Its Summer Down Under

Australian Beaches

Australia's enviable status as the world's biggest island means that it is blessed with an abundance of stunning coastline and thousands of pristine beaches. Beaches are truly part of the lifestyle and culture for most Australians, not just a holiday destination but a place to spend one of the long summer nights during the working week. In Summer Australian Beaches become packed with locals and tourists alike but it's still possible to find an untouched stretch of sand to claim as your own. So, if you've ever wondered why Australians seem so unimpressed with beaches overseas now is the perfect time to follow the warm weather down South and find out.

To get you started, here are ten of our favourite beach destinations Down Under.

Sydney Beaches As soon as the winter chill thaws, Sydney's population flocks to one of the many beaches in the city and surrounding areas. The most famous of these beaches is Bondi Beach but don't go expecting paradise; Bondi is best visited for its restaurants, bars and party atmosphere. From Bondi you can take a stunning coastal walk past Bronte Beach and then onto the sheltered Coogee Bay Beach, popular for families as well as travellers. Hop on a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Beach for a game of beach volleyball or to stroll along the bustling esplanade. Further north is Palm Beach, undoubtedly one of Sydney's most beautiful and peaceful beaches. The stretch of beaches in Cronulla, in Sydney's south, has consistently great surf. While you are in the area it's definitely worth visiting the Royal National Park for some spotless, untouched beaches surrounded by bushland.

Coffs Harbour A coastal resort town renown for its beaches and banana plantations (no visit would be complete without a visit to The Big Banana, see photo), Coffs Harbour is a popular destination on the way to Brisbane from Sydney. There are three main beaches close to the city centre; the calm Jetty Beach can be found near the Marina, further south is Boambee Beach, but most popular is Park Beach, a large beach with perfect surfing conditions. If you have a car it's worth heading a little bit out of town to deserted Emerald Beach, another fave for local surfies.

Byron Bay Australia's most easterly point, Byron Bay is blessed with clear water and white sand, not to mention a tourist friendly small-town atmosphere. With boutique shopping and loads of cafes and restaurants to choose from, Byron caters to those who enjoy recreation off the sand. Also a popular spot for numerous music festivals (such as the Blues & Roots Festival over Easter and Splendour in the Grass in July), Byron also fills up over the New Year period, so be sure to book well in advance at that time of year.

Pebbly Beach Want to see a kangaroo in the wild? Come to Pebbly Beach, about three hours drive South of Sydney. This beach is not only beautiful but one of the best places to see some native wildlife up close.

Port Douglas One of the major resort towns in Far North Queensland, Port Douglas caters exclusively to those seeking fun in the sun. Perfectly situated for catching a cruise on the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef, or to taking a walk through the lush Daintree Rainforest, Port Douglas has hot weather all year round, and the palm-fringed beaches are amongst some of the most idyllic in the world.

Whitsunday Islands The Whitsundays are a group of over 70 islands in the Great Barrier Reef, said to be the eighth wonder of the world. One of the most stunning beaches in Australia can be found here; Whitehaven Beach, with over nine kilometres of pure white sand and sparkling clear water. Diving and snorkelling enthusiasts will be in heaven with the astonishing range of marine life.

Cable Beach In the old pearling town of Broome, Western Australia, Cable Beach is twenty two kilometres of perfection along the Indian Ocean. Take a camel ride, watch the sunset, admire the red sandstone cliffs and be awed by the dinosaur prints at Gantheaume Point.

Wineglass Bay It doesn't get much more untouched than this. Hidden in the Freycinet National Park on the island of Tasmania, the crescent shaped Wineglass Bay is surrounded by pink granite mountains and can only be reached by foot. For true peace and quiet, this is the place to come.

Bells Beach About two hours away from Melbourne, along the winding Great Ocean Road, Bells Beach is an iconic Aussie surfing spot. Home to one of the world's most prestigious surfing competitions since 1962, Bells has attracted some of the biggest names in surfing and no matter what the weather is guaranteed to be full of die-hard surfers performing amazing feats amongst the pounding waves.

Sorrento Swimming with the dolphins, snorkelling, scuba-diving, water-skiing... Sorrento is an ocean lover's dream. It's proximity to Melbourne (90 minutes by car) means that it's also a shopper's paradise, with loads of boutique shops and of course, a wide range of cafes and restaurants to unwind in.

Going Places is the place to learn about new Places and share where you've been, where you dream of going, what Places (destinations, attractions, hotels, restaurants) you like or dislike!

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