Hanging out in Bondi Beach

By Brad Peterson

Just a short bus ride or car trip from the SW capital of Sydney, Bondi Beach is a must on your Australian to-do list. Pronounced with a long "i" as in Bonzai, Bondi is the place for beach days of sun and fun.

Founded in the'50s as part of Sydney's expansion to the suburbs, Bondi Beach takes its name from an Aboriginal word meaning "waves crashing over 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.

For visitor orientation, start at the Pavilion Community Center and pick up some helpful information. This town hub also has changing rooms and showers for bathers, several eateries and an amphitheater.

Stroll down the shoreline and work on your suntan or watch the locals show off their bronze physiques. Bathe in the safe waters on the northern end of the beach, or head to the southern side where the more treacherous waves and tides are enjoyed by the world's surfing community. Any surfer hungry for a taste of good waves should check out this surfing spot. Shark nets are added in the summer months for extra protection and lifeguards patrol the area constantly.

To immerse yourself in local beauty, try one of Bondi's popular nature walks. From the old Pavilion (ca.'28), hike up to the cliffs of Bronte. You'll encounter some of the oldest wonders of nature along the way in Hawkesbury's sandstone belt, which paleontologists date to 225 million years in the past. Or make your way to Waverley Cemetery after stopping at the old bath houses in Bronte.

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.

Popular local events include the---kilometer City to Surf Fun Run which takes participants from downtown Sidney to the sandy coastline of Bondi Beach every August. In September you can enjoy the Festival of the Winds, a kite festival which is fun for the whole family.

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's stunning beach has caught the eye of the entertainment industry, as it serves as the location for Bondi Rescue (about beach patrols) and 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.

Accommodations are available in all price ranges, from backpacker hostels to upscale hotels, with small hotels and bed-and-breakfasts in between.

Just thirty minutes away from Sydney by car, Bondi Beach can be accessed by taking Oxford Street out of the capital until it becomes Enfield Drive and then Bondi Road. Due to the traffic and parking crunch on popular weekends, locals recommend going to Bondi Beach via public transportation. Buses to Bondi usually leave Sydney on an hourly basis. - 31515

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