Australia is synonymous with beaches. When asked what to do in my city, hitting the waves is always number 1. The east coast is littered with hundreds of beaches and beach towns from Melbourne all the way to Cape York and it is no wonder that beaches dominate almost every road trip. These are some of my favourite beaches and beach towns from my years exploring this beautiful part of the world.
Nobbies Beach, NSW
No bias here, but Nobbies has to be one of my favourite beaches in the country. I mean, look at it! When friends come to visit this is one of the first places I bring them. Acting as guardian to Newcastle’s harbour, it sits on the eastern side of the Newcastle breakwall, welcoming the thousands of ships that come to buy coal from the port every year.
You can usually count up to 20 ships waiting patiently on the horizon at any given time. And in 2007 a fierce storm unleashed upon the city, causing one ship – named the Pasha Bulka – to run aground. The photos are quite incredible. Somehow, it was able to be towed away (in a few pieces) a few weeks later.
Ok maybe I have some bias.
Crescent Head Beach, NSW
Crescent Head is an unassuming coastal town with friendly locals, a 6 hole golf course, one of Australia’s best bakeries (surely!). It is known as one of the best surf beaches on the east coast due to the length and size of some of the breaks lapping along a golden stretch of sand..
As a non-surfer I am unable to give my own opinion but this is the chatter about town. As an annual visitor to Crescent Head though I can tell you that even in April the car park is always full of camper vans and surfers waxing their boards along the foreshore. And when the sun is shining, the Crescent Head Beach is still one of the best places to spend an afternoon.
Whitehaven Beach, QLD
Whitehaven Beach is continually voted as one of the Australia’s top beaches, but it could also be voted one of Australia most remote. Situated on the west side of Whitsunday Island, the beach stretches a staggering 7 kilometres and can only be reached by private boat or tour. There are a few short walks you can do but most people come to enjoy the powdery white sand and clear and calm turquoise water – a rare treat for Australians where most mainland beaches are golden and wavy.
Time your visit right and you might even see a sea plane or two take off.
Hyams Beach, NSW
Jervis Bay is one of Australia’s truest unspoilt gems. Almost lake-like, the large coastal bay protects the beach from any swell, the calmness displayed beautifully in the bright blue waters. I wasn’t fortunate enough to have perfect weather when I visited, but I hope to rectify that later this month when our little family heads down south to try again.
Bondi Beach, Sydney
Sure, if you go on a hot day there you’ll jostle for sand real estate with thousands of other Australians. And sure, Bondi Beach might be the least authentic Australian beach experience in the country. But on the plus side, if you start to drown, there’s a fair chance you’ll make it onto Bondi Rescue, one of Australia’s least interesting TV shows.
But in seriousness, the beach has to be one of Australia’s biggest. Not in terms of length, but certainly in terms of distance from road to waves. It would give Miami Beach a run for its money in that regard. Bondi is still worth visiting if you’re in Sydney, but go early.
Most importantly though, the coastal walk from Bondi Beach to Bronte (or Coogee) is spectacular and well worth taking the time and braving the heat and crowds. I’d say it’s essential for any visit to Sydney.
Shoal Bay, NSW
Popular with Sydney and Newcastle residents, the long thin beach by Port Stephens is most welcoming on a hot summer’s day. Having been recently, the beach exudes characteristics of the Caribbean or Pacific Islands, with the harbour water a perfect temperature and remarkably clear.
However, it is from above that the beauty of this beach (and region) is truly experienced. At the eastern end of the beach is a trail head that leads walkers up a steep, paved, 15 minute ascent to the summit of Mt Tomaree. The vista of Shoal Bay to one side and Fingal Bay to the other is nothing short of spectacular.
Avoca Beach, NSW
Avoca is a sleepy town on the Central Coast between Newcastle and Sydney and is almost exclusively frequented by locals only.
If you really want to have a genuine beachside retreat without having to fight for parking or towel real estate, Avoca Beach can offer this and more.
Burleigh Heads Beach, QLD
The Gold Coast is often pegged as one of Australia’s “must see” destinations for international visitors. This is likely a result of good marketing, good beaches, 4 massive theme parks, and a small element of being “famous for being famous”.
Sure the beaches are good, but it’s also very built up with high rise resorts and is bustling with tourists. Surfers Paradise is the hub but to see the Gold Coast and avoid most of the rush, Burleigh Heads offer a solid compromise: a very comparable beach without the crowds.
Byron Bay, NSW
If there’s one place that embodies the progressive, yet laid back lifestyle in Australia it’s Byron Bay. The small city attracts an eclectic mix of transient backpackers and permanent retirees alike thanks to its welcoming atmosphere and relaxing beachside activities.
The beach is long so there is plenty of space to soak up the sun on the sand. Or the active types might hire a surfboard or trek up to Cape Byron Lighthouse to see the incredible ocean view.
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Some beautiful beaches here. Being a Queenslander I’m spoiled for choice but my favourites are Noosa and Currumbin.
Those are still on my “to see” list unfortunately. You could make a list like this for every state and the quality would be just as high!