Gould Street is Bondi’s fashion strip and Kris McIntyre can take you there – via the legendary local market, and some great cafes.
Running parallel to the heaving mass of tacky souvenir shops, fast-food takeaways, bikini peddlers and overpriced tourist traps populated by sun-kissed tourists, backpackers and the body beautiful set lies Gould Street. Touted as ‘Bondi’s fashion strip’, this beachside side street offers some great places to shop and eat, if you know where to look.
Bondi Markets, Bondi Public School (entry via Campbell Parade or Warners Avenue, Cnr Gould Street)
Bustling, eclectic and colourful, these markets offer Bondi glam meets seaside bohemia. It’s a great place to pick up funky new and second-hand clothing, books and records, homemade jewellery, organic stuff, quirky knick-knacks and used furniture. A number of Australia’s best young designers have made their start here and you might also be treated to a good bit of celebrity spotting. Held every Sunday, 10am-5pm. Visit www.bondimarkets.com.au
Grandma Takes a Trip, 79 Gould Street
Shopping here is as fun as the name suggests. Specialising in UK fashion from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, this is one of the best places in Sydney to find vintage and retro clothing and accessories including shoes, handbags, furs and glittery things for fun party wear. Scramble through ‘Grandma’s bubble ‘n’ squeak’ baskets for bargains from $10-$25. Visit www.grandmatakesatrip.com.au
Tchuzy, 90-92 Gould Street
Great for designer his-and-hers jeans and T-shirts, party-dresses and cute kids’ wear. Labels include Hudson, Paige Denim, Serfontaine and Cheap Mondays for jeans, Tom Ford sunglasses, Tigerlily and Anna Kosturova swimwear and American Apparel for the guys. Friendly staff. Open 9am-6pm, 7 days. Visit www.tuchuzy.com
Silk Route, Shop 34 Swiss Grand Hotel, Cnr Gould St & Beach Rd.
This is a treasure trove of beautiful things from exotic places. Owner, Brenda Deitch, has travelled throughout the Orient for the past 15 years handpicking Moroccan glassware, mosaics, furniture and clothing, basketware from Afghanistan, pottery from Asia, Indian jewellery, rugs, throws and giftware. It’s a great place to find gorgeous moccasins, kaftans, brass lanterns, candles and cute kiddies’ raincoats and gumboots.
Ksubi, 82 Gould Street
The fame of the name says it all. Cool jeans and T-shirts for a hefty price tag.
Milk Bar, 157 Curlewis (entry on Gould Street opposite the Bondi Hotel bottle shop)
Skimpy tops, pretty dresses, funky smocks, jeans and swimwear by labels include Manning Cartel, Billion Dollar Babes, Ru-Mu, Hallican Boodie, True Religion, Hussy, Javik and K.Harrison.
Bondi Eating
Earth Food Store, 81a Gould Street
Happy staff are willing to lend a smile as you shop for fresh organic produce, macro-friendly dry goods. There’s a food bar selling juices, tasty vegetarian like nori rolls, rice balls, tofu patties, wraps, soups, salads, muffins and cakes to go from $4-$10. Or you can grab a bite at the adjoining café, which serves up organic coffee, dandelion, chai and organic teas. You can also order fresh produce online at www.earthfoodstore.com.au
Bamboo Café, 45 Gould Street, North Bondi
Tucked away in the residential part of Gould Street north, this healthy café is somewhat of a hidden secret. The menu features all things organic and vegetarian but without compromising on taste. Signature dishes include the buckwheat pancakes and veggie Big Breakfast. There’s also lots of gluten and sugar-free options as well as organic Campos coffee. Visit www.bamboocafe.com.au
Brave Café Restaurant, 68 Gould Street (between Curlewis St & Warners Avenue)
One of the best things about this cute café is that it’s one of the few places where you can grab a cheap, tasty meal and catch a ray of sunshine too. Serving up big, hearty organic meals, Brave caters for vegetarians and carnivores alike. Breakfast treats include Magic Mushies, the Hippie’s Big Breakfast and for the meat-lovers, the Farmer’s Breakfast. Lunch and dinner specialties include yummy sandwiches, pastas and salads.
Pompei’s Pizzeria & Gelateria, Cnr Roscoe & Gould Streets (near the Police Station)
It might be a stretch to claim (as some do) that this is ‘the best gelateria outside of Napoli’, but it is certainly the best in Bondi. There are more than 20 gelato flavours to choose from, along with a menu of traditional Italian fare including pizza, pasta and daily specials.
Bondi Beauty
Zoit Hairdressing, Cnr Gould & Roscoe Streets (opposite the Police Station)
Get fabulous hair delivered by cute Bondi lads.
Natural Progression, 81 Gould Street (next to the Earth Food Store)
Chemical-free and organic skin and body care by Dr Hauschka, Omveda, bod and inessence. There’s also organic baby wear, tampons, teas, and incense for sale. The clinic offers naturopathy, nutritional advice, acupuncture, massage and more.
Getting There
Visit www.131500.info or call 131 500 for timetable information). Hop off at Hall Street on Campbell Parade. You’ll find Gould Street on the right as you walk up the hill on Hall Street. For a free walking map, go to www.maps.google.com.au and type in Gould Street, Bondi Beach.
