Growing up in Colorado, I lived nowhere near the ocean. Going to the beach was something I would only do once or twice a year when my family visited Southern California. Now I find myself living ten minutes from the ocean, and get to witness Australian beach culture firsthand. I have visited many of the beaches here, with Bondi, Coogee, Maroubra and Manly being the most well known. Every beach has a different vibe, but they all seem to have one thing in common: people swimming, surfing and enjoying the sun. I decided to get outside and experience Australian beach culture to learn more about this tradition that Australia is known globally for.
Going to the beach is a tradition practiced by many here in Australia. Whether it be for birthday parties, reunions, or just a social gathering, the beach plays a major role in the lives of Australians. The beach serves many purposes and has something for everyone. Those who enjoy watersports can surf or swim in designated spots. Others who may prefer relaxation may find that lying down and taking a nap on the sand is a better way to spend a day. Other beach activities include playing beach volleyball, building sand castles, catching crabs and picnicking. There are limitless opportunities to be had at the beach, making it perfect for a variety of different occasions.