10 things to do in Bondi

Bondi Beach. The braggy old fish tits needs no introduction.

But, contrary to popular belief, there’s more to do in Bondi than sip on Vitamin D, perve on lifeguards and end up with sunburn the colour of the Canadian flag. Australia’s most famous beach is a playground of sorts – and all only eight kilometres from the Sydney CBD.

Here’s 10 things to do in Bondi (try and tackle this ambitious list in a day if you dare):

1. Watch the sun rise over Bondi Beach

You’d be foolish to think Bondiians are still in bed at this hour. Nope, 5:47am is rush hour at Bondi, with dogs eagerly being walked, surfers sneaking in an early morning surf, swimmers punching out some breaststroke and joggers completing their daily beach run.

As much as my body violently disagrees with being up before sunrise, I admit this is a magical little window in the day – and Bondi is the perfect place to enjoy it. Claim a front row seat on the beach or grassy knoll as Mother Nature puts on a pretty spectacular show, painting the morning sky in rich reds, oranges and purples.

2. Breakfast at Porch and Parlour

On the northern-end of Bondi Beach, you’ll find this quality café serving a very beautiful breakfast. So beautiful you’ll be compelled to splash it across Instagram.

Porch and Parlour embodies the image-sensitive, health-obsessed essence of Bondi. As you sit here eating your vibranty green brekkie bowl and sipping your artisan coffee, while watching the shirtless blokes hard at work (or at show) doing chin ups at the outdoor workout area across the road, you’ll realise you’ve been turned into a complete Bondi cliche.

You can read better propaganda about Porch and Parlour here. 

3. Explore Bondi’s weekend markets

Each Saturday, Bondi Beach Public School hosts the Bondi Farmers Market, where you can pick up farmer-fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, just-picked flowers, homemade jams, artisan breads, gooey cheeses and loads of other yum stuff.

Then on Sunday, in the same spot, you have the Bondi Markets – a pop-up of little white huts selling everything from handmade jewellery and candles to vintage clothes and up-and-coming designer threads.

4. Surf, swim or sun-bake at Bondi Beach

Of course, it would be amiss not to mention Bondi’s beach pursuits: surfing, swimming, sun-baking and sand angel-making.

When it comes to surfing, Bondi has a couple of left and right breaks that are good for beginners, and there’s plenty of board hire and surfing lessons available. The latter highly recommended for novices wanting to avoid a starring role in Bondi Rescue. 

Speaking of Bondi Rescue… While the ocean might look all angelic, if swimming be aware, as it has some serious attitude and several rips, which makes for all the drama of a TV show.

My preference is to soak up the beach vibe from the sand, rolling around like a dog that’s found a good smell, seeing how much sand I can get stuck in my hair in the process. If you’re sand-habitating, be prepared for crowds. Despite Bondi Beach having enough sand to be considered a small country, on a summer’s day the cossie-cladded crowds are real.

5. Swim at one of Bondi’s ocean pools

If you can’t be arsed battling the washing machine that is the open ocean – and I don’t blame you – do as I do and have a frolic in one of Bondi’s ocean pools. They’re much friendlier to play with.

There’s the Wally Weekes Pool at the northern end of Bondi beach, which has the kiddie paddling pool Mermaid Baths next to it. Then on the south side, there’s Bondi Baths and, who could forget, Bondi Icebergs.

6. Lunch at Icebergs Dining Room & Bar

If you’d rather not get wet and learn why it’s called Bondi Icebergs, you can head upstairs and enjoy a fancy AF lunch at Icebergs Dining Room & Bar instead. The Italian-inspired (not cheap) feed and VIP views will most certainly have you singing Iggy Azalea for the rest of the day. I’m so fancy. There’s also an $80pp bottomless prosecco brunch on Sundays…

Of course, if you want to trade your stretchy lunch pants for stretching exercise pants, you can always sign up for yoga by the sea.

7. Do the Bondi to Bronte walk

While in the area it would be rude not to mooch around this divine stretch of coastline. Climb the steps behind Bondi Icebergs and keep following the path as it hugs the coastline and tramples along the clifftop.

This two-kilometre walk takes about 30 minutes, depending on how many photos you’re taking. And with cute little coves, 52-inch widescreen ocean views and a number of beaches, odds on you’ll be taking a lot.

If your boots are made for walkin’, you don’t have to stop at Bronte. Keep marching for Coogee. You can learn all about the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk here.

8. A spot of shopping

Cruising down the beachfront strip of Campbell Parade, you’d be forgiven for thinking your shopping choices in Bondi consist of buying a dozen swimsuits and I love Bondi t-shirts.

But if you break the tourist perimeter and venture into the quieter back streets you’ll find oodles of cute boutiques (as well as good restaurants). Note: the best purse-draining shopping in Bondi can be found on Hall Street, Gould Street and Curlewis Street.

9. A cheeky afternoon cocktail at The Bucket List

Positioned on the foreshore of this legendary stretch of sand, there’s no better place for some Bondi people-watching, sun-soaking and day-drinking than The Bucket List. There’s also a pretty decent food menu of tacos, burgers and salads that will help soak up the booze. Sitting back on a deck chair in the outside courtyard, sipping on a passionfruit mojito and listening to the DJ spin the decks, you’ll understand why this drinking spot is a favourite for Bondiians.

10. Dinner at Blanca Bar & Dining

No, there isn’t just the one dinner restaurant in Bondi. Good lord, there’s hundreds. But Blanca is my favourite, and the perfect place to cap off an action-packed day of adventure, eating and drinking.

This spot tucked covertly off Hall Street is ultra classy, serves up delicious European-Japanese fusion and has not one but six tasting menus. There’s also a bar next door, which is quite convenient when you’re early and sniffing out a spot for pre-drinks, or it’s late but you’re not ready to turn into a pumpkin just yet.

Here’s another couple of Bondi restaurants I’m quite fond of.

What are your favourite things to do in Bondi? Share below.