My Top Australian Beaches

I love a beach and a wave on a hot sunny day. Nothing beats a great day at the beach by yourself or with family and friends, and let’s face it, we have some of the best beaches in the world. Having travelled all the way around Australia we’ve seen a lot of them and they all have their own unique beauty that makes them special. I’m going to try and list my top Australian beaches … #toughgig

There are many different reasons a beach becomes special to me, the waves, surroundings and colours, but most of all they have a special ‘feeling’ about them– all of which I’ve taken into account while compiling my five picks of the bunch.

Cylinder Beach, Point Lookout – North Stradbroke Island, QLD

I’ve been visiting this beach for many, many years… since I was old enough to swim.

It’s a real winner as it’s a great surf beach with a gentle wave. Protected by the headland, it rarely get choppy or too rough that you can’t go swimming, so it’s great for young families.

You’ll also see the odd dolphin and whale pass by on their migration route to Antarctica just to keep you interested between sets. The first time a dolphin popped up I was scared stiff!

With a magic left to right wave it’s great for all surf lovers, boogie boarders, kayakers and stand up paddle boarders (or whatever else takes your fancy).

Cable Beach – Broome, Western Australia.

Broome is known as the gateway to the magical Kimberley region but Cable Beach stands alone as the white sand meets the beautiful turquoise waters of the west.

The first time I saw Cable Beach I was gobsmacked. I couldn’t believe the expanse of sand that lay between the headland and the water, it was just huge.

There is definitely one thing you have to do on this beach and that is join a camel ride at sunset…

Jumping aboard the camel train and watching the sun go down is one of my greatest memories as a traveller. The hour-long ride finishes as the sun starts to set and the sky lights up with magnificent yellows, oranges & pinks before dipping below the horizon.

Squeaky Beach – Wilsons Promontory, Victoria.

Surrounded by granite mountains that meet sandy white beaches this is an incredible scene to see with your own eyes.

With so many colours surrounding you it’s picture perfect. From the turquoise waters and squelchy white sand to the lichen covered red rocks and open green bushland and mountains.

All that’s needed is that dark blue sky with puffy white clouds and heaven awaits!

To add a little fun into the picture for everyone, the sand squeaks under your feet due to the rounded quartz and the kids will have a blast running or walking on it.

From beach cricket to sandcastle making and stand up paddle boarding and surfing, there is something for everyone who visits nearby Tidal River, the gateway to this incredible experience and the location for the local campsite.

Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay – New South Wales.

Travel Tip for Hyams Beach.

Take your sunglasses as its regarded as the whitest sand in the world (it’s in the Guinness Book of Records) – the glare you get from the reflection can be blinding!

Also known for its Marine Park and coastal wilderness, Jervis Bay is a sheltered inlet of the Pacific Ocean, which makes an awesome combination for a beach setting.

As one of the greatest whale watching areas in the country, you don’t always have to be out on the water to see them as they also come close to shore to say hello. The marine park is also home to 80-120 bottlenose dolphins who often turn onto their sides to welcome you whether you’re in a boat or on a stand up paddleboard.

With smaller waves, it’s perfect for the family to visit and I guarantee that when you do, you will be positioned at the beach all day.

Byron Bay – Northern NSW.

This is the first place that catches the sun’s rays in all of Australia and it’s definitely one of the most popular destination’s with tourists from both here and all over the globe who gather for a piece of the action.

The vibe of Byron is what keeps me coming back as its laid-back hippy style is infectious.

With a number of different surf breaks for all wind conditions, Byron is really as mecca for surfers of all ages.

I had the pleasure of spending the day with legend surfboard shaper Bob McTavish which was an honour. Not only did he teach me how to catch a wave, but also why he got started in the business and what’s kept him going. One of the main reasons is that he loves living here.

Byron definitely has that special ‘feeling’, and when you’re in the water you can feel its healing properties that give you that magical Byron ‘glow’ that everyone talks about.

I know I’ve left many incredible beaches off the list (and no doubt I’m going to hear about it!) including Bell’s in Victoria, Bondi in NSW and the many beaches that make up the incredible Sunshine Coast in Qld.

Remember always remember to slip, slop slap and kids, make sure you wear a rashy!

These are my top 5 beaches and I hope you get to discover these for yourself one day… When you do let me what you think, or let me know which ones you are certain I have left out!