(Not just any beach or any bridge. I mean the beach and the bridge)
Today started much the same as yesterday (yes the teenage sloth and nagging mother) but what made my morning, was the greeting we got when we finally got to Joe Black cafe. Not only did they remember us from yesterday, but Joe made a fuss over the new shirt Master 16 was wearing and all was well with the world. Master 16 was beaming at the compliments and I was devouring my coffee!
From here, we grabbed an Uber and headed to ‘the beach’. Bondi is probably the beach that comes to mind when anyone thinks of an Aussie beach. I hadn’t been before and was dubious about how special it could really be, given how awesome our WA beaches are.
I was pleasantly surprised. Although it was nothing like the beaches I am used to, lined by bars and shops and with crowds of people, it had a certain charm about it. That is, despite a subtle air of pretentiousness in places. It seems many women dress to impress in the bars along the promenade. Don’t understand…… you are at the beach, surely a bikini would be a better choice than heels and skimpy dresses.
The beach itself is beautiful with pristine white sand, turquoise and blue waters and stark contrasting cliffs on either side. Albeit dangerous in parts with rocks, rips and currents which explains why Bondi rescue is a family TV favourite! It never fails in the drama department.
Much to the dismay of Master 16, I insisted on walking a small portion of the coast path from Bondi to Brontë beach. I had heard from a colleague this walk along the cliffs was stunning. First passing the Bondi Icebergs Ocean pool, we made our way out to Mackenzie point. The views were spectacular in all directions and although we didn’t make it to Brontë (Master 16 insisted we needed to save our legs to climb the bridge), we were able to glimpse its beauty.
As it turns out, Master 16 was probably right. At 6pm we headed out along the lower strut of the Sydney Harbour bridge and were informed we needed to ascend 1332 steps to reach the summit. At this point I was all kitted up and still feeling a bit nervous. But, I needn’t have been.
Not once did I feel scared. The bridge (as it looks from a distance) is a very solid and imposing structure. Harnessed at all stages and walking in the middle of the arch you don’t feel like you are near the edge.
In parts there are steep inclines but on the whole it is a gradual climb to the top with plenty of rest spots to take in the view. And what a vista it is……
You just can not help but get lost in the panorama. If ever you wanted to be fully present and without a screen it is while climbing this beauty (which is good because you can’t take it on the climb anyway)!
As you can see, we did an evening climb which I would highly recommend at this time if the year (November). I imagine it would get pretty hot up there during the day. No doubt the views would be stunning at any time.
I’ll admit, we do have tired legs. Perhaps Master 16 was right…. I do tend to over do it sometimes!!
TTB
P.S For those wondering, yes I did have a dip at Bondi after our walk. It was lovely!
The Travel Bee 