting early in the exhibition, or during the middle of the week. http://www.sculpturebythesea.com City to Surf A 13km run from Hyde Park in the centre of the city to Bondi Beach. The Sun-Herald City to Surf attracts corporate and charity entrants as well as serious competitors, and is held on a Sunday in August. It makes for a fun day out as either participant or voyeur. http://city2surf.sunherald.com.au Festival of the winds Australia’s largest Kite Festival is held in September at Bondi Beach, with displays of kite flying, workshops for children, great bands and food stalls. http://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/info/pavilion/fotw/ Sydney Explorer Bus The Sydney Explorer visits 26 stops, including Bondi, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, Darling Harbour and King’s Cross. The on board commentary provides insight into the history and culture of Australia’s most popular city. $36 adult, $18 child, $90 family buys you a one day ticket until midnight getting on and off as you please. Children under 4 travel free. http://www.sydneypass.info/sydneyexplorer/ Bondi Explorer Bus The Bondi Explorer has 19 stops, including Bondi, Tamarama, Bronte and Coogee Beaches, and Watson’s Bay on a 30 km circuit. $36 adult, $18 child, $90 family busy you a one day ticket until midnight getting on and off as you please. Children under 4 travel free. http://www.sydneypass.info/bondiexplorer/ |
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