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Bondi: An Iconic Australian Beach
Tuesday, June 07th, 2011 /

Bondi Beach is as symbolic of Australia as the kangaroo. When you see a photograph of a kangaroo, you automatically think of Australia. When you see a picture of Bondi, you know exactly where it is: no caption is needed. Bondi represents the true "Aussie Spirit": beach loving, sports crazy, but serious and responsible at the same time.

Bondi Beach

It is not just since it was discovered by Sydney’s early settlers that "Bondi" and "surf" have been synonymous. The name of the suburb comes from an aboriginal word meaning "the noise of waves crashing on rocks." That’s exactly what the waves do, too, on the rocks on the headlands to the north and south of the famous beach.

While the ancient aborigines spent their time on the rocks harvesting the bounty of the sea, the beach at Bondi is where it is all happening today. Smack dab in the middle 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. From the beginning, the club has been dedicated to the pursuit of saving lives at Australia’s most famous beach. On Black Sunday, the 6th of February, 1937, members of this club made an astounding 300 rescues when big waves swept beachgoers out to sea on a hot summer day. Five lives were lost on that day, but had it not been for their heroic efforts, dozens of lives would have been lost.

The tram to Bondi used to be almost as famous as the beach itself. Since the last tram ran in 1961, it has been replaced by buses. The beach is so popular, even though a bus from nearby Bondi Junction runs every ten minutes, during the summer months, every bus is packed. A large parking area at the beach accommodates thousands of cars, but on a hot weekend in the summer, Bondi has to accommodate up to 40,000 beachgoers. Somehow, it manages to do so in style. Even on the most crowded days, the atmosphere is festive and everyone gets catered to by the local businesses along Campbell Parade and on Curlewis Street, the two main roads.

While Bondi attracts the greatest crowds on hot days, it is a popular destination 365 days a year. In the middle of winter, surfers brave the cold winter waters to ride the waves and the world famous "Bondi Icebergs" jump into the icy waters of their salt water pool. Visitors who wisely decide to stay warm get their exercise by walking or jogging along the lovely coastal walking track that runs along the side of the cliff on the southern headland.

Bondi is equally popular at night, when the pubs, entertainment venues, restaurants and other nightspots come to life. Bondi’s nightlife reflects its diverse community and tastes. Along the same stretch of road, you can 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 throughout the world and almost everyone who visits Sydney also visits Bondi at least once before they go back home. Many of them choose to stay in Bondi. That is easily done, since there is a Bondi accommodation for every lifestyle and budget. The Bondi backpacker accommodations are some of the most popular in Australia. At the other end of the scale, you can choose a 5 star resort with spectacular views. Whatever you’re looking for, you can find it in Bondi.

Category: Sydney  Tags: ,  Leave a Comment
The massively popular Byron Bay
Friday, February 25th, 2011 /

The town of Byron Bay, Australia’s easternmost town on the far north coast of New South Wales, is anything but a big city. The town itself has a permanent population of only about five thousand and the entire shire has a permanent population of only around 30,000. While Byron Bay locals may be small in number, they are big on hospitality, hosting over 1.5 million visitors per year.

Byron Bay

The massive popularity of Byron Bay is a fairly recent phenomenon. Until the late 60s, it was just a peaceful country town whose only claim to fame was as the largest producer of dairy products in the Southern Hemisphere. Back then, the only tourists were the surfers who came there to ride the "secret spot" known only as The Pass. The Pass didn’t remain a secret for very long, though and when the Flower Children heard about Byron Bay from the Soul Surfers who discovered it, it quickly developed into a haven for the seventies’ alternative lifestyle community.

These enterprising new arrivals started many of Byron Bay’s first tourist oriented businesses. They opened surf shops, gift shops, galleries, arts and crafts shops, cafes and, most importantly, backpackers’ resorts. Word spread about Byron Bay largely by word of mouth and by the early eighties, it was on every young globetrotter’s "must see" list. Attracted by the laid-back lifestyle, the spectacular beaches and the magnificent surrounding countryside, they came in droves.

1990 marked a turning point and challenge for Byron Bay. That was the year the first "BluesFest" music festival took place at the Arts Factory. Even the organizers of the event had no idea how popular it would become. It quickly outgrew its original venue, but continues to this day, attracting tens of thousands of visitors from all over the world every year.

BluesFest

Byron Bay’s new-found prosperity led to further development, but it has always been kept in check by the locals’ fierce determination to keep it from becoming another highrise resort town like Surfers Paradise. Their efforts have largely paid off and to this day, Byron Bay somehow manages to retain its unique atmosphere and yet still cater to the millions of visitors who flock there every year.

Byron Shire is more than you see from Lawson or Jonson Streets, the main streets in town and the centres of the tourist activities. Take a stroll out to the world famous Byron Bay Lighthouse and, after you’ve feasted your eyes on the glittering Tasman Sea from Australia’s easternmost tip, turn around and look to the verdant hills behind the city. Tucked away in the hills are many fascinating towns and villages, all of which can be easily visited by car or shuttle bus.

Main street in Byron Bay

Although Byron Bay also caters to families and well-heeled travellers looking for luxury resorts and five star cuisine, it still retains the best of its alternative lifestyle appeal. Whether you choose a backpackers lodge or a luxurious resort as your Byron Bay accommodation, it will be designed with your comfort and minimal environmental impact in mind. The grounds will be beautifully landscaped with native flora and the atmosphere will be wonderfully relaxing. Byron Bay is almost synonymous with laid back, so soak it up as long as you can.

Category: Far North Coast NSW  Tags: , , ,  One Comment
Take a few days off in Mollymook on the NSW South Coast
Wednesday, July 21st, 2010 /

Mollymook Beach Pirates, aborigines and white settlers all found Mollymook idyllic in nature. Blessed with a treasure trove of temperate weather, mysterious caves and gleaming beaches, this little town located along the New South Wales coast is just waiting to be discovered by the individual or family looking for fun and adventure in a hedonistic setting.

Those afraid that such a place will be hidden too far off the beaten path will be pleased to discover that this bit of paradise is actually quite handily located almost equidistant from Sydney and Canberra a short and scenic three hour road trip. It is in the perfect spot to serve as a short get a way or as a longer family vacation.

While its is based around tourism retail and the lodging income, it creates no problem as anything one might need is available only five short minutes away in Ulladulla.

The beaches of Mollymook have already been discovered by those connoisseurs of great water, surfers. Each year sponsored festivals, contests and surfing competitions draw surfers from all over to take part. These clean and safe beaches also draw swimmers of all kinds as well as those less inclined to leave their comfy beach lounges preferring to enjoy to view and the sun.

They take care of their visitors with a plethora of Mollymook beach accommodation that take in preferences from luxurious, with 5 star hotels, to those who prefer to ‘rough it’ in the modern campgrounds available in the area. They haven’t forgotten the gustatory pleasures of a vacation either, providing familiar fast food, hearty buffets and even opulent dining experiences for those looking for an elegant night after an adventurous day.

The town enjoys the ease of such amazing neighbors as Morton National Park, known for its breathtaking waterfalls and striking foliage and Pigeon House Mountain and Murramarang. These parks offer adventure, discovery and an unmatched opportunity to experience the land as it once was. Both parks offer bushwalking with choices for those who need an easier trail and for those who want a chance to explore caves, coal mines and climbing the cliffs.

It was Captain Cook who stepped onto the shores here in 1770 where he discovered the area already inhabited by Aborigines and reported that the natives "appeared to be of a black or very dark colour". Later the local caves and artifacts that have been discovered proved that, indeed, it had been called home by a number of diverse Aboriginal groups before the white settlers arrived in 1859. The name itself seems to have come from a local species of albatross called the ‘mollymawk’. There was also a community house built by these settlers known as the "Molly Moke", all of which could be differing spellings that have wound up today as "Mollymook".

This is a ‘don’t miss’ destination for everyone of any age. The beautiful drive alone, a ribbon of clear road stretching between breathtaking cliffs and sparkling water calls you to a different place, a different time, a different adventure. Next time you plan your family vacation, take a look at Mollymook.

Category: South Coast  Tags: ,  Leave a Comment