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Bronte Beach is a small but popular recreational beach on Nelson Bay in Bronte in the eastern suburbs of Sydney, Australia. Bronte beach is 2 kilometers south of Bondi Beach and north of the much larger Coogee Beach. A long distance ocean swimming event is held every December between Bondi Beach and Bronte. The three beaches are linked by a paved coastal footpath along the rocky clifftops, much frequented by tourists and local runners and walkers. The beach is popular with surfers and despite the often rough surf, less abled swimmers can avail themselves of the bogey hole or rock pool towards the southern end of the beach. At the south end of the beach is a 30 metre ocean pool, one of the best known of its in Sydney. Directly opposite the beach are popular cafes.

The beach is patrolled by volunteer lifeguards from the life saving club at the weekend and on public holidays. Bronte Surf Lifesaving Club is the oldest such organisation in the world, having been formed in 1903. A public park adjoins the beach, with provision of picnic seats and barbecue hotplates, although parking is limited and restrictions are strictly enforced. The beach is served by the number 378 Sydney City Bus from Sydney's Central railway station or the 378 bus from the Bondi Junction station. The beach is shaded by hills to the west and tends to become cool, windy and deserted towards the end of the afternoon.

The beach is widely represented in literature,Sylvia in Kathleen Stewart's "Spilt Milk" (1995)regularly walks the cliffs. Poets have often found voice on its sands.

A famous surfer from Bronte Beach is Jessi Miley-Dyer. Ken Cafe combines being a Franciscan friar and a Bronte lifesaver.

[edit] References

• The Book of Sydney Suburbs, Compiled by Frances Pollen, Angus & Robertson Publishers, 1990, Published in Australia ISBN 0-207-14495-8
• "Sand in our Souls - the Beach in Australian History" Leone Huntsman, MUP, 2001
• Guide to Sydney Beaches
• Bronte Beach
• Bronte Surf Club