Living In Bondi Beach

Arguably the most famous suburb in Australia, Bondi Beach is extremely diverse; an area where beach meets city, and day to evening can change dramatically, but where everyone becomes part of the “Bondi Bubble”.

Calling travellers far and wide, there’s no doubt that it’s a lively place to work and visit, due to the large amount of cafes, wine bars and restaurants, markets, hostels and coastal living. When it comes to eating out, there’s a focus on health with amazing vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, and the beach boasts excellent opportunities to keep fit, including surfing and free outdoor gyms. Those that have been ingrained into the Bondi way of life will know, when they start the day with some form of exercise and coconut water.

If you’re not one for surfing, you’ll definitely notice those that are, taking to the waves as early as 5am, just as the sun rises over the horizon, which either way you don’t want to miss. Whatever your interests, you can’t pass by the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. One of the most popular things to do, the views of the ocean are spectacular, a swim at Gordon’s Bay unforgettable, and best of all – it’s completely free. Do the walk backwards (Coogee to Bondi) to end up in this vibrant hub.

When day turns to night, everything changes. Coconut water is spiced up with rum, and those that work out hard, party even harder. The bars, clubs and restaurants cater to wine drinkers, beer sippers and cocktail enthusiasts, and the food is devilishly good. For a solid meal, you can’t go wrong with a burger. Bondi is renowned for them, but you’ll find the most satisfying of selections at Moo Gourmet Burgers. The healthy ideal hasn’t waned, with all ingredients being fresh, homemade and free range (they even sell H2Coco Water), but make sure to indulge in one of the flavoured milkshakes. In terms of the main event, you’ve got a choice of meats including kangaroo, lamb and duck, but you can go traditional with a twist and sink your teeth into the Wagyu Beef with caramelized onions and Tasmanian brie.

If you’re in search of bar-hopping, you’ll find them all within easy reach. Mr Moustache on Hall Street is Bondi’s home to Mezcal and a sharing menu they reckon you could get through in one sitting. Most appealing to groups of girls looking for specialist cocktails, you can let your hair down while the staff take care of you. Seeing everyone from families to Tinder dates, Fat Rupert’s is on the famous Bondi Road that leads you to the beach. Come here for dessert (the cheesecake flavour changes every week, forcing you to return) and order the Emerald Forest No. 2 for a sweet and savoury balance with floral notes.

On Friday nights, kick-start your weekend with live music. Open until 3am, Jam Gallery hosts a night of live bands, art shows and great vibes in a multifaceted venue. There are over 30 craft beers, cocktails (of course), and a sound system you can’t fault. Attached to Spring Street Social, offering a more bluesy vibe like that of a New York speakeasy, creative types flock here for an outlet, so you’ll never be without some form of entertainment, or a space to release your own creativity, should you wish to do so.

When you put everything Bondi Beach has to offer together, it’s no wonder it’s become a big, old melting pot. Putting the stereotypical hipster to one side, the landscape and entertainment draw in surfers, musicians, artists, lifesavers, fashion designers, TV personalities, the gay community and, of course, the wandering traveller. As a result, accommodation is aimed at the young professional or traveller. Hostels are plenty but booked well in advance, apartments are trendy and offering short and long term leases, and those with some serious dollar could even consider a house. The only problem Bondi has is it may be almost too liveable, and you could soon see yourself engulfed by the “Bondi Bubble”…