Impressively illustrated, Lonely Planet’s Best Beaches Australia celebrates the incredible diversity of Australia’s beaches. Photo: Supplied.
Summer is still here and a few days by the water will help you reset. Beach holidays are one of the easiest ways to relax. So, grab your bathers, towels, sunscreen and hat and get ready to hit the beach. These outings are simple to plan, without a long list of rules or schedules.
Embodying what English author Neil Gaiman said about a book being ”a dream that you hold in your hand”, Lonely Planet’s Best Beaches Australia will be your finest and trusted companion. It highlights what makes Australia one of the world’s greatest beach destinations.
This new addition is dedicated exclusively to Australia’s iconic and lesser-known shores. Featuring 100 of the country’s extraordinary beaches, this photographic guide takes us on the ultimate coastal exploration. From the turquoise waters of Queensland’s Whitsundays to the rugged beauty of Tasmania’s hidden coves, it captures the essence of the nation’s deep connection with the sea.
This beguiling tome is certainly a visual love letter to Australia’s most spectacular coastlines and incredible beaches — from tropical islands to wild southern shores — as it showcases dazzling beaches that define Australia’s soul. Hand-picked by Lonely Planet’s Australian experts, this book celebrates the incredible diversity of Australia’s beaches — from those perfect for surfing and water sports, to stretches teeming with marine life, to tranquil shores ideal for reconnecting and finding calm.
Hitting the beach for fun? Take your pick from Sydney’s world‐famous Bondi Beach, the blissfully undeveloped hidden coves of coastal national parks, the crystal-clear coves of Western Australia, the palm-fringed stretches of Queensland and the dramatic surf of Tasmania. As one of the key editors of the book, Sarah Reid, says: “Australia’s beaches are legendary!”
“There are more than 10,000 stretches of sand to explore Down Under, and they are among the cleanest and clearest in the world,” Reid writes in the introduction. “Better yet, Australia doesn’t have private beaches, so they are free for the public to use. With such a rich collection to choose from, no two shortlists will ever be the same.
“For this book, our writers scoured thousands of kilometres of coastline to unearth 100 incredible beaches that showcase the mesmerising — and often surprising — diversity of Australia’s beaches, from remote seaside idylls where you can pitch a tent to offshore‐island gems, and sparkling urban beaches with accessibility infrastructure to help more people enjoy them. Slip into your swimwear and discover your new favourite stretch of sand.”
The stunning display of beaches highlights the best stretches of coast around the country. Utilise this 270-page, visually striking hardcover to plan the perfect beach-hopping trip, taking in the top state-by-state spots for surfing, snorkelling, wildlife watching, camping and more.
Recommendations include snorkelling off Langford Island in Queensland’s Whitsundays; spot the hopping pademelons of Hopground Beach on Tasmania’s Maria Island; road trip to the stark beauty of Esperance’s bays in WA; enjoy the vibes of Mindil Beach in the Northern Territory; drop in on the classic beaches along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road; or explore easygoing Stokes Bay on Kangaroo Island in South Australia.
Featuring spectacular photography that captures attention and admiration, a location map, tips for how to reach each spot and recommendations of accessible and family-friendly beaches, Lonely Planet’s Best Beaches Australia allows you to lose yourself in this ultimate collection of Australia’s coastal treasures.
Dive into this exciting Australian beach bucket list and discover the catalogue of best spots for wildlife watching, accessibility, snorkelling, surfing, families, camping, where to chill out … even savour your remote getaways!
Beaches are integral to the Australian way of life as the book expounds on cultural icons being places for recreation, sport, expression and wellbeing. Wildlife magnets are a majestic eye-opener. Australia’s marine biodiversity is similarly rich. Whether you snorkel off a beach in South Australia or around a Great Barrier Reef island, there are myriad species to spot.
Etiquette is important. Australians value their personal space, and this extends to the beach. Above all, stay safe. Australia’s beaches are as unpredictable as they are beautiful.
Maximise the fun and enjoyable beach experience by planning well ahead, understanding weather conditions, being flexible with activities and assessing your ability to cope with ocean conditions before entering the water. Embrace the sun, sand, and surf while being prepared for anything that comes your way!
Best Beaches Australia, by Lonely Planet, $49.99
