I was asked to stop taking photos..

[Xenedis]

Commercial entities or productions created with a commercial intent require a permit. Photography taken for private and/or domestic purposes don't. I have defeated Waverley Council and Bondi police on a number of occasions where some Rangers thought I couldn't be using my camera as I didnt hold a permit. I had this confrontation for the 3rd time during the Boost Surfsho(sic) in 2010 on Bondi.

Glad to hear that the restriction isn't applicable to all photography.

If someone spotted you with an iPhone or a P&S, you'd probably go unnoticed; but rock up with a tripd and a DSLR, and you'll immediately fall under suspicion.

Imagine for a moment how many beachgoers, tourists etc take photos on the sand of Bondi on any given day. Impossible to enforce for non-commercial activities as they would be discriminating with every infringement.

Of course. Even if the council did forbid photography, good luck enforcing it.