Romantic Getaways: Bondi Beach

Want some great ideas for a short romantic getaway in Sydney? We've combed the streets of Bondi Beach to discover all the best things to do, and places to see, in the third of our new series of romantic getaway features. Here's our top six for Bondi: 

1. Stay On The Beach 

It's a boutique property, with a stunning, absolute beach front location, and has views down the length of the iconic Bondi Beach, and Bondi 38 is definitely the new place to stay. The property is a combination of serviced one and two bedroom apartments in a fully renovated building, kitted out with everything you need for a romantic getaway: views, some with long balconies, comfy beds, the cable channel Foxtel and a full kitchen if you want to kick back or get takeaway. Best of all is the location, close to Bondi's action including a slew of restaurants and bars to enjoy. And if you don't feel like straying far from home, Bondi Social is right downstairs for dinner. (We have a full review of Bondi 38.) 

2. Walk To Coogee 

Bondi is the start of one of Sydney's most famous beach walks, and it's thoroughly enjoyable whether you do it by day or late in the afternoon to catch the sunset and a touch of romance. For guests staying at Bondi 38, it begins right at your doorstep just across the street. The Bondi to Coogee coastal walk winds south for six kilometres, offering spectacular views along the way, and goes through some of southern Sydney's other gorgeous beaches, including Tamarama, Bronte and Clovelly. Other things to enjoy along the way include a pit stop at a Coogee cafe, and the Aboriginal carvings at Marks Park. Also worth considering: each spring the coastal walk is transformed into an ocean front art gallery thanks to the famous event, Sculpture by the Sea. 

3. Go For A Swim, Or Surf 

You're staying on one of the world's most famous beaches, so you have to go for a swim or a surf. Besides dipping your toes off Bondi Beach, you can also pack your swimmers and head to one of the other beaches south, such as glamorous Tamarama, or petite Bronte. If it's winter, however, or the surf is a little rough, the other option is to head to the Bondi Iceberg's Club on Notts Avenue; visitors are welcome if you can produce ID to prove you live more than 5 kms away (club rules), and it costs just $6 for an adult to go in and have a swim. And if you get peckish, there's a casual bistro where you can grab some lunch, and a sun deck to soak up some rays. If you fancy a surf, rent a board and a wetsuit from the Bondi Surf Co on Campbell Parade, starting from just $15 for an hour. 

4. Go Shopping 

Bondi has plenty of boutiques if you're up for some retail therapy, and if you love art, stop by Aquabumps gallery (151 Curlewis Street). It was founded in 1999 by Eugene Tan (Uge), a photographer and surfer with a passion for the beach and marine life, famous for dramatic sunrise photographs which is ideal for a souvenir of your romantic getaway. Another to check out is Coo-ee Aboriginal Art Gallery (31 Lamrock Avenue). It's Australia's oldest continuing Aboriginal art gallery, promoting Indigenous Art throughout Australia and overseas since 1981, with artworks of historically important bark paintings, artefacts, and early desert boards as well as high quality contemporary paintings, sculpture and limited edition fine art prints. Ask for a private tour. If you have time to venture further afield, Westfield Bondi Junction is one of Sydney's premier shopping experiences. Called "WBJ" by locals, it has some 388 specialty stores and services including department stores David Jones and Myer, Australia's first suburban Louis Vuitton and Chanel stores, also Bally, Georg Jensen, Hugo Boss, Karen Millen England and Polo Ralph Lauren.  

5. Treat Yourself To Some Fine Cuisine 

If you fancy dining out in style, Bondi has some world class eateries, ranging from inexpensive and ethnic, to once-a-year fine dining experiences. Two of the best for romance, for lunch or dinner with a view, are Sean's Panorama (207 Campbell Parade) and Bondi Icebergs. Along with being awarded a One Chef Hat in the SMH Good Food Guide 2011-2014, Sean's Panorama has uninterrupted North Bondi views, with the informal feel of having dinner at your best friend's house. The food is "mod-Oz", the chef is Sean Moran, and there's a good wine list featuring everything from boutique Australians to vintage French. Another long standing favourite is Icebergs Dining Room (One Notts Avenue). Located above the iconic Bondi Icebergs Club on the waterfront, it also has spectacular views along the beach, combined with an ever evolving menu focussed on regional Italian cuisine and seasonal ingredients. 

6. Enjoy A Game Of Golf 

Fortunately for anyone staying in Bondi who's partial to a game of golf, Bondi Golf Club enjoys not only a spectacular cliff-top location, but is a challenging course. Forget any preconceived ideas of a "meadow" style course; this is a challenging nine hole course that helps you work on your short game. It defies even the pros who occasionally enjoy a round here to warm themselves up for big games at the Royal Sydney. If you're visiting at the right time of year, the golf course is also an ancient Whale Watching spot. The original Australians etched stone carvings on the flat rocks on the 5th hole which face outwards towards the vast Pacific Ocean, and at specific times of the year, whales can be seen on their epic migrations to breeding and feeding grounds (www.bondigolf.com.au).