By Laura Rancie.
Australia has the world’s fifth-longest coastline, extending to about 34,000 kilometres (excluding all the small offshore islands). That’s a lot of beaches to explore, camp at, surf, play, swim in and read a good book at. We round up some of our favourites, based on an office full of beach lovers, surfers, foodies and I-just-wanna-layout-on-the sand-ers.
It was quite difficult to just pick only one beach
per state, as every region within each state has countless gorgeous, untouched
and pristine beaches, golden sands, lush greenery and varying reasons to visit
that particular spot from family-friendly through to secluded and private.
If your favourite beach isn’t here, we’d love to hear from you – where is your favourite spot to swim and why?
South Australia:
It was a tough decision between featuring Port Noarlunga Beach with its
seemingly never-ending jetty, reef full of aquatic life and many spots to safely
kayak, dive and fish. Certainly, an iconic South Australian location on the Fleurieu
Peninsula. However, it is Vivonne Bay on Kangaroo Island that takes the highest
accolade.
Vivonne Bay was once voted Australia’s best beach (how anyone even makes that
decision, is beyond reason). We picked this beach for the sheer dreaminess of
it – framed by sand dunes on one side, a gorgeous jetty on the other and the cute locals – the endemic Australian sea lion. It is here that you can be
taken into the heart of the colony and learn about this gorgeous, albeit
endangered animal.
Queensland:
Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays unarguably must take the win, for its accessibility to the Great Barrier Reef’s marine life and incredible crystal, azure waters. Although the debate did revolve around Tallebudgera Creek, only knocked back due to its complete lack of parking at any time of day. Situated behind the Burleigh Headland with vistas of the national park, perfectly safe snorkelling passages, swimming alcoves and with an easy access surf beach not far away. The walking trail nearby can also get busy, but the views are worth it!
Victoria:
Just around the corner from Bells Beach, is a local heaven called Point Addis. The protected bay is home to the popular learn-to-surf program, Surf Groms. If you can brave the 57,782 steps down and then back up (okay…maybe not quite that many) to your car park you will be rewarded with an enclosed bay surrounded by sheer cliff faces, and an undeniable rugged Great Ocean Road feel.
Tasmania:
Wineglass Bay located within Freycinet Peninsula, is an outcrop of wild, pristine coastland on the east coast of Tasmania. It is regularly considered one of the top 10 beaches in the world and by far the most photographed icon on the island. The wide deserted beaches that lap the azure waters, soaring sea cliffs and secluded coves make this part of Eastern Tasmania amongst the driest in all of Australia, after South Australia.
New South Wales:
Every Aussie knows the Bondi-Coogee beach walk, but a lesser-known walking trail not too far away is the Watsons Bay Coastal Walk. Starting at the South Head Heritage Trail, this gateway to Sydney Harbour is unparalleled in views and steeped in early settler and military history.
Northern Territory:
While beaches here also claim ‘most pristine in Australia’, they are not always safe to swim, surf, or even go near. Yes, crocodiles, Irukandji and other marine threats are often present so using high caution and reading local signs is a must.
Our pick here is Galaru – for an experience unlike any other in the country. Also known as East Woody Beach, this beach features white sands, azure waters and a forest with waterways making sunsets spectacular for all these reasons.
True, this beach is infested with both crocs and box jellies – so for now, just be content with pictures of this unique and spectacular beach destination.
