Bronte Beach
Bronte, Sydney, New South Wales, 2024
Just south of Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach, Bronte Beach offers all the appeal of its neighbor—golden sands, surf-worthy waves, and scores of sun-bronzed holidaymakers—but its smaller size and lighter traffic make it a local favorite. Head here to enjoy a beachside barbecue in Bronte Park, paddle in the rock pools, or put your surf skills to the test.
The Basics
Sydney beach tours often stop for sunbathing and free time at Bronte Beach, which is just a short hop from downtown and en-route to Bondi Beach. For a thrill, take a high-octane speedboat ride from Sydney Harbour to Bondi Beach, or hike the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk—a trail that runs all the way from Bondi in the north to Coogee Beach in the south, passing Bronte Beach and Clovelly Beach along the way.
Things to Know Before You Go
Bronte Beach is a good option for families with kids, with swimming pools and shallower areas that are suitable for younger children.
Restrooms, showers, and barbecue areas are available along the beach, but bring your own parasol and beach towel.
Temperatures can reach over 86°F (30°C) in summer, so be sure to pack sunscreen and a hat.
The waves can be strong at Bronte, so swim only in designated areas and at times when the lifeguards are on patrol.
Free Wi-Fi hotspots are available around Bronte Beach and Bronte Park.
How to Get There
Bronte Beach is located on the Pacific Coast, in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, about five miles (eight kilometers) southeast of Sydney Harbour. Buses run roughly every 30 minutes from downtown Sydney to Bondi Beach. From there, it’s a 10-minute bus ride to get to Bronte Beach, or about an hour-long stroll on the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk.
When to Get There
The sun shines at Bronte Beach year-round, but it’s at its hottest and busiest during the summer months (December through February). Visit out of season to avoid the crowds; temperatures can still reach 86°F (30°C) in the spring and autumn months. Or, wake up early and get to the beach in time for sunrise.
Swimming at Bronte Beach
Bronte is renowned for its 90-foot-long (30-meter) ocean pool, which offers a safe spot for swimmers to log some laps. There’s also a natural swimming hole with calmer waters, ideal for families and younger swimmers. Experienced surfers flock to the main beach, where a notorious rip tide dubbed the “Bronte Express” can make swimming more challenging. Luckily, lifeguards from the Bronte Surf Life Saving Club patrol this area.
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