Beach babes of Western Sydney, we’ve got good news. This summer, Fairfield City Council will be running a free bus service to some of the city’s best beaches – meaning your sand-and-sun options have expanded way beyond Pondi.
The free bus service will run every Sunday until February 2, giving Western Sydney residents a free route to some of the city’s favourite beaches. Plus, the return service means residents of Sydney’s beachside 'burbs will get a free route to Cabramatta, home to some of the best Vietnamese and Chinese eateries in the city (we're big fans of Tan Viet Noodle House).
The first service ran this past Sunday (Sunday, January 5), taking passengers from Fairfield to the Northern Beaches suburb of Manly.
This coming Sunday (Sunday, January 12), a free return bus service will run from Fairfield to Bondi, and from Bondi to Cabramatta. The bus will depart from Deerbush Park (Fairfield Showground) at 9am sharp, and will carry passengers home from the bus stop on Bondi’s Campbell Parade at 4.15pm, arriving back at Fairfield Showground at approximately 6pm.
“Driving from Fairfield to Bondi including fuel, tolls and parking can cost more than $100. This is just too much for our local families to be able to enjoy the beach in their own city," Fairfield City Mayor Frank Carbone said.
Plus, the free bus service means no deso drivers – we’re not encouraging a heavy day on the drinks (nobody wants a drunken bus journey), but it does mean you can stop by one of Bondi’s excellent bars or restaurants for a cocktail or two without worrying.
On Sunday, January 19, free return bus services will run between Fairfield and the Southern Shire beach suburb of Cronulla, and Manly and Fairfield. The final day of free Fairfield-to-beach buses will be on Sunday, February 2 – with free buses running again between Bondi and Fairfield.
Though this service is currently limited, Fairfield City is calling on changes to reduce barriers to entry for Western Sydney residents who want to access the beach, with Fairfield City Mayor Frank Carbone explaining that Sydney’s beaches “belong to everyone”.
Mayor Carbone has called on the government to waive public transport fees on summer weekends for Western Sydney residents, so watch this space.
Bookings are essential, and children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The maximum booking is six passengers – so if you’re planning a big group pilgrimage to the shore, you’ll need to book separately.
You can learn more and book over here.