Australia

Bronte to Bondi: checking out Sydney’s beaches

After a few days in the middle of Sydney city centre, I was craving the beach. The size of the CBD is a little overwhelming so I couldn’t wait to feel the sand on my feet. Base Backpackers in Sydney arrange a free weekly trip to Bronte so a couple of us decided to tag along. Hopping off the bus after a 20 minute journey, the calming scent of the ocean brought a smile to my face immediately.Bronte Beach is a small, relaxed beach surrounded by parkland perfect for BBQ’s. In fact, one of my favourite things about Australia is the many BBQ spots they have dotted around the East Coast. The sight of families and friends cooking and laughing together here is a truly happy one. Leaving the food sizzling on the grill, I sat on the warm sand chatting and enjoying the sun on my face.
Burgers finished, a few of us were keen to explore the coastline and walk to the world-famous Bondi Beach. The Bronte to Bondi trail is slightly less well-known on the tourist trail than the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, the pathway was still busy with joggers, locals and tourists alike. You’ll enjoy stunning views of the beaches and dramatic rocky lookouts which contrast beautifully with each other.Can you believe how beautiful a winter’s day can be in Sydney? Due to the storms in June 2016, part of the Bronte to Bondi coastal walk is still damaged. You’ll just take a brief detour along the streets of Bondi before descending back down the hills onto the path. Soon enough, you’ll find yourself outside Bondi Icebergs club at the south side of the beach. Now, after seeing stunning Instagram pictures for months of the seaside pool, I was gutted to discover that they empty the pool for cleaning each Thursday. But thankfully, this view of Bondi Beach is pretty distracting.
The beach stretches out for a kilometre with a dramatic ocean perfect for surfing. It’s obvious why the beach is incredibly busy each summer with many backpackers choosing to spend Christmas Day there. The time sadly came to turn back towards Bronte but our day in the sun had left us re-energised for our return to the city.Next on my list for my return to Sydney is the longer Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. Bring on the Australian summer!