OPERATOR VIEW: BEACH BREAKS
We asked three specialist operators to tell us about their favourite beach destinations in Australia.
Lizard Island
Andrea Robinson, product manager, Travel 2
“Lizard Island is about 1hr from Cairns by air and offers miles of superb white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters.
“Perhaps the best place to stay is Lizard Island Lodge which has a very relaxed, intimate atmosphere – not always the case with such an upmarket property – with excellent food and great wines.
“Rooms, suites and villa accommodation are available and I would recommend the Sunset Point villas which give you all the privacy you could wish for.
“But there is also a fantastic range of things to do. While the other island resorts offer organised trips, on Lizard you can take out your own motor-boat with a picnic lunch – which I think is a much nicer experience.
“Indeed, there are a number of smaller islands around Lizard which you can explore by yourself and it’s all included in the price of your stay.
“The island is also brilliant for snorkelling and scuba diving. One of the most exciting experiences is to take a day trip out to Cod Hole, one of the Barrier Reef’s best dive sites, where you swim surrounded by giant potato cod and maori wrasse fish. If you haven’t dived before training is provided at Lizard Island Lodge.
“This section of the inner Barrier Reef is really striking, especially the area which has been nicknamed ‘Clam Gardens’. The many giant clams and the abundance of other marine life make this part of the reef look like something from a science-fiction movie.
“For those who don’t want to venture out into the big blue there are nature walks in the island’s extraordinary rainforest. You can also learn more about Lizard Island’s plant and animal life from its resident naturalists.”
Cable Beach
Claire Billingham, product manager, Kuoni
“One of my favourite coastal experiences in Australia has to be at Cable Beach, Broome, Western Australia, where the beach stretches for over 14 miles.
“It is literally breathtaking to stand on what appears to be a never-ending beach lapped by the waves of a turquoise Indian Ocean.
“The surrounding landscape is made up of bright red soil and rock – in complete contrast to the white sand.
“Just as impressive as the length of the beach is its remoteness – there isn’t a single high-rise building in sight.
“Indeed, Broome is located over 1,300 miles north of Perth and over 2,100 miles from Sydney.
“One of the best ways to experience the beach and coastline is to take a leisurely ride on a camel at sunset – to be made in true Lawrence of Arabia fashion, of course.
“You can also cruise the Kimberley coast aboard a restored pearling lugger – a fantastic experience especially if you make a visit to the local bottle shop first to buy your favourite Australian Chardonnay to drink as you sail off into the sunset.
“Broome itself is one of the gateways to the Kimberleys and during the 1920s it was the capital of the world pearling industry.
“So, once you’ve seen enough of the beach and coastline you can enjoy a stroll through cosmopolitan Broome with its street signs in a whole host of languages, Chinatown, and unique timber buildings.”
Perth
Matt Brabner, product executive, BAH
“Perth, the capital of Western Australia, is in a beautiful setting on the shores of the Swan River, bordering a sparkling lagoon dotted with sailing boats.
“The city has a perfect Mediterranean climate, with vast sandy beaches, bustling nightlife, superb restaurants and shops and a friendly atmosphere.
“All contribute to make it the city Australian’s long to live in and perfect for either a beach holiday or as a base to explore the Margaret River wine area or the mystical Pinnacles.
“There are some of Australia’s finest beaches just 15mins drive from the city centre. They are wide and sandy, and edged by the warm surf of the Indian Ocean – an ideal place to take a break from sightseeing.
“The beaches at Scarborough, Cottesloe and Floreat are the best for surfing and sunbathing and there are also plenty of beaches safe for swimming on the Swan River, such as Como, Crawley and PointWalter.
“Rottnest Island – just a short ferry ride from Central Perth – makes an ideal day trip to relax on magnificent beaches surrounded by clear waters teeming with marine life. The more active can enjoy sailing, fishing and hiking or even cycle around the island in search of the famous Quokkas – the island’s native marsupials.
“Further north from Perth, scuba diving and snorkelling are available around the coral reefs, with the opportunity to see the dolphins at Monkey Mia and the giant whale shark.
“The historic port of Fremantle with its bustling speciality shops and markets is only a 30mins drive from Perth and this also makes an ideal base for taking trips to the various southern beaches.
“Perth has flights from the UKand makes a perfect holiday destination either on its own or combined with other Australian cities.
“Arriving by train from other parts of Australia is also an option – the luxury Indian Pacific makes the epic 65hr journey across Australia from Sydney via Adelaide.”