[baddmammajamma]

Dec 2012 update

I am a beach-loving American (soon to be dual citizen), married to a non-beach loving Aussie (though I am converting him to my beachy ways). In the 2.5 4.5 years that we have lived in Australia, I have visited the following beaches:

* NSW: All Sydney beaches from Cronulla to Palm Beach; the main Newcastle beaches; several gorgeous beaches down the southern coast of NSW (e.g. Mollymook, Merimbula)
* QLD: The Palm Cove to Port Douglas corridor
* VIC: Torquay
* WA: Cottlesoe
* NT: Mindel Beach

That's it. I know I've only scratched the surface.

Later this summer, we will be driving down the coast of NSW to Victoria and plan to take several days to sample the beaches.

What are your recommendations for 1-2 beaches in all of Australia that I should not miss in my lifetime?
What makes them so special?
Is there a particularly good time of year to visit?
Bonus points if you can share a picture (your own or picked off the internet).

Thanks in advance for the travel inspiration,

BMJ

This post has been edited by baddmammajamma: 28/12/2012, 08:28 PM

[brazen]

green patch, jervis bay - whitest sand in the world

we didn't go at a good time of year, it's much more beautiful at other times of year but here you go:


This post has been edited by brazen: 29/12/2010, 12:47 PM

[Kay1]

Any of the beaches in the Jervis Bay area. Seven Mile Beach, Green Patch - but my favourite of all (anywhere in the world) is without doubt Summercloud Bay. Take your snorkel.

Best to stay at a beach house along the coast - Vincentia boasts the whitest sands in the world apparently but Huskisson is a nice little town - then do the drive into the National Park to check out the beaches. The botanical gardens there are also quite nice. You can do dolphin watching tours from Husky which are good too.

Ahhh....must be time for us to book another holiday down there methinks!

This post has been edited by Kay1: 29/12/2010, 12:52 PM

[Guest_mummytomany_*]

The beach is our second home and my husband and DS surf most days all year round so I've got a bit of beach experience

Palm Beach, Avalon Beach and Whale Beach would be my favourites.

Palm Beach is probably the most popular as it's where they shoot Home & Away but it's also got a corner (locals call Kiddies corner) which is great for kids as it's nice and calm with small waves and close to the pool.
It's a definite must see in my opinion.

[Ruffles]

We are doing the same trip next year, so I'll be interested to see what people say. I know the Sydney to Brisbane coast well, not so much the SYdney to Melbourne side.

Beaches that I remember liking from along time ago are Huskison and Ulladulla. But I have no idea now whether they were nice beaches, or whether it was the company at the time.

I grew up near the Sydney Northern Beaches - love them ALL!

My ultimate favourite beach of all time is Balmoral.

[nori_roll]

Cable Beach Broome - on a high tide in the dry season, lush. There are beaches around Esperance with the finest whitest sand I've seen, but it can get pretty chilly down there.

[baddmammajamma]

Palm Beach is probably the most popular as it's where they shoot Home & Away but it's also got a corner (locals call Kiddies corner) which is great for kids as it's nice and calm with small waves and close to the pool.
It's a definite must see in my opinion.

I was just there last week with out of town guests! And we ate lunch at Whale Beach. I love the northern most Sydney beaches.

Thanks for all of the suggestions thus far. I am excited to look up your recommendations. Please keep 'em coming. I am open to any state or territory!

[2girlsraising2bo...]

White haven out of peak season

Mon repot to see the turtles hatch I think in feb?

Lake Mackenzie on fraser island (not a beach but awesome)

[Winnie The Pooh]

If you're anywhere along The Great Ocean Road I'd recommend seeing "Bells Beach" where they've held the World Surfing Championships.

Enjoy

[gipsy]

Pearl Beach NSW Central Coast

http://www.pearl-beach.com/

This post has been edited by gipsy: 29/12/2010, 12:54 PM