Bondi Beach

Fast facts

• Big, bold and beautiful, this is where Sydney sheds its clothes and most of its inhibitions.
• The closest ocean beach to the centre of Sydney, about a 20-minute drive.

Why do it

This is the most celebrated beach in the country, a kilometre of golden grains where Sydney’s beautiful people come to bare it all. As well as the essential ingredients – booming surf, seagulls riding the breeze, the smell of sun-block – Bondi has a style all its own. This is see-and-be-seen territory, and nobody is ever too tanned, too thin or too muscled.

Bondi also has a vibrant café and restaurant culture. Campbell Parade, which runs along the back of the beach, is a near-continuous strip of outdoor cafes and gelato bars. There’s serious food territory too, with Sean’s Panaroma and the Icebergs Dining Room and Bar dishing out food every bit as glam as the view.

Stressed over beach-fashion burnout? Head one street back from the beach and you’ll find gorgeous streetwear, beachwear and funky designs for a new-look you. There’s Tuchuzy, where Kylie Minogue has been spotted checking out the racks, Bikini Island for surfwear essentials, Purl Harbour for gorgeous handknits, Alfie's Shop for the Bondi street look and puf 'n stuf retro clothing for vintage everything.

Don’t miss

• The Bondi to Bronte Walk Winding south from Bondi past sea-sculpted sandstone, the footpath takes you on a roller-coaster ride to Tamarama Beach – “Glamarama” to the locals - Bronte with refreshment stops and sparkling views all the way. Note the real estate – some of Sydney’s glossiest.
• Learning to surf with Let’s Go Surfing.
• Bondi Icebergs pool, especially when the waves are creaming over the breakwater.
• The silky gelato from Pompei’s, possibly Sydney’s finest.
• Sean’s Panaroma for milk-fed veal scallopine panfried with sage, pancetta and celeriac puree.
• Bondi Iceberg’s Dining Room and Bar for its lusty, luscious Italian menu served in Sydney’s spunkiest dining room overlooking the beach and ocean.