Bondi would be one of the most photographed and iconic stretches of beach in Sydney and in Australia for that matter. It is home to the world's first ever surf lifesaving club in the world, the historic Bondi Icebergs. It is a great place for people watching as it has a melange of people from all stratas of society including some of Australia's richest families, yuppies, dinks and your alternative culture. Then there are the sunlovers who come to worship the beach, the surfers to ride the famous waves and the clubbies who swim year round that why they were and are still known as the icebergs!
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It would have to be sitting outside the boardwalk dining alfresco and watching the beach and the world go by. If you can afford it the view from the Bondi Icebergs fine dining room is stupendous.
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The area has it's own atmosphere that is hard to define, I think it is all the different types of people that gravitate here that gives Bondi it's own appeal.
If you can stay here for some of the time it does give you a chance to see a different side of Sydney. One that gives you the chance to meet some of the locals and where the pace is slower than in the city itself.
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On the weekend the markets at the northern end of the beach are worth taking a look at. It is eclctic with all all types of bric a brac such as clothing, books, jewellery and some local craft types. The locals seem to come out in droves.
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Accommodations here are spread thinly. There are a few backpackers and a couple of nondescript motels and then you jump up to the 4.5 star Swiss Hotel Grand.
This is where we stayed as we were attending a friend's wedding and it was convenient. Pay extra and the little bit extra is worth it as you do score a room with a full on view of this famous stretch of sand. Pay even more and you can score the penthouse (this is where my friends stayed, not me) and you recieve a huge apartment complete with wet bar, sitting room, walkin robe on the top floor.
Leave your booking till the last minute and you can score min 50% discount. Door rate $308 internet deal $149 it's worth shopping around online.
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Icebergs Dining Room and Bar (www.idrb.com). This is part of the surf lifesaving club's building. If you have a gold charge card and don't mind arrogant and pretentious waiters coupled with fantastic views, food and service then this is the place for you!
It is not cheap but think food such as our trade mark fish Barramundi, seared and served with vognole and faro, sublime. It is a really special place to dine.
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Splash Cafe located on the beachfront in front of Swiss Grand is a great little cafe serving reasonably priced breakfast's, toasted focaccias and seafood. Service is quick and it is a good spot to catch some of the passing parade.
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The beach of course. If you come here you have to go down and squeeze some of that famous sand between your toes.
Bondi is located in Sydney's eastern suburbs. It is approx $30 Aussie dollars to the airport from here in a taxi or there are shuttle buses that are $9.
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Published on Thursday June 5th, 2003 by downundergal
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Read comments (3)
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13 votes