The Ultimate Guide to Sydney’s Bondi Beach, Australia

GuidesOceania

Sep 4

Written By Meriel Woolf

Bondi Beach is a laid-back part of the affluent Eastern Suburbs of Sydney and is full of cool coffee shops, independently owned restaurants and boutique stores. It is a fusion of global backpackers, working holiday makers and the well-to-do families of Sydney.

The Basics

**Currency** - Australia uses the Australian Dollar and Sydney is a modern city with contactless payments accepted in most places. Card payment is preferred but in most cases, you can use cash if you wish.
**Transport** - The best app is CityMapper and you can use your contactless card for payment or if your going to be around for a while pick up an Opal card from a newsagent or station. These work the same as a London Oyster card and give you half-price travel once you have completed 8 journeys that week.

To Eat

**Taqiza** - A small (I mean really small) Mexican that does the best spicy margarita around. I recommend ordering a few rounds of margs and a bunch of tacos to share. My personal favourites are Barramundi, Vegan Chorizo and Fried Cheese.

**Raw Bar** - Head towards North Bondi and near the beach, you'll find Bondi's best sushi bar. Always full and you are unable to book so I suggest getting there early or just be prepared to wait. We usually went for a mix of the specials menu which is seasonal, the signature rolls and a Miso soup washed down with a coconut and mandarin Margarita.

**Totti's** - A firm Instagram favourite Tottis is like stepping into a courtyard in Tuscany. The menu is Italian-style Tapas with a selection of pasta to choose from so it's a great place to bring a group of friends so you can try everything on the menu.

**Bills** - Time spent in Bondi, or Australia, wouldn't be complete without several brunches. With mid-century modern interiors and a popular spot for Sydney influencers Bills has your classic Aussie menu with fresh, unique ingredients that make it one of the best places around.

Read my full list of the best cheap eats and restaurants that Bondi has to offer here!

To Shop

**Commune Bondi** - This store summarises the classic Australian aesthetic. It has a nice range of homeware, fashion and kids pieces from local designers that are all ethically made around Australia. Beautiful natural nude tones, textured fabrics and pieces you really won't find anywhere on the high street. Just make sure to bring your credit card...

**Triangl** - Originally known for its fluro neoprene bikinis on tall tanned Instagram models this brand has come a long way from it's first initial years back in 2012. Triangl opened it's first gorgeous store in North Bondi at the end of 2019 with a large array of swimsuits, bikinis and accessories and have expanded their designs, fabrics, sizes and colours.

**Nimble Active** - Have you even been to Bondi if you don't walk around with a coffee in hand wearing something from Nimble? This brand is great not only because the designs are effortlessly wearable but because everything is made from recycled water bottles. How great! They are also relatively affordable and give you something way more unique to take home than globally available Lululemon.

Tuchuzy - If there was ever an 'It' girl store this is the one. All those beautiful Boho-inspired designs you see on Instagram but you can never find are available to shop here. More edgy designs than Commune but still as unique and full of a delightfully curated selection of Aussie designers.

Scoop Wholefoods - Not a fashion boutique but equally as exciting. This is a zero-waste bulk food store that stocks a great range of chocolate, sweet and savoury treats for your evening TV watching. I would recommend the chocolate-covered orange peel and caramel chocolate.

To Do

**Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk** – An essential for anyone visiting Sydney. The trail begins just behind Icebergs and is 3.5 miles one way taking you over rocky cliffs and sandy beaches with panoramic views throughout. There are many places to stop for a dip at some of my favourite beaches or grab a quick coffee en-route.

**Sunday Markets** – Markets are big in Aus and are a great way to discover local artisans, food stalls and fresh produce. Unlike a lot of markets in the UK that sell the same cuckoo clocks on repeat, these are full of fresh and contemporary accessories, swimwear and clothing. This market in particular is also a lot less commercial than the one you will find at the rocks in the CBD.

**Take an outdoor fitness class** – Bondi comes into its element early morning and there is nothing better than watching the sun rise a 6am. If you are feeling up to it book one of the many outdoor workout classes available such as Military Bootcamp or Yoga by the Sea.

Rent a Surf Board – Known to be one of the best beaches for surfing in Sydney the promenade is scattered with shops selling and renting out wetsuits and boards. If you are new to this world you can take a lesson at Let's go Surfing which is based in north Bondi.

Take a pottery class - On the road stretching between Bondi Beach and Bondi Junction, you will find one of my favourite spots to get creative. Bondi Clay offers a host of classes, workshops or masterclasses for all abilities and class sizes including wheel throwing or hand building. The workspace is fresh and bright with professional and friendly staff to guide you along the way.