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Tag: beaches

  • Sydney’s Best Picnic Spots – Dine in Australia’s Parks & Beaches

    Sydney is home to many of the world’s best restaurants overseen by leading chefs like Tetsuya Wakuda, Peter Gilmore, and Neil Perry. However dining at their establishments can quickly empty your wallet. But frugal travelers need not miss out on great food and water views while visiting the harbor city. Just bring your own and enjoy some of Sydney’s best picnic spots!

    Soak up Sydney’s sun, surf, and sand with a picnic by the beach. The city has several great coastal parks that are perfect for families. Balmoral Beach in Mosman may be one of Sydney’s most famous, but it’s a reputation that’s well deserved. The Norfolk Island pine trees provide plenty of shade, and there’s a playground to keep the kids entertained. You can bring your own grub or grab some cheap fish and chips from one of the nearby takeaway stores.

    If you enjoy peace and quiet you may prefer a less popular Australian beach like Chinaman’s Beach on nearby McLean Crescent. This coastal spot is a bit of a local secret, but the residents won’t mind you claiming a piece of parkland. There’s plenty of space for enjoying a game of frisbee or Aussie cricket. And of course the water’s not too far away either. The well-protected beach has small and gentle waves just perfect for tiny tots.

    For a different kind of water view choose a spot near Sydney’s famous harbor. The Royal Botanic Gardens is a popular picnic spot for tourists and locals alike. The outlook is incredible, and the shady lawns, rose gardens, and fountains create an incomparable atmosphere. Admission to the gardens is free, and exploring them is a great way to work off your lunch.

    The Royal Botanic Gardens can get crowded when the weather is fine though. If you’d prefer to stray from the tourist path, take a trip to Wendy’s Secret Garden in Lavender Bay. The whimsically named spot was created by Wendy Whiteley in memory of her husband, the late Sydney based artist Brett Whiteley. The large fig trees offer plenty of shade and a home for the resident parrots, kookaburras, and other birdlife.

    Sydney is built around its waterways, but some of the city’s best picnic spots aren’t by the water at all. Centennial Park acts as an oasis in Sydney’s bustling inner east. With 189 hectares of space there’s plenty of room to spread out near the duck ponds and flower beds.

    Picnic in Sydney's Royal Botanic Gardens
    Picnic in Sydney's Royal Botanic Gardens

    Things are a bit quieter at Lake Parramatta Reserve in North Parramatta. It’s a shade smaller at 73 hectares, but there’s still plenty of space for a family picnic. There are native birds and wildflowers for nature lovers, and rock shelters decorated with the hand-stencils of Sydney’s first indigenous inhabitants.

    So who wants to sit inside a stuffy restaurant? A picnic in a park by the beach or the harbour is a much better way to soak up Sydney and save money!

    [Image Source: Freddy Rhoads/Flickr]

  • Walk from Bondi to Bronte – Beautiful Beach Trail in Sydney, Australia

    As the weather cools, and the ocean too, tourists are beginning to steer clear of Sydney’s beautiful beaches. However, you don’t have to take a dip or catch a few waves to appreciate this natural resource. The coastal walk from Bondi to Bronte is a frugal way to spend time in Sydney, and one of the best jogging trails in Australia.

    A walkway takes you four kilometers from Ben Buckler Point to Waverly Cemetery. If that distance sounds daunting you can walk the two and a half kays in the middle between iconic Bondi Beach and the lesser known breaks at Bronte. Either way it’s not a particularly challenging walk, with paved paths guiding your journey. You should allow an hour for the shorter walk, and twice the time if you’re taking the extended journey.

    No matter what the season, the ocean views are picture perfect. Along the way you’ll see rock structures and cliffs shaped by the waters and winds over thousands of years, and the famous Bondi Icebergs ocean pool. You can drop in to the Bondi Icebergs club for a schooner of cleansing ale, or take a dip if the cold water doesn’t faze you.

    Girl jogging near Bondi Beach
    Girl jogging near Bondi Beach

    Sydney’s temperature rarely drops to the point of unpleasant, so while the sea breeze can be brisk you shouldn’t be uncomfortable on the walk. However, don’t let the chilly weather make you complacent. Australia’s UV rays are more powerful than you may think, so you should wear sunscreen and a hat on your walk. Comfortable walking shoes are also a must. While the paved path makes it an easy journey, it’ll seem like a much longer adventure if you’re wearing heels. And finally, don’t forget to pack your camera. No doubt you’ll want to snap a few shots of the Sydney landscape to show your friends back home!

    [Image Source: Ernst Moeksis/Flickr]

  • Thailand’s Best Beaches – Fun in the Sun in Asia

    When most of us think of a coastal vacation we may be tempted by the beaches of Australia, the sun and surf of the Mediterranean, or the gnarly surf of Hawaii. But don’t disregard the beaches of Thailand, which are amongst the most beautiful in the world.

    Most Thai travelers searching for sun flock to the island of Phuket. Its largest and most popular beach is Patong Beach, and it’s not hard to see why. Its soft white sand is as inviting as its warm water, and with restaurants, stores, and nightclubs a stone’s throw away it’s impossible to get bored.

    It’s also impossible to find a private moment at Patong Beach, so if you’re searching for peace and tranquility I suggest heading to nearby Kata Beach. It’s located just a couple of miles away, but its gentler pace makes it feel a lot further. Gone are the shopping malls and chain hotels, although you’ll still enjoy the palm trees and scenery. During the low season the beach enjoys some big waves; surfers will lap them up but families may want to steer clear.

    Railey Beach in Krabi is another great option for beach lovers searching for a relaxed space on the sand. This coastal stretch is only accessible by boat, so you’ll feel a bit like you’re on a desert island while you’re sunning yourself. The clear blue water is ideal for swimming and snorkeling, but there isn’t much else to do here. Of course, that’s exactly why its fans like it! Due to its small stature, Railey Beach can get a bit crowded during peak season.

    Hau Hin Beach on the Gulf of Siam is a great family-friendly option. The sand is very flat and the water gentle enough for small children to paddle in. There’s plenty of accommodation, from five-star resorts to budget guest houses, but you’ll need to book during peak season to ensure you don’t miss out.

    On the other end of the spectrum there’s Haad Rin in Koh Pha Ngan, a coastal stretch known for its wild full moon parties. Once a month the locals celebrate the full moon with loud music, dancing, and a liberal splash of booze. Even when it isn’t technically party time there’s still a real energy about Haad Rin.

    Railey Beach, Krabi
    Railey Beach, Krabi

    White Sand Beach at Koh Chang has long been popular with backpackers, but gradually the rest of us are starting to realize its beauty. While the area still specializes in budget accommodation, there are also a few resorts and mid-priced hotels if you want to stay with more than the basics.

    No matter what you look for in a beach, Thailand has one to suit your personality.

  • Stay Safe on Australian Beaches – Sharks, Sunburn, and Other Aussie Hazards

    When tourists think of Australia they think of three words: sun, surf, and sand. And it’s not hard to see why..

    Not only are Australia's beaches beautiful, they're also free for visitors to enjoy. Whether you're learning to surf or lazing about, it's easy to spend a few days soaking up the atmosphere. However there are a few tips that foreigners should follow if they want to stay safe on an Aussie beach. Unless you're a very strong swimmer, you should visit a patrolled beach. It'll offer great peace of mind to know that lifeguards are on hand should you get into trouble. You shouldn't have any such concerns though if you swim between the red and yellow flags. This marked area is the safest part of the beach, free from underwater currents, submerged rocks, and other hazards. If you do happen to swim out into one of the underwater currents, known locally as rips, it's important to stay calm. Your natural instinct may be to fight and swim against the undertow, but this can get you into more trouble. Instead swim across it to safety. If you are a strong swimmer, don't be afraid to visit one of Australia's unpatrolled beaches. These areas are often far less crowded, so they're very appealing to surfers and anyone who enjoys the quiet. Without a lifeguard to look out for you, it's a good idea to swim with a friend. Its also smartest to swim away from rocky areas. Some patrolled beaches also have signs warning travelers of any dangers, including poisonous jellyfish and sea snakes. [caption id="attachment_3507" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Whitehaven Beach in Queensland"][/caption] Australia's dangerous animals are always of concern to foreign travelers, but the locals know these creatures rarely cause trouble. The poisonous blue ringed octopus lives in rock pools, and venomous stonefish can often be seen on rocks, but they won't harm you unless provoked. Many beaches also have nets to prevent sharks and jellyfish reaching beach goers. And finally, don't underestimate the power of the Australian sun. Make sure to apply sunscreen regularly, and wear a T-shirt, hat, and sunglasses while you're on the shore. Rash shirts can also offer some extra protection while you're enjoying the waves. These sun smart precautions can ensure you don't leave Australia with a nasty sunburn or worse!

  • Hang Ten on Surf Highway 45 – New Zealand’s Surfing Coast

    The New Zealand ski fields are more famous than its surfing beaches, but as the weather warms in the Northern Hemisphere it’s worth looking at the best places to hang ten.


    You'll find the cream of the crop along Surf Highway 45. The highway runs for 105 kilometers on the North Island's west coast, from New Plymouth to Hawera. The coastal winds ensure there's always big surf somewhere along the highway. If you're a novice, or you don't like the cold, this probably isn't the place for you. If you’re a dab hand on the board though, the black sand beaches of Oakura, Ahu Ahu, Stent Road, and Opunake are excellent. Most wouldn’t win any prizes for looks, but that matters little when you're enjoying the atmosphere. You can bring your own board of course, but if you need to borrow one there are hire shops in New Plymouth and Oakura. The winding stretch of road offers some quirky attractions and excellent eats, so don't think you need to be a waxhead to enjoy it. New Plymouth has recently reinvented itself as a gourmet destination. Call in to Paradise Valley Berry Farm and Q Gardens Providores when you need to refuel, or try the organic lager at White Cliffs Brewery. surfing in new zealand photo It’s worth making a detour to see Mount Taranaki, an extinct volcano which looks a lot like Mount Fuji. Short treks around the summit's base can be tackled at any time of year, but the long trails can get boggy underfoot during winter. A soak in the Taranaki Mineral Pools is ideal for soothing tired muscles after a long day catching waves. Finally there’s the Elvis Presley Museum at Hawera. It's a world away from Graceland, but Elvis enthusiast Kevin Wasley has assembled an impressive range of memorabilia and merchandise. It's a shame to come to the end of Surf Highway 45, but from there it's not too far to the culture of Wellington or Mount Ruapehu's ski slopes!

  • Discover Broadbeach – Cosmopolitan Style on Queensland’s Gold Coast

    When thinking of up-market vacation destinations, few people think of Queensland’s Gold Coast. It’s got a reputation for cheap plastic souvenirs, action-packed theme parks, and rowdy high school graduates. But there’s a much classier side of the Gold Coast to be discovered at Surfer’s Paradise’s more sophisticated cousin, Broadbeach.

    Broadbeach is an easy hour’s drive from Brisbane. You’ll need to hire a car to get there, but once you arrive you’ll find it easy enough to get around on public transport or on foot.

    Check in to one of the area’s high class hotels or serviced apartments for real luxury. The Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach offers some great weekend packages, but if you’d rather enjoy the facilities of an apartment look to Meriton Serviced Apartments or the Mantra Phoenician.

    Staying at the Sofitel has its advantages, as its cosmopolitan wine bar Room 81 is one of the places to be seen. Classic and signature cocktails are the perfect accompaniment to the bar’s tasting menu, which offers gourmet fare like duck spring rolls and local tiger prawns.Australia vacation tips photo

    The beach is a drawcard for any Queensland tourist, but you’ll find the sands at Broadbeach more relaxed than those at Surfers Paradise. The atmosphere is perfect for lazing about with a magazine, but if you’d prefer something more active you can sign up for a class with Broadbeach Surf School.

    Once you’ve surfed up a sweat, head to the local restaurant strip. Many folks regard Broadbeach as the Gold Coast’s dining hub, so it’s difficult to find a bad meal. If you’ve got a taste for seafood, head to the award-winning Yellowfin. Carnivores can get their fix at the playfully named Moo Moo Wine Bar + Grill.

    If you’re in the mood for retail therapy, make sure you stop at Pacific Fair. This mall has more than 300 shops, so you’re bound to find just what you’re looking for. If you’d prefer to find something more unique, check out the craft markets held on the shore on the first and third Sundays of every month.

    Not that you need to be on the go. Broadbeach has plenty of options for relaxing too, whether it’s a game of golf, or a spa treatment at Q1 Spa or Splash Day Spa.

    Whether you’re visiting the Gold Coast to soak up the atmosphere, or simply take it easy, Broadbeach can help you do it in style.

  • Surf the Cronulla Coast – Sydney’s Best Surfing Beaches

    Australia is known as one of the best surfing spots in the world, hosting major pro championships on the Gold Coast and Bells Beach.

    While these breaks grab the headlines, New South Wales locals prefer the more laidback atmosphere of the Cronulla Coast, just outside Sydney. The Cronulla Beaches National Surfing Reserve features seven neighboring beaches: Sandshoes, Greenhills, Shark Island, North Cronulla, Cronulla Point, Voodoo, and Merries Reef. Local surfing royalty Mark Occhilupo, Kirk Flintoff, Andrew Lester, and Steven Warren cut their eye teeth on these waves, which have been delighting generations of surfers since 1914. If you're comfortable on a board you'll fit right in, but if you're a novice you shouldn't let that stop you. Cronulla Surf School is the longest running surf school in Sydney. Its instructors will teach you everything you need to start hanging ten. The school also offers surfboard and bodyboard hire, a great option for tourists. The region is also home to the Cronulla Surfing Academy, a school that offers instruction for surfers of all levels. All gear, including wetsuits and surfboards, is supplied so all you need to worry about is learning.surfing in australia Cronulla's beaches are the area’s main attractions, but this Sydney suburb has enough to encourage you to stick around once you’ve stepped away from the sand. Local sidewalk cafes and fish and chips shops can satisfy your hunger pangs, or you can shop up a storm in the Cronulla Plaza. If you'd prefer to continue communing with nature, make sure you take in the views on The Esplanade coastal walk. Cronulla has plenty of accommodation options, from the up-market Rydges and Quest Serviced Apartments to the more basic Seabreeze Bed and Breakfast and Cronulla Beach YHA. But if you'd prefer to stay in the big smoke, the beaches are an easy walk from Cronulla train station.

  • Dog-Friendly Beaches in Australia – Holiday with Your Pooch

    Beach holidays should be family affairs but with many Australian beaches adopting a strict no dogs policy, it can put a dampener on that ideal. But it doesn’t need to be that way.

    There are many beaches around the country that open their sand to the whole family, and that means Fido too. Byron Beach has a reputation as one of Australia's most laid back tourist centers, so it shouldn't surprise you that its Tallow Beach is chilled enough to allow pooches on the beach. There are restrictions though that dog lovers should be aware of though. While the beach extends for seven kilometers, pups are only allowed to roam in the area which runs from near Jarman Street to the northern end of Arakwal National Park. But that still gives them plenty of room to enjoy the white sand and clear waters. If you've got a city holiday in mind, head to Sirius Cove Reserve in the Sydney suburb of Mosman. This is definitely a dog friendly place, with waste bins complete with doggy bags, and picnic and barbeque facilities. Dogs can enjoy the beach at any time on weekdays and between 4 pm and 9 am on weekends and public holidays. dog at the beach Queensland has some of Australia's best known beaches, but you’ll want to veer off the tourist track if you want to bring Rover along. He's welcome at the unfortunately named Yorkeys Knob Beach near Cairns, and Sunshine Beach in Noosa. Yorkeys Knob Beach has an off-leash area at its southern end, but he must be on the leash elsewhere on the sand. Owners and canines can swim there without stress, as nets keep the stingers out. At Sunshine Beach, dogs can roam freely between Noosa National Park and the car park in Seaview Terrace. That should give him plenty of space to enjoy the beach's famous laidback atmosphere and beautiful sandy shore. With a name like Peasholm Dog Beach, you know canines are welcomed at this spot in the Perth suburb of South Scarborough. There's plenty of space for a raucous game of fetch on the beach or a run. It often feels like there are more dogs than humans at O'Sullivan Beach in the South Australian capital of Adelaide. During daylight savings (from October to March) dogs must be leashed between 10 am to 8 pm, but the rest of the time they're allowed to run freely and enjoy the dog exercise area, which extends from the marina to Christie Creek. So why should Spot miss out on all the fun? With a little careful planning, your next beach vacation can be a real family holiday!

  • Affordable Luxury Accommodation in Tropical Airlie Beach

    Airlie Beach is regarded as the gateway to Australia’s beautiful Whitsunday Island region, but many tourists don’t realize it’s a gorgeous vacation destination in its own right.

    You don't need to go island hopping to feel pampered in far north Queensland, as this hidden mainland gem has you covered. Airlie’s main beach is located at roughly the same latitude as The Bahamas and Tahiti, which means that the swimming is perfect all year round. The water rarely dips under 20°C, although you’ll need to look out for stinging blue bottles between November and May. Days spent on the beach are the ultimate indulgence, and happily this experience is free. With plenty of backpackers hostels and caravan parks around, that makes Airlie Beach a great spot for budget holidaymakers.Australia globe But if you want to enjoy real luxury, consider a stay at Peppers Coral Coast. This is the only five-star resort in the area, and delivers everything you'd expect from this prestigious rating. While many plush resorts cater for couples, Peppers welcomes families. The resort has one, two, and three-bedroom apartments so parents can have privacy while the kids enjoy their space. The pool is a great alternative to the beach if you're visiting while the stingers are about. Just imagine sipping cocktails by the pool's edge as you soak up the picturesque views of the Whitsunday Passage. The famous Endota Spa chain also has facilities on site if you're in the mood for even more indulgence. Airlie Beach has a great range of restaurants, from fine-dining options to cheap and cheerful cafes. But if you'd prefer to stay in, Tides Restaurant and Bar won't disappoint. A stay at Peppers Coral Coast Resort starts at $151 per night for a one-bedroom apartment suite. At that price, this is a luxury holiday that most travelers can afford.

  • Australia’s Best Beaches You’ve Never Heard Of

    Australia is famous for many things including its cuddly wildlife, its friendly locals, and its white sandy beaches. Whether you want to catch some waves or perfect your tan, chances are you’ll spend some part of your getaway Down Under enjoying the sun, surf, and sand. Bondi Beach and the coastline of Surfers Paradise grab all the headlines, but the best beaches in Australia are much lower key. If you want to beat the crowds and hang with the locals, here are a few breaks to consider.

    Whitehaven Beach in Queensland
    Whitehaven Beach in Queensland

    Whitehaven Beach is one of the most isolated, and most breathtaking, beaches in Queensland. You’ll need to hop a 15-minute flight to Airlie Beach to reach this picturesque spot located on the eastern side of Whitsunday Island. But the journey is worth it for the miles of pristine white sand which stretch before you. This is a special location in the popular Whitsundays tourist stretch, a place clear of resorts and foot traffic.

    Three hours from Sydney’s tourist track you’ll find Hyams Beach, a Jervis Bay beach that is every bit as beautiful as is innercity counterparts. In fact, the Guinness Book of Records says the sand at Hyams Beach is the whitest in the world. Less than 100 people live in the seaside village, which is a big reason behind its appeal. Without the crowds of these more popular spots, Hyams is teeming with wildlife. If you’re after more sun and sand, visit Chinaman’s Beach to the north and Seaman’s Beach to the south.

    Bells Beach is the most well known of the beaches on this list, but it deserves its place. Many say that the beach has the most perfect waves in the world, and the surfers who participate in the annual Rip Curl Pro competition probably wouldn’t disagree.


    There's a reason why Patrick Swayze's character in Point Break made a pilgrimage to this Australian locale! When it comes to beaches, the East Coast tends to get all of the attention, but that simply means that the locals are free to enjoy the beauty of Western Australia's Cable Beach uninterrupted. Drive 10 minutes from Broome and you'll stumble across this tropical seaside haven. If you want to linger a little longer make sure you check out the beachside bungalows and deluxe suites of Cable Beach Club Resort. Tasmania is a state more famous for its chilly weather and lush mountain landscapes than its beaches, but it's also home to Wineglass Bay. While it sounds like a place to sample Tasmania's iconic pinot noir, Wineglass Beach has some of the clearest waters and whitest sands in the country. It's ideal for children, as they can spot easily shells in the transparent sheltered waters. There's nothing wrong with visiting the most popular tourist beaches, but if you want to relax by the ocean consider taking the path less traveled.