Back to Bondi: Why I Went Twice During One Week in Sydney
- Dr. K.
- Jul 21
- 4 min read
I was in Sydney for just a week. That’s not a lot of time for a city this big. But even with a packed schedule, I found myself returning to Bondi Beach—not once, but twice.
I live in a beach town, so I wasn’t expecting to be this surprised. But Bondi has a pull to it. It’s not just the coastline, although it’s so beautiful. It’s the way people use it: walking their dogs before work, plunging into the cold ocean pool like it’s nothing, lining up for coffee still in wet swimsuits. The beach feels like a real part of their lives—a daily rhythm.
My first visit was on a winter afternoon, and the second was at sunrise. Each one offered a distinct experience I kept thinking about later.
Getting There and That Steep Climb
Bondi Beach is tucked into a pocket below street level, and getting there involves a steep descent. It’s walkable, but not comfortable. Most people seemed to take Ubers or taxis, especially on colder days. We did the same.
Before you even reach the sand, you pass through Bondi’s neighborhood strip: juice bars, boutiques, bookstores, ice cream, brunch cafés, and surf shops. It has a beach-town feel with an urban edge—busy but local. Once you reach the shore, the horizon opens wide, and that’s when you start to understand the scale of it.
By 10:30 a.m., we were shedding jackets. It was winter, but the sun had warmed everything. Locals were out with their kids, walking barefoot, carrying surfboards, or just watching the waves. Even though Bondi draws heavy foot traffic, it still feels like a place locals actively use—not just a backdrop for visitors.
Bondi Icebergs: The Cold Pool and the Culture Around It
At the southern edge of the beach, Bondi Icebergs sits built into the rocks—part pool, part landmark. The water comes directly from the ocean, filtered in naturally, and when we visited, it was around 15°C (60°F). People swam laps in swimsuits or wetsuits, and swimwear is required for pool entry.
Entry is $10 AUD. Towels can be rented for $5 AUD. If you forgot a swimsuit, there’s a small shop where you can buy one (about $70 AUD). Upstairs, there’s a café with views straight out over the water. You can sit with a warm drink and watch the ocean crash against the pool wall, which is a show in itself.
Bondi Icebergs isn’t just a social spot—it’s a public swimming club with a long history. Locals train here year-round, regardless of temperature, and it’s one of Sydney’s most iconic ocean pools.
The Coastal Walk: Bondi to Coogee
Next to Icebergs is the beginning of the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk—a cliffside trail that rises, dips, and winds for several kilometers along the water. The path isn’t flat or easy. It’s uneven in spots, and parts of it are steep.
You pass tide pools, steep staircases, ocean cliffs, and a mix of visitors—some climbing quickly, others pausing to rest, take photos, or enjoy the view before continuing.
While some homes are visible along the cliffs, they’re mostly set higher up and tucked behind walls or greenery—not directly on the path, but always in sight.
We walked just part of it before turning back. Even after we left, I kept thinking about the pace of the walk and the way the coastline framed every stretch of the path.
Second Visit: Early Morning Light and Bondi Awake
We came back again just before 7 a.m.
The air was cold, but people were already out. I saw runners, dog walkers, and a group of friends chatting as they walked toward the beach. Someone was stretching near the benches. Others headed into the gym next to Icebergs. A few had already started swimming laps in the pool—wetsuits on, steam rising from the water. It was quiet, but not empty.
We stood near the southern end of the beach, where the view of the sunrise is angled rather than direct. Had we been farther north (look up Ben Buckler Point), we would have seen the sun rise more clearly over the horizon. Even so, the gradual shift in light across the sky and ocean made the early wake-up feel worthwhile.
Why Bondi Was Worth a Second Trip
I later learned that clifftop homes in Bondi regularly sell for $15 to $20 million. That tracks—it’s one of Sydney’s most desirable zip codes.
But the beach doesn’t feel private. The benches are open. The walkways are public. You can sit anywhere and stay as long as you like.
There’s a sense that Bondi operates on its own terms.
And that’s exactly why I made time to go back.
Planning a trip to Bondi? This guide will help.
Bondi is known for surfing. Learn to surf?
Sign up for a private Sydney City and Bondi Beach Half Day Tour
This one is customized and comes with a 12-seat vehicle. Their suggested itinerary includes an hour at Bondi Beach)
