What’s happening in the world of Qantas – and beyond
Margaret Merten reveals the hotspots in the suburb synonymous with Australian beach culture.
Eat SPEEDOS CAFE
This popular café (speedoscafe. com.au) does get crowded but for good reason: it’s Bondi’s best breakfast. Grab a seat at the large, open window for glorious views over the beach and enjoy the classic big brekkie or a virtuous Green Goodness Bowl with kale crumbs, avocado and pepitas.
BILLS
For Sydneysiders, a Bills restaurant (bills.com.au) is that old friend you can always rely on. In Bondi, there’s a dish for every mood – from fresh, healthy salads and grain bowls to delicious sandwiches and burgers.
SEANS PANAROMA
At Seans (seanspanaroma.co), it’s not unusual to be breaking excellent homemade bread with famous actors and chefs. The small menu reflects what’s in season. A considered wine list and lovely service add to the offering.
Drink SPEAKEASY BAR
Removed from the well-worn hubbub of Campbell Parade and Hall Street, this is one of Bondi’s finest drinking establishments (speakeasybarbondi.com.au). The eclectic décor is somewhat rickety but the atmosphere is convivial, the wine list thoughtful and the Asian- and Mediterranean-inspired share dishes excellent.
BONDI HARDWARE
Named after the hardware store that was once in the same spot, this upbeat bar (bondi-hardware. com.au) boasts inventive cocktails, artisan brews and an expert mix of local and international drops.
Do TREK THE COAST
Arguably one of the most beautiful coastal walks in the world, the four-kilometre Bondi to Bronte track winds under sandstone outcrops and along cliffs, past sandy coves and green parks.
CATCH A WAVE
Throw yourself into the briny Pacific Ocean and learn to surf in the space of two hours with instruction from Let’s Go Surfing (letsgosurfing. com.au). Even if you don’t manage to stand up, you’ll have fun taking on the surging barrels on a softtop board. Afterwards, tackle the classic Aussie art of shaking sand out of your wetsuit.
SHOP ON
Hit up Tuchuzy (tuchuzy.com) for high-end labels (like Helmut Lang and Alexander Wang); Love Stories (lovestoriesintimates.com.au) for luxurious lingerie and intimates and Mamma Mia India (mamma miaindia.com.au) for finely curated vintage finds.
Stay QT BONDI
With its playful sensibility and thoughtful luxuries, QT Bondi (hotel.qantas.com.au/qtbondi) is a good place to rest your head. And the location – opposite the beach and backing onto one of the suburb’s chicest shopping and eating streets – make it an easy choice. The rooms are spacious and feature a sun-bleached palette of white and cream; add balconies and fresh sea air and you’re living like a local.
But first, caffeine…
For one of Bondi’s best brews, head to Pasticceria Papa (ppapa.com. au), a classic Italian café serving the smoothest, creamiest coffee.