Bondi isn’t just famous, it’s a rite of passage. Home to one of Australia’s most iconic beaches, this corner of Sydney hums with salty air, sunburnt skin, and something always going on. If you’re wondering what to do in Bondi, you’re not short on options: surf breaks, secret lookouts, morning yoga, rooftop bars, vintage markets, and ocean pools that crash with the tide.
This guide is made for backpackers and wanderers chasing that classic Bondi energy. You’ll find budget-friendly eats, free ways to explore, and the kind of laid-back social scene that turns strangers into travel mates. Whether you’re here for three days or three weeks, Bondi knows how to fill your time. Let’s break down the best things to do in Bondi Beach and help you make the most of your stay.
What to Do in Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach is the star of the show. It’s where locals swim laps at sunrise and backpackers sprawl out with a coffee and a speaker. Never surfed before? Bondi’s a good place to learn, there are plenty of schools and the vibe is casual. If you’re more about lounging, the sand’s soft, the people-watching’s excellent, and the lifeguards are the real deal (yes, like on TV).
Source: “Summer Day at Bondi Beach, Sydney,” Instagram, @tidal_tones
1. Bondi Icebergs
Just south of the main beach, Bondi Icebergs is a classic. It’s an ocean pool where waves crash into the water as you swim. For a small entry fee, you get epic views, salt in your hair, and a front-row seat to the coastline. After your swim, grab a drink or bite at the Icebergs Club upstairs.
Source: “Bondi Iceberg,” Instagram, @swimvenue
2. Bondi to Coogee Walk
This coastal trail is one of Sydney’s best. It starts at the southern end of Bondi and winds 6km along cliffs, rockpools and beaches all the way to Coogee. You’ll pass Tamarama, Bronte and Clovelly, with spots to stop for coffee or a quick swim. Do it early to beat the crowds.
Source: “Sydney Bondi Views,” Instagram, @bondi.living
3. Get active in Bondi
No gym membership needed here. Bondi has free outdoor fitness stations along the promenade, casual beach volleyball games, and group yoga sessions overlooking the sea. Hit the Bondi to Bronte stretch for a morning jog or rent a bike to cruise along the coastline.
Some mornings, you’ll find silent discos happening on the grass or free community classes at the Pavilion. It’s all pretty fluid, just show up, join in, and see where the day takes you.
Source: “Bondi Outdoor Activities,” Instagram, @briefly.around
4. Markets, Brunch & Local Finds
Weekends bring the Bondi Markets to life. Saturdays are all about fresh produce, baked goods and quick snacks under the pines. Sundays lean vintage clothes, indie jewellery, zines, handmade candles and random gems worth digging for.
Café culture here is serious. Start at Gertrude & Alice, a bookshop-slash-coffee spot that locals swear by. Lox Stock & Barrel does a mean bagel, and Bondi Wholefoods leans into nourishing bowls and vegan treats. For the ultimate view-meets-brunch experience, head to Speedos Café in North Bondi.
5. Hidden Gems
Want to get away from the towel-to-towel scene? Walk north to the rocks at North Bondi, a quieter spot where locals sunbathe and fish off the rocks. You might even catch a glimpse of migrating dolphins or whales during the cooler months.
Tamarama Beach (aka Glamarama) is a small, scenic cove tucked between cliffs and usually has fewer crowds. It’s a favourite with photographers and experienced surfers alike.
Marks Park is a local secret for watching sunrise or just finding a moment of calm away from the crowds. It also hosts part of the annual Sculpture by the Sea festival, where the Bondi to Coogee Walk transforms into a clifftop art gallery each spring.
Waverley Cemetery might not sound like a must-see, but trust us, it’s stunning. Set right on the cliffs with dramatic ocean views, it’s one of the most peaceful places in Sydney.
Source: “Sydney Bronte Beach,” Instagram, @australia
What to Do in Bondi at Night
As the sun sets, the crowd shifts. Beach Road Hotel is great for live music, cheap drinks, and a heaving dance floor on weekends. For something slower, Bondi Bowls Club serves up barefoot bowls with beers and old-school charm.
North Bondi RSL is another local favourite. Cheap schnittys, ocean views and a mix of travellers and locals. Want a party vibe? Chuck Trailer’s is the divey burger-and-whiskey joint that keeps the night going. Or for a low-key drink, find a fairy-lit beachside bar and settle in.
What to Do in Bondi in Winter
If you’re wondering what to do in Bondi in winter, you’ll be surprised how much still happens. The Bondi to Coogee walk is perfect this time of year, cooler weather, fewer crowds, and a good chance of spotting humpback whales offshore between May and October.
Icebergs is open year-round and cold swims are almost a badge of honour. Afterward, warm up with a coffee at Bondi Wholefoods or explore an indoor art exhibition at the Pavilion. With the summer rush gone, winter shows you Bondi at its most local.
Source: “Whales in Australia,” Instagram, @whales_australia
What to Do in Bondi When It Rains
Rainy days don’t kill the vibe. Head indoors to Bondi Pavilion for live music, exhibitions, or film nights. Westfield Bondi Junction is nearby for shopping or hiding out in a café. The gym at Icebergs has floor-to-ceiling ocean views, and there’s no rule against slow days with hot chocolate and a book.
Meet Other Travellers
Staying at Drifter Bondi means you’re right in the thick of it. It’s just a couple of minutes from the beach and has the kind of relaxed, social energy that makes it easy to meet people. Cook up dinner in the shared kitchen, swap stories in the lounge, or head out together for a swim or a beer.
Your Bondi Hit List: Fast Ideas for Every Kind of Day
- Swim or surf at Bondi Beach: iconic waves, soft sand, and a buzzing shoreline.
- Take the Bondi to Coogee Walk: stunning coastal trail past breaches, bays, and cliffs.
- Swim at Bondi Icebergs: ocean pool with views, open all year.
- Stretch or train outdoors: yoga, beach volleyball and free fitness spots.
- Wander Bondi Markets: Saturdays for produce, Sunday for vintage and makers.
- Brunch lika a local: try Gertrude & Alice, Bondi Wholefoods or Speedos.
- Spot whales and Dolphins: best in winter along the cliffs.
- Explore hidden corners: North Bondi rocks, Marks Park, Tamarama and Waverley Cemetery.
Planning Your Trip
Bondi is easy to explore on foot, and buses run straight into the city. Pair your beach stay with a few nights at Drifter Sydney in Surry Hills, ideal if you want to experience more of Sydney’s food, culture, and nightlife. And if you’re mapping out your full itinerary, our What to Do in Sydney guide has all the good stuff.
From salty mornings to sunset beers, Bondi’s got something for every kind of traveller. You’ll come for the beach, but it’s everything around it that makes people stay longer than planned. Book a bed, pack your swimmers, and let Bondi do the rest.
