I first visited Bondi Beach in winter a few years ago, and even at that time of the year it exceeded my expectations. In fact, it was probably the wisest time of year, as in summer the beach and surf are packed with swimmers, surfers and sightseers. It was still fairly busy on that cooler July day. But it was possible to have a quiet place in which to soak up the beauty and atmosphere.

Bondi is about seven kilometres from central Sydney and the best way to get there is by bus. Driving there is fine, but parking facilities have trouble keeping up with the demand. It’s a quaint seaside suburb, reflecting the many cultures making it their home over the years. There’s a bit of a saying over there, that Bondi is populated by Kiwis – New Zealanders –who never went home. After World War 11 the working class suburb was populated by Jewish migrants from Europe. Finding a true dinkum Aussie may be difficult at Bondi, unless it’s one of the aging surfers who have made it their way of life.

Bondi Beach is beautiful and for me, the first sight of it took my breath away. The white sand beach is a gentle curve of about a kilometre long, and even on a winter’s day the sea was blue and spectacular. The hot summers and mild winters are also an attraction. Even in winter brave souls were swimming and surfing, walking the beach, or just sitting around. One of my highlights was sitting on the beach eating lobster mornay and chips (fries) bought for a very affordable price at one of the local fish shops.

The other memorable highlight reminded me of my swimming background. I could not believe my eyes. Strutting the beach in their toned bodies and brief Speedo swimsuits were numbers of middle-aged men, intent on taking their daily swim or surf board ride. The far end of the beach is home to the famous Iceberg Swimming Club, an all year round salt water outdoor swimming pool. The pool was originally built to enable local surf lifesavers to train all year round. It was easy to imagine that many of the older men enjoying the surf that day had once been lifesavers, surf swimmers or surf board riders. If you live in or near Bondi a daily immersion in the sea would be a hard habit to break.

As well as the surf and beach, there is a busy shopping centre, plenty of cafes, fish shops, surf shops and the inevitable real estate agents. Life appeared to be fairly laid back there in that seaside suburb.  It would be easy to stay there a while, then realise after many years that you forgot to leave.