Weekend Excursion (1): The Eastern Beaches

This Saturday, the sun was shining radiantly after a week of Dutch april weather (read: some clouds, more wind, lots of unpredictable rain, and not so much sun). I decided that this was a good moment to explore the Eastern beaches and to walk from Bondi Beach along the cliffs down to Corgee beach. Here are my impressions.

Bondi Beach is the biggest of all Sydney beaches. It is situated in a beautiful bay which is spoilt by drunken backpackers and people with too many tattoos, too many muscles, and a deeply proletarian take on life. And I don't mean the surfers: they are serious in what they are doing and have my respect. "Was wäre Wien schön ohne Wiener", Georg Kreisler once sung. Yes, this is also true of the most iconic Sydney Beach.

After walking along the cliffs, the next beach, some 2 km further, is Tamarama Beach. Small and secluded, it has a much nicer atmosphere. And impressive 2 vs. 2 footvolley action on a regular beach volleyball field. More than amazing what these guys (and one girl) do with their heads, breasts, and feet. A nice place to rest.

Then, one arrives at Bronte Beach, which is again one of the major bays. But it is much nicer than Bondi. There is a green park in the middle of the bay, with real trees, and at the southern end, there is one of the many Sydney ocean pools. A small saltwater swimming pool where you can swim when currents and wind make it impossible to swim in the sea. It is big fun. You get a fair share of the waves and they fizz on the surface like champagne bubbles. People scream like in Rocco Siffredi movies. And it's free.

Finally, you pass by the Waverley graveyard, which is directly on top of the coast, and make it down to Corgee Beach. And there, it is time for fries and a beer. Cheers!