Bondi Beach, is located in the suburb of Bondi, seven kilometres from the centre of
Sydney.Today Bondi Beach is one of the world's most famous beaches, Bondi Beach is as much a lifestyle choice as a place. Bondi Beach _Affordable_Storage_Drawers.aspx the visitor, captivates them and forges memories of sun, surf and sand.
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It is a slower sun warmed world that somehow stands a little apart from our busy lives. It is a world of lifeguards patrolling between yellow and red flags, surfers riding the waves, bronzed bodies, comfortable cafes and smart restaurants.
One hundred years ago the tram line was extended from the Bondi Aquarium terminus at Fletcher Street to a balloon loop at the southern of Bondi Beach. Early morning tram journeys were particularly popular with bathers, as it was then forbidden to swim at Bondi Beach between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
The steam trams used an "old shrieking whistle", made "nerve- bleep tering noises" and caused "earth tremors" and "hurricanes of dust" in warm weather, much to the annoyance of pedestrians and shopkeepers. They rejoiced at the introduction of clean electric trams.
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The electric tram
services to Bondi Beach began on October 19, 1902, even though there was only a three-inch clearance beneath the Bondi Road overbridge. This situation was eased the following year when the track was lowered under the
bridge. 1905 saw the Bondi line chosen as a destination for the new tourist tram service and the first of a number of moonlight excursions.
The Bondi and North Bondi surf life saving clubs were established in 1906, by which time bathing restrictions had been removed, and the popularity of surf bathing led to improved summer Sunday
services.
Destination signs with coloured symbols evolved from the days of steam trams. The Bondi Beach sign was white with a red centre, and "Bondi" printed in white on a black background.
The first of the popular O class trams entered service on the Bondi and Waverley lines in March 1908 and they were in general use by 1911. Nicknamed "rattlers" and "toast-rack" trams, they successfully carried passengers until 1957 and are remembered with nostalgic affection.
The Bondi tram loop was demolished as part of Waverley Council's Bondi Improvement Scheme in the 1920's and the trams rerouted along Campbell Parade to a new terminus at North Bondi, the site still used today by the buses.
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Another tram route reached Bondi Beach via Curlewis Street. This was an extension of the Bellevue
Hill line which relieved congestion along Oxford Street. The official opening, which took place on Saturday, December, 19, 1914, was performed by the Minister for Public Works. A second ribbon was cut by Mrs Joseph Barracluff, wife of the Mayor of Waverley, when the tram reached the Waverley boundary. The Bondi via Bellevue
Hill line received a priority allocation of the new corridor R class trams in 1933.
The last Bondi tram was during the early hours of Sunday, February 18, 1960. The R class corridor tram was crammed with last-tram riders and had a boisterous journey. It left Bondi at 3.30 a.m. and arrived at the Dowling Street depot minus most light globes, some handrails, all upholstered
seat cushions, the lifting jack, a headlight glass and all destination rolls.
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An interesting thread at ExplorOz ThreadID: 40327
.