We’re a culture fascinated with water, so much so, that more than 85% of our residents live within 50 km of the ocean, according to the CSIRO. When we head toward a holiday destination, most of the time, we seek the picturesque lavishness of azure waters and silky sand. Balmy nights and quaint attractions. A memory of warmth and landscape.
Australia, as we all know, is lucky in a million different ways. One of those being the privilege of destination. A plethora of oceanic treats is but a drive or short plane ride away.
Byron Bay. Hippy haven. Situated on the west coast of NSW, this beach-side village is a touch of rustic, a tad of cosmopolitan, and a pinch of rural. It’s also a sanctuary for free thinking, peace, love, and tie-dye. Byron boasts a jewel of coastline, with attractions such as the majestic lighthouse, where you’ll see mountain goats grazing on the walk. The town possesses a perfect temperature, mild in the winter, luxurious in the summer. The surrounding village of Mullumbimby and Nimbin, are hippy havens, with amazing markets offering everything from home-made jams to dream catchers, and paintings of Kombi vans. Byron Likewise is a destination for surfing and diving, and of course Yoga, meditation, and natural therapy.
St Kilda, Melbourne. It’s hard to categorize the oceanic town of St Kilda in Melbourne, but given the choice, I would best describe it as fascinating and eclectic. It’s history began as a trendy breeding ground for artists and musicians, and as a result, spawned the birth of the world famous festival. An extravaganza of art, music, rides, food, multiculturalism, and show-stopping events. All set among the backdrop of sparkling waves and fabled Australian weather. The festival is as much an institution of the town’s art deco atmosphere and iconic landmarks, such as Luna Park, and restaurants with a hundred year history. Easystay hotels, in the heart of St Kilda, quote that there is no other village in the world like it, quaint with decor and tradition, yet accessible to the famed metropolis and adventure of Melbourne city.
Port Douglas. It’s been compared to the Bahamas and Caribbean, and is rumored as Bill Clinton’s favorite holiday destination. A treasure of swaying palms, balmy air, and breath-taking coast. Port Douglas embodies the tropics, from fire torches burning outside the luxury resorts, to its adventurous five star restaurants with Michelin star chefs. The dreamy fusion of tropical town and cosmopolitan glory is an hour away from the city of Cairns, at the top of North Queensland.
For those who adore the sport of surfing, and also embrace its culture, Torquay is the place that captures the essence of the lifestyle, perhaps more than anywhere else in the world. The sea suburb is the official starting point to the Great Ocean Road, which is home to a natural wonder of the world; The Twelve Apostles. It is also the birthplace of iconic surf brands such as Rip Curl and Quicksilver. And at Easter, this sleepy little beach town hosts the world famous Rip Curl pro tournament at Bells Beach.
Broome. While you don’t necessarily visit here to swim – since you can actually view crocodiles in the wild – this stunning town in western Australia is a red, gold, and aquamarine vision of the desert marrying the sea. Once a small pearling village, Broome is a wonderland of glistening beaches, where you can take a camel ride along the amazing Cable Beach and view never seen before pink and orange sunsets. It also offers helicopter and boat rides through mysterious Archipelagos, and ancient pristine waterfalls. The charming town of Broome is likewise a gateway to surrounding worlds such as the Kimberley, and monkey Mia beach, where tourists come from all over the world to dive with whale sharks.
If Australia is a fantasy of sunburnt, golden palettes, then the beaches are its dream.
