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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: Ah, Bondi, how we love you. Your natural beauty and kid-friendly outdoor activities will keep all families busy and engaged, whether splashing in the surf or walking the coastline enjoying the salty tang of the sea breezes.

The smooth curve of Bondi Beach is about 1km long, backed by a promenade which is terrific to stroll along. There are grassy spaces behind the beach at each end, the famous Bondi Pavilion is in the middle of the beach with a fenced playground alongside it. At the north end of the beach is the shallow children’s wading pool, and at the south end is the superb Bondi Icebergs pool.

On the beach you will find flags to swim between at the north end at North Bondi Surf Lifesaving Club and right in the middle, where Bondi Surf Life Saving Club, home of the famous Bondi Rescue TV series, is found.

Insider Tip: If you are a visitor to Sydney, I cannot emphasise strongly enough how important it is to stay between the flags when you enter the water. You might see people splashing in the shallow waves outside the flags or even swimming, but I strongly advise you NOT to join them. Bondi is a famous surf beach for the very good reason that it has waves and waves mean rips. You will be safe if you stay within the flags where surf guards will be watching your every move.

A Public Playground with a View

Bondi’s playground has the best sea views of all the hundreds of playgrounds in Sydney. The equipment is boat-themed and great for toddlers and pre-schoolers, even for primary aged children. 

The playground is completely enclosed, with space to BBQ and picnic beside it. There are cafes at the Pavilion to get takeaway from, plus plenty across the road too. This is a top spot to enjoy the views whilst the children run wild.

Surfing Lessons at Bondi

The whole family can do surfing lessons at Bondi, children aged five and over are generally fine to start surfing adventures. Let’s Go Surfing at Bondi offers 2-hour adults or kids group lessons, they also run private family lesson. Weekend workshops are also on offer.

Take a Dip with the Icebergs

This highly Instagrammable rock pool has a 50m lap pool where serious swimmers and serious sunworshippers and general beautiful people posers are to be found. There is also a smaller pool where families can hang out and swim for fun. Be aware that there is no shade around the pool so wear heaps of sunscreen and use your hats, avoiding the middle of the day is best.

There is a small fee to enter Icebergs. Do check on the website to see what hours and days it is open as these do vary.

Family Walks Around Bondi

We highly recommend an early morning walk along Bondi Beach, it’s just sublime.

Bondi Beach Promenade: If you have a stroller or very young children then you will find a simple walk along the promenade that runs by the length of Bondi Beach an easy walk to enjoy.  Nearby  Bondi Skate Park is a top spot for teenagers and older primary-aged children.

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Path: The best-known Bondi walk is that which runs along the coastline from Bondi to Coogee. This is a 6km walk one-way, past stunning beaches and along soaring cliff tops. You can also walk just from Bondi to Bronte Beach and back, this is a 5km return expedition.

South Head Heritage Trail at Watsons Bay: This is a terrific coastal walk around Sydney Harbour and soaring South Head, just a 5-10-minute drive away from Bondi Beach. 

Stay and Play!

Visit Bondi for a full day or do as we did and stay for a couple of nights for a Bondi seaside staycation.  If you are looking for a very kid-friendly place to stay in Bondi, try the Adina Apartment Hotel Bondi Beach Sydney, for its location as much as its comfort and style. You can walk to the beach in five minutes from the Adina and it is surrounded by cafes, restaurants and cool shops.

Apartment hotels are always so handy for families and the kitchen facilities in each apartment here are good. The one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments also have washing machines and tumble driers – essential when at the beach. We had a one-bedroom apartment connected to a studio apartment and that worked really well for us with two teenagers. If you have one child, then you can use the sofa bed in the one-bedroom apartments.

Plus, the Adina’s swimming pool is a huge drawcard - the teens spend hours splashing around in the evenings, even though we stayed in winter.  So, make the most of the warm weather these school holidays. Plan your family staycation at Adina Apartment Hotel Bondi Beach Sydney. 

Peace of mind when you stay with us: Introducing Clean Touch.

About the author: Seana Smith is the brains behind Hello Sydney Kids. A blog that tracks down the best places to holiday with kids. Click here to read Seana’s full story on her Bondi Beach stay.