Bondi Pavilion

Sea bathing gradually changed from a restricted dangerous activity in NSW to a popular pastime in the later 19th century.

[6] The new dressing shed is pictured below (far right photo) and was described in detail in the Sydney Morning Herald: Bondi now boasts not only the most up-to-date surf bathers' accommodation in the State but also the Commonwealth.

Bathers' compartments are separated by asbestos sheet partitioning and the floor is wholly of concrete to ensure cleanliness.

Besides shower-baths and other necessities for bathers the front of the building is devoted to the purposes of a tea-room which is capable of holding a large number of persons while wide verandahs on the seaward side are also designed for tea parties.

The scheme included provision of a kiosk and surf sheds, three lavatory blocks, a band stand, parks to surround the buildings and increased car and pedestrian facilities.

Tunnels leading from the two courtyards passed underneath Marine Parade (now Queen Elizabeth Drive) to a pair of concrete groynes which opened onto the beach.

The Sydney Morning Herald outlined the event in detail: A great crowd attended the official opening of the Bondi Beach improvement scheme by the Mayor of Waverley (Alderman D Hunter) on Saturday afternoon.

The beach was alive with surfers and sea nymphs, Girl Guides and Boy Scouts and thousands of spectators.

It was estimated that there were between 160,000 and 200,000 people present, the marine drive, promenade and the sands being covered by a dense mass of pleasure seekers.

During the 1950s and 1960s the ground floor refreshment rooms were still in use and operated by lessees; however, the main hall and auditorium were rarely used.

[8] On 22 June 1993, the Australian Heritage Commission added the Bondi Beach area to the Register of the National Estate.

the pavilion is still a community centre where the accomplished French born dancer Jeanine Claes did teach from 1985 till 2001.