Bondi to Bronte Beach

Said to be one of Australia's most famous beaches Bondi has gained further fame through the TV show Bondi Rescue which showcases the amazing work of the Bondi lifeguards. 

A view of the beach from the main road

The Lifeguard's station

The beach stretches for around a kilometre and has an average water temperature of 21 degrees celsius in the summer and is popular with surfers and swimmers alike. The beach is patrolled by the Bondi Surf Club which is recognised as the oldest surf lifesaving club in the world. Established in 1907 the club introduced surf lifesaving to Australia and is also said to have pioneered the famous surf reel and line. 

Swimmers are advised to swim between the flags as there are a number of rips operating along the beach which change and move constantly.  The most famous rip is called "Backpackers Express" or the "Bondi Tram" or the "Bronte Express" because if you're caught in the rip you could end up in nearby Bronte.  This is why the Bondi Lifesavers are so busy rescuing an average 2500 people each year. About 85% of those rescued are tourists for more information on beach safety.

The walk from Bondi to Bronte beach is a fantastic way to enjoy the beauty of this area and and explore why so many people call Bondi home or are attracted to visiting the area.  The walk is 1.5 kilometres in length and a pretty easy walk taking around 20 - 30 minutes.

At the southern end of Bondi Beach is the Bondi Icebergers Club which began 50 years ago when a group of enthusiasts met near the Bondi baths to indulge in swimming during the cold winter months. The club grew from those early beginnings and now has a pool, gym and bistro. 

Bondi Icebergers Club at the southern end of Bondi Beach

Next we came across Tamarama Beach a popular little inlet with a park at the back of the beach. There was a small cafe and lots of people enjoying a lovely sunny autum morning.

Tamarama Beach

 Despite its size the beach still has a surf life saving club staffed by volunteers on summer weekends who no doubt are also kept busy due to a tricky rip. So like all Australian beaches its recommended that you swim betweent the flags.

Continuing on the walk we climb back to the cliffs surrounding the beach and head towards Bronte Beach.

Overlooking Tamarama Beach from the walk towards Bronte Beach

Bronte Beach

The first view of Bronte Beach showed a lovely stretch of beach with parklands behind and the cliffs of the headland to the south.  At the base of the cliffs sits an ocean fed pool which is popular with locals if the number of swimmers are any indication.

The south headland also shapes Bronte's waves which break over rocks which mean the surf is more appropriate for experienced surfers.

Pool at Bronte

 

The beach is patrolled by the Bronte Surf Life Saving Club  who are the birthplace of surf lifesaving  in Australia having been formed in 1903. 

Bronte Park is well maintained and popular with tourists and families. There are a number of BBQ huts and a minature railway which was popular with children. On the streets surrounding the beach are lots of cafes and restaurants. 

You can also catch the local bus back to Bondi Junction and head back into the city if you don't want to do the return walk to Bondi Beach.

Downloadable Map of the Bondi to Bronte Coastal walk