IATG invites you to join
Bondi Stories, Local History Tour
About this event
Join long-standing Beach Lifeguard Lawrie Williams for an intimate stroll through Bondi's history.
Affectionately named the Bondi Historian, Lawrie Williams weaves his personal experiences as a long-standing Bondi Beach Lifeguard into this behind-the scenes tour of Australia’s most famous beach.
Dedicated to sharing the knowledge of the Bondi region, hear Lawrie tell stories that span decades like the tale of Brother Jonathan and the Mormon preacher, learn about Beach inspector Aub Laidlaw and those he had to expel from the beach, and see where brothers Guido and Gianni first introduced the Gelato to Australia.
The tour uncovers shark tales, Black Sunday, Japanese Subs, scandals, mermaids and so much more.
About Bondi
The name Bondi comes from the aboriginal word, Boondi which means water breaking over rocks. Previously, it was a privately-owned estate that only allowed the excess area opened to the public, along with threats of exclusivity over the years.
The municipal council tried to establish part of it as a public reserve in 1859 but failed. In 1882, the government took action and opened the beach to the public. Despite being open to the public, reaching it was still a challenge. You had to wait for a bus every 30-minute interval that only stopped at Bondi junction. There were still no hotels on Bondi beach at this time.
In 1902, a sub-station at the Bondi junction was built and finally extended to Bondi Beach in late 1906. The trams were slowly replaced by buses as time went by. Despite all of that, the beach’s popularity continued to thrive.
Cost
The tour cost is $20 for Professional and $25 for Affiliates [No refunds available]
RSVP close 22 August and numbers are limited to 20 so act quickly to secure your place on tour.
Event host: Gaille (M) 0414 885 619
(E) gailledargan@gmail.com