Pre-1789 Pre-1789Aboriginal rock carvings found along coastal areas of Bondi Beach, believed to be approximately 200 years old, provide a fascinating insight into the traditional coastal life of Indigenous Australians. The rock carvings can be found at Bondi Golf Course, Ben Buckler Reserve and on the Costal Walk at Mackenzies Point. They depict various fish species, and were probably formed by ‘pecking’ small holes in the rock surface with a pointed stone or shell and later joined together by grooving the rock. The largest group of carvings is found on what is now the Bondi Golf Course, which was once probably a ceremonial ground. These depict what could be described as the first recorded shark attack at Bondi Beach with a large, 8-metre shark (whose face has unfortunately worn away) attacking a large, male figure who is swimming diagonally away from the creature.1850 1850The Homestead was the first house built at Bondi Beach. The O’Brien family resided there after buying the land from William Roberts’estate. This painting of the house is believed to be the work of by Georgiana O’Brien, whose father bought the land at Bondi in trust for her. Georgiana was the second wife of Thomas O’Brien. He had previously been married to her sister, who died in child birth. Thomas eventually outlived three wives. The last of the O’;Brien’s Bondi land holding was sold off in 1917.1880 1880Before 1905, bathing during daylight hours was prohibited due to concerns over sharks and stingrays, as well as modesty. However, that didn’t stop people from enjoying the sand and the surf. During the 1990s, attitudes began to relax, and the beach became associated with health, leisure and democracy – a playground everyone could enjoy.1890 1890Bondi Bay, 1880 photo by Henry King1887 1887Though hard to imagine now, the park behind Tamarama Beach was once home to a very colourful amusement park. In 1887, the Royal Aquarium and Pleasure Grounds was established here, with exhibits including sharks, seals and a penguin, as well as roller coasters, sword contests, tightrope walkers and roller-skating rinks. In 1906, the park evolved into Wonderland City, and featured a miniature railway along the cliff tops as well as an airship which was suspended above the beach.1901 1901An 1890s outing on Bondi Beach for a privileged group of children. Note the original 1887 sewer vent shaft in the background and the brush fencing installed in an attempt to stymie the ebb and flow of the hitherto untamed sand dunes.1907 1907Amusements at Bondi Beach circa 19071907 1907As sea bathing became more popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s, public safety became a concern. In response, the world’s first formally documented surf lifesaving club, the Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club, was formed in 1907. Surf patrol members wearing their distinctive red and yellow quartered caps first appeared at Bondi that summer. Some key features of surf rescue were established in those early years, including several Australian inventions. From Bondi, the surf lifesaving movement spread through NSW and then to the rest of Australia and the world. Today, Surf Life Saving Australia is one of the largest and most successful nationwide associations of volunteers dedicated to protecting the safety of beach goers. Surf lifesavers have rescued over 520,000 people in the 80 years since records have been kept.1920s 1920sBondi Hotel in the 1920s1920 1920Once Bondi’s sand dunes were cleared about 1920, a building boom began. It helped meet the shortage of housing caused by a population explosion in post-war Australia. The Bondi basin was filled with a new type of architecture – the residential flat building. They were built in many architectural styles, the most famous being Art Deco.1920s 1920sThere were 2 putt putt golf courses in Bondi – they were the rage in 1920s1922 1922Trans-Tasman Cable House and gas light, photo SLNSW1928 1928Bondi Pavillion, just opened in 19281930s 1930sAmbulance at North Bondi1930s 1930sTwo girls walking the Promenade, Photo courtesy National Library of Australia1932 1932Looking out from South Bondi1934 1934Only recently uncovered, the photography of Bondi resident, George Caddy, captures the popular trend of Beachobatics, or acrobatics on the beach, which was popular in the 1930s.1935 1935Chorus Girls wheel rolling at Bondi Beach, Photo Sam Hood.1937 1937Aerial view of Bondi Beach1947 1947North Bondi SLSC girls march team1950 1950The first people to surf our beaches were Duke Kahanamoku and Isabelle Latham, who did so around 100 years ago. By the 1950s, surf culture was well and truly established in Bondi.1951 1951These Gadigal carvings thought to be hundreds if not thousands of years old were re-grooved by Raymond De Cusack in 19511950s 1950sSBLSC patrol1959 1959Christmas Day lunch on Bondi Beach1960s 1960sGroms on surf-o-planes1970 1970If you’re walking along the beachfront, be sure to snap your own selfie in front of the Bondi Beach Sea Wall Mural, which has been operating since the 1970s. The mural features a mix of street and contemporary art, and over the years, has hosted the work of some of the best-known street artists across the world.1970’s 1970’sSurfers carrying coolite boards cross Cambell Parade in the 70’s1971 1971The Sydney City2Surf has been held as an annual event since the first run on 5 September 1971, which attracted 1,576 racegoers. Today, the race from the Sydney CBD to Bondi Beach is one of the biggest events on the Sydney calendar.2019 2019Waverley Council is committed to making our beaches accessible for everyone. Millions of people visit Bondi Beach every year to enjoy the sand and surf, yet something enjoyed by so many is often challenging for people who are less mobile, use a wheelchair or mobility aid. Council is working on a number of initiatives to improve inclusion and access at Bondi Beach.Waverley Council acknowledges the Bidjigal, Birrabirragal and Gadigal people, who traditionally occupied the Sydney Coast and we pay respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders both past and present.Footer
Hello Bondi
Story of Bondi
Pre-1789 1850 1880 1890 1887 1901 1907 1907 1920s 1920 1920s 1922 1928 1930s 1930s 1932 1934 1935 1937 1947 1950 1951 1950s 1959 1960s 1970 1970’s 1971 2019