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Travel Weekly > Destinations > What are Australia’s best beaches?
Destinations

What are Australia’s best beaches?

laurencroft
Published on: 12th December 2017 at 1:25 PM
laurencroft
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4 Min Read
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ICYMI, Sydney is set for a scorcher this week. And we’ve got just the thing to help you cool down.

TripAdvisor’s top-rated attractions? Cool. TripAdvisors top-rated attractions on or near water? Literally cool. Think walking Bondi beach, camping in National Parks and some of Australia’s best water activities.

With more Aussies than ever choosing to holiday in a different state rather than a different country – these attractions are perfect for a quick summer holiday over the Chrissy period.

So if you’ve naively worn black jeans to work and are getting through it by thinking of cooler places, we’ve got just the thing – in the form of dreamy photos, obviously.

It may not be snowing in Australia – but that doesn’t mean we can’t stay cool by the water.

So buckle up (and get ready to start planning) because we’ve got your summer sorted, right here.

Bondi to Coogee Beach Coastal Walk (NSW)

1a. Bondi to Coogee Beach Coastal Walk

A brisk six kilometre walk around Sydney’s eastern suburbs, the Bondi to Coogee walk features stunning views, beaches, parks and more than a few places to stop for some delish food. you’re walking it all off, right?

Plus, it’s absolutely free! It’s also the most instagrammed spot in Australia, so it must be worth a visit.

1b. Bondi to Coogee Beach Coastal Walk
Ocean rafting at Airlie Beach (QLD)

2a. Ocean rafting at Airlie Beach

For a summer holiday in Australia without feeling like you’re still at home, Queensland is probably your safest bet.

Located on the “wild side” of the Whitsundays, each ocean rafting experience gives you access to stunning and iconic locations where you’ll snorkel your way through pristine reefs. If you leave for the airport now, you could be there before dark.

2b. Ocean rafting at Airlie Beach

Agincourt Ribbon Reef Dive, Port Douglas (QLD)

3a. Agincourt Ribbon Reef Dive, Port Douglas

Learn to scuba dive at one of Australia’s most superb reefs with guided day trips via Blue Dive, one of Australia’s highest-rated dive operators.

Seriously, why bother with a flight to Fiji or Bali when you have these reefs (and the cutest lil turtles) at your fingertips?!

3b. Agincourt Ribbon Reef Dive, Port Douglas
Volcanic crater lakes, breathtaking waterfalls and natural waterslides (QLD)

4a. Volcanic crater lakes, breathtaking waterfalls and natural waterslides

Basically more proof that Australia (read, Queensland) has it all – even if you’re sick of the ocean.

Tour the most beautiful locations of the Atherton Tablelands, via Barefoot Tours, offering spectacular photo opps to keep your Instagram game strong until winter. Think freshwater locations and big blue lakes.

4c. Volcanic crater lakes, breathtaking waterfalls and natural waterslides

Fraser Island’s Lake McKenzie (QLD)

5a. Fraser Islands Lake McKenzie

Rated as the top attraction on Fraser Island, Lake McKenzie’s white sand, crystal clear water and paradaisical setting make for a solid day trip.

Whether you lay on the sand, take a dip, or simply explore the beautiful surrounds, this place will be hard to leave after just one day.

5b. Fraser Islands Lake McKenzie

Camping at Cape Le Grand National Park (WA)

6a. Cape Le Grand National Park

Western Australia is seriously underrated, filled with some of Australia’s top sights and attractions. Exhibit A: Cape Le Grand National Park.

Located in Esperance in south Western Australia, Cape Le Grand offers beautiful beaches, camping facilities and more than a couple of friendly kangaroos, making it one of WA’s top destinations on the water.

6b. Cape Le Grand National Park

Surfing at Burleigh Heads Beach (QLD)

7a. Burleigh Heads Beach

This beach offers the beautiful escape of the Gold Coast, without the crowds or noise of Surfers Paradise. The long, right hand waves peel over sand and boulders while also provided the best beach breaks on the outer bar.

And whats more quintessentially Aussie than a good ol surf?

7b. Burleigh Heads Beach

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