There are more things to do in Bondi than visiting Bondi Beach, so welcome to our guide specifically written for locals or any ex-pats new to Australia.
Bondi beach is easy to get to on public transport from the city with buses running every 10 minutes from Bondi junction station. So there really is no excuse not to finish this vibrant ocean suburb and see all that Bondi offers!
1. Do the epic Bondi to Manly walk
Looking for a bit of a challenge when looking for things to do in Bondi? Why not do the amazing Bondi to Manly walk? Our writer Lucy completed it and wrote this Bondi to Manly Walk Guide so you’ll know what to expect.
You can book this Bondi Beach to Manly Walk tour where you’ll get transfers between each hotel during the multi-day adventure as well as a guidebook and walking app so you can learn about the landmarks you pass by.
2. Or tackle the classic Bondi Beach to Coogee Walk
It would be wrong if we didn’t include the classic Bondi to Coogee beach or Bondi to Bronte walk in this article. Our reader @charlotte_r_5439 highlighted the fact that she can’t come here without completing the Bondi to Coogee Walk. There’s a reason why this walk is one of the most popular walks in Sydney and the best tourist attraction in the Eastern Suburbs.
The 6KM walk goes really fast because you’ll spend most of your time in awe of the beauty. Bring a camera with you and your swimmers because you’ll want to stop off and enjoy the many rock pools or beaches along the way including Tamarama beach next door to Bondi. There are many bus routes along the way taking you back to Bondi junction if you decide to cut the walk short too.
3. Make Your Own Kombucha Class In Bondi
It surely doesn’t get any more Bondi than going to a learn how to make kombucha class does it? Bondi is the epicentre of health, so learning how to make kombucha and fermented veggies is one of the most unique things to do in this surburb.
We’ll all for finding different things to do in Sydney, so grab your mates or your loved ones and spend the day not only learning all about the process, but you’ll be able to take your very own homemade kombucha home with you.
You’ll also have the opportunity to learn how to ferment veggies and cultured pickles, sauerkraut or kefi.
The great thing about going to this kombucha class in Bondi, is you’ll gain the skills to make your own after the class has finished so you’ll never have to buy it from the shop again!
4. Find The Secret Beach
How many of you have heard of Mackenzies Bay? Every few years, this secret beach appears between Bondi beach and Tamarama beach. It’s a great place to swim and sunbath so make sure you check it out!
5. Get lost in the epic Bondi Pavilion
After a $48 million refurbishment, Bondi Pavilion overlooking Bondi beach is incredible. Get involved in workshops, history tours, exhibitions, Aboriginal talks as well as music, theatre and film events. Bondi Pavilion is now a thriving creative hub for the community, you can even stop for a bite to eat or shop.
6. Check Out Bondi Markets
Bondi Markets are solely worth coming to Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs for. Situated at the North end of Campbell Parade, you’ll find everything at the Bondi Markets, from gifts, flowers, second-hand clothing, homemade jams and local produce at these Saturday markets. Shopping by the beach? Surely that’s one of everyone’s favourite things to do!
7. Take a gut Healing Japanese Cooking Class
One in four Aussies suffer from gut health problems and if you follow our blog, you’ll know that Steve and I both suffer from terrible gut problems in Australia.
The good news is that there’s an awesome gut-healing Japanese Cooking Class in the heart of Bondi so you can discover the best foods to cook in your very own home. You’ll spend the whole day learning from Yoshiko who is one of the best in the industry, has written a couple of cookbooks and has worked on the popular TV show, The Biggest Loser.
8. Tick off the Aussiest thing to do; learn to Surf
Tick off an iconic thing to do on Bondi beach, Australia’s most popular water sports, learn to surf! One of the best surf schools in Australia, they also offer surfing in Ballina, Byron Bay and Maroubra.
In the two-hour surfing lessons, you’ll learn how to catch your first wave at Australia’s most famous beach! This is a great option for anyone who’s visiting Sydney or if you’re like me, you’ve never actually tried to surf… this is your time to do it now!
9. Relax into a Meditation Class
If you’ve not done meditation before or if you’re looking to further your meditation skills, why not take a Vedic Meditation class in Bondi.
Meditation is all about learning how to connect with your own energy and Vedic meditation is the world’s easiest form.
The skills you’ll learn in this meditation class in Sydney will give you the power to access your deep meditative state anywhere so you can stay calm in any situation. What better place to be silent, breath and connect that Bondi beach?
10. Tick off the best restaurants and cafes in Bondi
Bondi is renowned for serving up some of the best food in Sydney! Check out our Where To Eat In Bondi Guide, written by a British expat who has lived in the area for years. In this guide, she filters out the terrible cafes and opts for the best food you’ll need to know about in the Bondi Beach region. Think delicious breakfasts, healthy lunches and drool worthy dinner options.
11. Get drunk with the Irish at Tea Gardens
There’s a legendary Irish pub in Bondi Junction that all Irish backpackers go to on the weekends. It’s packed, drunken and lots of fun, especially for British and Irish backpackers!
12. Find The Beautiful Diamond Bay
Diamond Bay is a stunning part of Sydney which will make you think you’ve been transported to somewhere like Greece. Whilst it’s on the Bondi beach to Watson’s Bay federation cliff walk, make sure you’re careful as it is a bit off the path.
Don’t put yourself at risk, even if it’s just for a photo. But admire the amazing steps which we think must have been a house here one day before it eroded away.
On your way there, don’t miss the Aboriginal rock carvings at the beginning of the golf course at North Bondi. Check out our full guide for the Best 22 Hikes In Sydney to find more hidden gems!
13. Dine at Bondi Icebergs Dining Room
Dining with a prime view of Bondi beach? Yes please!
Bondi Icebergs Dining Room know how to bring a touch of class to the surf lifestyle in Bondi. At the Southern end of Bondi beach, you can dine on delicious seafood or try their fine dining tasting menu, all whilst you sip on a cocktail overlooking the ocean and spot some great surfing tricks!
14. Go For A Swim At Bondi Icebergs
It’s a classic option and there’s no wonder why our reader @jessmpascoe would always come to Bondi Icebergs when she’s in Bondi beach.
I must admit, I’ve only tried to swim at Bondi Icebergs once in my life. Having come from England, I was so excited to see this pool for the first time. I bought a pair of googles from the reception and I paid for a swim – but I lasted one length of Bondi baths before I got out. This is because I thought it was going to be like a swimming pool, not an ocean pool. There’s a big difference, especially if there’s a lot of waves on the day you go.
You don’t have to swim though, there’s a sauna and cafe to hang out amongst Bondi’s hottest locals and spend the day showing off your hot bod. Or do number 9 on this list and sip a cocktail upstairs at Bondi Icebergs Dining Room.
15. Or Go To Wally Weekes Ocean Pool
North Bondi’s ocean pool, Wally Weekes Pool, sits next door to the children’s pool with stunning views at the golden sands of Bondi beach. This lesser known swimming pool attracts locals, marine life and the best part is, it’s free!
16. Make Your Own Ceramics
One of the most popular classes in Bondi is a ceramics class because you’ll be able to make your own beautiful crockery to use at home. Say goodbye to buying cheap Ikea crockery because you’ll going to learn from some of the best ceramic makers in Sydney! How cool would it be to always have something in your home you handmade at Bondi beach?
17. Don’t Miss A Bondi Sunrise
Sunrise really is a sight to be seen across the golden sands of this famous beach. It just blows my mind seeing how busy it is at the crack of dawn – honestly it’s like it’s the middle of the day.
Everyone is up and about, whether they are taking part in bootcamp classes, meditating, doing yoga on the beach, walking their dogs, going for a swim at Icebergs pool or a surf. It’s all happening at sunrise! Plus, the sunrise is usually spectacular and dare I say it, one of the best in New South Wales.
If you’re driving, there’s not a lot of traffic, plus you’ll get a parking spot right next to the beach!
If you’re looking to join a group at sunrise to make new friends, check out Sunrise Social, held at Bronte Beach on Saturday mornings for expats.
18. Or A Bondi Sunset On The Grass At North Bondi
Sunrise in Bondi might be amazing, but the sunset light is also pretty incredible too. Although you won’t see the sunset over the water thanks to being on the East Coast, you’ll certainly get that sunset glow along the beach, nothing screams Australia more than that!
Locals congregate at the grassy knoll at the northern end of the beach to hang out during the golden hour. Pop over to Speedo’s next door and pick up a cocowhip in time for sunset.
Speedo’s featured on our best breakfast in Sydney list as the most instagrammable cafe in the world, seriously check them out.
19. Get A Free Game Of Bondi Lawn Bowls
Our reader @lewisdewcpfc told us how much he loves to play a classic Aussie game of lawn bowls at Bondi Bowling Club based in North Bondi. It’s a game many ex-pats don’t expect to be so popular in Australia but once they do it, they realise how awesome it is!
On Tuesday nights, there’s trivia night with heaps of prizes and their events and food and drink specials change weekly.
20. Try your hand at Scuba Diving
Surfing is often what you think of first when you think about Australian culture but scuba diving is so easily accessible here, you have the full ocean and marine life at your fingertips! With the Dive Centre Bondi, you can take scuba diving or snorkel tours or even just hire the equipment yourself. I couldn’t think of a better way to explore this famous beach than heading into the ocean, could you? Check out our review of Scuba Diving in Sydney!
21. Explore The Bondi Famers Markets
Not confusing you with Bondi Markets, Bondi Farmers Markets take place every Saturday from 9am-1pm at Bondi Public School.
Instead of shopping at one of the supermarket giants, support Aussie farmers and buy locally buying shopping at the Farmers Markets. You’ll be able to buy homemade jams, oils, herbs, cheeses, meat, veggies, flowers and so much more!
22. Stock Up On Your Insta Feed
Whilst there’s many Instagram worthy photos to take at Bondi beach, go check out the famous street art wall on the beachfront promenade which is an ever changing art space. Bondi beach graffiti wall will make your instagram wall stand out, I’m sure!
We also love the famous street art wall on the side of Noah Backpackers. Make sure you go check it out!
23. Relax in to a basket weaving class
If the idea of spending a couple of hours exploring new ways to connect with mother nature in a mindful and sustainable way, then book a basket weaving class in Bondi.
You’ll learn how to make your own basket to put in your home out of cane or banana leaf. Once you’ve mastered the art of weaving from natural fibres, you’ll be able to create your own shapes to build your basket.
Just imagine your baskets at home amongst your plants and you’ll soon feel like your home is complete with a truly unique souvenir from Australia.
24. Picnic At Dudley Page Reserve
One of the best Sydney Harbour views sits right in the heart of Dover Heights at Dudley Reserve.
Its great for an Instagram spot of the scenic views at sunset and is the perfect spot for a picnic with friends or family. Some may argue it’s the best sunset they’ve seen in Australia.
If you’re around on New Years Eve, this is an awesome spot to bring in the new year!
25. Go Shopping In Bondi
Bondi is home to some fantastic Aussie boutique shops and surf shops. I always seem to gravitate towards Assembly Label which is a beautiful minimalist’s dream. Be careful with sizing though, it is slightly all over the place.
Our reader @travellingwithamanchild loves thrift shopping in this Sydney suburb. Her favourites include Vinnies and second hand shop, U Turn. Make sure you check these out to find some hidden gems when you’re next looking for things to do in Bondi.
Bondi Festivals you should check out!
26. Sculpture By The Sea
Sculpture By The Sea is one of the biggest art festivals in Sydney and is in fact the largest free to the public sculpture exhibition in the world!
The sculpture trail features over 100 local and international pieces of work which sits on the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk. You can get some amazing shots of the light hitting the sculptures with incredible beaches as a backdrop.
Sculpture By The Sea usually takes place for a couple of weeks in Spring from late October – mid November.
Need more ideas of things to do in Sydney in Spring? There’s so much happening, we put together a Spring guide for you!
27. Festival Of The Winds
At the end of August or beginning of September, Bondi beach becomes a huge kite festival known as the Festival Of The Winds! The free festival attracts more than 70,000 people and is known as being one of the largest kite festival’s in the world, right here in Australia!
28. Bondi Winter Festival
The Bondi Festival is Bondi’s biggest festival which takes over the beachfront promenade and some of the Bondi pavilion.
Although it’s mainly famous for having a (small) ice skating rink next to the iconic beach, there’s actually a lot more going on than you think. Expect comedy shows, theatre, cabaret, live music and much more during the Winter Festival. Blink and you’ll think it’s Christmas!
Looking for more things to do in Sydney in Winter? Don’t worry, we got you!
29. City2Surf Festival
Known as the biggest fun run in the world, City2Surf attracts 80,000 runners who run the 14km track from Sydney CBD to Bondi every August. Most people dress up in fancy dress and finish the day with a beer in their hand in Bondi.
Even if running isn’t your thing, sign up with your friends and enjoy this huge Sydney event.
More Sydney guides to check out!
Looking for more inspiration for things to do in Sydney, places to visit and hidden gems to discover? Check out our full list of Sydney Guides as well as a few popular post below to get started with!
- 7 Alternative Bondi Walks To Do
- 7 Paddington Pubs To Remind You Of England
- 10 Best Sydney Beaches Near Bondi Beach
- 18 Best Bondi Restaurants For Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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