With its sweeping white sands and turquoise waters, Bondi Beach is one of Australia’s most iconic beaches. But there’s a lot more to this tourist hot spot than sand and surf. We’ve pulled together everything you’ll need for the perfect day at Bondi Beach.
After a good night’s sleep at Meriton Suites Bondi Junction, it’s time to throw on your sunnies and make your way to Bondi Beach. We recommend heading to Bondi Junction Station (just 200m from your suite) and catch the bus for a quick 10-minute ride to Campbell Parade near Hall Street.
After you’ve taken a quick walk along the Bondi Pavilion, enjoyed some people-watching and worked up a hearty appetite, it’s time for brunch! Head to Trio Cafe on Campbell Parade and indulge in a hearty meal, inspired by Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. Every item on Trio’s menu is guaranteed to tantalise your tastebuds but we particularly enjoy the Shakshouka. That’s two poached eggs in a smoky and scrumptious ragout, served with green tomatoes, green capsicum, spinach and chilli. If you prefer something a bit sweeter, you can’t go past the Mango & Lime Buttermilk Pancakes. Served with strawberries, lemon curd, double cream and 100% maple syrup, this insta-worthy dish is almost too pretty to eat!
The next stop on your journey takes you to the famous Bondi Baths. One of Bondi Beach’s most historic landmarks for the past century, the Bondi Baths feature both a large pool and a smaller pool for the little ones. Enjoy a few leisurely laps as you admire the stunning view just inches away. Feeling a bit chilly? Pop over to the sauna at the pool deck level for a quick detox, and to stimulate your circulation for the next leg of your adventure.
You can grab a quick lunch at Icebergs but we think it’s well worth the 10-minute walk to Drake Eatery. Established by award-winning Sydney chef, Ian Oakes, Drake only uses the best locally-sourced produce to create some stunning dishes. Vegetarians will love the Thyme Gnocchi with golden raisins, hazelnuts, mushrooms and Gippsland Blue, but carnivores are well catered for as well. Try the Redgate Farm Duck Breast with figs, fresh curd, walnut and crispy leaves, or indulge in the Gooralie Pork Belly with master stock, nectarine, ginger and hibiscus.
Now that you’ve indulged your gastronomic senses, it’s time to feast your eyes on the iconic artwork at Aquabumps, which lies a convenient 30m up the road. Established in 1999, Aquabumps is the brainchild of Eugene Tan (affectionately known by locals as ::uge) and features a gorgeous gallery showcasing hundreds of artworks in a variety of sizes. Every single piece you see is available for purchase so that you can capture your memories of an amazing day and keep it in your home forever.
Moving from one art form to another, the next stop on our journey takes us 10 minutes up the road to the Cooee Art Gallery. Originally established in 1981 in Paddington, Cooee Art is famous for being Australia’s oldest Aboriginal fine art gallery with pieces from seminal artists like Queenie McKenzie, Abie Jangala and Rover Thomas. Take your time exploring over 3000 works of art from over 150 artists in a variety of mediums ranging from bark paintings, early desert boards, sculptures, and 19th and 20th-century artefacts.
Appreciating all that art can be tiring, so it’s time to walk down the road to Gertrude & Alice. Named after famous authors Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas, this bookshop/cafe is the perfect place to curl up with a hot drink and good read as you recharge your batteries. Place your order at the front of the shop (we recommend the warming Latte Soy Dandelion, also known as the L.S.D. or a colourful Turmeric Latte), and make your way through the forest of books that line the walls.
After all of that intellectual stimulation, you must be hungry! Head towards the beach and make your way towards Hurricane’s Grill and Bar. This famous steakhouse has been a fixture in Bondi Beach for many years now, but that hasn’t stopped crowds from flocking here to indulge in their famous ribs, drenched in their original sticky sauce. Personally, we can’t go past the Full Rack Combo, with any two ribs of your choice grilled on an open flame…
The night is still young, so our final stop for the day is the gorgeously pink Hotel Ravesis on Campbell Parade. Ravesis is a fantastic place to sit back and relax with some good music and good company. While you’re getting your groove on, we suggest shimmying over to the bar and indulging in one of Ravesis’ delicious cocktails. Since you’re already dancing, order the 3-2-1 DANCE! That’s watermelon sorbet, infused Absolut, Solerno, Pampelle, apple, lemon and bitters – yum.
You’ve had a big and busy day, so it’s time for some shut-eye. Walk 80m down the road to the bus stop (Campbell Parade opposite Hall St), and catch the bus back to Bondi Junction Station. It’s only a one-minute walk to Meriton Suites Bondi Junction so head on up to your suite for a quick shower before collapsing into your plush bed to enjoy a good night’s sleep.
We have a whole range of suites perfect for your adventures around Bondi Beach, so reserve yours today.
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