Bondi is without doubt Australia's best-known beach. Easily reached from the centre of Sydney and well-serviced by public transport, the kilometre-long patrolled beach is a magnet for swimmers, surfers and visitors just wanting to say they've been there.
There are cafes, coffee shops and restaurants — some very up-market and offering expansive views — and small shops. Markets are held each Sunday in the grounds of the local public school.
Bondi has two beautiful walks towards the south leading to Tamarama and Bronte Beaches with historic spots along the way. Bondi is also the location for the annual Sculpture by the Sea event, and is the finishing point for the City2Surf fun run held every August.
The latest attraction is the high-speed Bondi Bash boat tour run by Ocean Extreme. Hop into a rigid inflatable powerboat at Darling Harbour in the city and enjoy the ride of your life for 90 minutes, while taking in Sydney's magnificent harbour.
The purpose-built Ocean Extreme 2 is powered by triple 300-horsepower outboard engines allowing the vessel to reach up to 50 knots — around 100km/h. That's faster than a jet boat! The vessel jumps over waves and becomes airborne, giving adrenalin-seeking passengers the most extreme harbour adventure ever.
The adventure starts out gently, and passes through Sydney Heads into the Pacific Ocean, then heading south along the coast to Bondi. After a sweeping turn, the vessel pulls in for photo opportunities.
The trip back to Darling Harbour is a lot of fun — you zoom along, jumping waves on the way.
