Australia is best with some of the world's best beaches - in this article we look at five of the best beach destinations to visit this year in Australia. From the Gold Coast, Noosa and Port Douglas you will find some great places to visit.
With the economy a bit down, international trips may not be in the cards, but fortunately there are a number of excellent beaches waiting here at home in Australia. Not sure where to start? Here's a quick rundown of the top 5 beach destinations for 2009.
Gold Coast, Queensland:
Even the Americans are on to the Gold Coast. Holiday apartments are hard to snag during the peak season, but it's worth it to get closer to the shore. The Gold Coast continues to attract the crowds with ten million people visiting during 2008 and 2009 looking like a good year to enjoy it and take advantage of lower prices on Gold coast accommodation. Parasailing, water sports, and of course, a bit of sun worship are definitely the order of the day.
Noosa, Queensland:
Each March surfers head to Noosa. Accommodation can be hard to find, but holiday rentals are an excellent choice for making the most of your holiday. As one of the few beaches that faces north, even if you are not watching the surfers in March you'll find a lot going on in Noosa year-round. Do watch on Alexandria Beach - clothing is optional!
Port Douglas, Queensland:
Port Douglas accommodation is hard to find in peak season, so book early if you are wanting this to be your beach destination in 2009. Port Douglas makes a fantastic base for ocean and land based adventure! Naturally, there's the Great Barrier Reef, plus the surfing, and then the onshore 4 wheel drive adventures are a gas. You can sun year round as well, without even having to get in the water.
Byron Bay, New South Wales:
As the Wet sets in, land lubbers all over Oz start dreaming of Byron Bay holiday homes. You might not be able to own it but it can be yours for a week or two with a holiday rental. The white sandy beaches are perfect for sunning, or you can climb the steep shores with binoculars and gander at the water life. Both whales on migration and bottlenose dolphins are frequently spotted here. Parasailing, gliding, surfing and scuba are also on offer here. It's also a very earthy, alternative style hippy zone, so you can totally unwind from the real world as you bask on the shore.
Jervis Bay, New South Wales:
Parts of Jervis are protected national park, and it's no wonder. Stunningly beautiful, you'll want to plan your trip early to book anythingat peak season this is one of the most popular spots on the South Coast. Everyone and their dogand a colony of fairy penguinsheads out here, or so it seems. Only a couple of hours drive south of Sydney, Jervis offers an easy to reach holiday spot for a long weekend or longer stay. Surf, fish, dive or trek in the Boonderee National Park during your stay. Sea kayaking has also recently gotten huge here, so if you tire of sunning yourself on the beach you can have a go at it as rentals are readily available.
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