Once a magnet for weekend crowds and sunset drinks, Bondi Beach is now facing a troubling shift, with empty shopfronts and closed signs replacing the familiar buzz. A string of long-time restaurants and bars has quietly shut down, and locals are saying “there’s nothing there now.”
A Community Feeling Empty
Over the past year, the famous strip along Campbell Parade and Bondi Road has seen well-known venues shut down, including Mojos Tapas Bar, Bondi Hardware, Neighbourhood, Bar34 and The Anchor. Some of these places had served the community for more than a decade, drawing locals and tourists alike. Now, many of the spaces they once filled are sitting dark, gathering dust, and marked “For Lease.”
Locals say the area feels emptier, especially in the evenings. Bondi has long been more than just a beach, it’s been a gathering place. But for those who live nearby, the social side of Bondi is fading.
What’s Behind The Shutdowns?
Several factors have come together to cause this decline. Rising rent prices have made it harder for small business owners to stay open. Some landlords, according to locals, haven’t adjusted to the reality of post-pandemic trading conditions. The cost of food, power and staff has also gone up, adding extra pressure to already tight margins.
Tourism numbers haven’t bounced back either. The closure of Noah’s Backpackers, a budget-friendly hostel that brought foot traffic to the area, has also hurt local cafes and restaurants. Many shops relied on the steady flow of young travellers to fill seats, especially during mid-week lulls.
A Change In How People Go Out
Even the way people socialise in Bondi seems to be changing. Business owners say fewer people are going out at night. Instead, early mornings have become the busiest time, with crowds out for walks, swims or coffee before work. This shift in behaviour has made it harder for bars and dinner spots to survive, especially those that relied on evening trade.
One business owner said that while the weekends are still lively, weekdays have grown quiet. Others say strict rules around outdoor drinking and noise have also added to the challenge.
Some Bright Spots Remain
Not everything is shuttered. Venues like Salty’s, Ravesis, Bondi Royal and Curly Lewis are still drawing decent crowds, mostly on Fridays and Saturdays. But there is a clear difference between now and the way things were just a few years ago. Locals say these remaining businesses are working harder than ever to keep people coming back.
While the beach itself still pulls in visitors, many fear Bondi is losing the personality that once made it special. Long-time residents hope to see change, but they also know the challenges won’t be easy to fix.
Published 19-May-2025