Discovering Bondi Beach on New Years Eve 2024

In a city famous for its beaches, the most famous beach of all is Bondi, which has become synonymous with Sydney’s laid-back beach lifestyle. Just seven km from downtown, Bondi beach is always packed with tourists, backpackers, surfers and locals on Christmas and 2024 New Year holidays.

The beach reportedly takes its name from an Aboriginal word meaning noise of water breaking over rocks. After early property developers tried to stop public access to Bondi, the government declared it a public beach in 1882. While the northern end tends to be safe for swimming, the southern end can be dangerous due to a rip current and is more popular with surfers.

Underwater shark nets help to reduce the risk of shark attacks. Swimmers should listen to the lifeguards and stay between the red and yellow flags.

Bondi is said to have the world’s oldest surf lifesaving club. The Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club and the North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club were both founded in 1907. The Bondi Icebergs Swimming Club dates back to 1929, allowing lifesavers to stay fit during the winter months. There is also an outdoor park popular with skateboarders and rollerbladers.

For most of the 20th century the area around Bondi Beach was working class, attracting many new immigrants. After World War II many Jewish migrants from Germany and Eastern Europe settled here. While the area remains multicultural today, it has gone very upscale, drawing many wealthy Asians. Nowadays, the houses around Bondi are among the most expensive in Australia.

A favorite spot to swim, sunbathe, surf and people-watch, Bondi is also a popular shopping and dining venue. Many busy cafes, restaurants and hotels line Campbell Parade and offer stunning views of the beach. The Bondi Pavilion is a cultural center featuring a theater, gallery, art studios and function rooms.

On Saturdays, the Bondi Farmer’s Market takes over the grounds of the Bondi Beach Public School, offering everything from fresh produce and free-range eggs to homemade cakes.

Accommodations

Most booked hotels and resorts in Bondi Beach for your Christmas and New Year trips:

  • Adina Apartment Hotel Bondi Beach
  • Hotel Bondi
  • Bondi Beach House Accommodation
  • Ultimate Apartments Bondi Beach
  • Beach Road Hotel
  • Ravesi’s Hotel Bondi Beach
  • Meriton Serviced Apartments Bondi Junction