Want to become tomorrow’s biggest and hottest celebrity in surfing? Well, start pondering your dream by locating the best surfing destinations in the world. All beaches can offer beach lovers a good and warm bath, but not all are suitable for surfing and other water sports. You need big waves and tons of it before you can enjoy the pleasure of surfing.

The United States houses three most loved surfing destinations by the Americans. California, Hawaii and Florida are the best beaches to surf in the US. Surfing is a very common water sport in these places, so expect a good number of surfers to party along with you. In fact, other people who are so devoted to the sports have dedicated their lives to it by training interested visitors. Surfers can visit the beaches of Santa Cruz, Santa Ana, and Half Moon Bay in California.

Costa Rica or the “Rich Coast” is another surfing destination you don’t want to miss. The Roca Bruja en Santa Rosa and Playa Santa Teresa beaches in Costa Rica are two of the most renowned beaches visited by surfers from all over the world. These beaches are fronting the North Pacific, so waves are amazingly huge and tempting. The other side of the country also offers similar pleasure to surfers.

The great waves of Australia are also perfect appetizers for surfers. Kirra and Burleigh Heads on the east coast of the country continue to craft surfing champions for years. Surfers can also head out for the grand waves of the Great Ocean Road on the southern coast. These Australian beaches are sure to give surfers enough sweat for the day.

Other country’s known for good surfing spots include Brazil, Mexico, Ireland, Sri Lanka, Samoa, Peru, and Maldives. The Caribbean island is also a good spot to practice surfing. But whether you are a veteran or a new entrant to the sport, the great waves of these beaches can definitely offer a sound vacation.

By: David L. Felts

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Whilst Sydney and Melbourne seem the obvious choice for many, there are other Australian cities that might be perfect to incorporate into your Australian holiday.

At first glance, you’d be forgiven for thinking that all Australian cities are the same – the same skyscrapers and the same grid system. But, really they are incredibly different.

You have to visit Sydney. It’s my home town so I am slightly biased! The harbour area with the Opera House, Bridge and the Rocks are hard to beat. To get the best view though, get on the ferry to Manly and gaze back at the harbour. It’s not all about the views though. You can visit interesting suburbs, sunbathe on its glorious beaches and shop in the boutique shops of Paddington.

Whilst Melbourne doesn’t have that dramatic harbour, it does have so much to offer. The vibe here is so different from Sydney. It’s much more European and Bohemian with its dark and sultry bars and coffee shops. There are still some impressive views, particularly from the river and exploring the lanes that run between the big skyscrapers is fun – you never know what you will discover round the next corner. Some argue the food is better than Sydney. I’m not sure I totally agree but it certainly is cheaper.

Into wine? Then head to Adelaide where you can discover three great wine regions in under an hour from the city centre. The most well known is the Barossa Valley and it’s famous for its big reds like Shiraz. If I can give you one piece of advice, it would be to stay in Glenelg which is just outside the city. It’s a lovely seaside town with lots going on.

If you want to travel the road less traveled then head west to Perth in Western Australia. A great city with easy access to the Margaret River, another great wine region. It can get a little quiet in the city once the workers have headed home. So, why not stay in Fremantle instead. There is plenty to do and see and it’s a great base from which to explore nearby Perth and its beautiful beaches. Cottesloe Beach is my favourite.

Fancy a bit of Aboriginal Culture? Then head north to Darwin where you will find it in abundance. Visit in the dry season, between May and October, to get the most out of this area. Outside of these months it can be way too hot and very rainy. The best places to head to are Kakadu National Park and the Tiwi Islands, both a drive from Darwin.

If a road trip is what you are after than take the trip from Sydney up to Noosa on the East Coast Road via Brisbane. The gateway to some spectacular places such as the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, Brisbane itself offers every traveler something special.

Whichever you choose, you won’t be disappointed with any of the Australian Cities.

By: Jennifer Schillington

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Think of Australian holidays and images of beaches, islands, the outback and possibly a few jumping kangaroos come to mind. Think of Australian people and an image of a weather beaten bloke in a cowboy hat is probably the first caricature to spring up, followed by tanned lasses clad in bikinis sunning themselves next to the seaside. Not many people would see an Australian holiday as a chance to expand on their knowledge and compound their intelligence- theres just way too much fun to have! But the idea that there is nothing to be learnt on an Australian holiday is a horrendous misnomer, one that is about to be corrected by this write up of five Australian destinations that are guaranteed to make you smarter:

Melbourne

Melbourne is the king of cultural Australia, the centre of the arts and crafts movement in the country. With unlimited creative spaces and a myriad of avenues for expression, this is a city of museums, galleries and shows. A favoured cultural destination is the Melbourne Museum, enjoyed by over 700 000 visitors per year. Here you can get comprehensive insights into the Aboriginal culture of the state of Victoria, explore a world of emotions and memories in the Mind exhibition and completely immerse yourself in the history of Melbourne. Another museum worth visiting is the Chinese Museum, or if galleries are your thing then have a look at the National Gallery of Victoria. For more contemporary education visit the bohemian-esque suburb of St Kilda, where you can enjoy some live music, street theatre or a show.

Port Arthur

Located on the Tasman Peninsual 80 kilometres south east of the Tasmanian capital Hobart, Port Arthur is a former penal colony that was built entirely with convict labour. In the early nineteenth century it was home to the most hardened of British criminals, and its unsavoury past has become the building block to its tourist development. The impressive architecture and charming gardens of the Port Arthur historic site are a major tourist attraction, and stories of the past seem to seep out of the walls of each unique building. Guided tours can be taken of the site, and a boat goes out regularly to the little island offshore known as ‘Isle of the Dead’, where hundreds of convicts are buried.

The Hunter Valley

The Hunter valley is one of Australias most established wine producing regions, with over 4500 acres under vine and over 60 wineries and 80 grapegrowers in the region. There is a lot to be learnt in a holiday to a wine producing area- about the economics of the industry, about the growing of grapes and the production of wine, and about your own personal preferences of wine. There is a rich history of culture in the region which is represented by the numerous museums and galleries, which pay homage to the history of the region in terms of both its mining past and its wine growing present.

Fremantle

A vibrant and eclectic port city located just to the south of the Western Australian capital Perth, Fremantle has long been a stronghold for creativity and the arts. Freo is home to an array of heritage buildings and the city is characterised by Georgian and Victorian architecture. It also supports a large student population that attend the local campus, and help fuel the creative flames of Freo. Places worthy of a visit are the WA Maritime Museum located on Victoria Quay, and the Fremantle Prison, once one of the most notorious prisons in the British Empire. Expect plenty of live music on your visit to Freo, as busking is an encouraged art form that is immensely popular here.

Brisbane

Often overlooked as a sleepy oversized country town, Brisbane is actually a world class city with a rich heritage and established cultures. It supports a number of universities, and in the Southbank and Cultural Centre area there are theatres, galleries and museums. The Queensland Museum is especially impressive, as is the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Fortitude Valley, close to the city centre, is an outlet for very contemporary creativity, so expect a thriving live music scene and a laid back cafe culture.

By: Gavin Wyatt

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Australia is not only a country of breathtaking beauty but of cultural and historic significance. The most perfect travel Australia journey will include a mix of cultural and natural exploration of this great country.

Listed below you will find some of the greatest places to visit during your extreme travel Australia journey that will create unforgettable memories for years to come. Top 10 Places that should not be missed during your next vacation to Australia.

1. Opera House in Sydney is a signature trademark of Australia depicted on many postcards. The Opera House was built by a Danish architect Jorn Utzon in 1973 and represents a ship ready to sail. This magnificent buildings hosts over 3000 thousand opera, ballet and theatre performances every year and attracts over 200,000 tourists to admire its architectural design.

2. Blue Mountains region in Australia is a nature’s oasis located within a 2 hour car ride from Sydney. Nowhere else in the world you are going to be submerged into the wilderness fully without any reservations and at the end of the day you can relax in the comfort of world class accommodations and dine at exclusive restaurants. Everybody, old and young, can find plenty of things to do like hiking, scenic railway, visiting a row of limestone caves where you can witness a series of aboriginal wall art and many more family friendly activities.

3. Great Barrier Reef is a unique collection of living coral organisms that is even visible from the space. Over 2,000,000 million tourists come annually to the east coast of Australia to experience the majestic beauty of coral reefs. Tourists are normally brought by various vessels and allowed to wander only around certain areas in order to preserve the ecosystem and prevent the possible damage to the Reef Barrier. Apart from enjoying the coral beauty you can also see numerous species of ocean habitat that call The Great Barrier Reef its home like dolphins, whales, green turtles, exotic fish and dugong.

4. Kakadu National Park is the largest nature’s reserve in Australia and is a true nature lover’s paradise. This national park offers multiple guided hiking tours to enjoy the spectacular beauty of true Australia, the largest collection of aboriginal wall art and perhaps see some of the rarest animals and birds in the world. Amazing wildlife, waterfall creek and rare fauna and flora make Kakadu National Park the ultimate destination for any Australian vacation.

5. Shark’s Bay in Australia is a great place to explore nature’s unique marine creatures in their unique and unaltered ecosystem. Here you can see world’s rare species of turtles, whales, sea snakes, sharks and dugongs. You can also embark on diving and snorkeling adventures here in Shark’s Bay.

6. Kangaroo Island is one of the few left untouched by civilization spots on the earth where you can experience the authentic beauty of Australia. About one third of the island is a protected conservation zone intended to protect the island’s ecosystem. Here you can sample world’s tastiest dishes like fresh sheep’s milk cheeses, honey and virgin olive oil pressed from the olive trees growing on the island. Take one of many tours offered on the island to sea seals basking in the sun or koalas having a eucalyptus snack. Kangaroo Island is yours to explore.

7. Uluru- Ayers Rock is the most famous natural icons of Australia. These unique sandstone formations change colors depending on the time of the day and changing weather. Spectacular views could be especially enjoyed by means of helicopter rides and climbing tours which are hot attractions in the area.

8. Nambung National Park offers splendid opportunities to enjoy secluded Australian beaches for swimming, diving and snorkeling. This park offers multiple camping and picnic grounds. It’s home to amazing giant limestone pillars that were supposedly formed thousands years ago from broken seashells brought here from the ocean. Catch the wave and go windsurfing that is going to be an experience of a lifetime.

9. Twelve Apostles are not to be missed during your vacation to Australia. Twelve Apostles are colossal limestone rocks created by means of erosion of underwater rock formations. These rocks rise proudly from the water of the South Ocean. The Twelve Apostles magically change colors in the sunrise and sunset creating breathtaking background for any picture that you are going to take home from Australia. These rocks are surrounded by two main attractions of the area, namely Marine National Park and Port Campbell National Park.

10. Tasmania is perhaps the cleanest and the least polluted island in the world situated just 240 kilometers off the Australian mainland. Here you can enjoy what Australia has to offer along its tall mountains, lush vegetation, mountain lakes and rivers. Enjoy over 2000 kilometers of hiking trails and 18 National parks that offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy camping for nature lovers of the world.

Travel Australia journey can offer amazing opportunities for the thrill seeker like you.

By: Caroline Hawthorn

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The alarm rings sharply at 6:30 am. Albert wakes up to another wintry day in Hornsby, New South Wales, Australia. After a quick shower and breakfast consisting of tapsilog or cereals, he dons his coat over his suit and leaves for work. He catches the fast train at 7:39, 7:50 or 8:15 am to Redfern, a district about 40 kms away from Hornsby. The fast train takes half an hour to reach Redfern where he works for a software company.

His officemates are multicultural: naturalized Koreans, Vietnamese, Lebanese, Filipinos, Kiwis and Irish. After eight hours of work as a computer analyst, Albert rides the fast train for home. Weekends are devoted to his family, household chores, Sunday mass, sightseeing and social visits to Filipino homes in the north shore area.

Albert is one of the growing numbers of Filipino IT professionals who migrated to Australia. In 1999, the Australian software and services sector is estimated to be growing at an annual rate of 13 percent. A computer analyst can earn from 45,000 Australian dollars to 100,000 Australian dollars annually depending on his qualification and work experience. That’s a substantial amount next to what they can earn in Manila despite the higher standard to living in Australia.

And how are they finding their host country Australia?

“The Aussies are friendly,” relates Albert. At the stores, they greet customers with a “g’day” or “how are you” and you’d have to return the greeting or you’ll be considered rude. Filipinos pick up local expressions like “Ripper!” (Ang galing) quickly enough. Store hours, however, are like office hours. Stores open between 8 and 9 am and close between 5 and 6 pm daily; there is usually late shopping on one night of the week.

The overseas worker must be at his best at work. He or she works hard to meet deadlines, then enjoys weekends or vacations. Weekends are a sacred institution in Australia. They are spent outdoors, at the beach, the national park, at sports events or barbecue parties.

For the average Filipino worker, the outdoor lifestyle brings new experiences in their lives. Beaches, for instance, are abundant and open to the public free of charge. With 36,000 kms of coastline, Australian beaches are wide and clean, with surging waves that are great for surfing. There is the tale of a modest Filipino who went to the beach wearing a two-piece swimsuit. She noticed that almost everyone on the beach was either topless or naked. After much hesitation, she decided to go topless, too. Guess what happened? She was so disappointed because no one looked at her! No worries.

Australia has about 28.2 million hectares of land reserved for national parks and nature reserves. How about visiting a park in Victoria where parrots abound, or a park in New South Wales where wallabies (small kangaroos) dwell, or a park in the Northern Territory where the saltwater crocodile is the attraction? Then there is the thrill of catching a variety of fish from beaches, bays, coastal rivers and lakes. Feasting on grilled breams, catfish or tailor afterwards is a double treat for a beginner.

Whether it is the strangeness of a cricket game in summer, rugby and Australian football in spring, or just a friendly encounter with rabbits running around a train station, Australia offers a whole new way of life to the Filipino migrant. More than the pristine environment is the effectiveness and efficiency of the system in the country that is obvious to the migrant. The system “works for everyone, not for a favored few.” This is the perception among the Filipino overseas workers. There is dignity of labor and a sense of equality.

The middle class in Australia is sizeable and Filipino overseas workers pay income taxes, private health insurance and superannuation (pension) charge to the Australian government. Taxes are quite high compared to taxes in the Philippines. However, these tax payments are translated into a clean, safe and efficient environment.

A move to another country is a major decision. Adjusting to winter, the Australian accent and slang, rules and regulations which are strictly implemented and a sophisticated environment where gambling is legal and gays are more open in society are part of the “struggle for the future.” The Filipino overseas worker in Australia continues to contribute his skills, talent and labor to the economic system. Ripper!

By: Elaine Friend

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Everybody barbecues in Australia. There are thousands of beaches, parks, and campgrounds throughout Australia, and many have free or coin-operated gas or electric barbecues. Many of these recreational spots have covered shelters with picnic tables and running water. Yes, the Australian barbie is very popular these days.

Australian barbeque has evolved in recent years. In the past, Aussies would throw any old meat on the barbie, grill it beyond recognition, then serve it for some fast backyard food. The real test was how much beer you could drink before and after eating the charred meat.

There’s still plenty of meat and shrimp on the barbie, but today, Australians grill with a little more thought going into the food. The Australian grill chef of today experiments with different sauces and flavors. They even like to throw some vegetables on the grill on occasion.

Quick cooking is still what Australian barbeque is all about. Australians generally prefer flat-top, or open-pit barbeque grills. Trolly barbies, which are portable grills on wheels, have become the most popular outdoor cooking appliances in Australia.

Like in many places around the world, Aussies love to grill steaks, pork, seafood, sausages, chicken, turkey, lamb, and veal. But because it is Australia, a few native “extras” might be thrown on the barbie. You will find plenty of emu and ostrich, which are red meats that actually look like steaks when on the grill. Crocodile, which is a white meat with a firm texture, is also popular. They also love to cook wallaby and kangaroo, which look and taste like quality beef steaks.

A lesser known Aussie barbeque fare is the witchetty grubs. This is a 4-5 inch gray-white worms about as thick as your thumb. It is normally grilled and has the look of a sausage link. Many think it has a slight peanut butter taste after it is cooked. Eating a witchetty grub is a rite of passage at any Australian barbeque.

Probably the most popular of all grilled meats in Australia are the “snags”, or “mystery bags”, which are sausages with any number of meats filled inside the casings. These should never be poked or pricked with a knife or fork, as the skin keeps the meat juicy throughout the cooking process. Australians always use tongs when cooking “snags”. A broken skin is a sign that the grill cook is an amateur.

Aussies have discovered that bbq can be more than just getting your belly full of meat and beer. There can be some thought and planning involved in the cookout. Although Australian Barbeque is still about having some backyard fun with friends (and drinking beer), there is a sense that Aussies now “get it” with their grilling. And maybe this is why grilling is such a popular past-time in Australia today.

By: Billy Bristol

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Australia is a country renowned for its beautiful beaches, luscious rainforests, cosmopolitan cities and rugged bush land, with so many diverse attractions within the one continent it is no surprise that tourism is a key player in the Australian economy. Events like The Sydney 2000 Olympics, World Youth Day, And the Melbourne Commonwealth Games have put Australia on the map exposing the nation to an international audience creating tremendous flow on effects for the Tourism Industry.

Australia offers many quality accommodation options in all parts of the country. Our hotels are on par with any of those found in the world’s major cities. Sydney and Melbourne are 2 of Australia’s biggest tourist attractions.

Melbourne is a city packed with galleries, cafes, bars and boutiques which all lie waiting to be discovered in heritage buildings and beautiful arcades. Complementing the many attractions this city has to offer Melbourne has a profusion of luxury and boutique hotels. Alternatively, if you are seeking a home away from home, serviced apartments allow you to spread out in style and comfort. If you’re travelling on a budget, the city’s arrangement of hygienic guesthouses and backpacker hostels have broad appeal. Or perhaps your fancy runs to cosy bed and breakfast establishments, motel chains, private caravan parks, even a room in a residential college. Whatever your inclination, Melbourne has an accommodation option relevant your budget and travelling style.

Not to be out done by its neighboring city; Sydney is a city whose natural beauty, rich blend of cultures, energy and appetite make it a prime source of creativity and innovation, famous for its art and culture, shopping and fashion, dining and nightlife, sports spectaculars and countless child friendly attractions it is a revelation to none that when it comes to accommodation in Sydney you`ll be spoilt for choice.

In Sydney you’ll not only get a friendly greeting from the natives but the abundance of quality establishments in which to stay is second to none. In fact the city’s broad array of accommodation has something to suit every imaginable budget, taste, holiday plan or requirement. You’ll be graced with chic boutique hotels overflowing with flair and magnetism, spirited backpacker hostels, deluxe five-star establishments with breath taking outlooks of the harbour and mind blowing suites. There are charming bed and breakfasts hidden away in the city’s blossoming streets and two or three-star hotels in the epicenter of Sydney that will be gentle on the finances .Practical and convenient self-contained apartments inclusive of parking and a considerable number of four-star international-class hotels can all be found at all the key locations.

There are a number of ways to go about booking accommodation in Australia. If you are a first time traveler unsure of the best ways to secure the right accommodation to meet your needs, you may choose to book through a travel agent who will book your flights, accommodation, and transfers for you meaning that there is nothing for you to do apart from sit back and relax, this may also be the preferable option for time poor travelers such as business people visiting a particular city for a short amount of time.

If spontaneity is your thing, booking last minute can mean that you will secure some great bargains, often securing better hotel rooms at a cheaper price. However it is not recommended to leave your booking to the last minute if you are travelling coincides with a major event or is during summer – Australia’s peak tourist season.

Whilst there is no shortage of luxurious places to stay in Australia, there are also many quality two and three star hotels located around Australia. Whilst they are more basic than their higher rated counterparts, they offer a clean, tidy place to base yourself without breaking the budget.

Australian Hotels are amongst the best in the world, this coupled with Australians attitude to embrace visitors in a friendly and welcoming manner, makes Australia a popular destination for international travelers from all part of the globe. As the tourism industry continues to boom, the amount of quality hotels Australia has on offer will only continue to rise.

By: Kimi Anderson

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Australia is a huge country which means it boasts one of the largest coastlines in the world, and with that comes some amazing beaches. There is literally a beach to suit everyone here in Australia. Picking the best beaches is no easy task as there really are hundreds to choose from.

Below are three of the the best beaches in Australia. They have been chosen from my all time top 10 list of Australian beaches.

Cable Beach, Broome

Broome is on the quieter West Coast of Australia. It is best visited between May and October in the dry season. You can go outside of these times but expect it to be very humid and for it to rain.

Broome’s Cable Beach is over 20km long and is stunning. To witness the famous “Stairway to the Moon” you will need to get here for the beginning of the month during a full moon. The spectacle takes place at Roebuck Bay where the mud flats at low tides give the illusion of a staircase right up to the moon.

Another must do here in Broome is to witness the sunset. There are some great ways to experience a sunset but perhaps the most novel is sitting on top of a camel. Enjoy a camel ride followed by a proper Aussie BBQ and watch the sun set over the sea.

Whitehaven Beach, The Whitsundays

The Whitsundays are definitely for you if your idea of heaven is warm turquoise seas and blinding white sand.

The Whitsundays are a set of 74 islands, most of which are uninhabited. There are a few that have their own resort on them and it is probably one of the most stunning areas in Australia. It is also one of the most expensive!

There are lots of stunning beaches throughout the Whitsundays but by far Whitehaven Beach is the best. Like the majority of islands, there are no facilities so the best way to spend some time here is on a day trip. There are plenty of tours available or you can skipper your own boat and head out for the day and enjoy a picnic.

Bondi Beach

No trip to Sydney is complete without a trip to Bondi Beach. Its about a 20 minute bus ride out of the city and the place that the locals and tourists like to hang out on a hot day.

Most are surprised by the size of Bondi. It is a large crescent shaped beach and great if you love surfing. It’s not the place I’d choose to learn to surf though as the waves are pretty big. Why not sit and watch the experts instead.

On both ends of the beach youll find an RSL club. These are Returned and Serviced League clubs and are not just for those who have served in the Australian Defence Services. They are found throughout Australia. and providing you have some photo ID, you can enjoy a drink and some food at bargain prices. In this case, you can have the best view of Bondi beach.

Perhaps you have your own favourite beach of Australia? Perhaps you would like to explore the other 7 Best Australian Beaches? There really is the perfect beach waiting for you in Australia.

By: Jennifer Schillington

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The Australian outback is notorious for lots of reasons, so you have to be smart when you take any type of trip into less travelled areas. Being unprepared or foolish can cost you your money, your trip or even your life, so listen up to these hard and fast rules for Australian outback travel.

* Outback Australia is super hot during the day, but gets pretty icy at night time. Take a variety of clothing, and always include some heavier and warmer options if you plan on spending any time outdoors after sunset.

* The most notorious factor for most in regards to outback travel is dangerous wildlife. Snakes, spiders, and other creepy crawlies are just as frequent and dangerous as you have been told. Don’t touch anything! You’ll never be able to tell which ones are poisonous or not, and since the landscape is sparse, you’ll have a hard time finding a nearby hospital.

* Wear trousers amongst long grass or bushland. Boots are essential, and make yours COMFORTABLE.

* If you are bitten, wrap a tourniquet (or tight strip of bandage, rip your shirt if you have to) above the area and try to remain calm and still so the poison doesn’t spread. Get to a doctor/ hospital/ emergency station as soon as possible. Australian emergency services can be called on ’000′.

* While being hugely fascinating and, thanks to our beloved and departed Steve Irwin, an icon of our country, crocodiles will eat you. Do not swim in waterholes or rivers you do not know are definitely safe. Some areas are signposted, but many are not in remote places. Don’t think still waters are crocodile- free, countless people are maimed and killed every year by these predators. Consult a tour guide if you have one.

* Drink and carry plenty of water. You will become dehydrated faster than usual in outback heat. A good rule is to carry/ drink one litre of water for each hour of walking or hiking you plan to do.

* Watch your lit fire. Never walk away from an open fire, or leave your site without fully extinguishing all embers. Bush fires are rife even in colder months and someone could be hurt, not to mention the damage to the landscape and its inhabitants.

* Stock up on supplies. It’s best to have too much than not enough in rugged terrain as you don’t know how far it is before you can get more of anything. This also goes for petrol, plan your fuel consumption as petrol stations aren’t frequent and have limited operational hours. Always take extra water in case the engine over heats!

* Make sure your maps are current as you can get horribly lost which will only waste energy, food, water and fuel. Check with the locals if you have questions.

* And finally, make sure someone knows where you are at all times. If you are on your own, send a friend your itinerary or make a point of keeping contact so that they know you are not in danger.

Our outback is both beautiful and seductive, but if you keep a level head and remember the basics, your trip will be unforgettable. Keep in mind your own safety along with the safety of your group members, if you look out for each other, you might live to tell the story!

Happy traveling!

By: Leah Bradicich

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Australia is known for a lot of its beaches, which are all beautiful and breath-taking. However, some beaches do stand out more than the rest. Here are some of the best beaches in Australia.

Hyams Beach Jervis Bay

Located about two and a half hours away from the capital, Hyams Beach is a prime beach attraction in Australia. It is also considered one of the most natural, because the surroundings consist of natural attractions like kangaroos and plants rather than man-made structures.

Because it has been declared a national park and not just a mere beach, Hyams is continually maintained. Its water are the clearest in all of Australia. Its waters are also marine sanctuaries, and are full of marine life that would impress the diving and snorkeling enthusiast. You can also see dolphins jumping in and out of the waters. The beach also has facilities available for aqua sports like jet-skiing, sailing, swimming and fishing.

Of course, the beach alone is relaxing and perfect for simply walking around.

Palm Beach

Palm Beach is a very well known strip of beach in Sydney. Made for the multitudes of cabbage tree palms, the place is best for people looking for a way to interact with fellow trendy socialites. Palm Beach is the preferred beach for holidays by the wealthy class of Australian society.

Palm Beach is also famous for being the setting of the Australian soap opera, Home and Away, as well as the locations for many music videos.

Palm Beach is perfect for the water sports enthusiast and the avid hiker. Satisfy the explorer in you by heading off to the northern point of Palm Beach where you can find the lighthouse which Aussies have named “Barrenjoey.” Located about 350 feet above sea level, the lighthouse is still operational.

For the trendy and the wealthy, Palm Beach offers a golf club, a sailing club, and a surf school, among others.

Four-mile Beach

One of the few beaches in the Port Douglas area, Four-mile beach gets its name from being a place that one can hike for 4 straight hours. Anyone who loves trekking and hiking will be totally enamored of the place.

When you first enter Four-Mile Beach, you will find yourself in a rocky headland. The headland alone offers a lot of exploring opportunities that you can enjoy even without having to walk the entire four-mile stretch of beach. You can even enjoy a lunch picnic with friends or family in Four-Mile Beach. Children will love the place, as it is bustling with small crabs and other interesting creatures that will occupy their attention.

The ocean in Four-Mile beach is blue and deep, and provides a picturesque landscape when the weather is perfect. Beware, however, of the jellyfishes when in season.

Bells Beach

If you are a surfing enthusiast, then Bells Beach is the best beach for you. Located about 100 kilometers from the city of Melbourne via the Great Ocean Road, the place is a haven for surfers.

What makes Bells Beach special? It is the fact that whether it is low tide or high tide, one can still surf the waves. Bells Beach is famous among surfers because of the different kind of break the beach has, which is called the Bowl. Sharks abound in the area though, so be careful.

If you’re not into surfing, don’t fret! You can still relax and sunbath at the pristine beaches of Bells Beach.

By: Beverly Maniago

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