Authored by Insureandgo.com.au

Down Under, we hear the call of the beach often. But if you’re up for more than just a swim or a stroll, these pristine beach spots along the coast offer mesmerizing views, remote camping, reef snorkeling, horse riding and even cliff walking above the Tasman.

Want to Do More than Swim? Visit these Unexpected Aussie Beaches!

Turquoise Bay, Cape Range National Park

For: Amazing snorkelling and marine life

Strap your snorkel on and get out there! The waters of Turquoise Bay (not too far from Exmouth) is one of the few points along the Western Australian coast where Ningaloo Reef is just an arm’s reach away.

Tropical fish abound in this bay, as do reef sharks (don’t worry, they’re harmless) and green sea turtles. Just remember to look but don’t touch, and be wary of the current that may carry you out to the ocean side of the reef.

Shark Beach, Nielsen Park, Sydney

For: Fantastic skyline views

If it’s a beach with glorious views you’re after, head to Nielsen Park in the eastern Sydney suburb of Vaucluse. This grand picnic spot looks straight onto the Sydney skyline, making for a great backdrop for your swim.

You’ll also find barbeques, picnic tables and toilets in the park, as well as a kiosk.

St. Andrews Ocean Beach, Mornington Peninsula

For: Beautiful horse riding on the beach

While you might love a good swim or surf, there’s no going past a gorgeous horse ride on St. Andrews Ocean Beach in Victoria. Horse lovers can opt for either a 2-hour ride at sunrise, sunset or in the middle of the day, with bush trotting, beach clopping and spectacular peninsula views.

If you’re really up for it, you can also choose a ride that takes you along the beach and then onto the local hot springs for a relaxing end-of-day dip!

Nine Mile Beach, Byfield National Park

For: A wonderfully remote camping trip     

On the coast of Queensland, just a couple of hours’ drive from Rockhampton, lies the beautiful Byfield National Park. And the Nine Mile Beach here is one of the best bush and beach camping destinations in Australia.

There are no facilities, so you’ll need to come fully equipped, along with a 4WD and a camping permit.

Fortescue Bay, Tasman National Park

For: Resplendent cliff hiking adventures

The beach at Fortescue Bay, Tasmania, is worthy of a swim, but it’s the surrounding dolerite columns and towering sea stacks that make this destination one of the most unique in all of Australia.

This beach spot gives way to the stunning (but not for the faint-hearted) Cape Hauy Track, which makes for a magnificent trail with impressive views of the vertical cliffs and the Totem Pole and Candlestick stack formations. Overall, the track is about 4.4km one-way or a 4-hour return trip.

Remember that protecting your trip with travel insurance is essential, even when travelling within Australia and is highly recommended by the Australian government and Smartraveller.gov.au.

ESSENTIAL ITEMS FOR TRAVEL TO THE BEACH: CLICK PHOTO ↓

Waterproof/Polar Fleece Picnic Blanket

Clear Universal Waterproof Cell Phone Case

Mesh Beach Tote Bag with Insulated Picnic Cooler

SPREAD THE WORD! PIN THIS TO YOUR TRAVEL PINTEREST BOARDS ↓

Megan is an Australian Journalist and award-winning travel writer who has been blogging since 2007. Her husband Mike is the American naturalist and wildlife photographer behind Waking Up Wild; a website dedicated to opening your eyes to the wild & natural world.

Committed to bringing you the best in adventure travel from all around the globe, there is no mountain too high, and no fete too extreme! They haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on their list.

Follow their journey on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram.

Photo credits: Turquoise Bay by Robert Young. Cape Hauy Track Tasmania by Bruno Sarlandie.