РУСФОРУМ АВСТРАЛИЯ

1. Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island, QLD



At first glance upon stepping into view of Whitehaven Beach, you'd think it was something put together in a studio for a magazine shoot - it's simply that "perfect" that it looks almost unnatural. This is not just some tiny little cove that happens to be ideal either; Whitehaven Beach stretches over 7km along the coast of its host, Whitsunday Island, meaning that even in peak seasons it will rarely be crowded enough to ruin the atmosphere. The myriad of coves, lagoons, and inlets that dot its surrounds only serve to add to the mystique and exploration options, with low tide being the best time for overall viewing experiences.

2. Cable Beach, Broome, WA



Cable Beach is basically an untouched stretch of shoreline that is especially famous for one particular reason - its sunsets. Being that, unlike many of the other beaches on this list, it sits on the Indian Ocean rather than the Pacific, the sunsets often appear as a bright red-orange ball in the sky that has been the subject of numerous skilled photographers' works.

The locals obviously are aware of its beauty as well, as two of the most popular ways to take advantage of the sunsets are provided by the both the "Sunset Bar" that allows visitors to kick back and enjoy a drink as they admire the view as the glowing orb descends over the water, and the so-popular-they-are-almost-cliche (yet still must-do) sunset camel rides. It's a common sight to see a long line of camels carrying their skittish tourists along the beach trying to grab the best possible photo of this amazing natural phenomenon. It's hard to blame them, however, as it's truly a wonderful spectacle - especially if you happen to be there between the months of March to October where the spectacular "Staircase to the Moon" effect when the moon is at its fullest creates its amazing optical illusion.

3. Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast, QLD



Multiple heavily patrolled swimming sections by vigilant lifeguards make taking a dip a pleasant option on most days, while surfers will be in their element as it's the site for numerous annual surfing competitions featuring some of the biggest names in the world, in large part due to the quality breaks that can often be found at Burleigh. A large, family-friendly and facility-rich parkland area rounds out the location making for a great day out either alone or with the kids (with plenty of dining and takeaway options nearby too), and those wanting to take a stroll along the 4km stretch of footpath will also get the chance to catch a glimpse of the many types of wildlife that inhabit both the land and sea, including the likes of brush turkeys, sea eagles, pods of dolphins and even passing whales during their migratory season.

4. Noosa Main Beach, Sunshine Coast, QLD



Noosa Main Beach's north-facing direction means that conditions are far more sheltered than many other beaches in similar circumstances, helping take the sting out of the breeze in the colder months and making it basically a viable year-round option for those looking for some beach going fun. Fisherman and fishing enthusiasts also love this place, as it's not necessary to venture offshore to come away with a decent haul here; flathead, bream, dart, whiting and many other popular species are just a dangling of the bait away.

5. 75 Mile Beach, Fraser Island, QLD



It's only fitting that the World's Largest Sand Island (™) should also play host to one of Australia's best beaches, and 75 Mile Beach does a great job of carrying the card while serving as the unofficial face of Queensland's Fraser Island.

It's on this front that 75 Mile Beach truly shines, with a myriad of crystal-clear freshwater lakes that lie within walking distance of the shoreline. One section in particular - dubbed the "Champagne Pools" due to the effect of the foam of the ocean crashing into the rocks bordering the pools - is exceptionally popular with visitors, and adds a truly unique atmosphere to the swimming experience.

6. Pirates Bay, Tasmania



Unlike many other Australian beaches, Pirates Bay offers good sea conditions (it was recently named as one of Australia's 101 best destinations for these reasons) while also blending the rare combination of vivid blue waters with not only pristine sands but also rocky, rugged cliff faces that surround it in most directions.

The cliff faces and their rugged surrounds are an adventure destination in themselves, with some of the highest marine cliffs in the country dotted with a range of ravines, rocky crags and deep caverns riddling the shoreline. Several shipwrecks also populate the waters and make for excellent highlights for experienced divers travelling to Pirates Bay (to this date, no chests of golden doubloons have yet been found). Those looking to venture to Pirates Bay can expect to embark on a roughly 1 hour drive south from Hobart, with plenty of accommodation options that quickly fill up during the peak season, so if you're planning to stay during this time then booking your hotel well in advance is strongly advised

7. Mandalay Beach, WA



The isolated location of the beach only helps contribute to its beauty, as the rugged, untouched nature of the so-called Rainbow Coast with its rocky headlands and untamed wilderness make for a wholly different - yet still wildly impressive - beach location that largely differs from many of the other entries on this list. The beach itself inherits its name from the wreck of the Mandalay - a Norwegian shipwreck that was beached back in the year 1911 and the skeleton of which is sometimes still visible when tides are at their lowest.

One of the highlights of Mandalay Beach that adds to the spectacle is nearby Chatham Island that lies just a few miles off the coast and sports a class 1A nature reserve, with the juxtaposition of the island's greenery with the crashing white crests of the waves at high tide forming quite the picturesque scene. If you're looking to make the hike to Mandalay Beach, you're going to have to work for it; the closest major settlement is Walpole which is isolated in itself, and around 17 kilometres to the west of the beach. Mandalay Beach has only two entry points that are suitable for regular "2WD" vehicles as well, but if you're looking for one of the most unique beach experiences in Australia (as well as bragging rights), it's well worth it.

8. Byron Bay Beach, NSW



Byron's main selling point for tourists is that it's "the easternmost point of mainland Australia", and its location makes the majority of its beaches conducive to some great surf breaks that draw surfers from all over the globe to take advantage of the generally sheltered conditions. Recent development has also seen the construction of additional beachfront esplanades and walking tracks that can take you along the beach on some pleasant walks around Byron Bay's famous headland, the highlight of which continues to be its historic lighthouse that characteristically overlooks the town's various goings-on.

As an added bonus, those looking to bring their pets for some exercise can visit both Belongil and Tallow Beach which are dog-friendly locations which, alongside their lovely powder-like sand make for a great day out for those visiting interstate or simply hopping across the border for a less-crowded alternative those beaches of South-East Queensland.

9. Lizard Island, Whitsundays, QLD



The Whitsundays in general offer a cavalcade of amazing spectacles, not the least of which are beaches, however two destinations in particular stand out among the many choices as far as we are concerned (another of which you'll come across later on this list). In terms of islands, you'd be hard pressed to find a higher concentration of great-beaches-per-square-metre than on the Whitsundays' Lizard Island, which boasts 23 separate stunning white beaches over the relatively small area of just over 1000 hectares.

Lizard island sits on the eastern side of the Great Barrier Reef, and is a picture-perfect example of an amazing island getaway. There's only one thing standing in the way, however - as one of the most exclusive beach destinations in the country, you'll have to have deep wallets if you want to spend time here. With only one accommodation facility on the island - the aptly-named Lizard Island Resort - you can expect to pay a starting price of around $1,400 per night (minimum 2 nights stay) for the "entry level" Anchor Bay Room.

10. Bondi Beach, NSW



Bondi makes the list simply because no Australian beaches countdown is complete without having it on board. Less about the actual quality of the beach itself and more about the surroundings, atmosphere, history and people watching, like it or not Sydney's famous stretch of sand at Bondi is a long-time fixture and also something of an icon of Aussie beach culture.

These days, Bondi is almost universally crowded except in the coldest months of the year, with its relatively clean shores coupling with extremely easy access from the centre of Australia's largest city making it a popular destination to relax and eat. The beach's popularity has lead to a huge number of dining options such as cafes and restaurants springing up nearby as a result, meaning it's quite possible to spend a full day lazing away in the sunshine while having a decent place to eat - although you should expect to pay "tourist prices" for any and all purchases, with parking fees in particular bordering on the ridiculous. Nonetheless, if you're visiting Australia from overseas or simply an Aussie travelling to Sydney for the first time, Bondi's cultural relevance and status make it a "must-visit" - if only once.