Beach Activities In Australia

Quick answer: The most popular beach activities in Australia are surfing, diving and snorkelling, cycling along beachside paths, barbecuing and relaxing with a book from a beach library. With roughly 10,600 beaches along its coastline, Australia has a whole culture built around beach life. Here are the favourite beach activities of many Australians and where to enjoy them.

How Many Beaches Does Australia Have?

The Australian government’s website considers a beach to be any stretch of land by the sea that is at least 20 m long and stays dry at high tide. By that definition, there are roughly 10,600 beaches along the Australian coastline, according to the Coastal Studies Unit at the University of Sydney. No wonder beach life is such a big part of Australian culture.

1. Surfing

It is no wonder Australian beaches are called a surfer’s paradise. Almost any beach you can think of has conditions for beginners and experienced surfers alike, and the surf culture is big and growing every day.

• East coast: the best surfing beaches on the Pacific coast include Kirra Point and Burleigh Head, in the area known as Surfers Paradise. The nightlife is as vibrant as the wave hunting during the day.
• West coast: on the Indian Ocean, try Scarborough Beach, Trigg and Brighton Beaches. Your best bet is to catch the waves in the morning.
• South coast: Jan Juc is a great beach for pros but may not suit beginners. Everybody else will be better off at Bells Beach.

2. Diving and Snorkelling

Three magical words resonate with snorkellers and divers worldwide: the Great Barrier Reef. This jaw-dropping coral system offers a magnificent experience to everyone who visits, with thousands of corals of over 600 types and rich marine life to observe.

Besides the Great Barrier Reef, many Australian beaches offer fun snorkelling, which is why it ranks high on the list of beach activities Down Under.

3. Cycling

Manly Beach and the Northern Beaches are the best places for cycling, as you can tell from the length of their pathways and bike tracks. The tracks around the Pittwater beaches total more than 270 km.

All you need is good, high quality cycling gear. The cycle paths near the beach are uninterrupted and well marked, so there is no need to worry about getting in the way of pedestrians.

4. Barbecuing

One of the favourite pastimes of many Aussies is the famous barbie, held in backyards, in parks and, naturally, on beaches. This outdoor activity is so popular that it has sneaked into pop culture.

The saying “shrimp on the barbie” comes from a commercial made by the Australian Tourism Commission, and it is used to describe a nice social gathering around the barbecue.

5. Reading at the Beach Library

Last but by no means least is a quieter beach activity. At Coogee Beach you will notice a big shelf full of books: it is a public library that adds extra value to your sunbathing. The idea started at Coogee and, as people responded well to it, has spread to many other Australian beaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many beaches are there in Australia?

Roughly 10,600, according to the Coastal Studies Unit at the University of Sydney.

Where are the best surfing beaches in Australia?

Kirra Point and Burleigh Head on the east coast, Scarborough, Trigg and Brighton on the west coast, and Jan Juc (for pros) and Bells Beach on the south coast.

Where can I cycle by the beach in Sydney?

Manly Beach and the Northern Beaches, where the tracks around Pittwater stretch for more than 270 km.

Conclusion

Whether you want to catch a wave, explore a reef, ride a coastal path, fire up the barbie or read in the sun, beach activities in Australia have something for everyone. With more than 10,000 beaches to choose from, you will never run out of places to try them.

Roxana is a Sydney-based travel enthusiast with a passion for writing. She loves fashion and has an eye for anything visually appealing and aesthetic. She is all about the healthy lifestyle, loves to run with her husband and dogs and has fun cooking exotic meals for her family. You can find her articles on HighStyleLife and StyleByAsia.

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