| > | | | | your beach destination in 2009. Port Douglas makes a |
| Australia is best with some of the world's best | | | | fantastic base for ocean and land based adventure! |
| beaches - in this article we look at five of the best | | | | Naturally, there's the Great Barrier Reef, plus the |
| beach destinations to visit this year in Australia. From | | | | surfing, and then the onshore 4 wheel drive |
| the Gold Coast, Noosa and Port Douglas you will find | | | | adventures are a gas. You can sun year round as |
| some great places to visit. | | | | well, without even having to get in the water. |
| With the economy a bit down, international trips may | | | | Byron Bay, New South Wales: |
| not be in the cards, but fortunately there are a number | | | | As the Wet sets in, land lubbers all over Oz start |
| of excellent beaches waiting here at home in Australia. | | | | dreaming of Byron Bay holiday homes. You might not |
| Not sure where to start? Here's a quick rundown of | | | | be able to own it but it can be yours for a week or |
| the top 5 beach destinations for 2009. | | | | two with a holiday rental. The white sandy beaches |
| Gold Coast, Queensland: | | | | are perfect for sunning, or you can climb the steep |
| Even the Americans are on to the Gold Coast. Holiday | | | | shores with binoculars and gander at the water life. |
| apartments are hard to snag during the peak season, | | | | Both whales on migration and bottlenose dolphins are |
| but it's worth it to get closer to the shore. The Gold | | | | frequently spotted here. Parasailing, gliding, surfing and |
| Coast continues to attract the crowds with ten million | | | | scuba are also on offer here. It's also a very earthy, |
| people visiting during 2008 and 2009 looking like a good | | | | alternative style hippy zone, so you can totally unwind |
| year to enjoy it and take advantage of lower prices | | | | from the real world as you bask on the shore. |
| on Gold coast accommodation. Parasailing, water | | | | Jervis Bay, New South Wales: |
| sports, and of course, a bit of sun worship are | | | | Parts of Jervis are protected national park, and it's no |
| definitely the order of the day. | | | | wonder. Stunningly beautiful, you'll want to plan your trip |
| Noosa, Queensland: | | | | early to book anythingat peak season this is one of |
| Each March surfers head to Noosa. Accommodation | | | | the most popular spots on the South Coast. Everyone |
| can be hard to find, but holiday rentals are an excellent | | | | and their dogand a colony of fairy penguinsheads |
| choice for making the most of your holiday. As one of | | | | out here, or so it seems. Only a couple of hours drive |
| the few beaches that faces north, even if you are not | | | | south of Sydney, Jervis offers an easy to reach |
| watching the surfers in March you'll find a lot going on | | | | holiday spot for a long weekend or longer stay. Surf, |
| in Noosa year-round. Do watch on Alexandria Beach - | | | | fish, dive or trek in the Boonderee National Park during |
| clothing is optional! | | | | your stay. Sea kayaking has also recently gotten huge |
| Port Douglas, Queensland: | | | | here, so if you tire of sunning yourself on the beach |
| Port Douglas accommodation is hard to find in peak | | | | you can have a go at it as rentals are readily available. |
| season, so book early if you are wanting this to be | | | | |