Backpacker Jobs Bondi Beach

Jobs in Bondi

Ask anyone to name an Australian beach, and the first word to pop in their head will probably be Bondi. In a country with over 23,000 beaches, this stretch in Sydney is by far the most famous.

Located seven kilometres east of the Sydney CBD, here you'll find sun, fun, beautiful people and TV-famous lifeguards. The Bondi Rescue team aren't just there for the cameras though; the crashing waves of Bondi Beach might be great for surfing, but they've pulled in many an overeager tourist, particularly in the section known as Backpackers' Rip. Stay between the red and yellow flags and you'll be fine though!

But is Bondi Beach a must-see destination for a working holidaymaker? And what exactly might the suburb offer 417 and 462 visa holders?

Let's take a look.

Where is Bondi Beach, and how do I get there?

Bondi Beach is a suburb of Sydney, Australia's largest city. It is located approximately seven kilometres east of the Sydney CBD, or a simple 30 minute train ride.

What is Bondi Beach famous for?

Bondi Beach is famous for Bondi Beach. The name refers to both the stretch of sand and the surrounding suburb (although neighbouring suburbs like Bondi, North Bondi and Bondi Junction also use the name, which means ‘surf' or ‘crashing waves' in the local aboriginal dialect). The beach is around a kilometre long, and the northern end is much better (and safer) for swimming than the southern end, where you'll find Backpackers' Rip.

But the beach is only part of the Bondi story. The area is home to many events, from the Miss Bondi Beauty Pageant to the annual Vans Bowl-A-Rama skating competition. It's a centre for the arts, with many creatives calling the area home, and is known for its fashion and cafe culture too.

What are Bondi Beach's must see attractions?

1. Bondi Pavilion: Opened in 1929, when Bondi was just making a name for itself as the place to be, 200,000 people attended the ribbon cutting ceremony of Bondi Pavillion, which now serves as a cultural centre.
2. Bondi to Bronte Walk: The coast from Bondi to the southern suburb of Bronte is absolutely spectacular, and can be enjoyed in all its glory on the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk.
3. Bondi Beach Park: A large patch of grass overlooking the beach, Bondi Beach Park is just as inviting as the sand (and doesn't get in all your nooks and crannies!)
4. Aboriginal Rock Engravings: Found a short walk from the beach in North Bondi, a rocky cliff face is home to some ancient rock engravings from the very first Australians, who called this area home for 40,000 years until European settlers arrived.

What should I see in the Bondi Beach area?

1. Sydney Opera House: Head to the city and you'll soon spot one of the most recognisable structures on earth. The famous sails of the World Heritage listed Sydney Opera House are Instagram gold.
2. Sydney Harbour Bridge: Known to locals as the big coat hanger, this steel arch bridge was the largest of its kind when it was built in 1932. As iconic as the opera house, you can scale its heights with Bridge Climb.
3. Taronga Zoo: Sydney's most famous zoo, 4000 animals and 350 species are spread across 28 hectares to the north of the CBD.
4. Manly Beach: Is Bondi perhaps a little too popular for your liking? A more relaxed and local day at the beach can be enjoyed in Manly, a seaside suburb to the north of Sydney Harbour.

Where should I stay in Bondi Beach?

For a discount dorm bed: No Bondi hostel comes close to the quality of the award winning Wake Up! Bondi Beach, where you'll find cleanliness, friendliness and an absolutely stunning terrace.

For something slightly fancier: Looking for your own space? Ultimate Apartments Bondi Beach offers cosy little self contained apartments at a reasonable price, located just a short 10 minute walk from the beach.

To treat yourself: If price is no object, the 5-star QT Bondi provides a luxurious base from which to explore the surrounding area.

Is there work for backpackers in Bondi Beach?

You have two options as a backpacker on a 417 or 462 visa - you can either make the most of 12 months in Australia, or you can undertake specified work in a regional location, and extend your visa into a second or third year.

If you're only looking to stay in Australia for 12 months, Bondi Beach is a terrific place to look for work - thanks to its healthy levels of tourism there is constant demand for workers in the hospitality industry (it should be noted, however, that rental prices aren't exactly cheap in the area.)

But if you're looking to extend your stay into a second or third year, Bondi Beach isn't the place - being a suburb of Australia's largest city, it doesn't qualify as a regional location.

So, is Bondi Beach worth a visit for a working holidaymaker? As a beautiful, exciting and fun part of Sydney, it most certainly is. But whether or not you stay there to work will depend on what your long term plans for Australia are.

Our advice? Get to Bondi Beach first, and worry about the rest later!