15 Best Things to Do in Bondi Beach

There's far more to Bondi than lying on the sand (although that's a fine plan too). Here are the 15 things locals actually rate — a mix of icons, hidden corners and easy wins. Plenty are completely free.

The free essentials

1. Walk the Bondi to Bronte coastal path. The best thing in Bondi, full stop. Cliff-tops, ocean pools and beaches — see our complete walk guide.
2. Swim at the south end, between the flags. Free, patrolled and the gentlest water on the beach.
3. Catch sunrise on the sand. The beach belongs to the locals before 7am, and the light is unreal.
4. Photograph Bondi Icebergs. The most photographed pool in Australia, framed by the surf.
5. Find the Mackenzies Bay "secret beach." A sandbank that appears off the coastal walk in some seasons.

Get active

6. Take a surf lesson. Stand up on your first go with a local school — start with our beginner's surf guide.
7. Hire a board or SUP. By the hour from the shops on Campbell Parade — see the surf & beach guide.
8. Do laps in an ocean pool. Icebergs (small fee) or the free North Bondi pool.
9. Join a beach yoga or pilates class. Several studios run sessions a block from the sand — see local services.
10. Run or cycle the promenade early, before the crowds arrive.

Eat, drink & browse

11. Brunch like a local. Work through our 6 best cafés — coffee one block back from the beach beats the tourist strip.
12. Sunset drinks on the sand. Book the deck at The Bucket List at the Pavilion.
13. Browse the Bondi Markets (Sundays) for vintage, makers and food at the local school grounds.
14. Lose an afternoon at Gertrude & Alice, the bookshop-café on Hall Street — perfect on a grey day.
15. Take a day tour or harbour add-on. Pair Bondi with the rest of Sydney via a small-group tour.

Short on time? Do #1, #2 and #11 and you've had a proper Bondi day.

Ready to plan it all out? Our 48-hour Bondi itinerary threads the best of these into a weekend, and the FAQ covers transport, parking and timing.