Beach Culture: Sydney Style

To say that Australia is the land of beach culture is an understatement.  Youngsters seem to move up quickly from boogie boards to surfing, and “life is a beach” could be the national motto.  Here, for example, is Manly Beach on Christmas Day:

But the most iconic beach of all is Bondi, legendary for its surfing. Lessons begin at an early age, and the waves are soon mastered.

Bondi is also known for its “Icebergs”, the rockpool that is open year-round to swimmers.

There are various areas throughout the harbor and the coast that are enclosed in some manner for swimming, either by a man-made wall to keep the waves at bay, or by a net (e.g., the less dramatic Greenwich Baths, in which a net separates the swimmers from the sharks that are not unknown in the area).

A walkway along the coast from Bondi to Maroubra affords great views of the cliffs, punctuated by expanses of sand and waves.  The walkway is popular with runners and walkers of all ages, although there does seem to be a preponderance of young women.

A small cove in Lurline Bay has unusual sandstone formations.  

The walking instructions indicate that the bay may be impassable "when the sea is rough"; otherwise, the walker is left to find her way across the rocks.

 Some short diversions up and down residential streets along the route provide plenty of attractive flowers and shrubs, and they attract various birds, including the colorful (but noisy) Crimson Rosella.

And what better to stimulate the appetite than a bit of salty air?

Notice the book in the foreground. This has been invaluable in planning walks around the Sydney area.