Bronte Beach Sydney is perhaps Sydney's coolest Beach. And it may actually be, as some of us think, Paradise on Earth.
Bronte has a good, if somewhat unpredictable, surfing beach - a strong rip tide in a heavy swell can easily sweep you away, Bronte people call this the 'Bronte Express'.
Bronte is one of Sydney's better people watching beaches.
Swimmers can be seen pounding the beachside rock pool all year round with recreational fisherman and snorkelers enjoying the surrounding rocks and protected water holes.
Families enjoy playing ball on the green grass and there are ample barbeque facilities (even chess board tables!). Not to forget the very popular (with both young and old kiddies) circular train ride (weekends only).
Sidewalk Cafe Society is well established and cafephiliacs indeed feel as if they are fallen into Paradise. Where to eat? Bronte Bite? Jenny's? Tarifa Cafe, Cafe Q?
Menu's? All are reasonably priced (considering the high rents paid). Wheatgrass Juice, Spirulina, Banana Bread, Muesli to die for, Pancakes, Egg Florentine, Egg Benedict or Egg Nova Scotia. Service, except on really busy and hot days, when staff are a bit volume stressed, is typically hospitable, warm and welcoming.
If you don't mind a queue there's the Bronte Chipper for beachside fish and chips. Sometimes a bit of a wait but you are given a pager and can continue enjoying all that the beach has to offer (taking the edge of your hunger and irritability) while awaiting the loud 'Beep Beep' announcing your newspaper wrapped food.
The downside to Bronte is that there is no local Pub, which equates to no entertainment, or beer garden. And there is no local convenience store or chemist. In fact apart from the restaurants there are no other retailers. So, if you're on a budget, it might be best to pack your own picnic hamper (don't forget the water and sunscreen).
Time your visit to Bronte Beach with the Open day held at historic Bronte House 6 times a year.
My advise is to get the bus down to the beach. Bronte Road is narrow and parking a real hassle. Buses run regularly throughout the day.
From Bronte there are superb coastal headland walks to either Bondi (North ) or Coogee (South). Allow about one hour in either direction.
Stunning coast walk aspect heading south from Bronte Beach Sydney
Stunning coast walk aspect heading south from Bronte Beach Sydney
