Australia has 50,000 kilometres of coastline and an incredible 10,000 beaches so visitors looking for sun, sea and sand are certainly spoilt for choice. Divided between six states and two territories, the country offers a great variety of beach landscapes and activities.
Some have a laid back surfer vibe whilst others offer a more upmarket experience with boutique shops and exclusive seafood restaurants. Wherever you choose to go, our top tips will help you to get the most out of your Australian beach holiday.
Forward Planning
A little forward planning is essential when organising your Australian holiday, particularly if you’re visiting for just a few weeks. The country is huge (almost as big as the whole of Europe!) and visitors often underestimate the vast distances between towns and cities. Hopping between beach towns is possible but hopping between states is likely to suck up a lot of your time. To avoid wasting days on the road, get a good map, make sure you understand the scale and get planning your itinerary.
Keeping Safe
The safest places to swim on Australian beaches are always marked by red and yellow flags. These areas are patrolled by lifeguards, free from strong currents and free from sharks. Shark attacks are extremely rare but you can reduce your risk of running into one by avoiding swimming at dusk or in the evening. Another safety tip for your Australian beach holiday is sunscreen. UV rays are powerful in Australia and even olive skins can find themselves pinking in the midday sun. Be sure to take care of your skin and apply a high factor.
So now the practicalities are out of the way, where to go? Here are just a few deservedly popular Australian beach options:
The Most Famous
Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in Australia. Just 10 kilometres from Sydney city centre, it’s great for a shorter holiday combining both sightseeing and beach activities. The beach is home to golden sands, water sports and many events throughout the year. Visitors should be aware that parking close to the beach is nigh on impossible. To avoid the parking scrum, park at King’s Cross or Bondi Junction and take a bus down to the beach.
The Best Surfing
If you’re looking for a surfing holiday, be sure to consider Byron Bay in New South Wales. The beaches around Byron Bay provide waves for both beginners and more seasoned surfers and there are lot of surfing schools around town. Beyond the beach, the town has a great foodie scene, hosts music festivals throughout the year and has a laid back charm befitting its fame as a surfer’s paradise.
The Best Sunsets
Beaches in Western Australia enjoy spectacular sunsets. Broome is a popular location, home to the world’s oldest outdoor cinema, craft breweries and a number of beautiful beaches. Cable Beach stretches for 22 kilometres and offers many a secluded cove. A highlight of any visit has to be a sunset camel ride along its sandy shores enjoying the ever-changing colours of the sky.
The Best Diving
Visible from space, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral formation in the world and supports various species of marine life. Whales, dolphins, sharks, stingrays, turtles, sea snakes and more than 1,500 different kinds of fish all call the reef home. The reef is easily accessed from beautiful Queensland beaches, Airlie Beach and Mission Beach. Beginner PADI dives, trips for more experienced divers and snorkelling excursions around the reef are all available and allow you to see Australia’s beaches from a new perspective.
Will Norquay is a frequent traveller who shares his experiences and thoughts writing for Stayz. Stayz is Australia’s No. 1 holiday rental website.
