Perth's white sand coastline stretches for miles through many of its suburbs, each with their own unique character. From the surf schools of Trigg Beach in the north to the boutique markets and shops of Fremantle in the south (with a cheeky naturist beach inbetween!) there are a wide range of great spots to watch the spectacular west coast sunsets.

Cottesloe Beach is the most well-known and popular with families, locals and tourists alike. It has a great atmosphere as there is plenty to do; whether it's swimming in the clear waters or breaking sandcastle world record attempts on Australia Day! There is so much beach that it never feels too crowded and there's always a space to work on your tan. Trying one of the many fish and chip shops is also a must, too. This is truly one of the best beaches in Australia and only 30 minute train journey on the Fremantle Line from Perth CBD.

Running parallel with Australia's north west coast is the Ningaloo Reef; Western Australia's answer to the Great Barrier Reef with marine life to equal. Whale sharks, humpback whales, orcas and manta rays can all be found through organised boat trips and for world-class snorkelling, there is plenty of marine life to see right off the sandy shore.

A 45 minute drive from Exmouth in to the Cape Range National Park will take you to stunning Turquoise Bay. Named after the shimmering colour of its waters, head across the sweeping bay and under the surface to discover a kaleidoscope of coloured life of all shapes and sizes. Armed with just a snorkel and mask I saw more sea life here than on most of my scuba dives anywhere else in the world. Turtles, stingrays, reef sharks, octopus, psychedelic clams and a host of other fish spanning all the colours of the spectrum can be seen dancing through the vivid corals. Watch out for kangaroos, emus and rare echidnas on your drive back to town. Maybe stop off at the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse look-out point for an unforgettable sunset.

Whitehaven Beach is a uniquely beautiful Australian beach with its 7km stretch of postcard perfect white sands. There is no fringe reef for snorkelling but any marine life can be spotted easily without goggles due to its crystal-clear waters. The sand contains 98% silica which is very fine and soft and doesn't retain heat, allowing barefoot beach walks without the feeling of jumping across hot coals in the midday sun.

At its northern end you can find a stunning cove called Hill Inlet where a view of all the swirling sand and turquoise waters can be seen from Tongue Point lookout. Often voted the best beach in Australia AND the world, Whitehaven can be accessed by boat from either Shute Harbour in Airlie Beach or one of the Whitsunday Island resorts such as Hamilton Island, Hayman Island or Daydream Island.

Top tip: head out early morning to avoid the crowds.

Boasting the most easterly point of the Australian mainland, Byron Bay is situated at the top of New South Wales and is approximately one hour's drive south of the Gold Coast and Brisbane. A popular destination especially over the weekends, this vibrant town has something for everyone, not least a fabulous beach to swim, surf and sunbathe on.

There is a lovely walk up to the Cape Byron Lighthouse offering great views back over the bay. Scuba divers can be rewarded with wobbegong, leopard and nurse shark encounters over by the Julian Rocks dive sites, and foodies will be spoilt for choice over all the independent eateries, several of which look out over the seafront. Nightlife is lively with many bars and a handful of nightclubs but I especially liked the bohemian atmosphere around the town with lots of independent traders selling their unique handmade wares.

The most iconic and famous beach in Australia needs little introduction and is popular amongst tourists and locals alike. A mecca for Aussie surfers with its reliable waves, its waters are also great for swimming, snorkelling, paddle boarding and kayaking. Volleyball, Frisbee and a variety of other beach-based pastimes are regularly engaged in along the 1km stretch of clean white sand and an ocean pool and skate park are also included as part of the wide range of entertainment on offer here.

Away from the shoreline, this lively corner of Sydney hosts boutique shops, vibrant bars, eateries and a famous farmers market on Saturdays. The coastal trail between Bondi and Coogee Beach will lead you past some quieter beaches, parks, picnic spots and stunning panoramic views. Bondi Beach is approximately 30 minutes by train and bus from Sydney city centre.

If you are to embark on ‘The Great Ocean Road’, one of the world’s greatest ocean drives, be sure to stop by at Bells Beach, especially over Easter when it holds Australia’s longest running pro surf competition. The competition transforms nearby Torquay drawing large spectator crowds, a festival atmosphere and live music and entertainment throughout the day and evening. If you're not riding the waves, the rugged clifftops and natural amphitheatre provide a dramatic viewpoint to soak up the action and take in beautiful views of the beach.

Set within Tasmania's Freycinet National Park, Wineglass Bay is often considered one of the best beaches in Australia, and even in the world. Boasting a very photogenic setting below the tall granite peaks of the Freycinet peninsular, this natural environment is the perfect place to escape to the great outdoors with secluded beaches, hikes, bushwalks and rock climbing. Fishing, sailing and kayaking can also be arranged from one of the luxurious eco-lodges within the national park.

Head up to the Wineglass Bay lookout to catch a stunning vista showcasing the almost perfect curve of white sand and aquamarine waters. Visit between December and March for Tasmania’s warmer weather and keep an eye out for the unique indigenous wildlife: it's possible to spot quolls, wallabies, wombats and of course the Tasmanian Devil! Approximately three hours drive from Hobart or Launceston.

For inspiration on where to go, what to see and how to see it in the beautiful country, take a look at our Australia Holidays pages.