Bondi beachgoers traded their surfboards for skates today, with the opening of a winter ice rink.
The annual pop-up at Sydney’s world-famous beach attracted a lot of interest from tourists and locals alike, who had come to Campbell Parade expecting a very different scene.
And, on a warmer day than most this week, Bondi’s 10th Winter Magic Festival opened with plenty of customers ready to take to the ice.
General manager Gemma said the rink is expecting more people to come compared to earlier years based on online ticket sales.
“The allure is that there is the beach,” she said.
“A lot of walk-ups have gone in. But we also have a lot of repeat customers.”
Local girls Eliza, Alex and Lulu have come back for their third year on the ice.
“I’ve been to the one in the city. It was good. I think that one had unlimited time,” said Alex, 14.
While having a little dig: “This one is 45 minutes.”
For its view of the beach from Bondi Pavillion, the rink has gained popularity with Instagrammers.
“It’s Bondi so everyone knows it,” said Lulu, 14.
Pop-up winter ice rinks have grown in popularity in Sydney in recent years, with one opening outside St Mary’s Cathedral in the City yesterday, and others starting in Campbelltown, Parramatta and Luna Park next week.
The Bondi Winter Festival includes a range of other attractions such as an art trail, live music and a look at the area’s history, and runs until July 28.
Additional reporting by Erin Assur, Naomi Ferreira and Samantha Jurman