Only a short distance from the New South Wales capital of Sydney, Australia lies the thriving seaside town of Bondi Beach. Pronounced “bahn-dai” with long “i” sound, this beach is the place for summer days filled with sun and surf

Founded back in the middle of the 19th century, as Sydney’s urban center began expanding, the unique name of Bondi Beach derives from an Aboriginal word meaning “waves crashing upon rocks.”

As a getaway from the urban center of Sydney, Bondi’s white sand beaches and alluring coastline are a beautiful option. If you are around during the migratory seasons, you could spot dolphins or even whales off the coast. The rarely seen fairy penguin may even catch your eye.

Start at Bondi’s Community Center located at the Pavilion, the town’s focal point and home to outdoor theaters, shower and changing rooms, food stands and tourist information.

Hitting the beach, stroll along the sandy coast and sunbathe with the bronzed locals, or take a swim in the clear blue waters on the northern side of Bondi Beach. For more challenging waves, surfers can head south, where the water can be perilous for a swim but heaven for a surf session. In the summer months, lifeguard patrols are all over the beach and shark nets are laid out for further protection.

Take in a bit of Bondi Beach’s history and beauty with one of the scenic walks. Start at Bondi’s old Pavilion, begun in 1928, on the way to the cliffs of Bronte. See the Hawkesbury sandstone belt which dates back to over 200 million years B.C. Or visit the old Bronte Baths en route to Waverley Cemetery.

For a taste of Bondi’s racy beach culture, check out the southern beaches, where local ordinances are ignored by topless sunbathers on a regular basis. In fact, the beach holds the world record for biggest bikini photo shoot of all time.

Get into the groove of the wild City to Surf Fun Run which takes place every August. Participants make their way to Bondi Beach from Sydney’s center. Or go fly a kite in the annual Festival of the Winds in September.

Along the waterfront is a wide variety of cafes, restaurants and bars to suit any budget. Have a pint in one of the pubs and see why the locals are known for their friendliness.

Bondi Beach has been a popular location for film and television, such as the lifeguard show Bondi Rescue or the fictional 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.

Only a thirty minute drive from downtown Sydney, take Oxford street from the capital and follow it as it turns into Enfield Drive and finally Bondi Road. Because parking can be so difficult, locals suggest arriving via public transportation to avoid the hassle. Numerous buses arrive from Sydney everyday.

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