Relax Away the Day in Bondi

Wednesday, June 17, 2009 ·

By Brad Peterson

Only a short distance from the New South Wales capital of Sydney, Australia lies the thriving seaside town of Bondi Beach. Pronounced "bahn-dai" with long "i" sound, this beach is the place for summer days filled with sun and surf

Dating back to the Sydney's suburban expansion in the 1850s, Bondi Beach's unique name is derived from the Aboriginal term for "sound of waves crashing on rocks."

To get out of the exciting but populous Sydney, escape to the white sand paradise waiting at Bondi's beautiful coastline. You may be able to watch the migration of whales and dolphins or might sneak a peak at the elusive fairy penguin.

As a starting point, there is no better place than the Bondi Pavilion. Stop by the Community Center for some visitors information, get ready for your beach day in the showers and changing rooms, or see the outdoor amphitheater.

Down at the beach, take a pleasant walk along the white sand, compare your tan with the locals, or take a dip in the crystal clear waters at the northern beaches. Bondi's southern beaches have great waves for surfers, though beginner swimmers should be very careful at these spots. Throughout the summer lifeguards patrol the beaches and shark nets are positioned out in the water to keep swimmers safe and sound.

Take in a bit of Bondi Beach's history and beauty with one of the scenic walks. Start at Bondi's old Pavilion, begun in 1928, on the way to the cliffs of Bronte. See the Hawkesbury sandstone belt which dates back to over 200 million years B.C. Or visit the old Bronte Baths en route to Waverley Cemetery.

For a look at Bondi's bikini culture, don't miss the vibes on the southern beaches, where topless sunbathers thumb their noses to convention on a daily basis. Bondi hold the title in the Guinness Book of World Records: Largest Swimsuit Issue Photo Shoot in history.

Get into the groove of the wild City to Surf Fun Run which takes place every August. Participants make their way to Bondi Beach from Sydney's center. Or go fly a kite in the annual Festival of the Winds in September.

Bondi Beach has many options when you get hungry, from four-star restaurants to tiny cafes in sight of the water's edge. Mix with the locals and share a toast in one of the many pubs.

Bondi Beach has been a popular location for film and television, such as the lifeguard show Bondi Rescue or the fictional Breakers.

The eyes of the world were on Bondi Beach during the 2000 Summer Olympics, when it served as the setting for the beach volleyball games.

Visitors looking to spend a night or weeks in Bondi Beach will find accommodations in any price range. Backpacker hostels, small upscale hotels and charming bed-and-breakfasts are all options.

Only a thirty minute drive from downtown Sydney, take Oxford street from the capital and follow it as it turns into Enfield Drive and finally Bondi Road. Because parking can be so difficult, locals suggest arriving via public transportation to avoid the hassle. Numerous buses arrive from Sydney everyday.

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