You can't say you've done Sydney until you've visited world-famous Bondi Beach. So here's the do-it-like-a-local guide to maximising your sojourn.

Need to know

Bondi Beach lies just seven kilometres east of Sydney's CBD; an idyllic stretch of white sand spanning almost one kilometre. The word ''Bondi'' is an Aboriginal word believed to mean ''the sound of breaking waves'', and indigenous rock carvings are still visible on cliffs surrounding the beach. The 100 plus-year-old Bondi Baths lie at the bay's southern tip, and the ocean channel beside them is affectionately known as the Backpackers Express, due to strong currents that occasionally carry unsuspecting backpackers out to sea. Surfers rule the south end of the beach, while the north end is calmer; ideal for swimming.

Shop

Bondi's shopping mecca — Westfield Bondi Junction — is only a five-minute taxi ride from the beach. Housing everything from high-end fashion boutiques, department stores, to beauty spas, it's the biggest shopping centre in the Southern Hemisphere.

You've got to look harder to find great boutiques near the beach, but it's worth it. Grandma Takes a Trip (Gould Street), Puff 'n' Stuff (Glenayr Avenue) and Ra Ra Superstar (Old South Head Road) will delight vintage clothing enthusiasts, while Tuchuzy (Campbell Parade, the main drag parallel to the beach) houses cutting-edge fashion from designers such as Alannah Hill and Dangerfield. Local label One Teaspoon's flagship beach/street-style store is close by.

Let's Go Surfing at North Bondi is a popular surf shop/school, and Caravan (Hall Street) is a one-stop-shop for wannabe decorators. There are also bookstores, new-agey stores and souvenir outlets on almost every corner. Tinkers will love Bondi Beach Markets, held every Sunday in the grounds of the local public school (adjacent to the beachfront).

Play

Bondi offers year-round entertainment — much of it free. Some of the events include the Roughwater Swim and Flickerfest in January, Festival of Sydney arts events between January and February, the South American Festival, Annual Sea Theatre Festival and North Bondi Classic in February, the festival in recognition of World Environment Day in June, City to Surf fun run in August, Festival of the Winds (Australia's largest kite festival) in September, Uncle Toby's Iron Man competition in October, Sculpture by the Sea in October/November, Bondi short film festival in November, and the Bondi to Bronte ocean swim, Afro Latin by the Sea Concert, and Christmas festivities in December.

Undoubtedly, Bondi's stretch of white sand is Sydney's people-watching powerhouse. Everyone from Britney Spears to Paris Hilton has had a dip in the clear blue ocean, and Sydney's most beautiful people can often be found swimming, sun bathing, jogging on the promenade, or noshing at local eateries. And don't forget to check out the fitness park next to North Bondi Surf Club; Australia's answer to California's Venice ''muscle'' Beach.

Love the water? Why not sign up for a surfing lesson or try snorkeling at North Bondi. If you're visiting in June, look out for humpback whales breaching off the coast as they migrate north, and then again in October, when they're on their way back south with their calves.

Prefer dry land? The famed Bondi to Bronte coastal walk is a 3.4 kilometre path spanning from south Bondi to Bronte beach, passing Tamarama beach en route. The views are brilliant, and voyeurs will ogle at designer pooches, prime real estate, or perhaps Jhyimy "Two Hats" Mhiyles, Bondi's resident cave man. Celebs such as Sarah Murdoch and Hugh Jackman are Bronte beach regulars.

Nosh

If you feel like someone's watching you while dining at Bondi, they probably are — just to check whether you're famous. The most likely place to have a celebrity run-in (or simply enjoy a great meal with spectacular views) is Icebergs Dining Room and Bar at the south end of the beach. For a more low-key (but still very cool) meal nearby, enjoy the New York chic vibe at Bondi Social, sample Asian-style tapas at Li Zat or enjoy a glass of red and live jazz at Mojos.

At the beachfront's centre you'll find Ravesi's; a hotel, restaurant, and cocktail bar with a modern menu and a cruisy vibe. If you prefer the outdoors, grab fish and chips from FishMongers Bondi (once voted as having the best chips in Sydney) and enjoy on the grassy slope overlooking the beach. Popular local watering holes include the trendy bar Hugo's, and the more laid-back Beach Road Hotel.

Moving north, North Bondi Italian will have you screaming ''bellissimo!'', but many locals prefer the RSL upstairs: same view, cheaper drinks (and a mean Tuesday night trivia). Nearby, the granddaddy of high-end eats, Sean's Panorama, is an idyllic lunch spot, and the locals love the no-fuss food at Nina's Ploy Thai nearby.

If you only have time for coffee, Gusto's (Hall Street) is the place to get caffeinated. On the same street, Le Paris-Go is always buzzing (a good sign), but for a more intimate setting, keep walking until you hit Gertrude and Alice, a bookstore/cafe. If you prefer it organic, visit Jed's on Warner's Avenue. Too hot for coffee? Grab a beachside gelato at the Bathers Pavilion kiosk.

And while you lick your fingers as the sun goes down, you could very well say you've successfully done Bondi.

PHOTO GALLERY: Bondi in black and white

Beach bums, babes or boogie boards? What's does Bondi mean to you?