Bronte Beach facts for kids
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Bronte Beach is a small, well-loved beach in the eastern part of Sydney, Australia. It's about 2 kilometres south of Bondi Beach and north of the bigger Coogee Beach. These three beaches are connected by a beautiful paved path along the cliffs. This path is very popular with tourists, runners, and people out for a walk.
Bronte Beach is a great spot for surfers. Even if the waves are not too rough, there's a special rock pool called the "bogey hole" at the southern end. This is a safe place for less experienced swimmers. You'll also find a 30-metre ocean pool there, which is famous in Sydney. Across from the beach, there are some popular cafes where you can grab a bite to eat. Every December, a long-distance ocean swimming event takes place between Bondi Beach and Bronte.
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History of Bronte Beach
The sandy part of Bronte Beach used to be much larger before 1914. That's when a promenade (a walkway) and a sea wall were built. In 1918, a storm water drain was added near the bogey hole.
There's a large, natural sandstone cave at the northern end of the beach, near a stairway. This shady cave might have been used by the local Aboriginal people a long time ago.
How Bronte Beach Got Its Name
Many people think Bronte Beach was named after the famous Brontë sisters, who were writers. However, that's not true! The beach was actually named after a brave military leader, Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson, Duke of Bronté.
Nelson was given the title "Duke of Bronte" by the King of Naples in 1799. After that, he often signed his name as "Nelson and Bronte." The bay in front of the beach was originally called Nelson Bay, and it still is. You can find other names in the area that also honour Nelson, like Trafalgar Street, Nelson Avenue, and Bronte Road. The name "Bronte" for the suburb itself was first used in 1957 when land called the Bronte Estate was sold.
Surf Life Saving at Bronte
Bronte Beach has a very strong and dangerous rip current known as the "Bronte Express." It's important to be careful when swimming here.
The beach is looked after by full-time lifeguards from Waverley Council every day, except during winter. On weekends and public holidays, volunteer lifesavers from the local club also patrol the beach. They work hard to keep everyone safe.
Bronte Beach is home to the Bronte Surf Lifesaving Club. This club is the oldest of its kind in the world, started way back in 1903! The idea of having skilled swimmers patrol the beach to make swimming safer was developed by a man named John Bond.
Beach Facilities
Next to the beach, there's a public park with picnic tables and barbecue areas. It's a great spot for families to enjoy a meal outdoors. However, parking can be limited, and rules are strictly enforced.
You can get to Bronte Beach by taking the 379 bus from Bondi Junction station. Because the beach is surrounded by hills to the west, it can become cool, windy, and quiet later in the afternoon.
Bronte Beach has also appeared in books and is known for being the home of surfer Jessi Miley-Dyer.
Images for kids
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Bronte Beach
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Sunrise at Bronte Beach
