We love living and working in Bondi and wanted to share our tips on enjoying one of Australia's most beautiful beachside destinations - all through the eyes of a local. If you're planning on a quick trip to Bondi, here's how to make the most of your visit.
STAY
The newly refurbished Ravesis hotel is probably one of the most insta-worthy places to stay in Bondi - located directly across from the beach and situated atop a very lively bar.
If you're after a more serene environment, QT offers boutique accommodation opposite the oceanfront.
We also recommend a stay at the Adina with clean and spacious rooms - on Hall street.
EAT + DRINK
Day one: Start your day right with breakfast at Bills on Hall street - great coffee and a delicious menu with wonderful ambiance. If you're feeling adventurous, you can indulge in the white peach bellini aperitif. For lunch we recommend Lox Stock and Barrel, a deli-style restaurant a few streets back from the beach. The menu is as 'farm to plate' as possible offering the best local, fresh seasonal produce. You can't go past Seans Panorama for dinner - it's a Bondi institution located across from North Bondi beach, just make sure you book well in advance. Wander through the Bondi streets after dinner with a gelato from Messina in-hand and stop for a drink at Bondi Hardware, a cosy bar - perfect for a nightcap.
Day two: Breakfast at Shuk is a must, a deli-style cafe and bakery located in suburban North Bondi with a menu influenced by Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. Stop for a coffee at Gertrude & Alice, it's a cafe and bookstore with a wide selection of books to peruse and purchase. A quick lunch at UMU on Gould street - they offer rotating salads, sushi and juices, all vegetarian. Enjoy sunset drinks at Bondi club bistro (located underneath icebergs). If you're a local you have to join or go in with a member, alternatively entry is free if you're from out of town.
SHOP
Gould street is undoubtably one of the best beachside shopping strips in Sydney - and luckily it's home to the first Bondi Wash store. We have some wonderful neighbours, you can spend the morning shopping at Lucy Folk, Jac and Jack, Venroy, Von Routte, Flannel, Springcourt, Andrea & Joen and Local Elements. It's also worth walking around to Hope & May (on Curlewis street) and Commune (on the corner of Glenayr street).
DO
You can't visit Bondi without a trip to Icebergs. Take a dip in the ocean pool, sit with the locals in the sauna, or enjoy a cocktail at sunset on the balcony at the restaurant (or in the bistro downstairs) - the view is remarkable. Make sure to pack your running shoes and enjoy the walk from Bondi to Bronte, it's 2.5km one-way and is one of the most iconic coastal walks in Sydney.
