Barbecuing is synonymous with Australia and has been for years – even before the famous Paul Hogan “put a shrimp on the barby” commercial.
One of the most beautiful and popular destination in the home of the barbecue is Bondi Beach in Sydney. Golden sands, deep-blue ocean, and perfect waves for surfing and swimming create the ideal beach spot. Its laid back coastal lifestyle, café culture, boutique shops and thriving, eclectic community is equally enticing. Each year tens of thousands of people, from backpackers to billionaires, take to the golden sands of this wide, one-kilometre long city beach expanse to walk, jog, or just soak up the sun.
Surfers of all skill levels head to Bondi Beach to try out the waves. If you are a beginner, there are several excellent surf schools. Protected areas make it easy for novices to learn, while the more experienced surfers head to the south end of the beach. For those more inclined to experience the café culture, there are plenty of cafés and bars with waterfront views. The main street along the beachfront is Campbell Parade, where you’ll find a range of stylish surf and fashion shops, outdoor cafes and bars. It’s a popular meting place for Sydney’s cafe society.
The beach is known around the world for its sands and surf. It serves as a modern and trendy coastal resort, which is extremely popular. You can swim, walk, surf or scuba on Bondi, however, the favoured pastime is a mouth-watering BBQ under the glorious sun with “a couple of cold ones”, or beers as they are known to me and you.
When barbecuing Aussie style, there are certain macho rules and protocols you must follow – let us help you:
Do
- Cook more than you could possibly eat
- Pick food up off the floor – just make sure you give it to somebody else
- Designate someone trustworthy to keep your glass topped up
Don’t
- Let the vegetarian food contaminate the meat
- Forget the booze (it is as important as the food)
- BBQ in pants or long sleeves
- Let anybody else interfere or take over
- Hand out serviettes
- Let people know if you accidentally burn yourself
You could visit one of the waterfront cafés and bars mentioned earlier or you could dine at the upmarket restaurant, Bondi Icebergs, named in honour of a group of dedicated locals who swim at the beach all year round, and where local celebrities can often be seen.
But why would you want to? Sample a part of Australian culture instead by lighting a barby, whilst soaking up the golden rays of sun and enjoying the company of friends. Do not be fooled into thinking the Aussie BBQ is a peasant’s way of eating. Today Australia’s barbecue culture is changing. Australian’s are become more educated on cuisine and cooking and their palates are much more sophisticated. Burnt sausages and chops are now being replaced with gourmet sausages, marinated steaks and fresh seafood which are all cooked to perfection and served with complimenting gourmet salads and wines. Perfect weather, perfect food, and perfect location – give it a try!
Editor’s note: Fiona Mayers is a writer for Australia migration specialists True Blue Migration.