A trip to Sydney is not complete without seeing this stunning landmark, with its surfers and lifeguards who patrol the beach every day of the week between the yellow and red flags.

How to reach :

Sydney’s most famous beach, Bondi, is easily reached by taking the city bus from the foot of Oxford Street. Only a 30 minute drive from the centre of Sydney down Oxford Street (it changes to Enfield Drive and then Bondi Road) brings a person to the south entrance of Bondi Beach. Bus 380 from Circular Quay will get you there in about 40 minutes or the train to Bondi Junction, then buses 381 or 382 will drop you off right on the beach as well.

The bus from Bondi Junction to the beach takes about 15 minutes. If anybody is planning a day at Bondi, it is suggested an early start. Everybody can enjoy breakfast at any of the cafes that line the street across from the beach. There all seemed fairly comparable in price, quality and menu offerings, so just pick one that has open tables outdoors and admire the scenery going by. These cafes are a good choice for lunch, too.

On Bondi’s long, crescent of white sand, certain areas are cordoned off for surfers, other for swimmers. Families, youths and gays seemed to each have their own areas, as well.

If you get tired of Bondi, take a walk over the hill at the south end to the prettier, more cloistered Tamarama Beach. The walkway, which takes one over cliffs and past some stunning rock formations, continues beyond Tamarama to Bronte and Coogee Beaches.

Beware of :

There are a couple of natural hazards that one needs to be aware of at Sydney’s beaches.

First is the brilliant Australian sun. Skin cancer rates are high here, so be sure to use a strong (SPF15 or better) waterproof suntan lotion.

The second danger is sharks. The day after visit to Bondi, a hammerhead rammed a boogie boarder at nearby Tamarama Beach. Bondi is netted, making attacks there uncommon. Still keep an eye out for suspicious fins.

The Beach :

In the summer season Bondi is a thriving cosmopolitan centre for sun, surf and fun. The beach is part of a large moon shaped bay of white sands and breaking surf. It is fringed by parks and apartments that overlook the blue waters. Spanning the length of the beach, and across busy Campbell Parade, is a string of eateries, shops, hotels and tourist outlets for the souvenir hunter which bustle with activity most of the time.

Shops :

Set immediately behind the shops are apartments and accommodation for both the short or long term visitor. Considering dining at Bondi Beach, then select from a range of restaurants to suit any culinary fancy.

Tourist and locals mix on the street and beach when the sun shines to show off their bronzed bodies. Consider a Self Guided Walking Tour from Bondi to Bronte along the coast. Continuing north by car along Campbell Parage (changes to Military Road) for about 20 minutes and you will arrive at Watsons Bay.