Detours Gay Travel Blog
Detours Winter Remedy: Australia’s Sandy Beaches
- Dec 11, 2024
Surf’s up bro! Wait, do people even say that? I guess the surfer bros in Australia do — a place with world-renown beaches, snorkelling, and you guessed it — surfing.
For us here in the northern hemisphere, the cold is settling in, but for our friends “down under,” summer is just kicking off!
And what better way to ward off the winter blues than skipping out on the dreary weather for an unforgettable experience in Australia.
While our 10 Days in Australia trip experiences the diversity of Australia, from the big cities to the remote Outback, we also spend time on stunning white sandy beaches stretching as far as the eye can see. At some spots, you can even use the sand to clean your jewelry because of the silica.
But before we jump into the highlights of the amazing Australian coast, as a Trip Leader who cares for your well-being, a cautionary tale is needed.
Ozone Layer
On my first visit many years ago, I, like you, couldn't wait to experience the beautiful coastline that Australia is known for.
One day I was in the Gold Coast, toes in the sand, enjoying the spectacle of Aussie surf boys of course, and even though it was late in the day, I thought I beat the “heat of the day.” To my very sad surprise the next day, I woke up to one of THE WORST sunburns I’ve ever had.
You hear stories like, “There’s a hole in the Ozone layer,” and “Be careful in the sun — the heat is different in Australia.”
These stories are 100 percent true! And you don’t want to end up like me — smearing aloe vera all over your body for the duration of your trip because you underestimated Mother Nature. 🤦🏽♂️
So to clear up any confusion, there isn’t a hole in the ozone layer above Australia, but over Antarctica specifically. This was confirmed by NASA in 1985, but the ozone hole was first formed in the 1970s. 🚀 The good news, however, is that NOAA and NASA believe the hole could totally close up by 2066!
There are ozone depleting substances that have contributed to the thinning of the ozone layer above Australia by, currently, five per cent.
The thin ozone means that more UV radiation penetrates the earth because the ozone protects the earth against UV radiation. So in theory, if the ozone layer is thinner above Australia, it means you are more at risk of getting sunburnt.
Which leads me to my cautionary tale — where I had the worst sunburn of my life in Australia.
So please do me a favor, pack your 50+ sunscreen, wear your sunhat, and protect your skin from the sun! ☀️
Gold Coast: Surfers Paradise
Now, let’s get back to the white sand beaches! No trip would be complete without visiting Surfers Paradise which lies in the heart of Queensland’s Gold Coast. And let me tell you how nice it is to enter water that is as warm as a bath! 🛁
On your Detours trip, you can swim, suntan, or if you’re feeling adventurous, join a two-hour surf lesson. This is a great spot to try out surfing if you are a beginner. Surfers Paradise offers two kilometers of golden sand and rolling surf patrolled by lifeguards. So you’ll have no fear of being taken by surprise by any Great Whites! 🦈
After a day at the beach together, we’ll head to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary because Detours loves to provide you with unique experiences! Here you can interact with some of Australia's most iconic wildlife and even feed, pet, and sponsor new furry friends.
Plus one of the benefits of travelling in a small group is that you have more time with the animals. And don’t worry, I won’t introduce you to any dangerous critters here. 🥰🐨
Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the entire world! And it can be seen from outer space. If you’re making a trip “down under,” and have got some extra time before or after your group trip, you really should see one of the Natural Wonders of the world.
Seeing the Great Barrier Reef in real life is such a unique experience, and one you’re not likely to forget. The reef has over 2,900 individual reefs that stretch over an area of approximately 133,000 square miles!
This diverse destination is home to extraordinary sea life, many of which are vulnerable or endangered. Over 1,500 different species of fish call the reef home. and six different species of turtles. (If you haven’t seen Finding Nemo yet — now is the time.) 🐢😉
Reach out to us if you'd like some advice about your own extension to this area.
The Twelve Apostles
No I’m not talking about Jesus’ crew, but an iconic rock formation that is dotted along a scenic coastline.
Located 170 miles west of Melbourne, the Twelve Apostles is a series of limestone rock stacks that rise out of the Southern ocean.
And if you're one who loves a scenic drive, you’ll love the Great Ocean Road, which leads you to the Apostles. It’s a gorgeous highway that follows the rugged coastline for 150 miles along the south-eastern coast of Australia.
You may end up leaving this place feeling especially holy. 😇
Sydney
And would any trip to Australia be complete without visiting Bondi Beach? This is one of Australia’s most famous beaches, and for good reason. Bondi beach attracts people from all over the globe for world class sun-bathing, sea frolicking and surfing. While Bondi Beach isn’t explicitly a gay beach, there's no shortage of fellow LGBTQ beachlovers in the mid-afternoon.
Bondi Beach is littered with cafes and restaurants so you can enjoy the beautiful vistas (and watch the Speedo-clad Aussies) from the waters edge. 🏝
Once we’ve had enough sun and are looking for more social opportunities, we'll take a break from the heat and visit Sydney's iconic gay neighborhoods too. Sydney is known as a very gay-friendly city with a vibrant gay scene.
One queer neighborhood worth visiting is Darlinghurst, which is home to the city’s best known queer venues. Conveniently located adjacent to the city centre, Darlinghurst has unique queer bars, restaurants, and hotels like The Imperial Erskineville, a gay institution since 1983. 🌈
The Stars are Different
Need an excuse to escape the cold, wet winter scene? Sounds like a trip to Australia is just the remedy for you. Just think, you could be relaxing on a beach with the warm summer sun heating up your body.
But of course, the coast is just a bit of Detours 10 Days in Australia adventure. We'll have dinner under the stars at the base of Uluru, explore one of the world's most liveable cities on a walking tour through Melbourne, and kick things off in the city of Brisbane too. And all of this under a night sky made up of a different set of stars than ours. ⭐️
What could be more humbling?