The ultimate Australian beach tool
Australia boasts some of the world’s most magnificent beaches. With over 10,000 to choose from we’ve got a pick for every type of ocean lover.
Nevertheless, beneath the surface of our glorious coastlines lie a variety of dangers that could spoil your time at sea. Our interactive beach tool will guide you through a range of features to ensure your time in the sun is spent safely.
Whether you’re after the location, size, facilities or hazards of the beach we’ve got it all.
Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach, located in Queensland, Australia, is a vibrant coastal town and a gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful views, it attracts visitors looking for adventure and relaxation.
SIZE OF BEACH:
Airlie Beach itself is relatively small, with a narrow sandy strip along the coastline. However, its appeal lies in the man-made Airlie Beach Lagoon, which offers plenty of space for sunbathing and swimming
SWIMMING CONDITIONS:
The lagoon provides safe and pleasant swimming conditions year-round, with lifeguards on duty. The beach is tidal and can be rocky, making the lagoon a preferred choice for swimming.
HAZARDS
- Sharp rocks
- Marine stingers (seasonal)
- Tidal changes
HAZARDS RATING:
Moderate, due to the presence of marine stingers and the rocky shoreline. Swimming in the lagoon eliminates these risks.
FACILITIES:
- Picnic areas
- BBQs
- Playgrounds
- Ample seating
- Nearby dining and shopping options
Airlie Beach is well-equipped with facilities, including picnic areas, BBQs, playgrounds, and ample seating. The nearby town offers a range of dining and shopping options, ensuring visitors have everything they need for a comfortable beach experience.
Byron Bay
Byron Bay, located in New South Wales, Australia, is famous for its stunning beaches, laid-back lifestyle, and vibrant arts scene. It’s a popular destination for surfers, backpackers, and families alike.
SIZE OF BEACH:
Byron Bay boasts several long and wide beaches, with Main Beach being the most popular. There’s plenty of space for beachgoers to spread out and enjoy the sun.
SWIMMING CONDITIONS:
The swimming conditions at Main Beach are generally safe with patrolled areas. The waves can be moderate, making it suitable for both swimmers and surfers.
HAZARDS
- Rip currents
- Marine stingers (seasonal)
HAZARDS RATING:
Moderate, mainly due to rip currents. Lifeguards are on duty to help ensure safety.
FACILITIES:
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Picnic areas
- Nearby cafes and restaurants
- Surf schools and equipment rentals
Byron Bay offers a range of facilities, including restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and nearby cafes and restaurants. Surf schools and equipment rentals are also available, making it convenient for visitors to enjoy water activities.
Cottesloe
Cottesloe Beach, located in Perth, Western Australia, is one of the most iconic beaches in the region. Known for its clear waters, white sands, and stunning sunsets, it’s a favorite spot for locals and tourists.
SIZE OF BEACH:
Cottesloe Beach is quite large, with a long stretch of sandy shoreline that provides ample space for visitors to enjoy.
SWIMMING CONDITIONS:
The beach offers excellent swimming conditions, with generally calm waters and areas patrolled by lifeguards. It’s suitable for families and recreational swimmers.
HAZARDS
- Strong currents (occasionally)
- Marine stingers (seasonal)
HAZARDS RATING:
Low to moderate, depending on the time of year and sea conditions. The presence of lifeguards helps mitigate these risks.
FACILITIES:
- Changing rooms
- Showers
- Cafes
- Playgrounds
- Several beachfront dining options
Cottesloe Beach is well-equipped with facilities including changing rooms, showers, cafes, and playgrounds. There are also several beachfront dining options, making it a convenient and enjoyable destination for beachgoers.
Noosa
Noosa Beach, situated in Queensland, Australia, is renowned for its pristine environment, crystal-clear waters, and upscale ambiance. It’s a popular spot for both relaxation and water activities.
SIZE OF BEACH:
Noosa Main Beach is moderately sized, with a wide and sandy shoreline that is perfect for sunbathing and beach activities.
SWIMMING CONDITIONS:
The swimming conditions at Noosa are excellent, with gentle waves and lifeguard patrols making it a safe environment for all ages.
HAZARDS
- Rip currents (occasionally)
HAZARDS RATING:
Low, due to the generally safe swimming conditions and vigilant lifeguard presence.
FACILITIES:
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Picnic areas
- Nearby cafes and restaurants
- Additional amenities and shopping on Hastings Street
Noosa offers top-notch facilities, including restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and a range of nearby cafes and restaurants. The adjacent Hastings Street provides additional amenities and shopping options.
Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise, located on the Gold Coast of Queensland, Australia, is famous for its high-rise skyline, vibrant nightlife, and extensive beach. It’s a major tourist hub known for its energetic atmosphere.
SIZE OF BEACH:
The beach at Surfers Paradise is extensive, stretching for several kilometers and providing plenty of space for the large number of visitors it attracts.
SWIMMING CONDITIONS:
The swimming conditions can vary, with generally good conditions for most of the year. Lifeguards patrol the area, and there are designated swimming zones.
HAZARDS
- Rip currents
- Strong surf
- Marine stingers (seasonal)
HAZARDS RATING:
Moderate to high, due to the potential for strong currents and large waves. Lifeguards are crucial in ensuring swimmer safety.
FACILITIES:
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Picnic areas
- Numerous dining and shopping options
- Plenty of entertainment and accommodation choices nearby
Surfers Paradise is well-equipped with facilities, including restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and numerous dining and shopping options along the beachfront. There are also plenty of entertainment and accommodation choices nearby.
Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach, located in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, is one of the world's most famous beaches. Known for its golden sands, excellent surf, and vibrant community, Bondi attracts millions of visitors each year.
SIZE OF BEACH:
Bondi Beach is about 1 kilometer long and offers a wide sandy shoreline that provides ample space for sunbathing, swimming, and beach activities.
SWIMMING CONDITIONS:
Bondi Beach offers good swimming conditions, with designated swimming areas patrolled by lifeguards. The waves can be strong, making it a popular spot for surfers as well.
HAZARDS
- Rip currents
- Strong waves
- Marine stingers (seasonal)
- Crowds, particularly in peak seasons
HAZARDS RATING:
Moderate to high, due to the potential for strong currents and large waves. The presence of lifeguards helps manage these risks.
FACILITIES:
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Changing facilities
- Picnic areas
- BBQs
- Numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars
- Surf schools and equipment rentals
Bondi Beach offers extensive facilities, including restrooms, showers, changing facilities, picnic areas, and BBQs. Numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars are located nearby, and surf schools and equipment rentals are available for those looking to catch some waves.
Aussie beach smarts
How much do you really know about the Australian coastline? Can you guess how many beaches the land of plenty has? Or what the chances are of you being caught in a rip? Hover over the coloured tiles below to find out some surprising Australian beach facts.
Coastline and beaches:
- 47,000 Australia coastlines span a distance of 47,000km. Australia is also home to 11,000 beaches
- 85% of Australians live within 50 kilometres of the coast
- Only 4% of Australia’s 11,000 beaches are patrolled by lifeguards and lifesavers
- 1 person will drown every 2-3 days during Australian summers
- 17,000 rips occur in Australian oceans at any given moment
- 3 people will die from shark attacks on average each year
- 15 minutes is all it takes for you to get sunburnt from UV in summer
- 1000's Bluebottle jellyfish often wash up on Aussie shores in the thousands
Eugene Wylde
Eugene is the king of insurance! Having spent more than ten years raising awareness on the importance of holiday protection, he is a self-confessed insurance geek extraordinaire when it comes to the world of travel cover. Eugene loves helping people save time, worry and loads of money with the right policy at the right price. His ideal holiday is any one where he has a pina colada in his hand. Salut!
