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NEW SOUTH WALES: With Australia's international borders opening next month, it's a timely reminder that Sydney's stunning beaches, sunrises and the laidback charm are a heady combination for anyone seeking an Aussie beach escape with a cosmopolitan edge.

Everyone’s an early bird in this part of the world, where joggers and people walking their dogs take to the promenade as the sun casts its glow over the ocean. One of the best spots to catch the sunrise is Ben Buckler Point. Between April and September it’s also one of the best spots to watch whales breaching. Go for a surf or take an early morning dip before re-charging the batteries with coffee and brekky in a café with ocean views.

Bondi’s beautiful sandy beach is patrolled 365 days a year by professional lifeguards. Roll out your beach towel and go for a refreshing dip between the red and yellow flags. Hire a surfboard or take a surfing lesson at one of the accredited surf schools. The best waves are at the southern end of the beach.On the rocky headland, Bondi Icebergs is one of Australia’s oldest swimming clubs with a 50-metre ocean lap pool and kids’ wading pool. Kicking back with a cocktail on the terrace here is the quintessential Bondi experience while Icebergs Dining Room is the perfect spot for a fancy meal.

Beach babes know that the best shopping is not in Campbell Parade but it the quieter back streets around Hall Street, Gould Street and Curlewis Street where there are oodles of restaurants and cute boutiques. Make yourself at home in the Adina Apartment Hotel Bondi Beach in Hall Street, where the modern and spacious studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments have fully equipped kitchens and laundry facilities, essential for a beach holiday.

Grab a book and coffee or brunch at Gertrude and Alice Bookstore and Café, a much-loved Bondi institution. It’s a great spot for people watching. Enjoy a plant-based meal in the delightful garden courtyard at Eden Restaurant, post some Instagram pics of beautiful meals at Porch and Parlour or Speedo’s Café, or pick up some takeaway fish and chips and head to the beach.Indulge in more people-watching while enjoying a cheeky afternoon cocktail at The Bucket List in Bondi Pavilion. Shop till you drop at Bondi Market every Sunday, where you might find a fabulous vintage piece or great fashion piece by an up-and-coming designer.

For a great workout, do the 6-kilometre Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, which links four beaches and has spectacular views of the ocean and sandstone cliffs. Like Bondi, Coogee is a magnet for beach babes as well as families, who love the flatter surf, seaside playgrounds and calm ocean pools.

Beyond Coogee’s wide sandy beach is a great choice of shops, restaurants and cool cafés like Barzura and Rosie’s. Choose from more than 400 wines at Coogee Wine Room or head to Coogee Pavilion for a rooftop drink.

Just 200 metres from Coogee Beach, the self-contained studio, one and two-bedroom apartments of Adina Apartment Hotel Coogee feature a relaxed beachside colour palette. It’s a great spot to relax after a surf or stand-up paddle boarding. Take a dip in one of the fabulous ocean pools like Wylie’s Baths, Giles Baths or the historic McIvers Baths, built in 1886. To really get the heart pumping, take a brisk stroll to Gordons Bay, one of Sydney’s prettiest bays.

** Peace of mind when you stay with us: Introducing Clean Touch. Note some activities listed may be subject to Covid restrictions.**