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About Bondi Beach
Bondi, Sydney, Australia. "Bondi" or "Boondi" is an Aboriginal word meaning "water breaking over rocks" or "noise of water breaking over rocks." The Australian Museum records Bondi as meaning "place where a flight of nullas took place."
Bondi Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world and is visited by over two and half million people a year. It's one kilometre stretch of sand can be covered by up to 40,000 people at one time.
Bondi Beach is unique. It has a life and personality that reflects its diverse population. The far south corner of the beach, known as 'the office', is home to local surfers from the Bondi Boardriders club. A bit further north, are mostly young people who live in Bondi. Move further north again, and backpackers from all over the world dominate the scene. Through the middle of beach, in front of Bondi Pavilion, multi-cultural communities are most common. Moving further into the northern corner, the beach becomes the playground for families and children.
It's an eclectic mix which keeps lifeguards busy, not only keeping a watchful eye over surf-savvy locals but teaching water safety to those new to beach culture.
The beach has general hazard ratings. In general, the northern end being the gentle surf and the southern end of the beach more hazardous because of its famous rip current known as the "Backpackers Express", so named because it's proximity to Backpacker hostels. This rip is also known as the "Bondi Tram" or the "Bronte Express", because you could end up in nearby Bronte if you get caught in it. Actually, there can be anywhere from two to five rip currents operating along the beach which change in nature and move constantly.
These rips are the reason that Bondi's lifeguards and lifesavers are so busy rescuing an average of 2500 people per year. About 85% of these rescues are tourists and non-locals.
So when visiting Bondi, have fun, but make sure you swim between the red and yellow flags at all times.
For more information on Bondi, check out these sites:
North Bondi Surf Club
Bondi Surf Bathers' Life Saving Club
Waverley Council
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