“Everyone’s just in good spirits in Bondi,” says Sammy Robinson who holds the suburb close to her heart. With its salty breeze, crystal-clear surf breaks, laid-back feel and masses of water-facing eateries, it’s easy to see why.

The influencer and founder of clothing label One Mile lives just a short drive from Bondi’s iconic strip of sand and style, and is a regular visitor to the area.

“It’s a bubble, as everyone says, because you just don’t need to leave. There are all the best restaurants, cafes, beaches, walks and gyms here and it’s a really fun environment to be a part of,” she says. “It’s so calm and has great weather. I spend all my summers [here] and I love it.”

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It’s also synonymous with a free-spirited, active lifestyle – one where you get your steps in early along the beach before refueling at a cafe.

We asked Robinson where she goes to grab a bite, shop around and other ways she likes to soak up the Bondi sun.

Eat

More often than not you’ll find Robinson at North Bondi cafe The Depot. Opened by ex-Icebergs chef Guy Turland, the blue-and-white-striped corner spot makes for a great start to the morning before heading to work. “I actually never choose anything off the menu. I’m a bit basic and always get scrambled eggs with avocado on sourdough,” says Robinson. If she hasn’t already ordered a coffee here, it’ll be at Bru a little further down the road.

For lunch, it’s either an acai bowl from D Bowls or a salad from Banana Blossom or Cali Press. A weekend favourite is Raw Bar for fresh sashimi. “If you can get a spot outside and sit in the sun, it’s a great view of the beach,” says Robinson.

Shop

Bondi has come to be known for its boutique shopping scene – all within walking distance from the shore.

As a self-proclaimed “sneaker junkie” – with a love for New Balance’s classic 530 style – the opening of the brand’s new (and first of it’s kind in Australia) Bondi Junction store is also welcome news to Robinson. “As a six-foot girl, I really struggle shopping online and finding the perfect fit, so I’m excited to have a local New Balance store where I can pop in and actually try [styles] on,” she says.

Robinson also enjoys the fashion variety from Australian designers like Sir, Venroy and Playa by Lucky Folk to eco-friendly beauty and lifestyle stores including Bondi Wash. There’s also a host of local makers selling all sorts of beautifully made wares.

Things to do

No Bondi list is complete without tackling the Bondi to Bronte walking trail. Starting at the iconic Icebergs beach club, the path bends over Sydney’s coarse cliff face. According to Robinson, the best time to start your journey is sunrise to avoid ducking and dodging people on the boardwalk. “The water is crystal clear, the sun’s just coming up and you get to see all the beaches along the coastline, it just never lets you down.”

Apart from a quick swim followed by lying in the sun, a reformer Pilates class is another morning ritual – one that offers a moment of calm before the busy social media star jumps into whatever else the day has in store.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with New Balance. New Balance’s Bondi Junction store opens on September 15, 2023. The first 100 customers to arrive on the day will receive a free $50 voucher to spend in store.