Why leave the world’s most iconic suburb over the Easter break when this little seaside village has everything and more for a homestay by the beach? Here’s my top five things to do for the long weekend in Bondi…
Work off those Easter eggs
If like me you’ve already consumed your body weight in chocolate, a couple of fun workouts could be just the ticket:
Stand up paddleboard at Rose Bay
OK, so it’s not strictly Bondi, but it is just a mere hop, skip and jump away over in Rose Bay. I’m channelling Cameron Diaz (who’s a fan) and if a few sessions on a board results in those abs, then pass me that paddle…
Gym it up
Sometimes we all need a little encouragement when we’re trying to boost our fitness, and luckily I am good friends with a quality and well-respected local trainer, Matt Waterton. He PTs at Bondi Beach Fitness and Health on Jacques Ave and he’s well worth the fee if you’re looking to improve your workout regimen or train for a specific goal. The gym is currently offering a free three-day pass, so grab your kit and get down there.
Om…
Easter Sunday at 4pm sees the folks at Finding Lotus Yoga offering a free yoga class. Grab a mat and chill out before all that Bondi hedonism takes its toll.
Eat, drink, be merry
Cafes, bars, restaurants… Bondi is abundant with a multitude of eating and drinking establishments. Currently running top of my list are:
Gusto, Hall St
My fave spot for a cappuccino and hard to beat for its watch-the-world-go-by location.
Bondi Beach Hardware, Hall St
If you can get a table (I recommend calling ahead to book) this place is top-notch for chilled drinks and a some delicious eats, from breakfast through to closing time.
Bikini Bar, Hall St
This new bar on the block has the same chilled-out vibe of much-missed Bunga Bar (part-owner Nick used to tend bar there) and the tasty tapas dishes and fruity sangria go down a treat.
Bucket List, Bondi Pavilion
The once pop-up bar is here to stay with a newly launched restaurant area (complete with fireplace guaranteeing its destination status come winter), but while the sun still blazes find a spot outside and take in one of Bondi’s most beautiful views.
Bucket List :: image by George Popov
Gelbison Pizzeria Ristorante, Lamrock Ave
Oh, I love pizza, and this place makes the best pizza this side of Naples. It’s BYO, too, so rock up with a bottle of red and sample its thin-crust delights. My current pizza of choice? I can’t get enough of the “Magic Boot”.
Shop the markets
For locals and tourists alike, a weekend shop at Bondi Markets at Bondi Beach Public School is a must. Saturday, 9am – 1pm, the Farmers Market showcases fresh, seasonal fruit, vegetables and flowers. On Sunday, 10am – 4pm, cruise the stalls of new and vintage clothes, books, handmade jewellery and quirky homewares and gifts.
Channel your inner guru
…with a little help from the Gyuto Monks of Tibet who are in Bondi as part of their Infinite Present Tour of Australia. They’ll be running a series of meditations, workshops and talks. Plus, check out the ‘In The Studio’ photo exhibition by Tobi Wilkinson. Entry to all events is by donation. You can check out the details of the full program, which runs from April 6 – 22 at Bondi Pavilion, here.
Unleash your inner child
Bondi is playground no matter what your age and a day spent in Bondi wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the world’s most famous stretch of sand. Make the most of the autumn sun – and warmer ocean temperatures – with a surf or a swim. And what’s more, it’s absolutely free.
Bondi, the perfect place for a staycation of hedonism and holistic fun.
image by Aquabumps
Psst! I’ve updated this article here if you are still looking for things to do this Easter. Enjoy!
