So I won’t lie, I don’t leave my “bubble” and venture out of Bondi (pronounced bond-eye) very often. It’s too easy to stay in this area…I’m just so content. What more does one need other than restaurants, bars, bottle shops, convenience stores, shopping, fun friends and that little factor called the beach?! Oh and did I mention that practically everyone in this area is absolutely beautiful? I thought I should write a blog about my lifestyle and what it’s like to be in my shoes, well or sandals, and living in paradise. Not trying to make you all jealous but this is a blog about my life and my life happens to be going quite well lately and I haven’t been this happy in years! Who would have thought I had to just move across the world to find this!
Welcome to my paradise/my home! Bondi Beach 
The Basics
Bondi Beach is located in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney and is about 7 km from the center of the city. Getting there via public transport will take you about 45 minutes and is kind of a pain in the ass but worth the journey. In addition to having an amazing beach to lie on during the day, there is always something special going on in addition to the numerous attractions and things to do in the area. Read my blog “The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk: Gorgeous Views and Spectacular Beaches,” which is a must while in the area.
Lexy and I loving us some Bondi on a gorgeous day!
Beach Life
I can’t tell you how impressed I am with Australia’s beaches. I’m normally quite a beach snob and I haven’t been to many that impress me other than the Caribbean: not California, not the Mediterranean, and definitely not the beaches on the East Coast of the US. Australia’s beaches impress me in all aspects and Bondi is one of them. The sand is unbelievably soft and cleared of seaweed, while the water is refreshing and doesn’t leave you gasping for air, and the beautiful people that inhabit Bondi don’t hurt the situation one bit. Bondi Beach is less than a 5 minutes walk from my apartment and I have to admit I’ve been pretty much every day since I moved to this area. Tanning has been my part-time job and damn have I excelled at it. The beach is about a kilometer long, which is a little over a half mile, and has 3 main areas. The north of the beach is usually where it’s the most calm and safest to swim, which is indicated by the yellow and red flags. The south of the beach is quite dangerous due to the waves and rip current and is usually where you can find the surfers catching some waves. From experience I would recommend to be super careful and definitely swim between the flags. The currents are super strong and are very easy to get caught in, especially if you’re hungover, so be careful. Be sure to check signs for warnings regarding jellyfish or any other dangerous aspects. Also don’t be shocked to see beach goers showing some skin since many women lay out topless to optimize their tan as guys try and show off their bods by wearing extremely small shorts or Speedos!
A beautiful view of North Bondi!
And a beautiful view of South Bondi!
A rare moment on Bondi with no one around! So peaceful!
Where to Enjoy Some Drinks
The scene in Bondi is super laid back regardless of it being day or night. Instead of pretentious clubs with everyone dressed to the 9′s and dropping a lot of money, Bondi’s just about being carefree and enjoying some drinks with friends. It’s amazing to go to a local bar in sandals and a casual outfit and not look like an outcast. I love the laid back vibe of the local bars and it’s a nice change of pace from getting all dolled up and making the trek to the city. Beach Road Hotel is my “local” as its just down the street from me and has a great beer garden in the back that’s perfect on a sunny afternoon. Ravesi’s has a nice vibe but be sure to get their early because their lock-out is usually around 11. Hotel Bondi is typically the last resort pub and what I like to call the “Black Hole,” but is open late and there are always some characters present. The Swiss Grand Hotel has 2 bars to offer, White Revolver is good on certain nights, mainly Wednesdays, while Cream Tangerine is ideal for weekend day drinking with a great view. Bar Bondi or BB’s, Bungabar, and The Bavarian Bier Cafe are also laid back places to get a few drinks and something to munch on. Most bars do close early in Bondi so if you want a late night I suggest you head to King’s Cross to keep the party going.
Irene and I @ Hotel Bondi!
Bondi Hotel & Swiss Grand right on Campbell Parade
Although Bondi Beach happens to attract a lot of tourists, it still manages to keep its charm of a small beach town in Australia. I would definitely recommend taking some time to escape the city and come out to enjoy the beach and have a real laid back Aussie day! Check out my Flickr account for heaps of pictures of Bondi focusing on the beaches, the people and the local hot spots! Please let me know if you have any questions since I’m kind of an expert about the area! 
On March 17, 2010 @ 12:09 am Lexy said
Yes, you have to get to most places early enough because even if you sneak in the side door that someone propt open for you at the Bondi Hotel at 3:15 am, you will get caught and kicked out by security. Take it from me!!