Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(Pacific Ave; 361)
Surrounded by high cliffs, Tamarama has a deep tongue of sand with
just 80m of shoreline. Diminutive, yes, but ever-present rips make Tamarama the most
dangerous patrolled beach in New South Wales; it's often closed to swimmers.
When it earned its nickname 'Glamarama' in the '80s, Tamarama was probably
Sydney's gayest beach. Reflecting increasing acceptance, the gay guys have migrated en
masse to North Bondi, leaving the huge waves here to the surfers. It's hard to picture now,
but between 1887 and 1911 a roller coaster looped out over the water as part of an amuse-
ment park.
EASTERN SUBURBS
David Mills, editor of local newspaper, the
Wentworth Courier
, shares his love for his patch.
Why Go Anywhere Else?
When the people of Sydney's south, west or north shore criticise snooty eastern suburbs types for never ventur-
ing out of the patch, they don't realise that what they think is a cruel put-down is in fact a badge of honour. The
fact is, the hardened eastern suburbanite doesn't go west of the city because there's no need. The best beaches,
restaurants, watering holes and outdoor areas: they're all in the east.
Bondi & the Beaches
For me Bondi is distilled in four essential experiences. One: breakfast at the Bondi Trattoria, which pulls a local
crowd despite its prominence on the Campbell Pde tourist trap. Two: the Bondi to Bronte walk, invigorating at
all times of the year, but especially during whale-watching season or the annual Sculptures by the Sea exhibi-
10am-1am
Mon-Sat, to midnight Sun) to watch the local hipsters at play. And four: the beach itself.
But the east offers so much more than Bondi. Try the Hermitage Walk from Rose Bay to Vaucluse, one of
Sydney's most underrated attractions, or spend a few hours at Parsley Bay (
CLICK HERE
)
, a place I like to think
of as the picnic spot from central casting.
For Food?
Surry Hills is where Sydney goes for dinner, and a simple rule of thumb is to stick to the restaurants with one
