Bondi Beach, Australia’s most famous beach, is located in the suburb of
Bondi, in the Local Government Area of Waverley, seven kilometres from the
centre of Sydney. Bondi is believed to be an Aboriginal word meaning the sound
of breaking waves. There are Aboriginal Rock carvings on the northern end of
the beach at Ben Buckler and south of Bondi Beach near McKenzies Beach on the
coastal walk.
Bondi Beach is about one kilometre long and has many tourists visit throughout
the year. Surf Life Saving Australia has given different hazard ratings to
Bondi Beach in 2004. While the northern end has been rated a gentle 4 (with 10
as the most hazardous), the southern side is rated as a 7 due to a famous rip
current known as the "Backpackers Rip" (also known as the "Bondi
Tram" or the "Bronte Express" because you would supposedly end
up at Bronte - two beaches south - if caught in it). In actual fact, there are
up to five rip currents operating along the beach, the Backpackers' Express
being the one closest to the designated swimming area. There is an underwater
shark net shared, during the summer months, with other beaches along the
southern part of the coast.
Bondi Beach is the end point of the City to Surf Fun Run which is held each
year in August. The race attracts over 63,000 entrants who complete the 14 km
run from the central business district of Sydney to Bondi Beach. Other annual
activities at Bondi Beach include Flickerfest, Australia's premier
international short film festival in January, World Environment Day [2] in
June, and Sculpture By The Sea in November. In addition to many activities, the
Bondi Beach Markets is open every Sunday. Many Irish and British tourists spend
Christmas Day at the beach.
The valley running down to the beach is famous world over for its view of
distinctive red tiled roofs. Under these you’ll find an eclectic mix of
semi-detached houses and apartments dating back to the early 1930’s, California
bungalows and large freestanding house. In the last decade, Bondi Beaches'
unique position has seen a dramatic rise in svelte contemporary houses and
apartments to take advantage of the views and scent of the sea.
Bondi Beach has a commercial area along Campbell Parade and adjacent side
streets. Bondi Beach features many popular cafes, restaurants and hotels, with
spectacular views of the beach. Hotel Bondi is a famous landmark opposite the
beach featuring a number of popular bars and restaurants. The nearby Swiss
Grande Hotel Bondi Beach is also a landmark development opposite the beach.
Bondi Beach is all about casual dining. From a simple kebab or burger and a
view of the ocean through the casual chic grazing of Hugo’s, Raw Bar, Lamrock
or Ravesi’s, the beach has it all. There are plenty of cafes for tea, coffee or
a glass of wine from breakfast through to till late at night.
Bondi
Beach Public School and Bondi Public Schoold are the State schools, with Gallilee
Catholic School, Rabinovich Yeshiva College, Waverley College, Moriah College,
Sydney Grammar, Scots, Cranbrook, Ascham and Kamala are private schools , or
Vaucluse and Dover Heights High only a short distance from Bondi Beach.