Bondi Beach is perhaps one of the most famous beaches in the world. It certainly is one of Sydney’s (and Australia’s) most iconic beaches. Seeing that Bondi Beach’s history goes way back, of course, there would be many cool facts about Bondi Beach to share. Things like where is Bondi Beach and what makes Bondi Beach so famous?
It is not just Bondi Beach that tourists (and Australians) fall in love with. Don’t get us wrong Bondi Beach is a top tourist destination, and for good reason. However, with so many beaches in Australia, we will also share some awesome beaches in Australia facts as well.
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Facts About Bondi Beach – Beaches In Australia Facts
Where Is Bondi Beach Located Exactly
Bondi Beach is located in the suburbs of Sydney, Australia. If someone asks you for facts about Bondi Beach, you can tell them that it is located approximately 4 miles east of the Sydney CBD!
If Sydney Australia interesting your or perhaps you will be vacationing there, then read our Things To Do In Sydney For Kids.
What Is The Meaning Of Bondi
“Bondi” is an Aboriginal word that translates into something like “water breaking over rocks”. The Aboriginal people were various groups of indigenous Australians. As the first custodians of Australian land, they named this beach.
Perhaps it is named as such because there are rock cliffs just to the left of the beach?
Tell Me More About Bondi Beach History
There are definitely some really cool Bondi Beach facts to learn. The Bondi Beach history certainly adds to those interesting facts. Originally, Bondi Beach was a private beach. It wasn’t until 1882 that it was opened to the public.
Since 1882 it has grown in popularity to become one of the most (if not THE most) popular beaches in Australia. Perhaps, it could even be said that it may be the most famous beach in the world.
What Are The Bondi Icebergs
So how in the world is Bondi beach associated with icebergs? Well, a Bondi Beach facts for kids is that Bondi Beach does have icebergs. But … not the sort of icebergs you might imagine. The Bondi Icebergs Club is a winter swimming club located at Bondi Beach. Literally, it is a swimming pool set up over the cliff of Bondi Beach that people swim in year-round. So, the Bondi Icebergs are the wintertime swimmers at this club.
How Long Is Bondi Beach
While Bondi Beach is certainly famous and hosts many visitors, it is not a particularly huge beach. It is about 1 kilometer long, roughly .6 miles. You can imagine that in the summer it can be packed with tourists and locals alike catching some rays and cooling off.
However, with so many popular beaches in Australia (and Sydney alone) there are certainly other great beach spots for people to hang out.
How Many People Visit Bondi Beach Each Year
Speaking of Bondi being crowded, it is estimated that about 2.6 million people visit Bondi Beach each year. Now that is a stunning facts about Bondi Beach! It is pretty much impossible to gauge this exactly because it is a public beach where people come and go.
On a busy day, it is estimated that about 40,000 people can visit Bondi Beach in one day! Can you imagine how crowded that would be!
Why Is Bondi Beach Famous
While the beach itself is gorgeous, one of the factors that helped Bondi Beach become internationally famous is the reality shows. The tv shows “Bondi Vet” and mainly “Bondi Rescue” helped bring Bondi Beach to the livings rooms of people in over 100 countries.
Besides that, Bondi Beach is just a gorgeous beach to visit. The sun, golden sand, warm water temperatures, and local stores all help make Bondi Beach a top tourist destination.
What Do You Mean I Can’t Wear A Bikini At Bondi Beach
While this isn’t the case today, it was in the past. A cool Bondi Beach history fact is that the beach was at the heart of the fight for decency laws regarding beach attire. From 1935 to 1961, there were laws about what you could and could not wear to the beach. The bikini was certainly not acceptable and there were actually people that measured the length of beachgoers’ swimming costumes.
In 1961 it was determined that one must be dressed in proper attire but didn’t make specifications. As the years went on people forgot about the decency laws. By the 1980s Bondi Beach has become a place for topless sunbathers, with no one protesting.
What Is The Backpackers Rip At Bondi Beach
The Backpackers Rip is the rip current that is central to the beach. It is so-called because many tourists or “backpackers” don’t realize that this seemingly calm water is actually a dangerous rip-current. Many tourists head straight for the closest part of the ocean, not knowing the danger.
Flags and signs have been put up warning people of the dangers. Of course, lifeguards are also alert and on duty.
Why Is There A Shark Net At Bondi Beach
While shark attack deaths are rare in Australia, they do happen. Since they began keeping records, there are have been 13 shark attacks documented at Bondi Beach.
So, with the popularity of the beach, shark nets were put in place in 1937. While the nets to detour or trap sharks, the nets are not 100% foolproof. In recent years there have actually been studies that state the shark nets are really ineffective. In fact, in recent years there have been several incidents of the waters being evacuated as a Great White Shark has gotten past the shark nets and is seen stalking people in the water. The presence of sharks is one of the facts about Bondi Beach that is inescapable. After all, the ocean is their home.
Beaches In Australia Facts
How Many Beaches In Australia Are There
Good question, I have no idea how many beaches there are in Australia. Google reveals between 10,000 and 12,000 beaches in Australia. My guess is that in a country with a coastline of 25,760 kilometers, (just over 16,000 miles) no one really knows! I know in my home area, there are many small un-named beaches that only the locals know about. It makes me wonder if they have been counted!
In short, if you are looking for the number of beaches in Australia, you would be safe to say around 11,000.
What Are The Most Popular Beaches In Australia
With over 100 beaches in Sydney alone, there are a lot of beaches to explore. Beaches, like friends, are subjective. People like different things in a beach. Some like white sand, and turquoise waters and don’t mind the people, while others will prefer to travel a long distance to enjoy a beach by themselves.
Some of the most popular beaches we have visited are:
- Nudey Beach, Fitzroy Island, North Queensland
- Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas, North Queensland
- Cottesloe Beach, Perth, Western Australia
- Mandalay Beach, Walpole Western Australia
In fact, Western Australia has some pretty amazing beaches all around, that we have covered in a great post about the Best Beaches Of Western Australia.
And most likely the winner is –
Lucky Bay Esperance
With white sands, turquoise waters, and friendly local kangaroos, it doesn’t get much better than Lucky Bay. Want to know more, read our An Awesome Perth To Esperance Road Trip And Explore The Esperance Beaches.
The Verdict – Bondi Beach Facts For Kids & Beaches In Australia Facts
We hope you have enjoyed our facts about Bondi Beach and beaches in Australia facts! With Bondi Beach being so popular, we are sure that many of you have visited. Let us know in the comments below if you have any other interesting Bondi Beach facts to share.
Australia is our home. We love learning new beaches in Australia facts and hope that you do too.
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