Bondi Beach
JHP_161228_Bondi1_1000-PanoBondi Beach on the East Coast of Australia and the Pacific Ocean.
A tourist hotspot in Australia due to the close proximity of Sydney is this pretty horseshoe beach of Bondi. Each day some 3,000 people are expected to walk along the pretty golden sand line. But there is more to the Bondi than just a beach - excellent cafes, pubs, shopping and accommodation are just a few of the other draws to this Oceanside burb.
JHP_161228_Bondi_1062Bondi Beach on the East Coast of Australia and the Pacific Ocean.
Despite lots of warning signs, lifeguard stations and flagged areas many people each year are lost to the sea. Bondi has a huge crew of lifeguards with boards, skidoo's, boats and helicopters. The currents that make great surf can be sneaky and strong. There is a shark net but regardless of this the occasional attack still happens. The Bondi Lifesavers Surf Club celebrated it's 110 year anniversary on February 21st and is considered the oldest surf club (Worldwide or Nationwide - I am not sure).
JHP_161230_BONDI2_1004Bondi Beach on the East Coast of Australia and the Pacific Ocean.
Had to get up at least one morning at 4:30 am to catch the southern December sun rising over the Pacific Ocean. This was a quiet morning and it was such a treat to enjoy the beach without the crowds. This image shows the Icebergs Pool and Club compete with a top food menu and some of the best views of the ocean. The pool is fed by the ocean water and is open to the public for a $7 fee from 6-6 everyday.
JHP_161230_BONDI2_1065Bondi Beach on the East Coast of Australia and the Pacific Ocean.
Bondi Beach is home to some of Australia's prime surf and this paddleboard surfer is no exception to the large community of surfers and water lovers. Often they are out in the early morning to catch the waves before the crowds.
JHP_161230_BONDI2_1049Bondi Beach on the East Coast of Australia and the Pacific Ocean.
This fisherman was taking advantage of the early morning peace as well. The morning marine push brought in a bit of moisture and made for a dreamy photo. Along with pole fishing, a popular pastime nearer the rocks to the north, is spearfishing.
JHP_161230_BONDI2_1078_79_80_81_82Bondi Beach on the East Coast of Australia and the Pacific Ocean.
A cloudy morning didn't make for the most colorful images ever but it is still dramatic and calming.
JHP_161230_BONDI2_1089Bondi Beach on the East Coast of Australia and the Pacific Ocean.
6 am and the streets are beginning to wake up as stores and restaurants begin to set out chairs and tables.
Which means it is time for coffee... this is a latte - expresso and frothed milk. A regular coffee would be a "Long Black" add cream to that and it is a "Long White". All coffee is about the same price $3.00-$4.50 AUD with the difference depending on size which is typically much smaller than you would get in the states, but so much more tasty!
JHP_161227_Bondi_1037Bondi Beach on the East Coast of Australia and the Pacific Ocean.
A great walk leaves from Bondi and takes you south along the coastline through a few more coastal towns and communities as well as the Waverly Cemetary (Next Blog) to the Bronte Beach. The walk is called Bondi to Bronte and is 4 km (2.5miles) long. We opted to take an Uber to the other end and walked back to our accommodations.
