When deciding where to travel for that next beach getaway (or any type of vacation), safety should be one of the utmost importance. An escape shouldn’t make you feel more stressed; it should relieve you.
That’s why Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection began compiling lists of the world’s safest countries back in 2018. The insurance company did all the time-consuming work of researching the relevant statistics, like the Global Peace Index, in addition to polling to find out how safe they felt in each place. While the Netherlands came out on top, one of our favorite spots for a beach vacation fell just behind at No. 2: Australia.
Some of the key factors contributing to Australia’s high ranking include a low crime rate, strict gun control, an LGBTQ-friendly atmosphere with strong anti-discrimination laws, and a low threat of terrorism.
Combined with its 16,000 miles of coastline boasting countless beautiful beaches, it’s the perfect country for your next beach vacay. But with so much to choose from, where should you go? There are countless enticing spots, but we’ve highlighted some of the best to help you narrow down your options.
Bondi Beach
While it’s not the most tranquil, you really can’t visit Sydney without experiencing Bondi Beach. The sweeping crescent of white sands is located in the suburb of the same name, just under 5.5 miles from Sydney’s city center. It’s Australia’s most famous, with sun-soaked sands, waves ideal for surfing, instructors for those new to the sport, and the renowned Bondi Icebergs ocean pool, a saltwater lap pool where you can swim with iconic views. Plus, you’ll find no shortage of boutique shops and oceanside dining to sample in between.
Note: While Bondi is not to be missed, when seeking a less-crowded experience, Nielsen Park is a hidden gem that was recently named the cleanest beach for swimming near the city center.
Whitehaven Beach
Often named the most beautiful in Australia and among the most picturesque in the world, Whitehaven is located in Queensland’s Whitsunday Islands. The swirling chalk-white sands are made up mostly of pure silica, making them incredibly soft and cool underfoot, even on hot days. Combined with the dazzling turquoise water, the scene is postcard-perfect. To visit, you can stay on Hamilton Island, catching the 30-minute boat ride.
Lucky Bay, Cape Le Grand National Park
Lucky Bay in Western Australia is about a 45-minute drive east of the town of Esperance, an eight-hour drive from Perth. It’s one of the most stunning stretches where you can hang out with kangaroos. The animals like to hop around the nearly three-mile span of snow-white sands, lapped by the calm, brilliant aquamarine water of the Indian and Great Southern Oceans. Arrive early to see them before enjoying activities like swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and long, peaceful strolls.
