A Weekend Guide to Bondi Beach:Best Places To See, Eat & Shop
Bondi is one of the most famous beaches in the world, home to its iconic golden sand, top-rated eateries and world-class shopping. Whether you’re visiting Bondi for the first time or are a seasoned Bondi beachgoer, we’ve compiled our weekend guide on the best places to eat, shop and play.
THINGS TO DO IN BONDI
Bondi has a million things to do and see, with special events throughout the year such as Sculptures By The Sea, the Winter Bondi Festival and City 2 Surf. The best thing to do in Bondi is to simply enjoy the beach! It can get pretty busy, so arriving early and bringing a sun shelter or beach umbrella is a must to stay sun-safe. You can also try stand-up paddleboarding, renting a bike, beach yoga or enjoying a game of beach cricket.
Bondi is known for its surf culture, and we’d recommend taking a board out. Lessons, boards and wetsuits are available so you can also start your surfing journey at any time of year.
Once you’re done relaxing on the beach or going for a swim, we’d highly recommend some of the coastal walks around the area. The popular Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is a scenic 6km walk passing through stunning viewpoints, beaches and rock pools. For a shorter trip, there’s also the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk which is only 2.5km and offers a chance to visit the picturesque Bronte Beach.
If you want a break from the ocean, take a dip in the famous Bondi Icebergs Pool – an ocean-fed pool with incredible views of the beach.
WHERE TO EAT IN BONDI
Fresh seafood, beachfront cafes and the best bars – you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to places to eat or drink in Bondi. Our faves have to be: For coffee: Lox Stock & Barrel is our go-to for a morning coffee and freshly baked bagel. It can get busy – particularly on the weekend, so we’d recommend visiting early to skip the queues. For brunch: Two minutes from the beach, Bills Bondi is an impeccably designed cafe and Sydney institution. Indulge in a relaxed brunch with their famous ricotta hotcakes, avo on toast and other classic dishes. For the best seafood: Delight in fresh seafood dishes at North Bondi Fish – complete with a stunning view of Bondi Beach.
For sweet treats: There’s no better way to beat the heat than an icecream at the beach. Choose from 150 flavours of handmade icecream, gelato and frozen yoghurt from Anita’s Gelato. For picture-perfect dining: Lola’s Italian & Bar: Step into this nostalgic eatery to enjoy panoramic beach views, modern Italian dishes and edgy cocktails. For a drink: Ikaria is a meze bar inspired by the Greek island of the same name. Enjoy Mediterranean share plates, European wines and a long cocktail list in this beautifully designed space.
WHERE TO SHOP
Enjoy the best of relaxed beach fashion, homewares and art at Bondi. From local businesses to global brands, there are so many places to see and shop.
Westfield Bondi Junction is a 15-minute train ride from the city and is on the way to Bondi Beach. The heart of shopping on the Eastern Beaches, the centre has more than 300 stores, abundant food options and, most importantly, air-conditioning.
We’ve recently opened our new KIVARI Bondi Junction Boutique, which is definitely worth a visit! See us on Level 2, where we showcase the best of coastal-inspired fashion, versatile silhouettes and consciously-crafted pieces. Gould Street and Hall Street are other great spots to visit with surf shops, stylish homeware stores and unique fashion boutiques. Located a block away from Campbell Parade (Bondi’s beachfront street), Gould Street is an easy walk from the shore.
If you’re looking for fresh produce, gourmet food, flowers and artisanal products – look no further than the Bondi Farmers Market. Enjoy this vibrant marketplace and support local farmers with stalls open every Saturday from 9am-1pm.
With so many things to see, eat and do in Bondi, you’re guaranteed to have a great day out. Accordingly, we’ve also compiled an edit of our top styles to wear on your visit to Bondi. Explore the edit below.
