Five great spots on the east coast to beach yourself after a beautiful drive

It's easy enough to fly in to any capital city along the east coast, but one of the tougher tasks is knowing which way to go to reach a great beach. Due to the sheer volume of beaches Down Under, the options can even confuse you. Without rolling out pages of recommendations or offering up a best of, we've tracked down five beautiful beaches in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland where you can't go wrong once you've jumped in that car rental from the airport and hit the road.

1. Lennox Head

Where: Summerland Coast, 755km north east of Sydney

Thrill seekers from all over the country journey to Lennox Head to surf its hardcore waves. The relaxed seaside village is famous right-hand point break and it’s also home to one of Australia’s biggest and longest warm water surf breaks. Definitely not for the faint-hearted.

2. Hyams Beach

Where: Jervis Bay, 190km south of Sydney

One of the country’s most beautiful beaches and many say Hyams Beach has “the whitest sand in the world”. You have to witness Hyams Beach in person to believe the powdery, white sand and the contrasting blue water aren’t photoshopped. Surrounded by forests and marine parks, it’s the perfect place for families to relax, swim and absorb their natural surroundings.

3. Noosa Main Beach

Where: Sunshine Coast, 140km north of Brisbane

Noosa’s Main Beach is popular with families, as it offers gentle waves and is perfect for swimming all year round. With it’s gorgeous, crunchy sand and relaxing ambience, Noosa Main Beach is one of the few beaches in Australia that face north. Enjoy lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants, only steps away from the beach, as you admire the amazing scenery.

4. Palm Cove

Where: 30km north of Cairns

Experience the ultimate tropical paradise only a short drive from Cairns. The quiet, seaside village of Palm Cove is hidden behind several “paperbark” Melaleuca trees which like the walkway. A postcard setting, with a rainforest backdrop and surrounded by coconut trees and the Coral Sea, Palm Cove is a dream come true for couples seeking a relaxing holiday.

5. Ninety Mile Beach

Where: Gippsland, 245km east of Melbourne

Separating the Gippsland Lakes from Bass Strait is a 90-mile long stretch of stunning, golden sand and sand dunes. Those who visit the south-facing beach say it’s one of the most natural and unspoiled beaches they’ve ever come across. You can go swimming, fishing, dolphin-spotting or simply walk along this majestic beach.

Scott Podmore

Award-winning writer, editor, photographer, videographer and owner of October Grey Media. Specialising in travel and lifestyle content and a full member of the Australian Society of Travel Writers. Has contributed regular content for the NewsCorp stable of newspapers and magazines, TravelTalk mag, The Departure Lounge and many more publications in Australia and internationally. Follow on Twitter & instragram #scottpodmore

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