Bondi, NSW 2026

I was a renter in Bondi in the late 90s and after time away have been back working in the area for the past ten years. Ive seen a lot change- but also a lot stay the same.

There isnt just one Bondi. Youve got Bondi Beach, North Bondi and Bondi, and each has its own vibe. Theres definately a line between the local community which is strong- many folks have been here for decades, and the crowd that passes through every year.

Bondi Icebergs is still going strong and the Bondi Salties is another great crew of locals that meets for soft sand runs and ocean swims.

Bondi Public is also a drawcard and anchor for locals being a high ranker on NAPLAN amongst the plenty of other great private options nearby. The grounds of the school host the Bondi weekend markets which have been running for more than 30 years and are a one stop shop for produce, homewares, flowers and homemade treats. In fact there are plenty of businesses that have been operating in Bondi for decades which is interesting given how seasonal it can feel. Speedos cafe, Gelbison Pizza, Harrys and the North Bondi Grocer have all been running for 30, 40 , 50 years or more.

As a place to live everything is here and walkable.The Bondi bubble is a thing because everything you need and want is right here- and also its physically hard to get out- the 333 bus takes an hour into the city some mornings and driving/uber also congested.

Bondi is about a lifestyle of wellness, outdoors and beach by day, and a good ol party at night. No clubs, rather its corner bars and fun restaurants that turn into bars- but no staying up late! Everyones up for their soft sand run, and HIIT pilates by 5am.

Property prices are perennially pretty robust but they do vary depending on what precinct and street youre on. Bondi is a South facing beach and its a hill that runs into the beach so rear to North/East homes up on the hill often get suburban but not beach views, West facing get the harbour, and its the South get the beach views if up higher. Everyone renovates in Bondi- homes, attic conversions for apartments theres plenty of new apartment blocks going up too. Its a vibrant bustling energetic suburb with a seaside feel. Its constantly evolving, mostly in a good way and just a bloody good place to be.

Bondi, a world-renowned beach suburb in Sydney, offers a captivating blend of coastal beauty, vibrant energy, and cultural richness. My visit to Bondi was a delightful experience that exceeded expectations in every aspect. The iconic Bondi Beach, with its golden sands and azure waters, presents a postcard-perfect setting for sunbathing, surfing, or simply strolling along the promenade. The lively atmosphere, with beachside cafes, street performers, and locals soaking up the sun, creates an infectious sense of joy and relaxation.

Beyond the beach, Bondi boasts a thriving arts and dining scene. The Bondi Pavilion hosts art exhibitions, workshops, and live performances, showcasing the area's creative flair. From trendy eateries serving up fresh seafood to cozy bars offering craft cocktails with a view, Bondi's culinary offerings are diverse and enticing. Exploring the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk was another highlight, offering breathtaking coastal vistas, hidden coves, and the opportunity to soak in Sydney's natural beauty.

What truly made my visit to Bondi memorable was the sense of community and inclusivity. Whether chatting with locals at the Bondi Farmers Market, joining a yoga class by the beach, or simply people-watching at Campbell Parade, I felt a genuine warmth and welcoming vibe. Bondi's blend of natural splendor, cultural vibrancy, and friendly atmosphere makes it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of Sydney's coastal lifestyle.

overrated lived here for two years. to crowded and traffic jams constantly. Great dining but thats about it.

Love Bondi although it’s getting a bit expensive now

Very very beautiful 🤩

Bondi is known world wide and for great reasons! Walking around Bondi is a sure way to lift your mood. Everyone is always in a good mood, active and positive. Even on a gloomy day, it is magical to watch rain and storms roll through. It has something for everyone!

It is very love and so much fun the beach is so refreshing and wonderful

Latte sippers, rude, arrogant

Bondi used to be great but now its over crowded and filled with people are rude and obnoxious. Ive noticed I cant even walk down Blair st to get the shops without some rude narcacistic moron speeding up behind me to push me out of the way on the foot path or making some rude comment as they walk past. The boomers are really entitled around here too and little 12 year olds push and shove you at the shops. Its like people never got taught manners but then these rude shits will try to teach you manners if you call them out on it. Its easy to get a bad attitude around here towards people they’re that rude and you will start disliking people.

Plus the real estate is expensive its $600 for a 1 bedroom that doesnt even have a balcony and arent modern homes.

You go out and have all your wanna be kendal jenner or hailey beibers who boast about their YSL bags and women in their 50s that look like Yzma from emperors new grove because they have had way too much plastic surgery and their botox is sagging. Dont even get me started on the vegan hipsters.

I’ve lived in bondi for 6 years for work reasons. I hate the place. The traffic is horrible. The food is horrible and its priced as if Jamie Oliver made it. there’s no cosy or homeliness or character that other Sydney suburbs seem to have.

The beach is bad.. the sand banks rarely offer good surf, I’d give it an honest rating as the worst surfing beach I’ve ever seen by a long way. The fishing here is terrible no surprise.

The culture: there is none. bondi has no identity, it’s trying to be other places all at once. Theres lots of tourist and visitors permanently. there’s not really a community vibe here, if you search hard you can find one but it’s nothing compared to the rest of sydney. I feel like some of bondi is trying to pretend to be Orange County meets rich housewives and the other half is trying to pretend it’s a bushland surf town off the princess highway when it’s really just a brick eyesore where the city of Sydney dumps it’s sewage.