Can you swim in Australia? The best and most beautiful beaches. Other natural hazards in Australia

The number of beaches on the Australian mainland exceeds 10 thousand. If you add here a thousand more places convenient for sunbathing and swimming, located on the nearby islands, then Australia can be safely called the most "beach" continent.

Almost half of the beaches of this huge number are practically removed from civilization, they can only be reached by swimming, by air or by cross-country SUV. These desert corners are especially attractive for tourists who dream of relaxing holiday away from outsiders.

For those wishing to feel the fullness of life and plunge into the maelstrom of events, Australia can offer modern, comfortable beaches with developed infrastructure. This is a seaside vacation.

• bathing;

• Surfing;

• Yachting;

• Diving.

Shore holidays, including:

• entertainment;
• many sports;
• shopping;
• excursions.

Gold Coast - the palm among Australian beaches

The most popular, and therefore the most crowded beach, which is often called the Australian Miami, is the Gold Coast, which stretches for 60 km along east coast Queensland and washed coral sea. It got its name due to the bright yellow sand, which resembles gold in color. The Gold Coast dictates beach fashion all over the world, it was here that the first bikinis once appeared.

This vast area has it all. WITH south side, in a zone of calm water, are Australian beaches, ideal for family vacation. And in the central part there is Surfers Paradise, which, together with northern regions visited by surfers from all over the world with one goal - to "catch the wave."

The leisure industry is here on a grand scale. Hundreds of bars, restaurants, cafes, clubs and discos work not only during the day, but also at night, illuminated by bright lights of all colors of the rainbow.

Hitting on Marine Village pier, you can go on a cruise along the coast to the nearby islands, excursion ships regularly depart from here.

Nearby, just 10 minutes drive from the coast is the largest Australian amusement park dream world, whose attractions cause a surge of adrenaline.

Unique pools and slides offers vacationers Wet'n Wild - water park, a visit to which turns into a real holiday.

Nature lovers can visit currumbin reserve and see with your own eyes the representatives of flora and fauna gathered here. Nearby farms welcome tourists with pleasure, giving them the opportunity to try their hand at agriculture - shear sheep, milk cows, ride a horse.

A diver's dream - coastal waters off the Great Barrier Reef

Listing the beaches of Australia, one cannot fail to mention the Great Barrier Reef, which stretches along the coast for 2500 km.

These are more than 3 thousand reefs and hundreds of large and small islands, which are washed by shallow lagoons. The underwater world here causes genuine admiration, this is the most the best place on the diving planet.

The flora and fauna of the entire region is under state protection, and the Bolshoi barrier reef listed world heritage UNESCO.

On this part of the coast, located at the foot of mountain range, special climatic conditions. The slopes are covered tropical jungle– storm forests, which you will not find anywhere else.

The territory includes several reserves, among them -.

One of the most big cities on the coast - cairns, world capital divers, its infrastructure has a pronounced direction - scuba diving.

Here, under the guidance of experienced instructors, you can take a training course, and already experienced divers conduct exciting night dives.

Offers a lot of entertainment Tjapukai park.

Town near Cairns Port Douglas famous for its golf clubs and small cozy restaurants of different cuisines of the world.

The most interesting, of course, is on the islands. Hamilton Island famous for its art gallery;

On the island Brampton several hundred kangaroos live;

On Dank live bright tropical birds and butterflies;

Active recreation for sports lovers offers Keppel;

And a real tropical oasis, at the same time calm and secluded, is Bedarra Island.

One of the best beaches in the world, which is called the White Harbor, is proud of Whitsunday Island.

Its 8 km coastal zone covered white sand reminiscent of snow. It shines brightly against a turquoise background. sea ​​water. To relax here, you have to settle on neighboring island Hamilton Island because Whitsunday is national park and there are no hotels here, their construction is simply prohibited by law.

Broome and surroundings - a pearl paradise

Northwest Australian beaches are a colorful mix of many national cultures.

In the city of Broome, which was a famous port a hundred years ago, there is even a Chinatown, once famous for opium parlors and brothels. Today, of course, only memories remain of those haunts, dressed in legends about bloodthirsty pirates, adventurers hungry for easy money, and brave pearl divers. They were replaced by quite decent restaurants with Japanese and Chinese cuisine, exhibition pearl halls and other "signs" of modern civilization.

Most popular beach is a 22 km cable beach, named after telegraph cable, laid between Australia and the island of Java in 1889.

Pure white sand, turquoise water indian ocean, fantastically beautiful sunsets - this is how thousands of tourists see the beach, among which there are many nudists.

You can plunge into the history of more than 120 million years by visiting Gantom Point.

Here, at low tide, fossilized footprints of dinosaurs are clearly visible from the mountain.

In Roebuck Bay for three nights each month from March to October, you can enjoy a spectacular spectacle called "Stairway to the Moon".

The rising full moon, reflected in the waves of the tide, creates a silvery illusion that beckons and fascinates to the sounds of live music.

And today the inhabitants of this area devote their lives to pearls. Of course, no one risks their lives any more diving into the depths of the ocean for unique jewels, they are tritely grown on pearl farms where you can go on a tour.

Talk about vacation in this wonderful country possible indefinitely. Unique nature and the beaches of Australia are an ocean of emotions and a sea of ​​impressions for the rest of your life!

The first thing that tourists do not like about visiting Australia is the quarantine rules, the second point is a long air flight exceeding one day, and for citizens of Ukraine and Russia, the complexity and bureaucratic severity of obtaining visas to this country are unbearable in terms of complexity and bureaucratic severity. When applying for visas, it is necessary to take into account the need for translation by certified translation agencies of almost all documents and certificates, followed by certification by a notary, we note the high cost of visas that are issued for more than one month, visas are not issued to everyone. If this has not frightened you yet, then we will also note the high prices for services for tourists, including transport, accommodation, excursions, and so on. However, this is more likely not to scare away tourists who are actively bringing money to Australia, but rather because of the high standard of living, which affects the price level. Australia's economy has been booming in recent years with a wave of Chinese success.

Sharks in Australia

In Australia, you can swim without fear of shark attacks, the chance of being eaten or bitten by a local shark is not much higher than being a victim of lightning. However, it can be advised not to swim at night, not to swim very far, or not to swim alone, if there are many swimmers in the water, most likely the shark will not dare to attack. Also, you should not swim if you have a wound on your skin, and even more so if it bleeds, avoid any shiny objects on the body or jewelry.

Other natural hazards in Australia

At night, snakes and poisonous bugs can attack you in the grass, you should pay attention to insects on the beaches. Mosquitoes can spread malaria and other diseases. Of course, crocodiles are found in rivers and swamps. Pay attention to the protection of the skin from solar radiation, burns will not be honored from the beginning behind the winds.

Souvenirs from Australia

A rare souvenir in our area, the most common in Australia, it is most likely products made from crocodile skin, snakes, bags, boots, wallets, belts and more. Are in demand with foreign tourists pink diamonds and pearls, kangaroo leather and wooden souvenirs from local natives. Bring good mood, impressions and photos from Australia, these are the things that everyone around will envy, because not everyone is destined to visit Australia.

Swimming rules in Australia

Ocean waters are more dangerous than the waters of the Black Sea or the Mediterranean, for example. Strong currents are common here, in the beach areas the waters have their own hazard classification, if there is a green flag, then it is safe to swim, the entrance to the water is gentle or there is no danger of meeting a shark or other dangerous representatives of the flora. A yellow flag indicates the presence of some dangers, and if you see a red flag, then only professional swimmers can swim. Australia is famous for its beaches for surfers, the famous winds of 40 latitude blow near the country.

Cigarettes in Australia

Cigarette prices in Australia exceed US$15 per pack, alcohol can only be bought from morning to five in the evening from Monday to Saturday. As you understand, smoking in Australia is prohibited in public places and places, it is strictly limited in cafes and restaurants, but very often restaurants allow you to bring drinks with you, including alcoholic ones, of course, if you intend to order food. Tips range from 5 to 10% in restaurants and cafes; service personnel in hotels also claim tips. Customs rules allow you to carry 50 cigarettes or 50 grams of any other tobacco products without duty, you can import up to 2.25 liters of alcohol without duty, regardless of the alcohol content, all this applies to people over 18 years old. If the tourist wishes to keep the surplus of tobacco products, then the duty will have to be paid 9.5 US dollars for each pack of cigarettes, but this is still cheaper than buying cigarettes in Australia, given their prices in Russia or Ukraine. This also applies to cigarettes and tobacco purchased from duty free shops. duty free at other airports.

Other Australian customs regulations

There are significant barriers to bringing personal goods into the country, limited to A$900 per adult and A$450 per child under 18.

The import of national or foreign currency is not limited, the amount that exceeds 10,000 Australian dollars in cash must be declared, by the way, it also applies to non-cash funds, in other words, available funds on a credit card must also be entered in the declaration, for example, this is fundamentally different from the conditions for entry into the European Union.

It is forbidden to bring any food into Australia, medicines are transported only with a prescription from a doctor. Australia has very strict and sometimes bizarre quarantine rules for mapping proposed rural areas, including hiking trails, this applies to shoes, bicycle tires, which may have soil particles or plant seeds on them.

Electricity in Australia

Electricity in Australia is 220 - 240 V., 50 Hz, sockets have three pins, you need to ask for adapters in hotels or buy them in stores.

Best time to visit Australia

In Australia it's the other way around. best time for a trip, these are our winter months, when it is summer in Australia, in winter it is relatively warm in Australia, there is no snow during the day, about 5-10 degrees of heat and it is humid. The temperature difference between day and night is very large in the depths of the continent; the maritime climate rules on the coast. In the daytime on the coast, the temperature will reach 30 degrees Celsius, in the desert in the center of Australia up to 40 degrees. Australian time is seven hours ahead of Kiev, there are three time zones in the country.

money in australia

In Australia national currency is the Australian dollar, it is approximately equal to the US dollar, it is also easy to calculate the euro exchange rate. It is best to change the currency in banks that work on weekdays from morning to four in the afternoon. At other times, you can use the currency exchange in street kiosks, you should not use the services of exchange pacts at hotels in terms of unfavorable exchange rates. Please note that Australians have already forgotten what cash looks like and use credit cards, tourists can do the same or withdraw money from machines.

Prices in Australia, hotels in Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane

Australia is a very country high prices spend on payment hotel rooms. Prices in hotels in Australia, namely in Sydney, are about $ 700 for a standard double room in a four-star hotel, three stars cost $ 400 per day, the most cheap hotel will cost $100. In Melbourne, a five-star hotel costs $350, a four-star hotel costs $200 to $300. In Perth, a five star hotel costs $375, a four or three star hotel costs $200. As you have already noticed the most expensive hotels in Sydney, they are on average two or three times more expensive than in other cities. So we recommend that you do not stay too long in Sydney, anyway, there is not much to see there, go to the outskirts of the city of Melbourne, this is where the stunning sights of Australia are located, and hotel prices are not so ruinous. We have never received positive feedback from our tourists from staying in Sydney, one can only imagine what hotels many of our tourists live in who are looking to spend $20 a day on a hotel when a standard four stars cost $700.

Transport, taxis and car rental in Australia

A single trip in Australian cities on average costs a little more than $ 2, if you buy a ticket for a week, then a single trip will cost less, transport in Sydney is considered the worst in quality among all cities in Australia. You can recommend using a taxi, one kilometer will cost $ 2. Then it’s better to rent a car, you say, you need a license and the age of 21, gasoline costs moderately, not like in Norway or Turkey. Car rental in Australia is common, costing $50 per day for an economy class car per day, if you compare the cost of hotels with car rental, then the latter entertainment is available to everyone. However, keep in mind that popular attractions are located on different sides of the continent, and the distances between them are not comic, the most popular transport between cities is air travel, it is cheaper and more reasonable than buses or trains. The Great ocean road, the most beautiful highway in the world, it runs between sheer cliffs, rainy evergreen forests with a stunning spicy aroma that descend to the dramatic coastline with natural rock formations of Loch Ard Gorge and the Twelve Apostles Twelve Apostles. If you have not traveled in a rented car along this path, then we can assume that you have not been to Australia.

In the hot season of holidays, you really want to get out to the sea and fully enjoy all the splendor sea ​​coast. The very word "beach" evokes pleasant associations: holidays, the ocean, the sound of the surf, the cries of seagulls ... sharks, currents. Stop. What do the last two words in this series of pleasantries do?

Often, many people forget that beauty and danger are frequent neighbors. Therefore, we present you the top ten most dangerous beaches in the world. A visit to some of them can cost you your health, and sometimes ... your life.

1. Queensland and the Tiwa Islands in Australia: death by jellyfish

Australian beaches are considered to be the most dangerous in the world. Here often there are not only shark attacks, but also box jellyfish. Many vacationers are not even aware of such a danger, however, these representatives of the oceans have one of the most powerful poisons in the world. Stinging cells can cause both a simple burn and send a gaping bather to the next world in a matter of minutes. It is especially dangerous that sea ​​waves these animals are not very noticeable, and therefore you should be extremely vigilant.

The greatest likelihood of a collision with this scourge is in the waters of the Arafura and Timor Seas. These waters are washed by the Tiwi Islands and the coast of Queensland from the northeast. Sometimes box jellyfish are called "sea wasps". They even acquired the status of a certain symbol local resorts. And in 2011, the Australian Mint dedicated a silver collector's coin to jellyfish.

In order not to intimidate those wishing to visit Australia at all, let's say that deaths are not so frequent after meetings with these marine representatives. Children are considered the most vulnerable, as their immunity cannot cope with burns. If you give a little statistics, then out of about 30 official cases of attacks on humans by jellyfish, 12 ended in the death of children.

Especially dangerous bathing season from October to April. At this time, experts strongly recommend to give up swimming. Especially after lunch, because it is at this time that jellyfish are most active.

2. South Africa, Fish Hoek beaches: white man-eating sharks

Perhaps the most common and well-known water hazard in the world are sharks. According to the international registry (which includes cases of shark attacks), only in 2010 there were 79 attacks (unprovoked!) On a person. True, only 6 of them ended in death, but this statistic is terrifying. It is noteworthy that climate change on the planet provokes these inhabitants sea ​​depths for more aggression. Scientists believe that there will be more and more cases of attacks every year.

Among the most dangerous "shark" beaches, one can single out the coast of Cape Town. In the waters of the ocean that washes it, there is a huge man-eating shark, otherwise called white. Since the beginning of the hot season, the character of the predator is already not very accommodating, it becomes even worse. Aggression is increasing, and with it the danger to vacationers.

The South African government already in the sixties of the last century installed underwater networks on most of the beaches of the most famous resort Fish Hook. However, to fully protect tourists and local population impossible. In 2010 alone, more than 21 predator attacks were recorded.

For all supporters safe rest Shark Spotters website has been created, where you can follow the activity of great white sharks.

3. Mexican beach Zipolite Beach: a swift undercurrent

Predatory fish or jellyfish are far from all the dangers that await careless holidaymakers. So on a small, quiet and very beautiful Mexican beach with turquoise water and white sand, serious threat. locals avoid this place, especially from April to June. Just at this time, the undercurrent is gaining strength here, which is almost impossible to see from the shore. Plus, this summer there are very strong ebbs and flows. Water comes and goes with such force that it can carry even an adult with it. sea ​​rocks and the cliffs that adorn the beach in abundance, give the place an additional danger.

The Mexican authorities annually arrange rescue work, which is bearing fruit. In 2010 alone, 180 people who could not cope with the current were rescued here. These careless vacationers ignored the warning red flags on the shore, for which they paid with thrills.

Even the name of the beach "Zipolite" is translated from the local dialect of the Zapotec as "shore of the dead." However, this does not prevent him from being the center of attention of nudists and hippies in the hottest summer months. Moreover, the rest here is cheap, and the nature is very picturesque.

4. Marshall Islands (Bikini Atoll): invisible danger - radiation

It was here from 1946 to 1958 that the US military conducted tests of the hydrogen and atomic bombs. In 1954, after another explosion, the island was completely destroyed, and 800 local residents died from diseases caused by radiation.

Marshall Islands on the map:

To this day, the radiation level here is 3.8 R/h. However, scientists believe that a number of beaches on the atoll are quite suitable for recreation. The seclusion and even isolation of the island gives a special highlight to the rest. And if you want to get here, you should enter either the central Pacific diving expedition, or through the official website of Bikini as a tourist. Here are committed week tours from mid-April to November, and the group usually consists of only 12-15 members.

5. New Smyrna (USA): a beach with a thousand and one misfortunes

Among the beaches there are those where trouble does not come alone. There is just such a beach in Florida - it is considered the most unfortunate in the State. In 2010 alone, more than 600 ship collisions were recorded here, 68 of which ended very badly. Among all the beaches in the United States, it has the highest number of accidents on the water. According to the explanation of experts, there is simply too much concentration of vacationers, so lifeguards and water patrols cannot cope with such a large flow.

In addition, New Smyrna literally attracts lightning.

What lightning looks like photo

Over the past half century, almost 500 people have died here from this natural scourge. The region where the beach is located is famous for thunderstorms, and the people on the beach become the most high points, and are a kind of lightning catcher. One has only to happen to a thunderstorm, as vacationers automatically acquire the status of live targets.

But that's not all. The waters washing the beach have long been chosen by sharks. Last year in summer season more than a dozen people have been bitten by sea predators, but only one case has been fatal. Against this background, one should not be surprised at the frequent evacuations of people from the beach and the closure of the territory.

6. Brazil Sao Paulo: sharp-toothed piranhas

There are legends about these predators that can gnaw a person in a matter of seconds in the Amazon. The highest activity of piranhas is observed in the southeast in the tributaries of the Amazon. For example, in 2002 alone, 38 bathers were injured on Conceao Beach in Santa Cruz. And that's just for 5 weekends. After that, a couple more outbreaks of aggression were noted in the cities of Itapui and Iacanga. In just a couple of weeks, 50 people became victims of fish. And in 2009, piranhas bit 74 people in 1 month! However, official statistics are silent on the number of deaths. According to the latest data, it is believed that the beaches of Sao Paulo have acquired the status of the most dangerous for people.

According to scientists, the aggression of fish is associated with the construction of river dams, which leads to a huge breeding of piranhas. And then the broods are sent to habitats unusual for them, that is, to places of public bathing.

These individuals can reach 30 cm in length. In adulthood, the fish easily bites a human finger in half. But here it is worth noting that not all of them are carnivorous, there are varieties that feed only on plants, seeds and algae.

7. Brazilian beach Copacobana: criminals are on the alert

This beach was chosen in the 50s of the last century by the elite of society. Currently, there is no place in Rio more associated with crime than this beach. In the list of crimes: prostitution, robberies, rapes, kidnappings of children - all this has long become an everyday occurrence for these places. In 2010, more than eight dozen people became victims of crimes, and three dozen filled up obituaries.

The Brazilian government has long recorded the region as one of the most problematic. The Copacobana area, according to police reports, is home to the most drug lords and mafia bosses. Tourists themselves report that not only the beach, but also in hotels nearby, is also not always calm. And God forbid, if you rented a yacht, because the water has its own dangers in the form of classic piracy.

8. Repulse Bay (Hong Kong): a lot of garbage

Translated from local language, this place is called "Where the seagulls nest." However, these noble birds have long since left the beach, as the level of pollution on it is above all norms. At the beginning of the twentieth century, global construction began here, which has not yet been completed. And this is a serious threat to the environment.

Many construction wastes are dumped directly into the sea. Scientists have long recorded a lot of chemical waste in the waters, although this is not visible in the photographs. All this leads to the reproduction of algae, bacteria, and the death of marine life. Local residents from time to time arrange global purges, but these measures do not lead to a significant result. The authorities do not meet the needs of the population, since housing offered in the Repulse Bay area is considered the most elite and expensive in Hong Kong.

9 Virginia Beach (USA): Wild Foxes

What you can’t imagine on the beach is the attack of wild foxes. It would seem that danger should be expected from aquatic inhabitants or the vagaries of nature. However, on the longest beach on the Atlantic coast, which is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records, this happens. Despite the fact that the city itself is considered the cleanest and most prosperous among resort places, nearby parks are a direct supplier of wild animals. The most common aggressors among them are foxes.

From time to time they attack vacationers, which creates not very comfortable conditions for recreation.

10. Cable Beach (Australia): fear the crocodiles!

This beach attracts not only tourists, but also huge reptiles. As a species, crocodiles are officially protected by the state and hunting for them is prohibited. Perhaps this led to their uncontrolled reproduction and aggression. Increasing attacks have led many to advocate for a partial lifting of restrictions on crocodile fishing. The government is still thinking, as it fears a tourist boom for hunting trophies.

In the meantime, these reptiles feel in complete security and attack tourists with impunity. This happens especially often in northern beaches Queensland - for only 25 recent years more than a dozen deaths of crocodile attacks on humans have been recorded here.

Choose a place of rest not by beautiful pictures, but by its characteristic features associated with natural wonders, and not always pleasant, and the creations of human hands, which can not only spoil the rest, but even take life!

The beaches of Australia are clean, which is monitored by special services according to the state program. These places are perfect for a wide variety of beach holiday including surfing and diving.

The best beaches in Australia

To date Seas of Australia deservedly considered one of the best for a beach holiday. On the beaches of this continent, you can find a place for everyone - both for those who like to soak up lying on the hot sand, and for those who like active marine entertainment. Our company "Own people" organizes recreation on sea ​​australia. With us you can plan your trip according to your individual wishes and as a result enjoy your trip to the maximum.

On the mainland, the number of beaches exceeds 10.5 thousand, and about a thousand more places for a beach holiday are located on nearby islands. Almost half of all Australian beaches removed from civilization sandbanks can only be reached by swimming or by air. Such a holiday in Australia at sea is ideal for those who dream of solitude and tranquility away from prying eyes. Roads lead to about 35% of all the country's beaches, the rest will have to be reached over rough terrain in jeeps and SUVs.