Forget Bondi - crowded and packed and horribly overpriced. Try Coogee Beach 4 beaches down the coast. Lot's of cheaper traveller/backpacker type places with both dorm and private rooms at very good rates. (Better than Bondi). It's also more laid back, pleasing on the eye and senses and geniality than Bondi could ever be. Extremely frequent buses into the city - run every 5-10 minutes and 30 minutes away.