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Australian Beaches and Coasts
They're uncrowded. Unspoiled. The white, sandy beaches go on forever and have helped define Australia's identity.
Aussies love the beaches. Revel in them. Play, party, eat and laze on them. Swim, fish, and sail by them.
Like Aussies, you, too, will find that something magical happens the closer you get to the beautiful seas that surround the country. Perhaps it's the gentle sea breeze. The laughter, the smell of fresh air, the casual atmosphere or the sound of crashing waves. Whatever it is, you will be spellbound by the coast and Australian beaches.
   
Photos courtesy of Tourism Australia © 2009
World Heritage wonders
With some of the most diverse and unspoiled coastline in the world, Australia has more beaches than any other nation. There's every chance you'll be able to find one or two all to yourself! But there are also some really special spots that may tempt you for reasons other than swimming and relaxing on the sand.
The two World Heritage marine parks - the Great Barrier Reef on the east coast and Shark Bay on the west coast - offer a stunning kaleidoscope of reef life accessible to everyone. You don't have to be a diver to come face-to-face with a clown fish.
Put your four-wheel driving to the test on World Heritage listed Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world, with a paradise of beaches, fresh water lagoons and unique sand rainforest.
Food and wine on the beach
Dining along the spectacular coastline or one of the many picturesque Australian beaches is one of the favorite things to do. Enjoy a meal at a five star restaurant or a more casual beach barbeque. Share a bottle of cool, crisp white wine as you savor the stunning backdrop of crashing waves and the freshness of the clean ocean air.
Aboriginal Culture
In Aboriginal culture, traditional owners have the responsibility to preserve the waters and coastal regions. Combine your wanders to Australian beaches with an Aboriginal guide for spear fishing by moonlight, a walking tour along the coast, tagging endangered turtles or hearing Dreamtime stories with the sound of surf in the distance.
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The Gold Coast, Queensland
Known for its 44 mile long stretch of rolling surf and sandy beaches, and celebrated for its surf lifesavers, sophisticated shopping, world-class theme parks and unforgettable events, the Gold Coast offers a laid back lifestyle dedicated to having fun.
Margaret River, Western Australia
Head to one of the 75 surf beaches that hug the 80 mile coastline of this famous wine-growing region. Don't forget to fill the trunk of your rental car with full-bodied wine, luscious olive oil, delicious cheeses and hand-made chocolates to make your day of indulgence even more special.
Whitsundays, Queensland
Tucked inside the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea, the Whitsundays comprise 74 scenic islands waiting to be explored. With only eight islands inhabited, you can be sure to find one where only your footprints touch the sand.
Byron Bay, New South Wales
Learn how to be truly laid back with a visit to Byron Bay. Famous for its great surfing beaches, Byron is also known for its mix of bohemian chic, alternative lifestyle and hedonistic indulgence. Visit for a day or stay for a week or more.
Wineglass Bay, Tasmania
Rated as one of the world's 10 best beaches, Wineglass Bay on the stunning Freycinet Peninsula will enter your soul and stay with you forever. Include Freycinet and Wineglass Bay in your Australia vacation package - for a suggested itinerary, check our Tasmania vacation package - the bay's perfect curve of white sand set against a jagged range of pink and gray granite peaks will literally take your breath away.
Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
Head to Ningaloo Reef between March and June to swim with the whale sharks while these bus-sized creatures feed gently at the coral reef. Year-round, enjoy this marine wonderland and home to Australia's largest fringing coral reef with over 200 species of soft and hard coral.
Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
Set on the eastern side of Port Phillip Bay with the Southern Ocean to the south and bays and sheltered sandy Australian beaches on either side, the Mornington Peninsula offers every kind of aquatic activity. Sail, surf, fish and swim with dolphins. Take a coastal walk past dunes, beaches, cliffs and lighthouses and stop and enjoy a meal at one of the many cafes overlooking the picturesque bay.
 
Photos courtesy of Tourism Australia © 2009
Fact
The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system. It is as big as the total combined area of the United Kingdom and Ireland.
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