Widely known as Sydney’s most iconic beach, it’s no surprise Bondi Beach attracts tourists from around the world, year-round. Bondi is a melting pot for people from all backgrounds and that makes it a diverse, interesting, and fun place to live or visit. While there are an endless number of fun things to do in Bondi, here are a few local Bondi tips for first-time visitors.
Skye Gilkeson
There are so many fun things to do in Bondi on and off the sand.| © Skye Gilkeson
12 Epic Things to Do in Bondi Beach
1. Learn to Surf
If you’re new to surfing but keen to have your Keanu Reeves moment, there’s no better stretch to learn on than the famed Bondi Beach.
One of the best places to learn how to surf in the world, this really is one of the most iconic things to do in Bondi.
But, to avoid becoming an unscripted talent on Bondi Rescue, it’s best to book a Bondi surf lesson with a local to help get you started.
While the Southern end of Bondi Beach can catch the inexperienced surfer or swimmer out, Bondi’s beautiful sheltered northern stretch can be the perfect spot to learn.
Choose early morning or weekday to book a lesson as Bondi is popular with locals and tourists alike.
Most companies offer private lessons, group lessons, lessons for kids, and surfing camps.
Book a surf lesson with a Bondi surf school.
2. Start with a Typical Bondi Breakfast
Bondi cafes plate up some of the most appealing meals we’ve eaten anywhere. If you are partial to farm-to-plate fare you’ll love that most Bondi Cafes showcase local produce in healthy and delicious ways.
While the cafe scene in Bondi is pretty dynamic, we have some new and more established favourite picks for the best breakfast in Bondi.
Read more in our guide to the best breakfast in Bondi.
Related: Bowral Cafes – A Foodie’s Guide to the Southern Highlands
Enjoy one of the many incredible Bondi breakfast options. | © Skye Gilkeson
3. Go for a Round of Lawn Bowls and Beers
“Let’s go for a round of lawn bowls” doesn’t necessarily scream raging Saturday afternoon straight off the page.
But, barefoot bowls are a very fun Australian pastime. And a great way to spend the day with a big group of friends, new or old.
Book a lane or two at the Bondi Bowling Club (or the Bondi Bowlo as it is affectionately known).
Settle in for an afternoon of bowls, beers, comfort-food snacks, and giggles.
This is definitely one of the most unique ways to experience Bondi. But it is such a fun way to spend an afternoon with friends or to celebrate a birthday.
4. Eat Dinner on the Grassy Knoll
Of all of the things to do in Bondi, there’s little that is more of a local activity than joining the community at one of their unofficial social gatherings on the grassy knoll.
A popular spot almost any night of the week you’ll find a stream of locals drawn to the Grassy Knoll as the sun starts to set.
Some come straight from an afternoon stretched on the sand, hair wet and sarong stained with saltwater.
Others, step off the bus, grab a takeaway meal from a local Bondi cafe, turn left at the Bondi Pavilion, and head north to the Ben Bucker Hill (known as the Grassy Knoll), still dressed in their suit from work (shoes optional).
It’s a beautiful unwritten tradition that locals share and something we used to do several times a week.
A takeaway drink or meal, something packed from home, a shared towel, and the epic pink peach of the breathtaking Bondi sunset makes for a perfect Bondi goodnight.
If you’re grabbing some takeaway stop at Fish Shop or North Bondi Fish for some fancy takeaway fish and chips, sashimi, and other daily fresh options.
Cafe Bondi is a good spot to pick up a sandwich or salad (they close around 4 pm), bRU Coffee has some delicious, healthy options (closing at around 2 pm), and Speedos right off the sand even has the aptly named The Grassy Knoll on their menu to try (closes at about 3 pm).
Most cafes now offer pre-orders online so you can grab your food and snag a spot on the grass without waiting.
If you are after a quieter spot, walk further up the hill to Sam Fiszman Park up on Ben Buckler with panoramic views back over all of Bondi.
Find and book Sydney tours and activities
Related: What to do in Mollymook
Join the locals shopping at the weekend farmers and makers’ Bondi Markets.| © Skye Gilkeson
5. Visit the Bondi Markets
The Bondi Markets are generally split into a farmers’ markets on Saturday and a makers’ market on Sunday.
The Saturday weekend market is a lovely chance to grab some goodies for your self-contained accommodation or for snacks to take to the beach.
The produce is predominantly organic and deliciously fresh. There are also stalls selling everything from smoothies to coffee and fresh Acai bowls. Settle in on the grass for some breakfast after your shop and you’ll likely be serenaded by a local musician too.
The Sunday markets have launched the careers of many famous fashion designers.
Stop in from 10 am to shop handmade wares made by up-and-coming designers. The perfect presents to take home to family.
Find more information here.
6. Enjoy a Day at Bondi Beach
There’s nothing more ‘Bondi’ than spending the day at one of Sydney’s best beaches. But, where should you set up your umbrella?
Well, our pick is always the northern end of the beach. North Bondi offers a more sheltered place to swim.
One of the best things to do in Bondi with kids is to set up near the ocean pool, spend time in and out of the water, and explore the rock pool further around the point
While the southern end of Bondi Beach can get a bit hairy – with huge waves and strong currents the north end of the beach is much more gentle and some days can even resemble a beach in the Mediterranean it’s so smooth.
7. Do the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk
First thing in the morning is the best time to hit the Bondi to Bronte walk, a well-worn path that winds from the southern end of the beach (grab a photo at the Bondi Beach graffiti wall before you head off) to Bronte beach (via stunning Tamarama).
While the path around the foreshore isn’t lit by streetlights, you’ll still find some locals on the track as early as 5 am getting their steps in before the day begins.
The loop is fairly gentle, with a couple of steeper sections. Those with prams will need a little help up and downstairs in parts. A baby carrier would be easier to manage.
I recommend you avoid mid-morning on Saturday or Sunday to avoid the crush of people. To learn about Bondi’s history as you go, book into a small group guided walk.
There are also many little picnic spots along the way around the headlands (or down on Tamarama Beach) with scenic views should you need a rest or want to relax with a coffee.
If you have more energy you could go even further and take on the Coogee coastal walk. You’ll be rewarded with some spectacular views as you make your way around the heads on the Coogee walk.
Stop in at the Coogee Pavillion for a coffee or lunch (they have an amazing play area for kids on the ground floor) before walking back again.
Here are some of the other most beautiful Sydney Coastal Walks you should try on your visit to see some of the best examples of Sydney’s natural beauty.