Bronte Beach: Rugged and Beautiful, with a Family Vibe
Sitting pretty in a dramatic pocket of Sydney's coast known as Nelson Bay, hemmed in by the dramatic sandstone cliffs between Tamarama and Clovelly beaches, Bronte Beach is arguably the most beautiful ocean beach in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. Despite its small size (just 250 metres in length from one end of the sand to the other), Bronte Beach is one of Sydney’s most popular beaches, being only eight kilometres from the city and part of the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk.
Bronte is particularly popular with families, as its set in a picturesque valley occupied by the ten hectare Bronte Park, a gorgeous patch of green grass and coastal vegetation perfect for picnicking, sports and barbecues. The beach itself, while beautiful, is rather notorious for its rough surf conditions, with at least two particularly hazardous rips running at either end of the beach on all but the calmest days. Staying between the flags at Bronte is absolutely essential for a safe swimming experience. Less adept swimmers can still take a dip at the Bronte Ocean Pool at the southern end of the beach, or in the tranquil Bogey Hole. The Bogey Hole is a shallow, modified “natural” swimming hole that’s open to the surf but protected by a semi-submerged ring of rocks. The term “bogey” is an aboriginal word meaning “to bathe” or “to swim” in the Dharawal language.
Bronte is patrolled for much of the year (except between June and mid-September) by the Waverley Council Lifeguard Service, as well as by volunteer lifesavers in the busy summer months. Bronte Park has plenty of coin-operated gas barbecues should you fancy a fry-up, and shaded picnic tables for shelter on those sweltering summer days. In the busy season there’s also the beloved Bronte miniature train providing a special treat for the littlies.
Just across the road from the park, are a number of smart casual cafés overlooking the ocean, serving up scrumptious breakfasts, gourmet lunches, coffee and fresh juices as well as beach essentials like ice cream and fish and chips.
Posted on Feb 23, 2011 by Fiona Davies
