With possibly the longest—uninterrupted—coastline on the planet, Australia offers beaches aplenty. From Whitehaven in the north, to Bells Beach in the south, the island Down Under packs sandy sojourns to meet your every need… Condé Nast Traveller breaks it down, beach by beach:
FOR HIPPIE LUXE
Byron Bay, New South Wales
The bohemian beach town of Byron Bay is branded for its immaculate sands, dazzling headlands and mellow locals. With 30kms of coastline and a wide range of activities—from sky diving to sea kayaking with dolphins—it's no wonder this sandy spot is one of New South Wales' most popular tourist destinations. Cape Byron is also popular for humpback whale sightings, from June and July to September and October; when they return with their calves.
FOR CELEB-SPOTTING
Bondi Beach, New South Wales
Bondi Beach, a sand-soaked Sydney suburb, is one of Australia's most famous beaches... This 1km white-sand shore makes for the best swimming, tanning and people-watching. The year-round fun at this seaside attracts everyone from professional surfers to celebrities. Hugh Jackman, Nichole Kidman, Paris Hilton, Russell Crowe and Kim Kardashian… Need we say more shutterbugs?
FOR SURFERS
Bells Beach, Victoria
Bells Beach, located on the Great Ocean Road, is one of the world's most iconic surf spots. Swells and reef-strewn shallows render the waves at this A-grade surfing spot to rise up five mts tall; although three to four is the average height. Make waves during the legendary Rip Curl Pro Surf and Music Festival, hosted here every March since 1960. In addition to being popularly coined surfers mecca, Bells boasts a beautiful stretch of bank surrounded by dramatically high cliffs. Editor's note: The water temperature is around 14 degrees throughout the year so get geared for a cold splash.
FOR PARTY ANIMALS
Surfers Paradise, Queensland
Surfer Paradise, on the Gold Coast, is celebrated for its roaring nightlife. With a stunning seafront and a chance to party till dawn, it's perfectly understandable why most visitors never want to leave. This area houses over 40 bars and clubs—all within a 100m radius. Live music and international DJs galore… every night is a party when you're in paradise.
FOR A ROBINSON CRUSOE EXPERIENCE
Whitehaven, Queensland
This picturesque 6km beach is located on Whitsunday Island, the largest of a 74-island chain nestled in the Great Barrier Reef. Uninhabited and fully protected, Whitehaven was recently named the World's Most Eco-Friendly Beach (the sand on this shore is 98 per cent silica—reportedly, the purest on earth). Turquoise blue waters coupled with deep inlets make this beach a sight to behold. The only way to get to here is by boat, so plan this sandy stop well in advance.