You don’t have to go overseas to enjoy summer on the beach. Save your money and travel to one of the many pristine Australian beaches. The Sydney shoreline alone encompasses over 300 kilometres of beaches, exhibiting a variety of atmospheres from Cosmopolitan Bondi Beach to historic Bronte Beach.

For one Sydney beach, the name says it all. Palm Beach lies with the Pacific Ocean to the east and is lined with opulent mansions belonging to millionaires from the world over. The magnificent beach offers you golden sand and yep, you guessed it – a palm-fringed shore.

Only a short half-hour ride from Sydney’s CBD, Palm Beach is a long stretch of clear sand and water with shops, restaurants and entertainment galore located at the southern end. Palm Beach isn’t the safest of the Sydney beaches, and volunteer lifesavers are on duty only on weekends and holidays. If surfing is not your style, relax and take in the scenery at Barrenjoey Heads to see the lighthouse and see the stunning view across Broken Bay.

If it’s a big name beach your after, Bondi is the one for you. Don’t try to drive to this popular spot as there is little chance of finding a spot, even on a slow day. There is plenty of public transport to this world-renowned beach and there is plenty to do when you get here. Sun bathing, swimming, snorkelling and other water sports are all offered in abundance at Bondi, or you can take a long scenic coastal walk to delight in the great views and sights alone the shore.

Bronte Beach, not that far from Bondi Beach, is a popular choice for those who want a beach destination but less of the hullabaloo of Bondi. The Bronte Baths and Waverly Cemetery are two attractions nearby this dazzling beach, and you can see historic sites where famous Australians have been buried, including poets Henry Kendall, Doreothea Mackellar and Henry Lawson. If you’re lucky enough to be on Bronte Beach during the short time Bronte House is open, you’ll have the opportunity to see amazing views of the coast. There’s the picturesque waterfall at the top of Bronte park and the distant Norfolk Island.

Another popular Sydney beach is Cronulla Beach, known for its excellent waves and shady trees, the waves seemingly Heaven-sent for surfers and body boarders. The waves allow for every level from beginner to expert, and the golden beach usually isn’t overflowing with packed, oiled bodies out for that heavy duty tan. Cronulla is also one of the most popular beaches for scuba diving, offering clear waters in which to view marine life the likes of which you’ll probably never have the opportunity to see again.

Make sure to take a change of clothes, because after an adventurous day on the beach at Cronulla, you’ll want to take in the nightlife – restaurants, clubs, cafes, and a whole host of other attractions. A popular place is Paddy’s Irish Bar and Restaurant with its live bands and comedy nights. If you’d prefer to relax, choose one of the dozens of outdoor cafes on offer or take in a movie at one of the cinemas.

Most of the more populated beaches offer a wide range of activities, from theatre to festivals and food and wine parties. Restaurants and shops abound, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can charter a yacht, hire a kayak, parasail, hang-gliding, snorkel, scuba-dive…the list goes on and on. Surfing lessons are often available at stops right along the beaches, and you might even end up at Ocean World to watch sharks being fed by hand and applaud the antics of the seals as they perform.

Whether you’re making a day of it or taking a romantic walk along the sand, remember that Sydney’s beaches are each unique and draw different types of crowds. Some draw the tourists with their glorious views of the City Harbour, while others attract surfers and body boarders. Others are dotted with family oriented picnic spots, while some draw nude sunbathers. No matter what type you are headed for, you’ll find enough beauty and tranquillity or adventure and fun to dream of Aussie beaches for years to come!