Bondi Beach has long represented many things Australia loves to celebrate about itself.
As a melting pot of surf-loving locals, adventurous backpackers and sun-seeking tourists, Bondi's laid-back, inclusive vibe draws millions every year.
But on Sunday night, two gunmen shattered the peace of Australia's sacred sand and terrorised its local community.
Naveed Akram, 24, and his father Sajid Akram, 50, rained bullets down on a Jewish festival at Sydney's iconic beach, killing at least 15 people.
Richard Potts has been coming to Bondi since the 1980s and was among those who came to pay his respects on Monday.
"It's an icon of Australia and the world having Bondi Beach - it's a melting pot of different cultures in harmony," Mr Potts told AAP, standing metres from the famous golden sands.
"I don't think Australians will allow it, to stop Bondi from being Bondi.
Mr Potts and his partner, Swedish national Raija Laatikaimen, said the beach is a vital spot for their local Jewish friends to show their faith freely.
They also emphasised the community spirit showed on Monday morning is far more representative of the true Bondi than the scenes of terror.
"We had a coffee at a bakery this morning and they were offering free coffees for everyone," Ms Laatikaimen told AAP.
"Our son-in-law started talking to a woman and she burst out in tears and explained her story."
While most mourners who attended the floral tribute at Bondi Pavilion were united in their grief, moments of tension still bubbled to the surface.
Red Cross volunteers were told to leave by a distressed local and police ordered a person playing loud music to move on.
Police also intervened when, in an apparent display of support for Palestine, a woman caused a disturbance at the growing memorial.
She was escorted from the area by a crowd of officers.
Despite the unease on Monday, for New Yorkers Lauren and Lenny Stern, Bondi remained a chance to soak up everything that makes Australia special.
The couple said bonds built at Bondi are stronger than those who try to tear them apart.
"You can't let the toxic evil stop you from celebrating what is wonderful in life," Mr Stern told AAP while overlooking the ocean.
"I assume this will be no different, but it forces you to reassess and remember."
