Do you crave the feeling of sand between your toes and the cool relief of a dip in the ocean? If the answer is yes, you should consider including these top five beaches, as named by Tourism Australia, on your next grey nomad adventure.
Brad Farmer, beach ambassador for Tourism Australia, has compiled a list of what he considers to be the best Aussie beaches – and some spectacularly beautiful locations have made the cut.
From the east coast of Australia, down to the bottom of Tasmania, there are many regions of the Land Down Under to explore with a caravan in tow. Most grey nomads like to avoid the busy capital cities and instead travel to the smaller regions, which is good news, considering that’s where the top beaches are found.
So, when planning your next trip in the caravan perhaps consider adding these locations to your itinerary. They could make the perfect stopover after a long day on the road.
The New South Wales coast is a popular area for travellers to venture with a beautiful scenic road stretching right up the eastern part of the country. When driving along this route you’ll find Cabarita Beach in the Tweed Shire region.
According to Tourism Australia it’s the best beach in Australia, with the quiet and relaxed atmosphere attracting tourists from right around the globe. And it’s easy to see why it’s so popular.
The small town of Cabarita has a population of just 3,000, giving you an escape from the hustle and bustle of the big cities, and the beach is the perfect place to put your feet up and relax. Tourists have described it as a “pristine gem”, with good surf conditions, nice walks, and of course, picturesque scenery.
For the more adventurous and active types, you can hire a kayak and paddle through parts of the ocean, or jump on a bike and cycle along the track right next to the beach. There are a selection of cafes and restaurants nearby as well, so it’s an easy stroll to grab a bite to eat after a swim.
The Gold Coast may be known as a party destination for teens and young adults, but if you venture outside of the Surfers Paradise region you can explore the beautiful nature and beaches that Queensland has to offer. Tucked away from the shopping precincts and nightclubs is Currumbin Beach, famous for it’s crystal-clear water and crisp white sand.
It’s the perfect destination for a relaxing break from your time on the road and you could easily spend a few nights in the area soaking up the sun and dining in the many cafes situated along the shoreline. The Currumbin Surf Lifesaving Club is a popular dining spot, especially for seafood lovers.
If you want to stretch your legs, take a stroll along the beachside track up to the Elephant Rock Lookout where you can take a fantastic panorama shot of the Gold Coast region.
Minnamurra Beach is somewhat of a special hideaway for locals in the Illawarra region of New South Wales. To some it’s known as ‘Mystics’, which is the perfect fit for this beautiful, secluded beach. You won’t find many people frolicking in the waves or sun-baking on the sand, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth a visit.
The peacefulness of the area can be a relaxing change from the road noise heard travelling along the highway, and you won’t be fighting for a place to park your towel. Minnamurra Beach is a favourite among surfers, and you might see people enjoying a picnic, or taking in the sights of the vast ocean and Stack Island in the distance.
It’s just a two-hour drive from Sydney, so if you’re heading south towards cooler climates, it could make the perfect mid-trip stopover. Or you could even stay the night and spend some time exploring the lush rainforest nearby.
A lot of grey nomads head north towards the warmer climate, but you shouldn’t forget the south of Australia, including Tasmania which boasts some of the most gorgeous scenery in the country. With a caravan in tow, you’ll have to cross the sea on The Spirit of Tasmania, but once you arrive, you may never want to leave.
Off the coast of Tasmania is Maria Island, which is only accessible via ferry. The island is home to wildlife, historic ruins and not to forget, gorgeous beaches. Here you’ll find Riedle Bay, which is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
If you’re brave enough to enter the chilly water, you can go for a swim or try out snorkelling. However, if it’s just too cold, there is still a lot to explore on the island, like bird watching and hiking. The Painted Cliffs and the Fossil Cliff are two popular walking destinations for visitors, but if you want to venture further, the Mount Maria track is a seven-hour return walk from Darlington.
Two hours north of Cairns in Far North Queensland lies Cape Tribulation — a gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage-listed site where the Daintree Rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. As well as lush rainforests filled with tropical vegetation, coastal trees and swaying palms, you’ll discover some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Unlike packed beaches such as Bondi Beach, at times you could be the only person seen along the long stretch of white sand. You can sit back and enjoy the serenity, with just the soft sounds of waves crashing and birds chirping in the nearby forest.
If you want to get your legs moving, you can head towards the trees and wander along the 1.8km boardwalk through forest and mangroves and the Madja Botanical Walk near the coast. For those who want to stay the night there is a range of accommodation options available from farm stays and camping grounds to eco-retreats and bed and breakfasts.