Despite its hype and popularity, beautiful Bondi Beach still manages to exceed every excellent expectation. Effortlessly combining a vibrant surf and skate energy, stunning scenery, a wicked food and drink scene, nature walks, eclectic shopping boutiques, it’s true when they say there’s really nowhere quite like Bondi Beach. Lose yourself amongst Bondi’s meandering streets, and you’ll no doubt fall in love, too.

To help get your plans sorted, we’ve put together ten of the best things to do in Bondi Beach.

1. Bondi to Coogee Beach Walk

This is an iconic walk (for both locals and travellers) for good reason! With sensational ocean views throughout the hike, you can’t go to Bondi and not do this one. The Bondi to Coogee Beach Walk is about 6km (one way) and takes anywhere from 1.5-3 hours. You can also do shorter sections of the walk, for example:

  • Bondi to Bronte (about 1.9km / 30 minutes, one way)
  • Bondi to Clovelly (about 4.1km / 1.25 hours, one way)

Whichever part of the walk you decide to do, make sure to take your togs (swimwear) for swims along the way. We particularly love Gordon’s Bay!

2. The Bondi Markets

The Bondi Markets are open-air markets, with absolutely wicked vibes. They are held every weekend. On Saturdays, the market is set up as a Farmers Market style, with fresh produce and gourmet eats (stock up on local produce, and cook it back at Wake Up!’s communal kitchen!). On Sundays, it switches up and you can instead expect to find clothing from up-and-coming designers, handmade jewellery, exotic imports, retro-chic furniture, vinyl records, homewares, art, one-off vintage pieces and so much more.

The Bondi Markets are located at Bondi Beach Public School on Campbell Parade (an easy 5-minute walk from Wake Up! Bondi Beach).

3. Catch the Sunrise or Sunset

The sun rises above Bondi Beach, and it truly is nothing but magical. Every morning (even in winter), locals will flock to the beach for a surf or a walk to start their day off super positively. Sunsets at Bondi Beach are equally as beautiful, when the sky turns pink. Luckily for you, guests at Wake Up! Bondi Beach can get the best front row seats to sunrise or sunset, by soaking up the view from our exclusive Rooftop.

4. Swim at Bondi Icebergs

You’ve no doubt seen iconic photos of the Bondi Icebergs – the dreamy ocean pool overlooking Bondi Beach. What not as many people know, is that anyone can swim in the Bondi Icebergs (including you!), and it costs only $9 for a ticket!

5. Eat at the local cafes, bars and restaurants

Bondi Beach is a mecca for breakfast cafes, bars, healthy eateries, coffee shops, and delicious restaurants. A quick stroll around the neighbourhood, and without a doubt you’ll find a cafe to suit your needs! If you need a head start, check out some of our favourites: Cali Press, Lebanese Street Food, Salty’s, Funky Pies, Harry’s, Speedos Cafe, Bills, Preach Cafe, Eden Bondi and Gelato Messina.

6. Grab some Aussie togs

You want the real Aussie experience? Duck into the iconic, quintessential Aussie swimwear store, Budgy Smugglers. Wearing a pair of Australian-made ‘Budgies’ is a right of passage for Aussies. You can’t go past their fun, vibrant designs, which are as eclectic as they are eye-catching.

7. Take part in Wake Up!’s free activities

Join in on Wake Up! Bondi’s calendar of free activities and events – complimentary for all guests! From rooftop yoga classes and pancake breakfasts, to cheese & wine nights, quiz nights, movie nights and more, there is something happening every day at Wake Up! Suss out the schedule, and get set to meet other travellers.

8. Eat the best choc-chip cookies you’ve ever had

Ok, it’s a big statement. But seriously, the choc-chip cookies at Bennett St Dairy are so good that there’s often a line outside for them. Gooey, enormous and freshly-baked, we’re drooling just writing this. So please, do us a favour and try one out for yourself. You can grab them for the Bennett St cafes on Blair Street or Bennett Street.

9. Go on a guided Snorkel Tour

Explore Sydney’s amazing underwater world with a Guided Snorkeling Tour from the crew at Dive Bondi. Expect to discover schools of colourful fish, octopus, seahorses, rays and the friendly blue grouper. If you’ve never been snorkeling or aren’t a confident swimmer, don’t worry! Their experienced instructors are there to help you every step of the way. Or if you’re more of a scuba diver, then make sure you check out their Guided Shore, Night or Boat Dives!

10. Paint your own slice of Bondi

Put a paintbrush in one hand… and a glass of wine in the other! Bondi Paint Club is a super fun ‘paint and sip’ studio where you can BYO drinks while working your creativity. They have a huge range of classes and subject matter to choose from. We especially love their Bondi-themed classes, like ‘The Bergs’, ‘Peachy Palms’, and ‘Van Life’.