The Coastal Studies Unit at the University of Sydney counted 10,685 beaches in Australia. Maybe that’s why over 85% of Aussies live within 50km of the coastline! We’ve picked out a few of our favourite patches of sand but we could have easily gone on and on.

Whatever it is you like to do when you hit the beach, we’re sure you’ll be happy with at least one of our choices.

Turquoise Bay, Exmouth, WA
Turquoise Bay is best known for its drift snorkelling. Jump in the water at the south end and let the current carry you northward along the coast. As you’re carried alongside the Ningaloo Reef you might well catch a glimpse of a reef shark, ray or turtle. 2 and a half hours from Perth by plane.

[Photo Copyright Tourism Western Australia; Turquoise Bay]

Manly Beach, Sydney, NSW
Argued by some to be way better than the much-hyped Bondi Beach, Manly Beach is just a 30 minute ferry ride from Sydney’s Circular Quay ferry terminal. Every February, Manly Beach is host to the Open of Surfing and if this gets you inspired you can always enrol at Manly Surf School!

[Photo Courtesy of Destination New South Wales/Hamilton Lund; Manly Beach]

Palm Cove, QLD
If you like to roll out of bed, stroll out of your hotel and find yourself on the beach within seconds, Palm Cove will appeal. If you’re not staying though, you can get to Palm Cove by road in about half an hour from Cairns. It has been voted Australia’s Cleanest Beach on numerous occasions.

[Photo Courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland; Palm Cove]

Cable Beach, Broome, WA
Cable Beach is famous for camel rides along its 22km stretch of coastline. But long before these guys were making footprints in the sand it was the dinosaurs. Check these 130 million year old marvels out at low tide. Due to how flat it is, Cable beach is also ideal for driving on if camels aren’t quite fast enough for you!

[Photo Copyright Tourism Western Australia; Cable Beach]

Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island, QLD
Located on Whitsunday Island in the Whitsundays, Whitehaven Beach was named Australia’s Best Beach in the 2015 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards. The 7km of coastline is home to some of the purest silica in the world, and doesn’t hold heat like average sand making it very comfortable to walk on.

Head up to Tongue Point for great views of Hill Inlet where the fine sand is swept into interesting patterns by the currents.

[Photo Courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland; Whitehaven Beach]

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