no alt text

Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 09 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Mark Chipperfield

Australia has been obsessed with surfing since 1915 when Hawaiian legend Duke Kahanamoku toured the country. Since then, Bondi Beach, Sydney’s most accessible beach, has been synonymous with board riding of every kind – from longboarding to boogie boarding.

Bondi Beach is considered one of the best beaches for novice surfers because it offers consistently good surf – although the southern end of the beach, with its powerful right-handers, is generally reserved for more experienced riders. Many Sydneysiders have learned to surf here and Let’s Go Surfing, the resident surf academy, has been operating at North Bondi since 1995.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price from: £40
Minimum age: 7
Age suitable: 7+
When: All year around
Duration: 1 hour

Getting there & doing it

Getting to Bondi Beach by public transport involves a combined (and arduous) journey from the city by train to Bondi Junction and then bus to the beach. It’s much better in this case to book a taxi/Uber. Many people also cycle there.

Lightweight boards can be hired from a kiosk at Bondi Beach, so anyone can ride the waves. But there are dangers. Bondi has a number of currents (known as rips), hidden sandbars and dangerous breaks.

Let’s Go Surfing at North Bondi offers a variety of surf lessons for adults, families and kids. Private lessons are also available.

When to do it

The surf school operates all-year-round and while most people want to surf in the warmer months, winter is a great time to be in the ocean, with fewer people around, good waves and crystal-clear water. The school supplies good quality wetsuits.

 

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Surfing Lessons on Sydney's Bondi Beach

Surfing Lessons on Sydney's Bondi Beach

Sydney

What better place to learn to surf than on world-famous Bondi Beach? Here you'll find fantastic waves, sunbathing beauties, year-round sun a...

A99 | Rating 4.84 / 5 [145 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

QT Bondi

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

This funky and relaxed mid-size hotel, with its playful surfing vibe, is just five minutes’ walk from Australia most famous beach.

Official star rating:

Bondi Beach House

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Live like a Bondi local at this stylish, homely guesthouse, just 200m from the surf of Australia’s most famous beach.

Official star rating:

The Hughenden

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Delightfully eccentric, this Victorian villa oozes old school charm and offers one of the handiest addresses in Sydney.

Official star rating:

Mrs Banks Hotel

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Berthed in the heart of Paddington, this 30-room property is a pleasant alternative to the city’s big brand hotels and offers easy access to most of the major attractions.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Sydney

New South Wales, Australia

One of the world’s most dynamic and glamorous cities, with golden beaches, world-class eating and dining and effervescent, friendly people.

Website >
Overview >

Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Bondi Beach

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

One of the world’s most famous beaches, with spectacular surfing and a vibrant restaurant and shopping scene.

Best for ages: Any | Free

Bondi to Coogee Walk

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Sydney’s best clifftop walk: a superb 6m trail along the headlands and beaches of this picturesque coastline, with plenty of swimming and eating options en route.

Best for ages: 6+ | Free | 2-3 hours

Sailing & Boating on Sydney Harbour

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Sublime harbour seascapes, tranquillity and invigorating sea air await boaters on the world’s most beautiful harbour. A paradise for sailing and motor-boating.

Best for ages: 13+ | £40

Website >
Overview >

Sydney Mardi Gras Parade

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

An extraordinary and unique cultural spectacular – Sydney’s world-famous Mardi Gras parade sees 65,000 glammed-up marchers, 160 outrageous floats and tens of thousands lining the streets.

Best for ages: Any | Free | 2-3 hours

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Statues of people looking out in different directions by the sea on a sunny day.
Experience

Sculpture by the Sea

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

For almost 3 weeks every October/November, this internationally lauded (and free) outdoor exhibition sees 100 or so sculptures arranged around the (stunning) coastal footpath between Bondi and Tamarama beaches.

Best for ages: 4+ | Free | 2-3 weeks

Website >
Overview >
Wylie’s Baths
Experience

Wylie’s Baths

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

This beautifully-restored Edwardian bathing facility, a short walk from Coogee Beach, offers a stunning ocean swimming pool, historic wooden changing sheds, a small café and wrap-around ocean views. Open daily.

Best for ages: 4+ | £3

Website >
Overview >
An outdoor pool on the edge of the harbour in front of Sydney's skyline.
Experience

Boy Charlton Pool

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Sydney is famed for its ocean and harbourside pools and this stunning harbourside pool is a stand-out. The Botanic Gardens are on one side, harbour views on the other. Great swim and sunbathing; there’s a fine cafe on site too.

Best for ages: 4+ | £12

Website >
Overview >
Fort Denison
Experience

Fort Denison

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Built during the Crimean War, this little historic gem sits in the middle of Sydney harbour. It’s now a museum, with fascinating exhibits like a canon gun powder store and a tidal gauge room. Daily ferries go from Circular Quay.

Best for ages: 6+ | £5

Website >
Overview >