Bondi Beach, Sydney, NSW
Bondi makes the list simply because no Australian beaches countdown is complete
without having it on board. Less about the actual quality of the beach itself
and more about the surroundings, atmosphere, history and people watching, like
it or not Sydney's famous stretch of sand at Bondi is a long-time fixture and
also something of an icon of Aussie beach culture.
While these days at Bondi you're likely to see more plastic
than at a Barbie doll factory, it wasn't always the case - the beach is the home
of the world's first Surf Life Saving club (founded over 100 years ago) and
played a key role in the development of several safety techniques and equipment
that are still in use today. Bondi was also the focal point of a series of
bathing suit protests in the early 1900's, helping pave the way for the bikini
to become the commonly-accepted piece of beach going attire that it is today
(insert the sound of men around the world cheering here).
These days, Bondi is almost universally crowded except in
the coldest months of the year, with its relatively clean shores coupling with
extremely easy access from the centre of Australia's largest city making it a
popular destination to relax and eat. The beach's popularity has lead to a huge
number of dining options such as cafes and restaurants springing up nearby as a
result, meaning it's quite possible to spend a full day lazing away in the
sunshine while having a decent place to eat - although you should expect to pay
"tourist prices" for any and all purchases, with parking fees in particular
bordering on the ridiculous. Nonetheless, if you're visiting Australia from
overseas or simply an Aussie travelling to Sydney for the first time, Bondi's cultural
relevance and status make it a "must-visit" - if only once.
without having it on board. Less about the actual quality of the beach itself
and more about the surroundings, atmosphere, history and people watching, like
it or not Sydney's famous stretch of sand at Bondi is a long-time fixture and
also something of an icon of Aussie beach culture.
While these days at Bondi you're likely to see more plastic
than at a Barbie doll factory, it wasn't always the case - the beach is the home
of the world's first Surf Life Saving club (founded over 100 years ago) and
played a key role in the development of several safety techniques and equipment
that are still in use today. Bondi was also the focal point of a series of
bathing suit protests in the early 1900's, helping pave the way for the bikini
to become the commonly-accepted piece of beach going attire that it is today
(insert the sound of men around the world cheering here).
These days, Bondi is almost universally crowded except in
the coldest months of the year, with its relatively clean shores coupling with
extremely easy access from the centre of Australia's largest city making it a
popular destination to relax and eat. The beach's popularity has lead to a huge
number of dining options such as cafes and restaurants springing up nearby as a
result, meaning it's quite possible to spend a full day lazing away in the
sunshine while having a decent place to eat - although you should expect to pay
"tourist prices" for any and all purchases, with parking fees in particular
bordering on the ridiculous. Nonetheless, if you're visiting Australia from
overseas or simply an Aussie travelling to Sydney for the first time, Bondi's cultural
relevance and status make it a "must-visit" - if only once.