Bondi, Australia, is a coastal suburb of Sydney.
Known for its iconic beach and surf culture, Bondi has something to offer everybody: from stunning beaches and cafes to activities like surfing lessons or fishing charters.
Despite all of this, people still want to know if Bondi is worth visiting? Does it live up to the hype?
There is an iconic cliffside walk that takes you from Bondi Beach to Coogee.
The coast is lined with outdoor seating, so you can have a coffee or breakfast while taking in views.
If you want more adventure than just sunbathing on the sand, then try one of these activities: parasailing over Bondi for incredible skyline views, kiteboarding at North Bondi Surf Club, surfing lessons from Bronte Bushrangers – they’re an internationally acclaimed surf school that teach everyone how to ride waves!
And if travelling solo isn’t your thing, book into an Airbnb apartment near the beach.
If you’re looking for things to do in Bondi – whether it’s with your family, friends, or solo – then this blog post will tell you everything you need to know about the best things to do during your stay!
Table of contents
- Eat and Drink
- Porch and Parlour
- Gertrude and Alice Bookstore and Café
- Eden Restaurant
- The Grosvenor Hotel Café
- Lox Stock & Barrel
- Café Bikini
- Bondi Italian Restaurant
- Gelato Messina
- Bondi Tearooms
- The Bucket List
- Lunch at Bondi Icebergs Dining Room & Bar
- The Clam Shop
- Blanca Bar & Dining
- Drake Eatery
- Coogee Pavillion
- The North Bondi Surf Club
- See and Do
- Shopping
Eat and Drink
Porch and Parlour
For those who love a good brunch, this Porch and Parlour has it all – from avocado toast to chia pudding and everything in between! It’s open Thursday-Sunday so if you’re only staying overnight on the weekend, try Porch & Parlour for breakfast in Bondi.
Gertrude and Alice Bookstore and Café
This is a quirky, eclectic bookstore and café in Bondi that sells everything from Australian books to tea. You can also grab breakfast here between 08:30-13:00 Monday through Friday or brunch served on weekends from 11 am until late morning.
Eden Restaurant
If you’re in Bondi and looking for a plant-based meal, check out this restaurant. Eden is an organic vegan eatery with a menu that ranges from breakfast dishes to light lunches and dinner mains – as well as matcha lattes, cocktails and wine!
The Grosvenor Hotel Café
For drinks with an ocean view, head to this cafe at the bottom of Bondi Beach Esplanade for coffee, cocktails and light food fare all day long! It’s open daily from 07:00 until 18:00 (closed Mondays), so you’ll be able to make your visit in time even if you’re only staying out overnight. They have outdoor seating, too, which makes it perfect for summertime visits in Bondi – remember sunscreen!
Lox Stock & Barrel
One of the best things to do in Bondi is indulging your taste buds! That’s why you should check out Lox Stock & Barrel for brunch and their melt-in-your-mouth pancakes. You’ll love the range of flavours and toppings, including salted caramel sauce.
Café Bikini
If you’re looking for something a bit more laid back to do while you’re in Bondi, then check out Cafe Bikini. Here you’ll find the most delicious coffee, juice and cake.
Bondi Italian Restaurant
If you’re in the mood for some pasta, pizza, or steak, then head to Bondi Italian Restaurant! They offer traditional dishes from Italy and new takes on classics like spaghetti with crabmeat.
Gelato Messina
Got a sweet tooth? Then you’ll love Gelato Messina in Bondi. You can’t go to Bondi without trying the gelato at this iconic Australian ice cream chain!
Bondi Tearooms
If you’re craving some British-style food, then head to Bondi Tearooms. It’s one of the oldest cafes in Sydney, so it has plenty of history! They offer a variety of traditional breakfast dishes like eggs benedict and afternoon tea sets with scones served by white-gloved waiters wearing bowties!
The Bucket List
Fancy a cocktail before dinner? Then head on over to The Bucket List in Bondi. You’ll love their drinks menu, which offers a range of cocktails that are both delicious and beautifully presented.
Lunch at Bondi Icebergs Dining Room & Bar
Located at the famous Bondi Icebergs guest house on the promenade, Bondi Icebergs Dining Room & Bar offers a relaxed environment for lunch in Bondi overlooking the ocean pool. You can choose from things like curries and steaks or grab some fresh fish at their seafood bar! Bondi Icebergs has been around since the 1930s, so it’s a great place for history and good food!
The Clam Shop
If seafood is what you crave, look no further than The Clam Shop in Bondi! You’ll find their deep-fried clam strips absolutely irresistible and not just because they come smothered in tartar sauce either- these things taste amazing all by themselves too! It’s also worth trying their prawns and chips, so order up those sea creatures while waiting for your main course to
Blanca Bar & Dining
As the evening rolls around and you’re looking for somewhere for dinner, make sure you check out the award-winning Blanca Bar & Dining. They’ve got a great selection of food for you to choose from, including some mouthwateringly good dishes like their famous fried green tomatoes with smoked salmon tartare and prawns or their monkfish carpaccio with truffled potatoes.
Drake Eatery
For those looking for a more casual dining experience, you should check out the Drake Eatery. They’ve got all sorts of delicious snacks and sandwiches here, so it’ll be perfect if your preference is low key or you’re just looking to grab something quick on your way back from doing some shopping in Bondi Junction Plaza.
Coogee Pavillion
Just a bit further along the coast, you’ll find Coogee. And one of the best places to eat is the Coogee Pavillion. Recently renovated, the Coogee Pavillion has a delicious menu and provides an excellent service, making it the perfect place to get that Eastern Suburbs feel.
The North Bondi Surf Club
If there’s one thing that iconic about Bondi Beach, other than its natural beauty and chic cafes, then it has to be the waves at The Surf Club. Located right next door to the world-famous beach itself, this club is open seven days a week with surf lessons available every day too- what could make things better?
See and Do
Sunbathing
Of course, no trip to Bondi Beach would be complete without visiting the world-famous Bondi Beach. Here you can enjoy a volleyball game, do some stretches on the sand or just read and relax.
Bondi Beach is patrolled seven days a week by professional lifeguards. The beach features an enclosed swimming pool. Going for a dip in the ocean pool is a great way to cool down in the summer months.
There are plenty of public toilets for those who need them along the promenade, and there’s also a free-to-use shower area at North Bondi Surf Club if you want to freshen up after your swim or surf! Swimming at Bondi is one of those things you have to do while you’re in town.
If the beach is your thing, then there’s plenty of it here at Bondi Beach! The stretch of sand extends over three kilometres from North Bondi all the way down to Bronte and includes several lifeguards patrolled beaches, including Ladies’ Pool, which was dubbed ‘the
Ben Buckler Point
Who doesn’t love a good sunrise? While you’re visiting the coast, make sure you take a trip to Ben Buckler Point. The best time is either early in the morning or later on in the night, as you’ll be able to see both sunrise and sunset from this vantage point.
The views are spectacular, so make sure your camera’s fully charged before you head up there – we guarantee it will be worth it!
You can then take a walk through Darley Park with its beautiful gardens (it’s also home to Bondi Golf Club), visit one of Sydney’s many excellent cafes along nearby Campbell Parade or enjoy some retail therapy at Westfield Bondi Junction, which is just around the corner.
The Sculpture By The Sea
If you’re into public art, then this sculpture exhibition will be right up your alley! It showcases contemporary sculptures by some of Australia’s best-known artists and is a feast for the eyes.
Aqua Bumps Gallery
If you’re looking for some great local photography to take home, then be sure to check our Aqua Bumps Gallery. They sell stunning photos of Bondi and the New South Wales Coast. They look amazing, and it’s a great way to remember your trip to Bondi.
Do the Bondi to Bronte walk.
The Bondi to Bronte walk is a must-do when you’re in Bondi. It’s an easy walk, and there are plenty of photo opportunities along the way, which is perfect for Instagrammers! The walk takes you from the iconic Bondi Beach to Bronte, home to some of Australia’s most expensive real estate. The walk takes between 45 minutes and an hour, depending on your pace.
Swim at one of Bondi’s ocean pools
Of course, Bondi is famous for its ocean pools. So if you’re looking to get in a few laps, make sure you go for a dip in the ocean pool. Bondi Baths are the most famous, but there are plenty more to choose from in and around this area.
If you’re looking for a safe spot to swim with your kids, then head on over to one of our inland pools or beaches!
Whale Watching
Each year, whales make their way from Antarctic waters to warmer coastal environments, including New South Wales. This is an incredible experience and one that everyone should do at least once in their lifetime!
Watch the Sydney to Hobart
The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is an annual event that attracts thousands of spectators every year. It starts from Sydney Harbour and finishes in Hobart, Tasmania.
It’s the worlds oldest ocean race and is a great time to see some amazing yachts up close!
There are many great vantage points around Bondi beach where you can see the supermaxis as they begin their race down to Hobart.
Shopping
Bondi Markets
Every Sunday from around 11 am to late afternoon, Bondi Beach hosts a market selling everything from jewellery to fresh fruit and vegetables – be sure to visit on your next trip! The Bondi markets have been going since the ’30s, so they’re definitely worth checking out if you want something authentic and traditional.
In winter, expect colder temperatures than in summer but don’t let that stop you as it’s still an awesome time of year for visitors. Expect plenty more cafes too, with coffee shops opening all over the place. If you love indulging, then make sure you try Lox Stock & Barrel at least once while
Oxford Street
Oxford Street is well known for its cafes and restaurants. So if you’re in Bondi and you’re looking for a great place to go shopping, then head on over to Oxford Street.
The shopping strip is home to our favourite fashion boutiques like Karen Walker, Jigsaw and Mink Pink, as well as a range of fabulous eateries from top-notch Thai restaurant BKK Eatery to the classic Aussie pie place Joe’s Pie Shop.
Oxford Street also has plenty of great kids’ stores, including Myer Kids, LK Bennett Kidswear, and Kiddy Palace.
Westfield Bondi Junction
Westfield Bondi Junction has all your shopping needs covered with over 250 specialty stores. You’ll find department stores like David Jones and kids’ favourite Kiddy’s Kingdom. There are plenty of places to eat at Westfield Bondi Junction. Check out the international food court World Square. There are many dining options at the mall’s four-level Atrium and restaurants like Bondi Road House.
Trams
For those who want to explore Bondi Beach on foot but don’t feel up for the challenge, there are tram services that run every day along Bronte Road between Bondi Junction train station and North Bondi (West). Trams operate at 25-minute intervals all day with fares.
Fossil Shop
This cute little store sells animal-themed items like jewellery made of shells. They also have a small selection of books on Australia, which may be worth checking out if you’re looking for something new to read while exploring Bondi Beach; they sell all sorts, including non-fiction titles about nature in Sydney.