THE UPSIDE’S Summer Beach Days Edit

As the curve balls just keep coming and the compromises to our autonomy, health and sense of self just won’t quit – there’s no doubt, global pandemics can be a real beach but THE UPSIDE crew likes to look on the sunny side of social distancing..

As we come to terms with less room to move and more time to spare, we still choose to see the cup of oat milk latte half-full and focus on the freedoms, fresh air and happy places that we can still enjoy. In the absence of a golden Euro summer glow we make do with the sparkling waterfronts, world-class waves and stretches of white sand that lie closer to home (no jet lag necessary).

Azure blue skies, sun kissed skin and bracing ocean swims are a natural salve for the spirit and the ultimate luxury – so go on, grab your SPF, bikini and beach read and live your best lockdown with our round up of the coolest places to go coastal in your area:

Wategoes Beach

Wategos is a swimming haven! It’s crystal waters are protected and framed by a valley at the tip of Cape Byron

Blueys Beach, Pacific Palms

Blueys is a beautiful beach located in the Pacific Palms. Great for surfing and swimming with stunning views across to Seal Rocks.

Hyams Beach

Known for its sugar-white sand and crystal clear waters, Hyams Beach feels like heaven on earth. Bonus, it’s pup friendly.

Camp Cove, Sydney

Camp Cove is the Sydney beach of your dreams! This quaint harbour beach is backed by palms with golden sand and the cutest little beach kiosk.

Rainbow Bay, Sunshine Coast

Rainbow Bay and adjoining Snapper Rocks Beach are the southernmost beaches in Queensland. Rainbow Bay is a smaller beach, but by far one of the best on the coast for swimming, surfing and sunning,  It ends at a low, rocky point, beyond which Snapper Rocks beach (another must see) you can’t go past a swim at Rainbow followed by sunset drink on the deck at the infamous Rainbow Bay Surf club where you can watch the surf and the sun and crack a frothy in pure bliss..

Peregian Beach, Noosa

Peregian Beach is as pretty as it is secluded. Enjoy a walk along the miles of sand, or enjoy the nature surrounds with National Park walks nearby. Even better? South of the flags is pup friendly!

Mon Repos Beach, Bundaberg

Home of the nesting and hatching turtles six months of the year this 6km stretch of beach is a secluded cove of beautiful coastline. Closed off to the public at night during turtle season (November-March) you can get up close and personal with the turtles on a Turtle Encounter. Out of turtle season, the beach is just as fun for all the activies you can jam into a day.

Cottesloe Beach, Perth

With more than a kilometre of pure white sand, Cottesloe Beach brach is a go to Perth Spot. In March the annual Sculpture by the Sea outdoor exhibition turns the beach into an outdoor art gallery – Beach, art and culture art what more can a gal ask for..

Boranup Beach, Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park

Nestled away deep in the south west forest.. Once you find the beach, words don’t describe how pristine it is, with picture perfect aqua blue water you need a 4WD to get to this magical spot.

Redgate Beach, Margaret River

This beautiful sandy beach nestled between rocky outcrops is also renowned for the Red-gate surf break and has epic birdwatching for those who like to chill sand-side.

Cable Beach, Broome

Sun-kissed white sand, turquoise water and spectacular Indian Ocean sunsets, the best part is you can view this from the seat of a camel, vibe x 1000

Meelup Beach, Meelup

Meelup Beach is the perfect spot for a fam bam beach day, ideal for picnics and swimming in its calm waters. Grab your snorkel and explore the crystal clear waters.. Heaven!

Cowes Beach, Phillip Island

Set up for the day down at the north-facing beach, a perfect spot for picnics, beach adventures and fun with kids, the water is cool, calm and collected.

Shelley Beach

Between Sorrento and Portsea, is a much loved sandy beach with private jetties, colourful boat sheds and bathing boxes – Picture Perfect.

Cathedral Rocks, Lorne

The Great Ocean Road hugs the bluffs along this section of beach and you cannot miss seeing the beach and adjoining rock platforms and reefs a must see, must do.

Boat Harbour, North West Coat

With postcard-perfect clear aqua water, and a free camp right next to the beach this idyllic spot is know for it’s white sands and ideal diving conditions.

Coningham Beach, Hobart

Beautiful, secluded beaches just a short drive from any city centre are often hard to come by – Coninghan Beach is one of those. 25 minutes from Hobart and totally uncrowded…. Spread out and enjoy!

Memory Cove, Eyre Peninsula

Among the park’s eucalyptus and shark woodlands… There are spectacular views from coastal lookouts that overlook the surrounding islands. You may even spot a whale or dolphin that passing by in the winter.

Dolphin Bay, Yorke Peninsula

Just over an hour’s drive away from Adelaide and home to a whopping 700 kilometres of pristine coast, the Yorke Peninsula is one of South Australia’s most accessible seaside escapes.. Peaceful and Serene.

Glenelg, Adelaide

Glenelg Beach is Adelaide’s most popular city beach, offering a buzzing vibe and great atmosphere for all to enjoy. Renowned for its wide beach, stunning sunsets, it’s the epitome of fun in the sun.

Cossies Beach, Cocos (Keeling) Islands

The palm-fringed, creamy white sands of Cossies Beach was recently named Australia’s most beautiful beach. Literally paradise!