Bondi Beach is really as symbolic of Australia as the kangaroo. Once you view a photograph of a kangaroo, you automatically think of Australia. Once you see an image of Bondi, you understand wherever it is: no caption is needed. Bondi represents the real "Aussie Spirit": beach loving, sports crazy, but serious and responsible at the same time.

It is not only since it had been discovered by Sydney's early settlers that "Bondi" and "surf" have now been synonymous. The name of the suburb originates from an aboriginal word meaning "the noise of waves crashing on rocks." Take a walk out onto the headlands on either end of the beach and you will understand just why the aborigines gave Bondi this descriptive name.

Whilst the ancient aborigines spent their time on the rocks harvesting the bounty of the ocean, the beach at Bondi is where it's all happening today. Smack dab in the center of Bondi's wide, crescent shaped beach is the oldest surf life saving club in the world, the Bondi Surf Life Saving Club, established 1907. Right from the start, the club has been specialized in the pursuit of saving lives at Australia's most famous beach. February the sixth, 1937 is remembered in Australia as "Black Sunday." On that day alone, lifesavers in Bondi rescued over 300 beachgoers on a crowded day when huge seas got the best of inexperienced swimmers. Five lives were lost on that day, but had it not been for their heroic efforts, a large number of lives would have been lost.

The tram to bondi restaurants used to be almost as famous because the beach itself. Since the final tram ran in 1961, it's been replaced by buses. The beach is so popular, although a bus from nearby Bondi Junction runs every ten minutes, during summer time months, every bus is packed. A sizable parking area at the beach accommodates a large number of cars, but on a hot weekend in the summer, Bondi has to accommodate as much as 40,000 beachgoers. Somehow,it manages to do this in style. Even on the most crowded days, the atmosphere is festive and everyone gets catered to by the neighborhood businesses along Campbell Parade and on Curlewis Street, the 2 main roads.

While Bondi attracts the greatest crowds on hot days, it is a favorite destination 365 days a year. In the middle of winter, surfers brave the cold winter waters to ride the waves and the entire world famous "Bondi Icebergs" jump into the icy waters of these salt water pool. Those who prefer to keep warm and dry exercise by jogging or walking on the scenic coastal walking trail that starts on the southern end of Bondi and goes around the headland to beaches further south.

Bondi is equally popular through the night, once the pubs, entertainment venues, restaurants and other nightspots arrive at life. Bondi's nightlife reflects its diverse community and tastes. Along the same stretch of road, you will find a bohemian bookshop/cafe featuring a poetry reading or folk singer, a pub showcasing the talents of a local band and a sophisticated restaurant/cabaret.

Bondi's fame has spread across the world and just about everyone who visits Sydney also visits Bondi at least one time before they're going back home. Many choose in which to stay Bondi. That's easily done, while there is a Bondi accommodation for every lifestyle and budget. The Bondi backpacker accommodations are some of the most used in Australia. At another end of the scale, you can pick a 5 star resort with spectacular views. Whatever you're searching for, you'll find it in Bondi.