Bondi Beach Sydney Australia

Bondi Beach delightfully wraps itself around the suburb of the same name in Sydney, Australia. Pronounced BOND-eye, this one kilometer beach has a good mix. On one end, you'll find water gentle enough to let your cares escape. And on the other end, Surf Life Saving Australia has given Bondi Beach a 7 out of 10, with 10 being the most hazardous! Where's the Bondi Blonde?

What gives Bondi Beach its celebrity is a famous rip current. Locals call it the Backpackers Express, the Bondi Tram, or the Bronte Express, as you would supposedly end up at Bronte Beach if you got caught in the thing. But Bondi Beach has more than the one rip. We were told there are five known rip currents that operate off the beach. Backpackers is simply the most common because it is closest to shore, to people wading, swimming. You get the picture.

Isn't offshore Sydney shark territory? Indeed. And Bondi shares a shark net with other beaches in the area. The local government checks the nets often for tears. There are also lifeguards on duty. And there hasn't been a shark fatality since... 1937.

Remember the Olympics in Australia? That was in the summer of 2000. It was here on Bondi Beach that the Olympic beach volleyball was held. A temporary stadium made to hold 10,000 was placed on the beach. The local government of Waverley now frowns of volleyball at the beach, not because it isn't cool, but because of the amount of space it takes up on the sand. Remember, one kilometer beach, thousands of residents living within meters.

So now that we have you scared with the shark and rip currents, why go? Ha! The southern end of Bondi Beach we found some cool "Baths" - the Bondi Baths - over 100 years old we're told. And at the northern end there is a wading pool for kids. These are actual pools, two of them! Now out in the ocean, remember to stay within the marked swimming areas (red/yellow flags), and when the surf is up. It's best to stay near the shore.

Bondi Beach - Beach Index:

• Sand - lightly packed light tan in color, medium to fine grain
• Facilities - full with the beautiful Bondi Pavillion and the Swiss Grande Hotel
• Shade - rent an umbrella, otherwise lots of sunscreen
• Sports - a few rentals along the strip, beach toys, surf boards
  
• Notes - obey local signage, nice beach in the metro area