Sunny city where life's a beach

By Patrick Whiteley (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-03-12 09:49

Seven generations later, here I am in Beijing telling his story. You'll find most Sydney ren like to travel.

The impact of European settlement on Sydney's indigenous people was tragic, however their local beach lifestyle is still very much alive.

Australia's biggest city has about 50 beaches dotting its 80km coastline, which serves as a playground, despite most of the city's 4 million people living in the west and southwestern suburbs.

From Palm Beach in the north to Cronulla in the south, Sydney is a teenage surfer's paradise, especially when you own a car. My late teenage years were spent mostly driving from beach to beach, paddling out on a fiberglass board and dancing on the waves.

However, most Sydneysiders don't surf, and simply getting wet under the hot sun is the key to the beach experience.

Lifesavers start the day by marking out the safest part of the beach to swim with two yellow and red striped flags.

Surf beaches are potentially dangerous because of the rips and currents that can pull an inexperienced swimmer out to sea. Beachgoers must swim between these markers and surfer board riders are banned from entering this area. Getting struck by the point of a surfboard can cause serious damage.

But most Sydney beach visitors don't go swimming.

Most folks grab a towel, a book or magazine and simply lie down and relax. You might want to bring an iPod and pick up even more good vibrations as you people watch.

Bars, coffee shops, take-away food shops, and restaurants serve the masses and local councils have built parks and walkways along the coast.

My tip is to take the Bondi-Bronte walk. It takes about an hour and is a marvelous way to spend a sunny afternoon.

Of course Sydney visitors will visit the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, two of the most iconic structures on the planet.

But don't forget to go head to Sydney's golden shores, breathe the salty air and feel the sand between your toes.

After all, Sydney life is a beach.

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