Top 5 Australian beaches
As the world’s largest island with 35,876 km of coastline, you would expect Australia to have more than its share of beautiful beaches. Mother Nature has not disappointed us on that score. From the tropical north to the pristine wilderness of Tasmania, we have some awe-inspiring combinations of sun, sand and surf.
With such a vast and varied coastal landscape, there may well be many remote beach jewels that remain uninhabited and undiscovered, but here is our list of the top ten that you simply must visit.
Whitehaven Beach, Queensland
If you have ever seen a travel brochure for the Whitsundays, then you would no doubt have seen this jewel in Queensland’s tropical crown. It is stunningly beautiful, primarily due to it piercingly white sand contrasted with the deep azure waters that lap its shores.
The limited access and 7km length means that the crowds are never an issue. The powdery, fine grained sand makes it both velvety to touch and surprisingly cool and far from being a single monotonous stretch, the beach meanders through lagoons, coves and inlets, making it a joy to explore.
Cable Beach, Western Australia
For a beach that is rapidly gaining international notoriety, Cable Beach near Broome is still has a remarkably untouched feeling to it. It is within walking distance of Broome, so accommodation options are plentiful, but it retains the mystical charm that pervades the vast north west region of Western Australia.
The highlight of any visit to Cable is, of course, the stunning Indian Ocean sunsets. The glowing orange-red disk, descending to the blue horizon can be best appreciated from the aptly named Sunset bar or from the back of a camel on an idyllic sunset camel ride.
Wineglass Bay, Tasmania
Another beach that benefits from its relative isolation, Wineglass Bay nestles in the glorious Freycinet National Park on Tassie’s east coast. The two hour drive from Launceston or three hours from Hobart are richly rewarded with one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles. From a narrow mouth the bay opens out to a distinctive wineglass shape that gives the location such a unique character.
Bring your walking shoes for a brisk 20 minute hike to the lookout that gives the best view of the elegant arc. A snorkel or kayak is also highly recommended as ways of exploring this masterpiece.
Byron Bay Beach, New South Wales
It’s perhaps better known for its hippy history, world class Bluesfest or burgeoning café culture, but Byron’s sprawling beach is the real hero of this town. Located at the easternmost point of mainland Australia, Byron is a surfer’s mecca with a break that attracts worldwide attention from surfing devotees. The iconic lighthouse adds another quaint dimension to the experience.
Bells Beach, Victoria
Made famous by its pre-eminent place on the pro surfing circuit, Bells Beach is near Torquay on Victoria’s spectacular Great Ocean Road. The beach carves its way dramatically into the surrounding red rock cliffs, which provides a gorgeous backdrop to the perfection of its powerfully arced surf breaks.
It’s a great spot for those keen on bushwalks, with excellent trails that offer dramatic coastal views. The striking turquoise sea is another standout feature that will live long in the memory.
Scroll through the gallery above to see the top 5 Australian beaches.
Written by Tom Raeside. Republished with permission of Wyza.com.au.