Travelling on a Budget

If you want to save some cash while staying at Bondi Beach, there are more than a few options open to you. If you want to stay in the thick of things, why not try a night or two in a pub room? Beach Road Hotel and Hotel Bondi offer more than a great night out – they also offer rooms for the night as well.

If you don’t fancy staying in a pub, but still want to keep to a budget, then a hostel could be the way to go. Bondi Backpackers, Bondi Beach House YHA, Lamrock Lodge, Noah’s Beach House, and Surfside Backpackers are all great options.

Staying in a hostel is a great way of meeting like-minded travellers, so you can swap travel tales and recommendations, while still sticking to a budget. You can stay in buzzing Bondi Beach, without putting too much of a dent in your travel funds.

Somewhere in the Middle

If you want the next step up in accommodation, and are willing to pay a little more, then a guest house is always a good option. Try Bondi Beach Eco Garden for a relaxed stay in a quiet part of Bondi, just minutes from the beach.

Guests can take their pick from seasonal produce grown in the vegetable gardens, eggs from the resident chickens, organic milk, and fresh honey from the two bee hives on site.

Alternatively, you could stay in a B&B, for all the comforts of home – in beautiful Bondi Beach! Check out Bondi Beach Bed & Breakfast, or Bondi Beach Family Homestay – to really get that home-away-from-home feeling!

Feeling Luxurious

While the Adina Apartment Hotel and the Pacific Bondi Beach are both closed for renovation, the Swiss Grand Resort & Spa is open for visitors to Bondi Beach looking for some luxury!

The Swiss Grand Resort & Spa offers a variety of accommodation options, including Junior Suites, Superior Ocean View Suites, Executive Suites, Premiere Suites, and, for the ultimate in luxury accommodation, The Grand Suite.

Suites include a lounge area with work desk, marble bathrooms, and all the comforts of a modern, luxury hotel. Guests with ocean views can also enjoy spectacular views over Bondi Beach. Check out the Samsara day spa for the ultimate in relaxation!

For visitors who prefer more of an at-home vibe to staying in a hotel, Bondi Beach also offers a range of apartment rentals, available in a range of budgets in a range of locations.

Writing

If your child has a passion for writing and wants to learn more, why not sign them up for one of the writing classes at Waverley Library. Fun Fantasy Writing is aimed at 9-14 year-olds, and teaches kids how to write and develop their own fantasy stories, as well as what it takes to get published. ($35)

Aimed at a slightly older audience (14-18), Teens get published now will teach budding writers how to develop their writing skills, and how to polish and present a final manuscript to present to publishers. ($35)

Getting Creative

There is a heap of activities at Bondi Beach for kids who enjoy getting creative. Check out fun origami techniques at Fun with paper folding at Waverley Library (age 5-10 $6), or learn how to create sculptures out of Paddle Pop sticks at Wooden Object Art in the Art Studio at Bondi Pavilion (age 5-8 $13).

For older kids with an interest in developing their woodworking techniques, check out Woodwork at the Art Studio in the Bondi Pavilion (age 9-13 $13), or learn more about pottery and using a potter’s wheel at Pottery in the Pottery Studio at Bondi Pavilion (age 5-12 $13).

Environment

Kids can learn more about the environment in fun surroundings at Bondi Beach. They can make their very own Mini magical garden at Waverley Library, creating a mini garden for pixies, elves and fairies to visit (age 5-10 $6), or learn more about the fascinating world of stick insects at Backyard bugs (age 5-10 $8).

Sharks! at the Marine Discovery Centre at Bondi Pavilion will teach marine enthusiasts more about sharks, how they live, why they are in danger by humans, and what we can do to help (age 5-12 $13).

Workshops

Developing skills over three days, these workshops are great for kids who want to take their skills that bit further.

At the 3-day Acting Workshop in the Seagull Room at Bondi Pavilion ($45), 9-13 year-olds can learn more about drama skills and improvisation, to create their own performance that friends and family can come along and watch on the last day.

The 3-day Video Art Workshop in the Ocean Room at Bondi Pavilion ($85) lets 10-15 year-olds learn different techniques for creating stop-frame animation art that they can develop and continue at home.

At the 3-day Photography Workshop in the Ocean Room at Bondi Pavilion ($85), 9-13 year-olds can start creating great photographs using a digital camera, learning more about light, composition, portraits, landscapes and action shots.

For the full program of activities and how to book, check out the Waverley council website. Remember, most of the activities will require pre-booking, so it’s worth getting organised in advance.

As part of an Australia-wide program, Ben & Jerry’s Openair Cinema stopped off first at Brisbane’s South Bank and Melbourne’s St Kilda Beach, and will head over to Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin for its last stop after its stint at Bondi Beach.

At Bondi, cinema-goers can enjoy a wide range of films, from classics such as Point Break, Top Gun and Pretty Woman, to the newest releases such as Les Miserables, Django Unchained and This is 40.

You could go and see them at a regular cinema, but wouldn’t it that much more exciting to see it outside, under the stars at Bondi Beach?

It’s not just movies, there’s music as well! Each night before the curtain goes up and the movie starts, there will be performances from some of the most exciting emerging local musicians and the best of the Australian music scene.

For anyone who missed dinner or just fancies a snack, there is a range of food outlets sure to tempt almost any tastebud, open all afternoon and into the evening. There is also a fully licensed bar offering a variety of beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks.

And what would a Ben & Jerry’s event be without Ben & Jerry’s ice cream? Check out the Ben & Jerry’s stalls, and don’t forget to pick up your free ice cream during the Sunday Sundae Session!

If you buy two or more tickets online, you can also claim your free second scoop when you visit the Bondi Beach, Manly or Chatswood Ben & Jerry’s stores.

So, what do you need to do? It’s a good idea to head online to get your tickets, as you may find the more popular films sell out fast. If there are tickets left on the day, you can buy them at the gate.

Also, you should try to get there early on the night. There is no reserved seating – except in Star Class – so it’s best to get there early and bag a good spot. Bring a picnic blanket, a lounger, or you could even hire a bean lounger when you get there.

Then it’s time to kick back, relax and enjoy the music, the movie, and the beauty of Bondi Beach!

Over the past eight years, the Havaianas Australia Day Thong Challenge has raised spirits on the beach and raised cash for charity.

The Thong Challenge takes place on five beaches throughout Australia: Cottesloe in Western Australia, Glenelg in South Australia, Torquay in Victoria, Mooloolaba in Queensland, and our very own Bondi Beach in New South Wales.

Last year, Cottesloe took the record, with 2088 people on inflatable thongs floating in the surf. 2013 is tipped to be even bigger!

Besides the Thong Challenge, there will be plenty to keep visitors entertained. Activities lined up by Havaianas include the Havaianas Paddle Challenge, the Havaianas Dash For Thongs, and the Giant Havaianas Relay.

To keep your strength up, you can head on over to the BBQ, or if you want some tunes to dance to and celebrate your Australia Day, check out the DJ and celebrity MC, playing the best Aussie classics.

For visitors who want to take home a memento of their day, there will be a range of merchandise on sale. Or for the cheapskates among you, keep an eye out for volunteers handing out great freebies from Havaianas and their sponsors.

So bring your friends and family, your bathers and your Aussie spirit, and join us on Bondi Beach for an awesome Australia Day this January 26th!

Pre-Register Ticket Price: $25.00

On the Day Ticket Price: $30.00

($10.00 from each registration will go to the local Nippers club at Bondi Beach)

Event Times:

9.00am – 2.00pm, Registrations 8.00am

World Record attempt from 12:00pm, out of the water by 12:45pm

BBQ available from 10.30am – 2.00pm

*Please bear in mind, activities will vary from beach to beach, and not all activities are guaranteed at Bondi Beach.

Sunburnt Christmas is being held on Christmas Day at Bondi Beach from noon ‘til 10pm, where you can enjoy an awesome musical line-up, a traditional Aussie barbeque, and a whole heap of entertainment.

Playing over two stages, artists include DJ Yoda (UK), Ember, Nukewood, Helena (UK), Johnny B, DJ Pooch, Social Hooliganz, Monty (UK), Danny Simms, Shipwreck, Urby (UK), Valentine, I Am Sam & Mr Bongolicious, Jagged Beatz, Matt Scott, Shag, Jarrad Pearse, Gilleh, Sinister Kid and more TBA.

The bar will be open all day, but you can enjoy drink specials between noon and 3pm. Included in the ticket price is the tasty barbeque lunch, so be sure to get your fill and keep up your energy levels to last the day.

If you’re not feeling the music, there will alternative entertainment put on throughout the day, where you can kick back and watch such delights as Miss Christmas 2012 and the Wet T-Shirt Competition!

Or if you feel like indulging in some luxury this Christmas, why not upgrade to a VIP ticket? As a VIP you can enjoy express entry access so you can skip the queues, a VIP barbeque lunch for some fancy snags, two VIP bars, VIP toilets, and access to the Main Stage viewing deck and the VIP Beach Balcony!

Ready to rock out at Sunburnt then? Sold! All you need to remember is your ID (no ID, no entry), a hat and sunscreen so you don’t end up like a lobster, and your ticket. And remember, no BYO!

If you’re bored of the same old story at Christmas, with siblings squabbling and your Gran falling asleep in front of the telly, get out and get Sunburnt instead. Spend Christmas Day on world-famous Bondi Beach and find out the real meaning of party!

January:

Bondi Openair Cinema has become a summer must-see. Held between January and March, the festival offers the chance to see current and classic films on huge outdoor screens. There are gourmet food stalls and a licensed bar, and you also get the chance to see emerging musicians and musical acts before the movie starts.

February:

Bondiesta the Latin Festival day is held in February. A ticketed event, this brings the spirit of South America to Bondi!

March:

Take part in Clean Up Australia Day in Bondi in March, learn more at Seaweek Festival, or experience the beauty of Jewish music at Shir Madness, Bondi’s Jewish music festival.

April:

Get your feet wet in the Bondi Bluewater Challenge Ocean Swim, the Coogee to Bondi Ocean Swim, or get creative at the Bondi Creative Youth Fair.

May:

In May, you can take the Garage Sale Trail, take part in the Bondi Barefoot run, or raise money during the Students on the Streets Charity Sleepout.

June:

Marvel at migrating whales at the Bondi Whale Festival, and celebrate World Environment Day at Bondi Pavilion.

July:

Sparkle on ice at the Bondi Winter Festival! Enjoy ice-skating on the openair ice rink by the sea, watch ice shows and festivals, drink mulled wine, and even meet Santa.

August:

Challenge yourself on the 14km City to Surf fun run. Start off in Sydney CBD and end up in beautiful Bondi. Look out for end-of-race parties and special events. Bondi’s Winter Festival also continues into August.

September:

Go fly a kite at the Festival of the Winds, Australia’s largest kite festival.

October:

Taste the best of local and international cuisine at events held in Bondi as part of Crave Sydney International Food Festival. Sculpture by the Sea also runs from October to November, a coastal walk from Bondi to Tamarama, showcasing the sculptural works of local, Australian and international artists.

November:

One of the finest short film festivals in Australia, Bondi Short Film festival offers a great night out.

Screening 100% Australian content, the festival is completely independent, and offers an excellent opportunity for filmmakers to showcase their work.

December:

Celebrate summer by taking part in the Bondi to Bronte Ocean Swim, swing to the beats at the Afro Latin by the Sea Concert, and enjoy the wonder of Christmas at Carols by the Sea.

Be sure to check out what else is going on at Bondi Beach throughout the year, such as local, state and national competitions in surfing and other sporting codes, theatrical productions, art exhibitions, music festivals, markets, parties and other special events held as a one-off or on a regular basis.

If you’re in Western Australia, visit Margaret River; in Tasmania, visit Bruny Island; in South Australia, visit the Limestone Coast; in Queensland, visit Snapper Rocks; or if you’re in Victoria, visit Bells Beach.

If you happen to be in New South Wales, then one of your stop-offs must be Bondi Beach!

While there are excellent surf locations up and down the New South Wales coast, one of the most iconic has to be Bondi Beach. Known the world over, Bondi has killer waves, killer views, and a killer lifestyle!

If you’re new to surfing, then Bondi Beach can be a great starting point. There are numerous surf schools willing to take on newbies, so whether you are 6 or 60, there is bound to be a class for you.

For the kids, there are after-school classes, for those with a busy week schedule, there are weekend classes. Sign yourself up for a package, or hone your skills with a few private lessons.

Most surf schools offer rental surf gear, where you can get the wetsuit, board, and whatever else you need to get you in the water. Bondi Beach also has a number of surf rental shops, so even if you’re not taking a lesson, you can rent anything you don’t already have.

As a beach suburb, Bondi Beach also has its fair share of surf and surf lifestyle shops. While some can be on the pricey side, you can get kitted out if you need it.

You can also check out the surf before you head out. Go online before you leave the house, and you should be able to see the surf on live surf cameras, and find out the weather forecast and swell report to see what the day will be like.

Once you’re at the beach, say hi to the lifeguards at Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club. You may even get famous if they are filming Bondi Rescue while you are there.

No matter what time of year, Bondi Beach is a great place to surf. So, why not grab your short board, long board, foam board, or boogie board, and get out there and catch some waves!

Wander around the stalls, and you will find homemade jewellery, arts & crafts, vintage clothes, retro furniture, original designer clothes, homewares, and much more. All in the setting of laid-back and beautiful Bondi Beach.

The markets have been around since 1993, drawing in locals, and those from much further away. You can shop for bargains, find the perfect accessory, choose the ultimate gift, or just soak in the atmosphere while enjoying a coffee and a pastry.

But the markets are not just about finding a bargain, they also give back to the community. Funds generated by the markets go to Bondi Beach Public School, and are used to pay for educational programs, facilities and equipment.

The markets are also a place to raise awareness. Organisers at the markets offer free stalls to not-for-profit groups and organisations, to allow them to raise awareness for their causes, and also to raise some money.

The markets are not just for those who visit them, they are also there for the community as well. Bondi prides itself on being a community – one that caters to and welcomes alternative living. One of the great things about the markets is that they are the perfect place for up-and-coming artists, craftspeople, and entrepreneurs to showcase what they have got!

So, if you want to see what Bondi Beach has to offer, head down to the Bondi Markets on a Sunday morning, and see what’s going on! Alternatively, if you want to showcase your talent and think it would fit in with the Bondi vibe, contact the market organisers to find out more.

Running from June 29 to July 15, there will be something to entertain almost everyone at Bondi’s Winter Festival. The beach will be transformed with a huge outdoor ice-rink, entertainment tents and an Alpine Ski Hut, with a wide range of activities arranged over the whole Winter Festival period.

If you fancy reliving your youth – or you just like rocking the 80s style – check out the SK80s Disco Nite on Saturday 30^th June.

Or if you want to cheer on the Blues in the final State of Origin, you can watch the game live in the Alpine Ski Hut on Wednesday 4^th July. The ice rink will also be holding Skate of Origin, where you can watch Blues vs Maroons fighting it out playing ice hockey.

Disney on Ice provides something for the kids, with its on-ice spectacular on Tuesday 10^th July – with free entry! You can also check out the performances from i-skate with their impressive ice-theatre show held on multiple nights throughout the festival.

If you want to see Santa in action, you won’t believe your eyes on Wednesday 11^th July, when more than 142 Santas will take to the ice in order to break the world record! You can also enjoy a special performance by i-skate, plus musical entertainment provided by a live choir and MC Mike Goldman.

The Winter Festival is open from 10am to 10pm every day from June 29^th to July 15^th. Test out your skills on the ice rink, enjoy winter warmers from the Alpine Ski Hut, and enjoy the best of winter at Bondi Beach! Just remember, it might be a good idea to pre-book your tickets to avoid disappointment.

The walk starts at the Bondi Pavilion, then walk down the beachside promenade and continue south along the coastal walk. The walk finishes at Waverley Cemetery – just less than 4km one way. You can choose to walk back the way you came, or you can catch a bus. There are picnic areas with barbeque facilities and toilets at Bondi, Tamarama and Bronte.

At the start of your walk, take a look at the Bondi Pavilion. The building has been around since 1928, and was created when sea swimming became more popular. When it opened it contained changing areas for 12,000 people, a gymnasium, Turkish baths, shopping facilities, and a ballroom, and to this day, is still a fundamental part of Bondi culture.

You can also witness the history of surf living saving in Australia, with both Bondi SBLSC and Bronte SLSC claiming to be the oldest surf living saving club in the world, after both having been in existence since 1906.

Also check out Bondi Icebergs Club above Bondi Baths. Bear in mind that full membership can only be obtained if you swim three out of four Sundays each month during the winter months of May to September, for five years. But you can take a dip to cool off there too, as visitors are welcome!

Keep an eye out for the Aboriginal rock carvings at Marks Park, as well as the views from Mackenzies Point south to Maroubra, where you will see sandstone cliffs that date back to the Triassic Age (190-225 million years BC).

At Bronte, you will see Bronte Baths, open since 1887. Around that time, regulations said that Gentlemen were allowed to swim from daylight to 10am, and then 4pm til dark. Ladies were allowed to swim 10am til 4pm every day apart from Sundays and public holidays, which were reserved exclusively for men.

Waverley Cemetery was established in 1877, and the first body was buried there that year. The cemetery is a fascinating piece of history, with many notable Australians buried there. It’s open from sunrise to sunset, and there are guided tours available.

The Bondi to Waverley Cemetery is the ideal way to spend a few hours. The scenery is spectacular, both facing out to sea and towards land. You are sure to spot some interesting flora and fauna along the way, from native finches in the Banksia, to Eucalyptus, Norfolk Island Pines and Melaleuca. So why not pack a picnic and some sunscreen and head off on an adventure. Just don’t forget your camera!