Bondi Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world for good reason: glistening blue ocean, a vibrant village atmosphere and unique eateries overlooking the coastline. Embark on a sea-cliff stroll, do a yoga class at one of Bondi’s wellness hubs, dine on seafood by the surf or shop for fresh produce at local markets. Here’s where to eat, stay and play.
Highlights:
- Dine on hearty, produce-driven cuisine at buzzy cafés and restaurants
- Swim, surf or stroll along the coastline
- Sleep in beautiful boutique accommodation a stone’s throw from the sand
Start the day right
There is no shortage of wholesome cafés in Bondi and the suburb has garnered a reputation for its clean-eating mantra. In the morning, locals flock to Porch and Parlour for coffee and a bite to eat before their morning swim. While others pick up a superfood smoothie or tuck into an acai bowl from Cali Press on Hall Street.
For those with a sweet tooth, head to Gelato Messina Bondi for a super-creamy gelato. And in the evening, Eden serves up innovative, plant-based dishes within a beautiful courtyard near the entrance of QT Bondi. The food is almost too pretty to eat: expect botanical cocktails and colourful sliders, poke bowls and pasta all brimming with plant-based goodness.
Visiting on the weekend? Be sure to check out the Bondi Farmers Market, held each Saturday morning from 9am to 1pm in the grounds of Bondi Beach Public School at the northern end of the beach. Here you can meet local farmers, stock up on organic produce and handmade gifts and enjoy a feast of globally inspired morsels.
Get active
Start the day saluting the sun with a yoga class overlooking the beach. The experienced instructors at Yoga by the Sea run yoga classes on the rooftop at Wake Up! Bondi Beach hostel. Join locals and visitors for Bondi Power Yoga of flowing Vinyasa, or the more mellow Relax Yoga class that combines Hatha, Satyananda and Iyengar styles with meditation.
One of the best ways to soak up the salty air and ocean views is on the 6km Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. On this clifftop trail you’ll walk over sandstone cliffs, past Tamarama beach — known locally as ‘Glamarama’ — and multi-million dollar beachside homes. Take a selfie in front of the retro Tamarama Surf Club and have a coffee at Bronte’s Bogey Hole Cafe, named after Bronte’s rockpool. Pack a towel: there are plenty of swimming spots along the way.
Those looking to catch a wave can join a two-hour surf lesson with Lets Go Surfing. Choose from private or group lessons with experienced surfing instructions, who will run you through the basics of paddling, catching waves and standing. Refuel at Speedos Café, on the northern end of the beach, with its Instagrammable menu and scenic backdrop.
Relax and unwind
Listen to the sound of the surf as you enjoy a relaxing massage at The Body Spot, inside Bondi Icebergs. The massage rooms are located poolside and you can choose from hot stone massages, dry brushing and more.
Alternatively, walk up Bondi Road to experience the unique infrared sauna at Nimbus Co. The deeply therapeutic sauna uses infrared heating panels to emit light to help your body sweat out toxins. As the radiated heat penetrates your muscles you can meditate, do gentle stretching or even listen to a wellness podcast. You will emerge feeling completely rejuvenated and relaxed.
Drink and dine with a view
Commanding one of the best panoramas over the beach, North Bondi Fish is lovely spot for a long lunch in the sunshine. Indulge in a selection of Australian seafood. Afterwards head to The Bucket List bar, at the Bondi Pavilion, for a relaxing drink at a prime viewing spot overlooking the beach.
Sean’s Bondi is a must-do dining experience in Sydney with a lively location on Bondi’s main strip and local-produce-driven cuisine. The menu changes daily depending on the catch of the day as well as the harvest from owner Sean Moran’s Bilpin farm. Striped linen tablecloths, pendant lights and coastal bric-a-brac all add to the memorable experience.
For something a little more casual, head up Bondi Road to Totti’s for good wine, wood-fired bread with antipasti and platters of pasta. Snare a spot in the courtyard under the olive trees among fragrant rosemary and order the celebrated dessert: Neapolitan ice-cream sandwich.
Back on the beachfront, Hotel Ravesis is a great spot for sun-kissed cocktails. This well-known bar features a stunning upper floor terrace, casual dining space and a plush late-night supper club. It also offers boutique accommodation upstairs, with Palm Springs-inspired interiors and uninterrupted ocean views.
Rest your head
Immerse yourself in Bondi’s quintessential surf culture in design-led hotel, QT Bondi. The apartments are bright and breezy with a king bed, Bose music dock and rainforest shower. Indulge in QT Bondi’s Wellness Add-Ons such as streaming access to in-room meditation and complimentary group fitness classes at Speedo Fitness Club.
On Hall Street, Adina Apartment Hotel sits among some of Bondi’s most popular eateries, such as Bills, A Tavola, Bondi’s Best and Gelato Messina. The hotel offers modern studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments, an outdoor pool and fitness centre.
