Bondi Winter Magic Festival

image by morning bondi

words by james phillips

Having grown up in God’s Country, otherwise known as Sydney, I’ve never been one to agree with that. Sizzling summer is what I’m all about… 30-degree beach days where the ocean is the perfect antidote to the scorching sun will always be better than jumping in the freezing winter water and realising it’s warmer in, than it is out. Yep, Bondi is made for summer.

The cooler months aren’t all bad though…

The waves are better, the crowds are as thin as they get and thanks to Bondi Winter Magic, the beachside Bubble sparkles during the coldest month of the year.

From June 30 to July 31, Bondi will come to life with the annual Bondi Winter Magic, a pop-up winter festival of comedy, music, theatre, art, food and entertainment. This season, you’re equally sorted for your romantic date night or a bit of frosty fun with your crew.

During the festival, Bondi will lay claim to Australia’s (and surely the world’s) only beachside ice rink. Open from 30 June to 16 July, 10am to 9pm, you can skate in the sunshine or under the stars at night. There are freestyle skating sessions for the big and little kids with lessons from Australia’s top coaches and ice show performances every weekend. There’s even going to be a curling demonstration by one of our own winter Olympian’s… and if you’re not yet acquainted with the sport of curling, you’re in for a treat.

For the first time, the Bondi Eye will offer a spectacular 360-degree view of the stunning scenery of Bondi Beach from a 32-metre high Ferris wheel. It may not be as big or as iconic as the London Eye, but our version’s got a way better view. Enjoy rising above Bondi in a glass capsule away from the chilly sea breeze. Grab those tickets HERE

At night, Bondi Feast will transform Bondi Pavilion into a carnival playground. Over 10 nights from 18 July, the festival within a festival will showcase over 60 performances of new work from over 150 artists in the presence of delicious hot food and mulled cider. Take your pick from a handful of shows on offer every Tues – Sat night from 6pm. Snap those tickets HERE

On Sunday 16 July, Art on the Streets will provide the opportunity for emerging local artists to exhibit their work outdoors and provide the rest of us with some nice stuff to look at and a chance to pick up an original piece. Music on the Streets two weeks later will bring buskers of every genre onto the street corners and laneways of Bondi for one day to jam for charity.

For all the winter magic, check out the festival website HERE