[Sydney, New South Wales Escapade with HTC EVO 3D] – Sunrise, Fine Dining, Harley Ride and Surfing at Bondi

The third day of my Sydney escapade with HTC EVO 3D, hosted by Destination New South Wales, started really early at 5am (2am, Singapore time).

We were up early as we wanted to catch the sunrise at the gorgeous Bondi Beach.

Bondi Beach is a popular 1 km beach in New South Wales, located 7 km east of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of Waverley Council, in the Eastern Suburbs. Bondi, North Bondi and Bondi Junction are neighbouring suburbs.

The beach is popular for surfing, beach volleyball and other sea sports.

When we arrived at Bondi Beach, the sky was still pitch black. Willy quickly scouted for the perfect location to capture the sunrise while Eunice and I leeched off his hard work.

With our cameras all positioned and ready, we got ourselves comfortably settled as we waited for the sun to rise, enjoying the serenity of the gentle lapping waves and soft sea breeze blowing into our faces.

Gradually, the sky bursted into a spectrum of colours from blue to purple to orange. This was reflected onto the glistering water and sand on Bondi Beach. The view was inexplicably magnificent.

It was worth the while to wake up early for this.

Here’s a 3D video I took of the Bondi sunrise with my HTC EVO 3D:

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After sunrise, Eunice, Willy and Duglass took the scenic Bondi to Bronte coast walk. I have done the walk on my previous visit to Bondi with Rachel and hence opted to wait for them in a nice little public shed, catching up a little on my sleep.

When we assembled again, it was time for breakfast at Swell Restaurant. Swell is a cafe /restaurant establishment, popular with the Bondi locals.

Swell was a great place for people watching. We witnessed many regulars popping in and out for their breakfast, making friendly banters with the staff like old friends. Many brought their pet dogs or their children along.

I love the clean, modern restaurant setting, infused with homeliness through the bond forged with the locals.

I ordered a roast pumpkin, fetta and spinach with poached eggs on turkish toast, one of their evergreen signature dish together with their egg benedict which Eunice ordered.

The sweetness of the roast pumpkin blends well with the freshly toasted bread and poached eggs. I thoroughly enjoyed my breakfast, downing it with a glass of juice.

We also ordered a plate of fresh muesli and fruit salad to share.

While Singaporeans love our supper, Sydneysiders love their breakfast just as much, operating on a healthier biological clock, rising early and sleeping early.

After the hearty breakfast, we were treated to a harley tour round Bondi with the Harley-Davidson bikers from the Sydney HOG Chapter.

The bikers are the central of attraction wherever they went. People were always curious about their showy leather jackets and loud, shiny bikes. Eunice’s rider was even wearing a skull mask to add to the bling factor. You just can’t miss these guys on the street!

I find the harley tour an interesting way to get around Sydney for sightseeing, definitely a vastly different experience from the usual tour buses. Friendly strangers will wave at you as you ride past, some would even extend you a hearty smile and greeting.

A video I took while riding pillion:

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After enjoying our flashy ride around Bondi with the harley dudes, we were headed for our first ever surfing lesson for all three of us.

The weather was a little breezy. Willy, Eunice and I were initially worried about this as we are not used to sports in the cold, coming from tropical Singapore. Duglass assured us that the wet suit would take care of the wind and that once we started exercising, we won’t feel the cold at all. She was right.

Coldness was the least of our concern during our crash course on surfing with the sole surf school operator at Bondi, Let’s Go Surfing Bondi Surf School. Attempting to surf within an hour was more than enough to keep our minds and bodies occupied.

Posers spotted!

Surfing is really difficult! I have a bad sense of balance due to an inborn Ear-Nose-Throat condition. Balance is of utmost importance in surfing. You need to get yourself onto the surfboard, balancing against the unforgiving waves. For obvious reason, I failed miserably.

The surf coach was real patient though. Great guy with a wide smile. In the end, only Willy managed to stand up and ride the wave for a bit while Eunice and I were left hanging in shame. Nonetheless, the experience was great and I would definitely try it again if I revisit Bondi.

After our exercises, we were ready for a sumptuous lunch at Iceberg Dining Room and Bar. This restaurant is world famous and is frequented by celebrities. Lovely Laura from Destination New South Wales joined us for lunch.

Willy and I ordered the venison steak while Eunice had a baked ocean trout for her main. We also ordered a couple of sides to go around.

The menu at Iceberg is updated frequently. Hence don’t be surprise if you can’t find the items we ordered during your next visit.

Do pop by Iceberg for lunch if you are in Bondi. It isn’t that expensive for fine dining and you get a great view of Bondi while you eat. Moreover, you just might spot a celebrity or two on a lucky day. Definitely an experience worth paying for. 🙂

After Bondi, we were headed back to Sydney city for the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb. Yes, the day was still early. Stay tuned!

FYI: There’s a voting contest going on via the official HTC Escapade website. Vote for your favourite Sydney photos taken by me and stand a chance to win a HTC EVO 3D smart phone for yourself! Triple your chance by voting for a photo each from Willy, Eunice and I!

Useful Links:

H
TC Escapade featuring Willy Foo, Eunice Khong and Alvinology

Day 1 – Quad Biking, Sandboarding and 4WD Ride

Day 2 – Horse Riding, Parasailing and Dolphin Watching

Day 2 – Crave Sydney International Food Festival, Fraser Suites, Sydney by Night

Bondi to Bronte Coast Walk

Sydney HOG Chapter (Harley Bike Tour)

Swell Restaurant

Let’s Go Surfing Bondi Surf School

Iceberg Dining Room and Bar

Destination New South Wales

HTC EVO 3D