Bondi Beach is one of Sydney’s most celebrated spots. Embodying the Australian drawcards of sun, surf, and sand, it’s a favourite of tourists and locals alike. But what is it about Bondi that keeps folks coming back all year round? As it turns out, there’s plenty.

Think location, location, location. It’s just a 20 minute drive from the CBD, making Bondi the closest ocean beach to the city centre.

Bondi’s blue waves meet one kilometer of soft white sand. You can get out and frolic in the ocean, or enjoy a couple of laps in the calm of the Bondi Icebergs pool. Or just laze around on the sand. Just make sure you remember the sunscreen, an umbrella, and a T-shirt. Those rays have a real bite to them, and you’ll be sunburnt before you know it if you don’t slip, slop, slap.

If you’re feeling peckish you’ll appreciate the thriving café scene of Campbell Parade, which runs along the back of the beach. Enjoy the ambience at the outdoor cafes, indulgence in foodie heaven at Sean’s Panorama or the Iceberg Dining Room, or grab a silky smooth gelato from Pompei’s.

Also, you don’t have to be a beach bunny to appreciate your surroundings. Quite simply, Bondi’s a brilliant place for a perv. This is the place where the beautiful people get together and show some skin. Yummy!

Location: Bondi Beach
Address: Campbell Parade, Bondi
Public transport: Catch the number #380, #382, #389 or Waverly Council Beach Runner bus, or a train to Bondi Junction station
Parking: Parking is available at the Queen Elizabeth Drive carpark and Bondi Junction
Cost: Free

Image source: Supercake @ Flickr

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

For every kids lesson booked at Manly Surf School for Mother’s Day, mums will get their own lesson absolutely free! What a great way to spend some time some time together

Manly Surf School is the largest surf school in Sydney, and it’s run by surfing star Matt Grainger so you know they know their stuff. Beginners and surfers keen to improve their technique are welcome!

Date: Sunday 11 May
Time: Call (02) 9977 6977 to book a session
Locations: Manly Beach, Collaroy Beach, Long Reef Beach, and Palm Beach
Cost: Single children’s lessons are $45
Website: http://www.manlysurfschool.com

Image source: Asier Urresti @ Stock.xchng

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

Let’s Go Surfing makes it easy with their learn to surf classes at the world-famous Bondi Beach. They cater for all levels of experience, from people who’ve never been in the ocean to water babies looking to catch their first wave. They’ll also teach anyone, from kids to seniors. Group and private sessions are available.

All Let’s Go Surfing instructors are experts with a Bronze Medallion from the Australian Surf Life Saving Association and Level 1 or higher surf coaching accreditation. The instructors will put you in the safest waves and give you all the moral support you need.

It might look tricky, but 70% of students stand up at the end of their first lesson. While you may not be the next Layne Beachley just yet, Let’s Go Surfing guarantees you’ll be surfing by your third lesson.

So don’t just watch everyone else catching waves this summer. Get out and do it yourself!

When: Available all year round.
Location: Bondi Beach
Address: 128 Ramsgate Ave, North Bondi
Public transport: Take a train to Bondi Junction and link to the #380 or #381 bus to Bondi Beach. Get off at North Bondi Surf Club, cross the road, and walk about 50 m to the left end of the beach promenade.
Parking: There is paid parking (metered) in Park Drive, Bondi and paid parking (ticket) in Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi.
Cost: Adult classes start from $75, and kids classes start at $40. This includes surfboard and wetsuit hire.
Website: http://www.letsgosurfing.com.au

Image source: Paulo Simao @ Stock.xchng

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

To make your choice a little easier, I’ve put together my top 10 places (in no particular order) to catch some rays.

1. Bondi Beach is Australia’s most famous. This means two things. It’s got fantastic waves, worthy of the accolade. It also gets very crowded. However, it’s a great place for a surf or a spot of people watching. There are also some fantastic eateries just across the road if you get hungry.
2. Palm Beach is perfect for star spotting. Soapie fans will know it as Summer Bay, the location for the popular Australian series Home and Away, and the show’s stars are often seen in the area. This picturesque spot is also home to plenty of Sydney’s millionaires, so you never know who you’ll bump into. The great waves draw crowds on weekends, so visit during the week if you’re looking for peace. 
3. Bilgola Beach, or “Billies” to the locals, is just south of Palm Beach. This beautiful spot surrounded by bushland. There are some great waves, but if they intimidate you there’s a tranquil ocean pool. You can also avoid the crowds if you arrive early or visit during the week. The beach’s kiosk offers tasty meals and is always packed, so it’s a good idea to book a table if you want to eat there. 
4. Manly Beach is the centrepoint of Manly, a busy tourist town north-east of Sydney. After a dip in the water, make sure you stop at one of the nearby takeaway shops for some of the yummiest fish and chips you’ve ever tasted.  
5. Shelly Beach, just south of Manly, is a big hit with divers and families. Snorkellers and scuba divers love the beach’s clear shallow waters. It’s home to animals like the eastern blue groper, the weedy sea dragon, and the gloomy octopus. Families love Shelly Beach because it’s sheltered from the elements, so the waves never get too intimidating for littlies.
6. I’ve talked a lot about surfing, but what if you don’t know how? Then visit South Steyne Beach, located north of Manly Beach. The beach gets some excellent surf, and hosts most of the area’s “learn to surf” classes. If you’re feeling brave, head about a kilometre off shore to a reef called the “Bombora.” The huge waves that break here will give you a real challenge.  
7. Freshwater Beach, located in suburban Harbord, is known for its safe, well-patrolled waves. If you don’t like the surf, there’s a large rock swimming pool at the northern end of the beach. A park just behind the beach is great for picnics, or you could grab a meal at Pilu restaurant or the nearby Harbord Hotel. 
8. Dee Why Beach is a stunning beach, stretching for around 2 km. Kids will love paddling in the rock pool, but should be cautious when swimming in the ocean. Flags clearly mark safe swimming areas, but it’s very important to stay within them as rips and currents are common in the area. The beachfront is lined with cool cafes and eateries for a bite after you bathe.
9. Warriewood Beach, near Mona Vale, is sheltered by headlands either side, making it perfect for kids. The beach has a great walking track, and great waves at the northern end. But the beach’s greatest feature is its “blowhole,” a tunnel through the cliff which spurts water in rough seas. 
10. No top 10 Sydney beach list would be complete without Lady Jane Beach, one of Australia’s first nudist beaches. This spot on Sydney Harbour became a nudist beach in the 70s, and naturists have been flocking here ever since. It’s only a short walk from Watson’s Bay, which has plenty of great places to eat. Of course, you’ll need to put your clothes back on to enjoy these!

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

Just like Cody Maverick, these fairy penguins love to surf. The swell in their wave pool mimics their natural environment. Just like they would in the wild, these penguins enjoy diving through the waves, and it’s very cute to watch!

Every child who visits the penguins before October 15 will receive a free Surf’s Up activity book. They can also have their face painted like a fairy penguin!

The penguins are the stars these holidays, but don’t forget to visit the other animals at the aquarium. It’s home to crocodiles, sharks, seals, seahorses, and of course, lots of fish!

Adults can visit Sydney Aquarium for $28.50, while kids will only pay $14.50. A number of discounted family passes are also available. But if you book online you’ll save 10% on all admissions. Sydney Aquarium is located at Darling Harbour.

Post from: The Sydney Traveler