Bondi Beach, one of the world's most famous beaches, is only five miles (8 km) from downtown. On the Australian National Heritage List, it stretches a little over half a mile (1 km), its waters protected by overlapping underwater shark nets. To the north - a favorite gay area - the surf is gentle. The southern end has waves for surfing and a dangerous rip tide know as the "Backpacker's Rip." Bondi Beach has a skate park, cliff walks, kite-flying and various festivals and special events.

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