Bondi Layers Up For Winter

By Marcus Braid on July 11, 2014 in News

The iconic destination of the Australian summer is once again ready to don its winter jacket and entertain.

With ticket sales on track to skate to an all-time record, Bondi Winter Magic is expected to entice locals and tourists alike out of the cold, and kick-start beachside business in the process.

“It’s really about getting people to know that Bondi is a destination in winter and not just summer, and increasing that visitation throughout the year,” Mary Anne Cronin, President of the Bondi and Districts Chamber of Commerce, said.

Now in its fifth year, the main feature of Bondi Winter Magic will again be the ice rink on Bondi Beach, which returns after a hiatus last year.

“The great thing about this year is that all the tickets to the ice rink go through the Bondi Winter Magic website,” Ms Cronin said. “Up until this year, the ice rink has been a separate commercial activity. That’s a massive plus for any business looking to get involved.

“There is no bar associated with the ice this year – it’s purely just the ice rink. I think that’s a big plus for businesses because it means that people will come down to the ice and think ‘what are we going to eat?’ or ‘what are we going to do?’.

“Everyone who comes to the ice rink will be given a list of all the specials and all the local businesses that are involved.”

Waverley Mayor Sally Betts said she was delighted to see so much interest in this year’s Bondi Winter Magic campaign.

“Because Bondi is a seaside resort, businesses often experience a downturn in trade during winter, which is why we work closely with the Bondi and Districts Chamber of Commerce to bring more people to the area during these traditionally quieter months,” she said.

This year’s ticket sales are tracking well for the Bondi Winter Magic ice rink, with more than 3,000 tickets already sold.

“More than 100,000 people have flocked to Bondi Winter Magic events in the last two years, but this year is set to be bigger and better with the return of the ice rink,” Cr Betts said.

The ice rink will open from June 27 to July 13 between 10am and 9pm each day as part of the Bondi Winter Magic program of events.