Seaheaven’s top 10 beaches in Australia

1. Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands

It's a stunning saturation of sparkling turquoise and brilliant white. Whether you go for the birdseye view via helicopter or seaplane, float nearby in a yacht, cab cruiser or catamaran or camp overnight on the beach itself, these secluded crystal clear waters and pristine silica sands are well worth a visit. There are plenty of day trips from Daydream and other Whitsunday islands.

2. Palm Cove

About 20 years ago, Palm Cove was a getaway primarily for locals. Now, it's an international destination with five-star hotels, first-class restaurants and a spot of shopping. The view of Double Island is still a treat as are the 500-year-old melaleuca 'paperbark' trees which line the beach.

3. Rainbow Beach

Do yourself a favour and walk up the hill at the southern end of Rainbow Beach. You'll see spectacular views of a magical beach, and a bit further you'll catch the sunset at Carlo Sandblow, considered one of Queensland's best natural attractions. Backpackers flock to Rainbow Beach. It won't be long before others are too.

4. North Kirra

It's difficult to single out one Gold Coast beach, but North Kirra has plenty of space and is one of the best recreational beaches in the country. With a passionate Surf Live Saving Club, good beach fishing and a surfer's dream of long right-handers at Kirra Point, it is home to a beach community. Eateries also have a strong presence.

5. Lake McKenzie

Not all beaches are on the coastline, and this one's as much about the water as it is about the beach itself. Lake McKenzie on Fraser Island has crystal clear rainwater and nearly pure silica sands which are said to be great for the skin. And it's free of jellyfish, sharks, crabs and sea lice.

6. Michaelmas Cay

Again, not all great pieces of sand are on the coastline. This popular cay is smack bang in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef which means there's swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving like nowhere else in the world. Marine life is in abundance and it's a protected national park. The only drawback is a lack of shade.

7. Four Mile Beach

Close to Port Douglas, Four Mile Beach has minimal development and an area with stinger nets. It's the definition of "long walks on the beach", and leads to Island Point's reefs and mangroves at the mouth of the Mowbray River mouth

8. Mooloolaba Beach

It's become a bustling centre with shops, restaurants, a nearby harbour and high-end accommodation, but Mooloolaba Beach still remains a favourite with families. Nearby Alexandra Headland hosts surfers, but waves at the Mooloolaba strip are considered non-threatening and are patrolled by lifesavers.

9. Agnes Water to 1770

The stretch of golden sand from Agnes Water to the Town of 1770 offers the best of both worlds. At 1770, there are calm waters and lush natural settings, while 8km further, there are swells at Agnes Water, the most northern surf beach on the Queensland coast. It's a quiet family getaway gaining in popularity as more hotels are built.

10. Peregian Beach

Peregian Beach locals don't really want others to know how good they've got it. They are quite happy for the swarms of tourists to make their way to Noosa, which is also a great beach. The difference is that Peregian has so much room to move. The waves can occasionally be rough, but it's a spectacular beach with an easy-going village nearby.

-Daniela

Daniela is an entrepreneur with her business Seaheaven Swimwear where she designs and makes a fun and unique range of swimwear for kids and adults.