My Bondi Summer - My Bondi Summer

We’ve discovered Bondi isn’t just a (super amazing) beach. There are plenty of things to do in Bondi even when it's raining outside. Some of Bondi's hidden treasures can be found when you look beyond the sun and surf. What will you get up to this week? 

Things to do in Bondi when it’s raining: 

1. Cosy up with pre-drinks at the bar, and then theatre inside Bondi Pavilion. Check out what's on here. 

2. Curl up with a book inside Gertrude and Alice bookstore on Hall St, or one of the many cafes around town. 

3. Warm up with African drumming and dance classes. 

4. Get zen about the weather with a yoga class.

5. Take a surfing lesson - you’re going to get wet anyway! 

Or dance.... 

Belinda Carlisle knew what to do...

Happy Christmas Day!

We just took a stroll down to the beach and did a little reccy on the situation with alcohol today. It seems that the security is pretty serious down there. This year the council have upped the number of people doing bag checks at the entrances to the beach. You need to show them the contents of your bag before being allowed down onto the sand and water. If you have alcohol (yep, even inside a disguised container - we tested them) you'll not be allowed to proceed to the beach. They're also checking for weapons, and anything else that looks a bit suss. 

Checking in at the beach. You are not allowed to bring any alcohol onto the beach today. Guys like these are stationed all along the entrances to the beach. 

By now you might have noticed the signs up about Bondi's Alcohol Free Zone (AFZ) on Christmas Day. The council, police and security guards have a reputation for confiscating anything resembling alcohol on Christmas Day, and crushing backpacker's jolly Christmas dreams. Our advice is not to bother - you really won't be able to drink alcohol on Bondi Beach on Christmas Day. 

But don't just take our word for it - A first hand experience of Christmas Day written by a traveller to Bondi Beach 
"We huddled beneath a shelter, exchanging gifts (all bought from the dollar shop) and getting stuck into a box of goon that was swiftly confiscated by the police. So much for Christmas cheer!"

- read about it here. 

What are Your Plans?

Your best bet is to either not drink at all on Christmas Day, or head to one of the licensed premises close to Bondi Beach. The venues open on Christmas Day are listed here. 

We're glad you asked! We've discovered that while a lot of places are shut for the holiday, you can indulge in tapas, feast on pizza, sushi it up at Japanese, enjoy delicious gelato at Bondi on Christmas Day. 

Here is a quick list of places that are open on Christmas Day.