Winter Magic As Ships of the Desert Sail into Bondi

By Madeleine Gray on June 10, 2016 in News

When you think of Bondi Beach, chances are ‘winter’ is not the first thing that pops in to your mind. More likely it’s lifeguards, bikinis, and sunburn, or something similar. However, for some years now Waverley Council and the Bondi Chamber of Commerce have been teaming up with local Bondi businesses, artists and venues to transform Bondi into a winter wonderland during the months of June and July. This year, Bondi Winter Magic is returning with a vengeance, and it’s set to be bigger and better than ever.

Perhaps the most profile picture-worthy event on the winter calendar is the now iconic Bondi ice rink. Set up behind Bondi Pavilion, literally steps away from the sand and waves, the ice rink is a perpetual crowd favourite. It also lays claim to the very specific title of ‘the largest outdoor beachside ice rink in the Southern Hemisphere’. This year it will be running between July 1 and 17, and punters can purchase either a general admission ticket, or, if they have been inspired by ‘Blades of Glory’, a personal ice skating lesson.

This year a real point of difference is the fact that Council has somehow managed to procure camels for the duration of the festival. Yep, camels. If it’s ever been your secret desire to ride a camel along the golden sands of Bondi Beach, your time has come. The whimsical title ‘ships of the desert’ conjures up images of camels languidly transporting regal commuters from one important place to another, and now that regal commuter could be you. Camel rides will be available on weekends between June 19 and July 31, costing $25 per adult and $20 per child.

On Sunday July 10, Roscoe Street Mall will be transformed into an outdoors art haven when Art On The Streets takes place. Over 30 local artists and photographers will be showcasing and selling their works, highlighting all the cultural radness that Bondi has to offer, and given that the Bondi Winter Magic team understands that often there are no adults more creative than children, they will be offering up the street surface itself as a blank canvas on which kids are encouraged to make their own chalk masterpieces.

Other events that will run during the festival include United Nations World Yoga Day, which kicks off the revelry on Sunday, June 19. The day begins with an Aboriginal welcome to country, followed by free yoga classes, panel talks and meditation at the Bondi Pavilion. On July 31, Music On the Streets will host a plethora of amateur and professional musicians performing for your pleasure. From school choirs and orchestras, to jazz buskers and garage bands, this is the day for you to head to Bondi and feel the beat. Finally, Bondi history walks led by local historians will be happening every Sunday in July. In the immortal words of One Direction: “We’ve got a whole lotta history!”

For more information about this great local festival, head to www.bondiwintermagic.com.au.