In a bold prediction, real estate agent Ric Serrao defends the eye-watering $1 million price tag attached to a single parking spot at Bondi Beach, claiming its value will double within five years.
Ric Serrao, Selling Principal and Licensee in Charge at Raine & Horne – Double Bay Photo Credit: Instagram / @ric_serrao
The parking space, located in the secure garage of the exclusive 2-4 Notts Avenue address, has garnered significant attention since its listing. Serrao, from Raine and Horne, justified the hefty asking price stating, “What’s a million dollars today, in five years, is going to be $2 million.”
This justification comes as the price for this parking spot stands at more than three times the amount a similar space in the same complex sold for earlier this year. In January, a comparable parking spot was auctioned off for $304,700.
Serrao emphasized the high demand for parking in proximity to Bondi Beach, one of Sydney’s most popular coastal destinations. He recounted a recent sale where a $1 million offer was made solely for a garage attached to a $3.75 million apartment, underlining the premium placed on convenient parking in the area.
“You’d be amazed how common and how much in demand parking close to the beach is and what someone’s prepared to pay,” Serrao explained.
The agent also highlighted the potential for these parking spaces to serve as long-term investments. According to Serrao, a well-located garage in the area could generate rental income of between $250 to $300 per week.
Batman fans in Sydney can celebrate Batman Day in style with free Batmobile rides along Bondi Beach, courtesy of a partnership between Uber, DC, and Warner Bros. Discovery Australia.
To mark Batman Day on 21 September 2024, fans in Sydney will have the chance to book free rides in the iconic Batmobile through the Uber app. The event is taking place over two days, on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 September, with the Batmobile cruising through various parts of Sydney, including the famous Bondi Beach.
The rides will be available to those located within a 5 km radius of the Sydney CBD, and bookings can be made on a first-come, first-served basis from 11 am to 3 pm each day. The Batmobile can only take one passenger at a time, so fans should be ready to act quickly to secure their spot.
Bringing Gotham to Sydney
To celebrate 85 years of Batman’s legacy, Warner Bros. Discovery Australia teamed up with Uber to give fans an exciting chance to experience one of pop culture’s most iconic vehicles. The Batmobile, owned by fan-builder Zac Mihajlovic, will be available to take riders through picturesque parts of Sydney, with Bondi Beach as a highlight.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Sasha Mackie, Warner Bros. Discovery Australia’s Senior Director of Marketing stated that this is a unique way to celebrate Batman Day, especially in locations like Bondi Beach, where fans can enjoy the thrill of riding in the Batmobile while taking in iconic views.
“There is no Super Hero more iconic than the Caped Crusader, and no ride more iconic than the Batmobile, so we are excited to be giving Aussies the opportunity to experience the Batmobile for the first time. Batman Day is a day where all fans are invited to celebrate all things the Dark Knight, so whether you love the movies or find your passion in the catalogue of comics, animated series and games, a trip in the Batmobile is something all fans can enjoy,”Ms Mackie said.
Emma Foley, Uber Australia’s Managing Director, added that this event offers a “truly unique experience” for fans of all ages to connect with the Batman universe in their own city.
Additional Celebrations Across Australia
Although Sydney residents can enjoy rides in the Batmobile, those outside the 5 km radius or unable to book a ride still have other ways to celebrate Batman Day. Several events and activations are taking place across Australia, including family activities at Vicinity Centres, a special “Batman in Concert” event, and the availability of Batman-themed merchandise at popular retailers.
In Adelaide, fans will also have their chance to experience the Batmobile from Friday 27 to Saturday 28 September. Similar to Sydney, Uber will offer free Batmobile rides in Adelaide’s CBD during these two days, creating an opportunity for Batman enthusiasts in South Australia.
Whether cruising by Bondi Beach or taking part in other Batman-themed events, fans across the country can look forward to an unforgettable celebration of Batman’s 85-year legacy.
Concrete bollards installed at Bondi Beach to protect pedestrians are being criticised by locals, who say the structures are an eyesore and are calling for improvements to their appearance.
The bollards, placed along Campbell Parade, were installed as a temporary measure to enhance safety at the beach. These blocks are part of a plan to prevent vehicles from entering pedestrian areas in response to security concerns, including the potential threat of terrorism.
While residents acknowledge the importance of these safety measures, many argue that the large concrete blocks are unappealing and detract from the natural beauty of the iconic beach.
Community Push for Change
Local resident Lenore Kulakauskas said that while she understands the need for the bollards, she believes they could be made more visually appealing. Ms Kulakauskas, along with other community members, is urging the council to consider ways to beautify the blocks.
They suggest using artwork or materials like sandstone or wood to blend the structures into the beach’s natural environment. Several local business owners, including Maurice Terzini of Bondi Icebergs, have echoed these sentiments, expressing support for involving local artists in the effort.
A common concern raised is that the bollards are one of the first things visitors see when arriving at Bondi Beach, and locals believe the current appearance of the blocks gives a negative impression of the area.
Sondra Beram, who owns Bru Coffee Bondi, said that while she understands the need for the bollards, they are “horrible to look at” and suggested involving students from Bondi Beach Public School in the design process as a way to bring some creativity to the structures.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Response and Plans
In response to the community feedback, a spokesperson from Waverley Council confirmed that the bollards were installed as an interim safety measure and are part of a broader management plan for Bondi Beach. The council has acknowledged the complaints and is planning to repaint the blocks in the coming months to match the pastel colours of the Bondi Pavilion.
Longer-term, the council has plans to replace the concrete blocks with permanent structures, such as seating and retaining walls, that will integrate better with the beach’s landscape. These changes will form part of the Bondi Park, Beach, and Pavilion Plan of Management.
The plans aim to maintain safety while addressing the community’s concerns about the temporary bollards’ visual impact. However, many locals are eager for the improvements to happen sooner rather than later, as they believe the current state of the blocks negatively affects both locals and visitors alike.
As a follow-up to his famous Bondi Beach nude photograph, American artist Spencer Tunick is set to create another large-scale mass nude art event — this time on Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge on October 27, 2024.
The STRIP OFF FOR SKIN CANCER installation at Bondi Beach, November 26, 2022. Photo Credit: Instagram / @skincheckchampions
The announcement comes less than two years after Tunick’s headline-grabbing dawn shoot at Bondi Beach, where 2,500 brave souls shed their clothes in the chilly morning air. The Bondi event, which took place in November 2022, saw participants from all walks of life come together to create a living artwork on one of Australia’s most famous beaches.
Tunick’s upcoming Brisbane installation, titled “RISING TIDE,” aims to celebrate diversity, equity, inclusion, and Brisbane’s LGBTQIA+ community. The event is expected to draw parallels with the Bondi Beach shoot, which also highlighted themes of body positivity and environmental awareness.
Participants in the Brisbane event can expect a similar experience to those who took part in the Bondi installation. Early rising will be essential, as Tunick is known for his pre-dawn shoots to capture the perfect light. The artist’s rapid working style, which he describes as feeling like “there are police behind me trying to arrest me,” ensures that participants aren’t left exposed for long periods.
While the Bondi Beach installation faced initial resistance from local authorities, it ultimately went ahead with overwhelming public support. The Brisbane event appears to have secured full cooperation from local officials, with the Story Bridge set to be closed to traffic for the duration of the shoot.
In addition to the live installation, Tunick will be showcasing his first Australian projected video exhibition from his TIDE series at the Brisbane Powerhouse. This exhibition, running from September 28 to November 10, will offer those who missed the Bondi Beach event a chance to see Tunick’s work in a different medium.
Locals claim that excessive regulations and lack of council support have led to a decline in the area’s after-dark atmosphere, raising concerns that the iconic beachside destination is losing its appeal.
Andy Ruwald, former manager of the popular Bondi bar The Bucket List, expressed his frustration with the current state of affairs. “Bondi has lost its soul,” Ruwald stated, citing “too many rules and regulations” as the reason for his departure to manage venues in Bali. He pointed to The Bucket List’s loss of its prime beachfront location in 2021 as a turning point in Bondi’s night-life decline.
A recent Thursday evening visit to the Bondi Beach promenade revealed the impact of these restrictions. From 6 PM onwards, the area presented a stark contrast to its daytime vibrancy, with empty bar stools, quiet streets, and sparsely populated venues.
Amy Lynch, co-founder of “Bondi Beach Babes,” a group with over 20,000 members, emphasised the need for affordable, laid-back venues where the community can gather and socialise.
“Bondi is an incredible community to live in, but as one of the world’s most famous beaches, we are losing vibrancy,” Lynch remarked.
A recent social media post by Johnny Abbot in the Bondi Local Loop community Facebook page garnered hundreds of comments lamenting the current state of night-life. Suggestions for improvement included food trucks, cocktail stands, and street performances to enliven the area.
Local hospitality workers acknowledged the challenges faced by the industry, citing a tough winter season and the ongoing cost of living crisis as contributing factors. Sam Harris from Bondi Public Bar expressed optimism about a potential resurgence as summer approaches.
Paul Nicolaou, Director of Business Sydney, stressed the importance of a thriving nighttime economy for Sydney’s global city status.
“Venues have difficulty attracting staff, a challenge that can only become more difficult with the cap on international student numbers.
“Late night public transport is essential so that night time economy workers can get to work and, importantly, home again.”
While Waverley Council has taken some steps to address the situation, such as extending trading hours in the Bondi Junction Oxford Street Mall to 3 AM, many locals feel more needs to be done specifically for the beachfront area.
Bondi Beach has lost a beloved landmark. The iconic Crabbe Hole cafe within the Bondi Icebergs Winter Swimming Club has closed its doors after 17 years of serving locals and tourists alike.
The closure comes after the cafe was trapped in a controversial $10 entry fee dispute.
The cafe opened in 2007 and became popular for its stunning oceanfront views and star-studded clientele. Over the years, the Crabbe Hole welcomed celebrities such as Margot Robbie and America Ferrera. However, the cafe’s charm couldn’t overcome a recent change the owner implemented.
Owner Andrew Crabbe confirmed the closure via social media, expressing his gratitude to loyal customers while lamenting the circumstances that led to the decision.
He stated that the entry fee significantly impacted his business, despite claims from the club that it wouldn’t.
In a remarkable journey from Australia’s iconic Bondi Beach to the bustling streets of New York City, healthy fast-food chain Fishbowl has made its American debut under the name Thisbowl. Since its opening earlier this year, the eatery has quickly become a viral sensation, captivating the appetites and imaginations of New Yorkers and tourists alike.
Founded in 2016 by Nic Pestalozzi, Nathan Dalah, and Casper Ettelson, Fishbowl began as a modest venture on Bondi Beach. In just a few years, it has expanded to over 40 locations across New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria, establishing itself as a go-to spot for health-conscious Aussies craving fresh, flavorful meals.
Fishbowl founders Nathan Dalah, Nic Pestalozzi, and Casper Ettelson (Photo credit: FISHBOWL – Bondi/Google Maps)
The brand’s recent leap to the United States marks an ambitious new chapter in its growth story. Nathan Dalah, Founder and Head of Global Growth at Fishbowl and Thisbowl, expressed that the company’s growth plans are ambitious, but they’re tackling their biggest challenge first. He indicated that success in New York could provide the momentum needed for expansion throughout the US and other major global cities.
Outside Thisbowl NYC (Photo credit: Edward Halim/Google Maps)
Thisbowl’s popularity in NYC skyrocketed recently, thanks to a viral TikTok video featuring a food blogger praising the chain’s healthy salad bowls. The buzz has led to unprecedented queues, with even homesick Aussies in New York struggling to get through the door for a taste of home.
Photo credit: Liliheiry Torres/Google Maps
One New York foodie has even labelled Thisbowl as the city’s most viral lunch spot. They praised the generous portions of fresh vegetables, warm sushi rice, salmon crudo, and miso eggplant, all topped with an abundance of house-made ingredients.
To streamline operations in this high-demand environment, Thisbowl has partnered with Square Technology, offering customers a fast and secure checkout process with a second screen to review their order before payment.
As Thisbowl continues to make waves in the competitive New York food scene, it’s clear that this Australian import has struck a chord with health-conscious urbanites seeking fresh, flavorful meals on the go. With its successful launch in the Big Apple, Fishbowl seems poised for further expansion, potentially bringing its unique blend of Australian beach vibes and nutritious fast food to cities across America and beyond.
The hostel, located at 19 Lamrock Ave near Bondi Beach, now features redesigned common areas including a private guest courtyard, kitchen, movie room, and co-working spaces. The accommodation capacity has expanded to 158 beds across 55 rooms, with new Beachside Loft Rooms and updated existing rooms.
LA Co CEO Luke Moran emphasised a shift in focus based on guest feedback. “40% of guests said outdoor experiences and wellness were most important, with another 40% prioritising activities to meet new people,” Moran stated. This insight has led to an enhanced program offering, including hosted walks and beachside yoga classes.
To celebrate the reopening, the hostel is offering free weekend paella cook-ups and weekly yoga classes. The Bondi to Bronte coastal walk will become a permanent activity for guests.
LA Co plans to refurbish its remaining Village properties across Australia over the next year and is expanding its Drifter hotel concept in New Zealand and Australia.
Bondi Beach could soon lose its shark nets as NSW considers allowing the removal of the controversial barriers in favour of alternative safety measures.
Plans are underway to take down shark nets one month earlier than usual, on March 31, 2025, to protect migrating sea turtles. This decision is part of a broader initiative to reassess shark mitigation strategies along the NSW coast.
Key Changes
The 2024-25 Shark Management Program introduces several key changes. Shark nets will be removed on March 31 instead of April 30, and they will be inspected every two to three days, with increased drone surveillance. New lighting fixtures will be added near nets to discourage turtles. Local councils may be able to remove nets if they can ensure beachgoer safety.
Recent data has highlighted the impact of shark nets on marine ecosystems. Only 36% of animals caught in nets were released alive between 2023 and 2024. Of 255 marine animals caught, only 15 were target shark species. Alarmingly, 65 endangered animals were caught, including green turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and a humpback whale.
Alternative Safety Measures
While some nets may be removed, other safety measures remain. These include baited SMART drumlines, drone surveillance, listening stations, and community education programs.
“We will be working closely with local governments, SLSNSW and Surfing NSW over this season to ensure the future of this program works for the communities it operates in,” Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty stated.
A NSW government survey revealed potential tourism impacts, with 14% of respondents saying they would reconsider visiting NSW if shark attacks increased. Responsible shark management is estimated to be worth $187 million in net economic benefit.
Recent Incident in Bondi Beach
The news comes following a grim discovery off Bondi Beach in April 2024 when a drone operator spotted a dead dolphin entangled in a shark net about 300 metres offshore.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) confirmed the incident, stating that contractors retrieved a 2.15m Bottlenose Dolphin from the Bondi Beach shark net. In accordance with management protocols, the carcass was examined for biological samples before being disposed of at sea.
The crown jewel of Sydney’s unexpected car park market is a single space on Notts Avenue, Bondi Beach. This sold for an astounding $304,700 on January 31, 2024. The sale makes it to the list of Australia’s most expensive car parking spaces and highlights the premium placed on convenience in the bustling beachside locale.
The scarcity of parking in Bondi Beach is a significant factor. As the suburb has grown in popularity among both residents and visitors, available parking has become increasingly rare. This scarcity, coupled with strict council regulations on new developments, has created a perfect storm for car park investors.
“We are increasingly seeing people [investing in parking spaces] for the lifestyle benefit,” Stolz adds. “Some people in areas like Bondi, for example, might think it’s just worth it getting a park spot near Bondi Beach so they can head down after work and jump in the ocean.”
Investors are also attracted to the relatively low maintenance nature of car park ownership. Unlike traditional property investments, parking spaces require minimal upkeep while still offering the potential for steady rental income or capital appreciation.
The Notts Avenue sale isn’t an isolated incident. Another car park in nearby Bondi Junction on Spring Street sold for $120,000 in March 2021, further cementing the area’s reputation as a hotspot for parking investments.
However, potential investors should note that while these high-profile sales grab headlines, they represent the extreme end of the market. Not all car parks in the area will command such premium prices, and due diligence is crucial when considering such investments.
