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Surprising Aussie beach crowned best in the world

<p dir="ltr">An iconic Australian beach has been named the best in the world in a prestigious list of the most picturesque coastlines on the planet. </p> <p dir="ltr">Each year, <a href="https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-beaches-in-the-world" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Condé Nast Traveler</a> ranks the beaches from around the world to curate a list of 34 locations that every beach lover needs to visit. </p> <p dir="ltr">In the top ten list, five beaches from both Australia and New Zealand feature, living up to the countries reputations of stunning coastlines. </p> <p dir="ltr">With a “combination of leaning palm trees on powdery sand”, the publication crowned Palm Cove Beach as the best beach in the world, describing the spot in Queensland as “the epitome of a tropical paradise”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Located north of Cairns, the publication shared that Palm Cove is relatively “crowd free” and home to a range of unique wildlife. </p> <p dir="ltr">While many on social media were quick to agree with the winning location, others argued that there are beaches around Australia more deserving of the crown. </p> <p dir="ltr">“The only way you rank Palm Cove as the best beach in the world is if you have never been to Palm Cove or don’t like beaches,” one wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Eyre Peninsula beaches leave Palm Cove for dead,” another added.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Best beach if you don’t ever want to go in the water. What about all the magic in WA?” one questioned.</p> <p dir="ltr">Check out the top 10 list of the world’s best beaches below. </p> <p dir="ltr">10. Die Plaat, South Africa</p> <p dir="ltr">9. Awaroa, South Island, New Zealand</p> <p dir="ltr">8. Noosa Beach, Australia </p> <p dir="ltr">7. Dune du Pilat, France</p> <p dir="ltr">6. Mona Vale Beach, Australia</p> <p dir="ltr">5. Ora Beach, Indonesia</p> <p dir="ltr">4. Wategos Beach, Australia</p> <p dir="ltr">3. Brekon, Shetland</p> <p dir="ltr">2. Honopu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii</p> <p dir="ltr">1. Palm Cove Beach, Australia</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p>

International Travel

"She was everything": Beach Boys' Brian Wilson shares devastating news

<p>The Beach Boys singer-songwriter Brian Wilson has shared that his wife of nearly 30 years has passed away.</p> <p>The 81-year-old musician broke the news on Instagram on Wednesday morning, saying that his "heart is broken" after his wife Melinda Ledbetter Wilson died aged 77. </p> <p>"Melinda, my beloved wife of 28 years, passed away this morning. Our five children and I are just in tears. We are lost," he wrote in his post, underneath two pictures of his wife.</p> <p>"Melinda was more than my wife. She was my saviour. She gave me the emotional security I needed to have a career," he said.</p> <p>"She encouraged me to make the music that was closest to my heart. She was my anchor. She was everything for us. Please say a prayer for her. Love and Mercy, Brian."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C2vSn-zO_32/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C2vSn-zO_32/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Brian Wilson (@brianwilsonlive)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>In his post, he also shared a tribute that appeared to come from their five children collectively, which read, "It is with a heavy heart that we let everyone know that our mum, Melinda Kay Ledbetter Wilson passed away peacefully this morning at home."</p> <p>"She was a force of nature and one of the strongest women you could come by. She was not only a model, our fathers [sic] savior, and a mother, she was a woman empowered by her spirit with a mission to better everyone she touched. We will miss her but cherish everything she has taught us," the statement read.</p> <p>"How to take care of the person next to you with out expecting anything in return, how to find beauty in the darkest of places, and how to live life as your truest self with honesty and pride."</p> <p>They added, "We love you mum. Give Grandma Rose and Pa our love."</p> <p>Brian and Melinda first met in 1986 and married in 1995, before adopting their five children.</p> <p>Their love story and relationship was portrayed in the 2014 biographical drama film <em>Love & Mercy</em>, which starred John Cusack and Elizabeth Banks.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Caring

"Get out of the water!" Huge shark spotted at crowded beach

<p dir="ltr">Dramatic footage has revealed the moment a shark was spotted swimming in shallow waters at a crowded beach in Florida.</p> <p dir="ltr">In the video filmed at Navarre beach on Monday, a sizeable fin can be spotted zipping past swimmers as panicked onlookers screamed for them to get out.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Get out of the water!" one person screamed, as stunned swimmers ran for their lives.</p> <p dir="ltr">However there was an eerie lack of urgency for a few others who took their time exiting the waters, with no worries whatsoever to the frustration of a bystander who commented: "They're still out there."</p> <p dir="ltr">Cristy Cox, who filmed the footage, told the <em>Pensacola News Journal</em> that the shark was simply chasing a fish, but warned people to be aware of their surroundings.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It all happened so fast! A dolphin was actually side by side with the shark at first and then just disappeared,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The shark was just trying to feed as they are expected and just passed by swimmers.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Everyone was stunned as it moved down the beach chasing the school of fish. We all just have to remember this is natural and we are in their home, so stay alert!”</p> <p dir="ltr">Beach Safety Director Austin Turnbill confirmed to the publication that a shark had been spotted at the beach, but for people to not be alarmed.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There’s sharks in the Gulf, everywhere. We see sharks almost every day and there’s nothing to be alarmed of for 99.9% of the time,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Cristy Cox Facebook</em></p>

Travel Trouble

The world’s most magical places to swim

<h2>Red Beach, Santorini, Greece</h2> <p>A crescent-shaped island in the middle of the Aegean Sea, Santorini was once a massive volcano – archaeologists say it blew its top way back in the Bronze Age. It left behind a fascinating place where whitewashed buildings cling to the edge of towering sea cliffs, and beaches come in many colours, including black, brown, white and even red. At Red Beach, iron-rich sands – and the cliffs that hem them in – have taken a curious and beautiful rust-coloured hue, which forms a stark contrast when they intersect with the beach’s deep blue waters.</p> <h2>Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Queensland, Australia</h2> <p>While the pristine, azure waters of Whitehaven beach on North-East Queensland’s Whitsunday coast are superlative-worthy in themselves, it’s the sand that really makes it unforgettable. Soft and blindingly white, it is made of almost 98 per cent silica – a mysterious geographical phenomenon that scientists can’t explain – but that you simply have to experience burying your toes into. While the waters are divine to swim in year round, it’s worth remembering that stinger season is from October to May, when warmer waters attract larger numbers of Box and Irukandji jellyfish – a stinger suit is recommended for extra protection.</p> <h2>Blue Lagoon, Fiji</h2> <p>In many ways, Fiji – a cluster of 330 islands in the South Pacific – is the ultimate paradise, an almost mystical place where the palms seem taller, the water always feels bathtub warm, and coral reefs extend themselves and their aquatic bounty before snorkellers from all over the world. While pretty much any spot in Fiji would do for a dip, one of the most beautiful places you can swim is the remote Blue Lagoon. Part of the Yasawa Islands, Blue Lagoon is a spot where the water seems bluer, the often empty beaches appear whiter, and the aquatic wonders, from starfish to seahorses to sharks, are truly mind-boggling.</p> <h2>Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil</h2> <p>One of the world’s best places to swim (and be seen swimming), this curving beach is a major draw for visitors to Rio. While it’s perhaps most famous for the skimpy bikinis (and, yes, Speedos) that can always be found here on a sunny day, this it truly is a great place for a dip in the South Atlantic. Afterward, dry off with a game of foot volley, a form of beach volleyball unique to Rio and its cariocas.</p> <h2>Panama City Beach, Florida, USA</h2> <p>While much of the good press goes to the sun spots further south on the peninsula (think Miami, Tampa and Key West), Florida’s very best beach is up on the panhandle. With sugary white sand (composed of quartz, not the grainier, brown silica found in most of the state), Panama City Beach sits at the heart of the Emerald Coast, a stretch of very clear, very warm, very emerald Gulf of Mexico water. Walk the beach, then spend the evening at Pier Park, a remarkable shopping complex that’s steps from the sea and keeps up the beach theme.</p> <h2>The Amazon River, South America</h2> <p>Contrary to popular belief, the warm, brown, slow-moving waters of the Amazon are actually safe for swimming – if you know what you’re doing. Yes, you will be sharing the river with caimans (a kind of crocodile), piranhas and the bizarre-looking pink freshwater river dolphins (called boto) that are found only here, but an experienced guide can tell you where, and when, it’s safe to dive in. You may even get a visit from a boto – a favourite excursion takes swimmers out to a mid-river sandbar, where you wait for the arrival of this mysterious, playful animal.</p> <h2>Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam</h2> <p>Southeast Asia definitely has a wealth of beautiful swimming spots and this one also happens to be a UNESCO world heritage site – and its easy to see why. With its stunning limestone islands jutting out of the water crystal-clear water the temperature of bath water, bathing doesn’t come with much more of a stunning view than this. From small, peaceful Titop Beach to the vast Ngoc Vung beach, you’ll be assured of a blissful experience wherever you go.</p> <h2>Manly Beach, Sydney, NSW, Australia</h2> <p>Reachable via what has to be the world’s most breathtaking ferry ride – the boat directly passes the city’s world-famous opera house and provides on-the-water views of the towering Sydney Harbour Bridge – Manly is everything a beach should be: soft sand, lovely water, and people-watching a-plenty. If calm waters are more your thing, bypass Manly’s main beach to nearby Shelly Beach, a protected marine reserve with clear, shallow waters featuring a large variety of marine life, ideal for scuba divers and snorkellers for its large variety of marine life. Post-swim, take the winding track up the headland for a scenic view of North Head and neighbouring beaches, or wander through the shops and eateries of the Corso, a pedestrian mall.</p> <h2>Cartagena, Colombia, South America</h2> <p>This beautiful, historic city – think horse-drawn carriages, cobblestone lanes and squares bordered by aging church clock towers – sits at the heart of a Caribbean playground. Just beyond its own sun-kissed beaches lie the 27 Rosario Islands (above), reachable by a short boat ride, which are filled with palms and fringed by aquamarine waters. Spend your day on the beach, then dance the night away in the city’s amazing array of salsa clubs.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/travel/destinations/the-worlds-most-magical-places-to-swim" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.</em></p>

International Travel

World’s best beaches revealed

<p dir="ltr">Whether you prefer to spend your days lounging on the sand with a cocktail in hand, or diving beneath the surf on an underwater adventure, it’s important to find the right location to suit all of your holiday needs. </p> <p dir="ltr">And thanks to TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards, it has never been easier to narrow down your selection from the world’s 25 best beaches, and to lock in that next dream getaway.</p> <p dir="ltr">Coming in at 25th is Greece’s gorgeous Balos Lagoon, though it isn’t the only contender that brought the country success in the rankings - Falassarna Beach secured the 21st position, too. </p> <p dir="ltr">In 24th to 22nd came St Thomas’s Magens Bay, Isla Mujeres’ Playa Norte, and Cyprus’ Nissi Beach. And for the next ten spots, the ocean vistas were a sight to behold, and beloved by travellers from all across the globe. </p> <p dir="ltr">At number 20 on the list was Tanzania’s Nungwi Beach. Next up came Brazil’s Ipanema Beach, then Costa Rica’s Playa Manuel Antonio, Spain’s Playa de Muro Beach, Bali’s Kelingking Beach, Spain’s La Concha Beach, Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach, Australia’s Manly Beach, Georgia’s “haunting” Driftwood Beach, and Florida’s Siesta Beach. </p> <p dir="ltr">From there came the top 10, each boasting spectacular views, sparkling sands, and mesmerising waters. </p> <p dir="ltr">10th place went to Hawaii’s Ka’anapali Beach, perfect for those in search of a “place to find our peace!”</p> <p dir="ltr">9th went to Cuba’s “postcard perfect” Varadero Beach. </p> <p dir="ltr">8th to the Islands of Sicily’s Spiaggia dei Conigli, described by one traveller as “one of the marvels of the world.”</p> <p dir="ltr">7th to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ Radhanager Beach, which begs the question “what’s not to like?”</p> <p dir="ltr">6th place went to Portugal’s “white sand beach that seemingly stretches forever” Praia da Falesia. </p> <p dir="ltr">Opening the top five was Providenciales’ Grace Bay Beach, a spot that’s been known to excite many who have the opportunity to visit. </p> <p dir="ltr">From there came Iceland’s stunning and “trapped inside a dream” Reynisfjara Beach, for those looking for something a little different. </p> <p dir="ltr">Australia got another honour with Cable Beach in third place, a location known for its opportunities “to sightsee, walk, swim, rock pool, and watch the sunset.” </p> <p dir="ltr">The “tranquil and pristine” Eagle Beach in Aruba secured second spot.</p> <p dir="ltr">Meanwhile, the honour of World’s Best Beach went to Brazil’s “beautiful [and] remote” Baia do Sancho. The top location not only boasts breathtaking views and a quieter experience, but also a little fun for those who want an experience en route - a steep path, complete with stones and ladders, keeps this spot safe from the masses. </p> <p dir="ltr">See the <a href="https://www.gq.com.au/lifestyle/travel/worlds-best-beaches/image-gallery/e2715cbdf7b9c622b0d0955cedf5c6c0">full list of winners</a> here. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

International Travel

Famous Star Trek home hits the market

<p dir="ltr">The famous <em>Star Trek</em> home on Sydney's Northern Beaches has hit the market and is expected to fetch a massive eye-watering $19 million.</p> <p dir="ltr">Located at 21 Caladenia Cl, Elanora Heights, the stunning home was built by Star Trek fan and property developer Peter Chedid in 2010.</p> <p dir="ltr">The huge estate was sold only four years later for $8.39 million to a Chinese investor who has never visited the property, let alone seen the movies.</p> <p dir="ltr">It’s currently being rented out for $4000 a week but is expected to fetch up to $19 million.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Exquisitely unique, eye-catching and contemporary, this stunning property presides over five acres of high set perfection, designed for every room and every space to indulge in the panoramic district and ocean views,” the listing reads.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Affectionately known as the ‘Star Trek’ home due to its spaceship profile from the air, this is an unforgettable residence for those seeking individuality and a statement property.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The estate boasts a huge five bedrooms with every room in the house opening up to a balcony with stunning views of the water.</p> <p dir="ltr">There are high ceilings, galleries of floor-to-ceiling glass, stunning living and dining rooms and a luxe stone island kitchen with a concealed walk-in pantry.</p> <p dir="ltr">There is also a 15-seat indoor cinema, perfect when having guests over to have a movie night, or a relaxing time alone.</p> <p dir="ltr">Outside is a beautiful garden and an infinity pool.</p> <p><em>Images: Sydney Country Living</em></p>

Real Estate

Inside a $1.5 million one-bedroom beach shack

<p dir="ltr">A tiny shack in Florida with stunning beach views has hit the market for $1.5 million ($US 1.095 million).</p> <p dir="ltr">This one bedroom home in the seaside town of Santa Rosa Beach is perfect for a single person looking for simplicity.</p> <p dir="ltr">The one storey property was built in 2016 and is described as one of the most unique properties on the street.</p> <p dir="ltr">Looking at its photos you’d think this was a joke but honestly, why not? Obviously if you don’t have money that’s a whole other story.</p> <p dir="ltr">The red door unlocks all that you need, as soon as you step into the house is the bedroom, with a bathroom and a bathtub (who would’ve thought it could fit), and the kitchenette.</p> <p dir="ltr">Outside there is an outdoor shower, a stock tank splash pool with lounging area, and a privacy fence.</p> <p dir="ltr">If you had the money, would you buy this house?</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Zillow</em></p>

Real Estate

Bruce Willis’ former beach estate to die (hard) for

<p dir="ltr">Bruce Willis knew what to <em>Die Hard</em> for when he purchased a private beach estate with his now former wife.</p> <p dir="ltr">The lavish estate located on Parrot Cay, an island in the Turks and Caicos Islands, was home for the Hollywood actor for 20 years.</p> <p dir="ltr">Bruce and his then wife Emma Heming-Willis purchased the home in 2000 and completed renovations four years later.</p> <p dir="ltr">The couple also got married at the home in 2009 and again renewed their vows in 2019 before listing the home.</p> <p dir="ltr">He sold the home in 2019 for US$27 million to Mark and Roby Jones, the husband-and-wife duo behind multibillion-dollar insurance firm Goosehead.</p> <p dir="ltr">Once again, the 12-bedroom home is up for grabs for an eye-watering $51million (US$37.5m).</p> <p dir="ltr">The lucky homeowner will boast a stunning 330m of “pristine powder white sand and turquoise waters” - perfect for some privacy.</p> <p dir="ltr">Inside has been redesigned as a two-storey main house on 1020sqm with six bedrooms, a children’s entertainment room upstairs, and a theatre downstairs.</p> <p dir="ltr">Relaxing amenities include a yoga pavilion, four swimming pools, space on the beach for volleyball, as well as a children’s playground with a pirate ship.</p> <p dir="ltr">Several guesthouses are also scattered along the property.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram and Sothebys</em></p>

Real Estate

Huge underdog named best beach in Australia

<p dir="ltr">Despite its ominous name, Western Australia’s Misery Beach has been <a href="https://travel.nine.com.au/latest/misery-beach-named-best-beach-in-australia-tourism-australia/8dc02a17-949e-48b7-8553-fe6ca45fdacb" target="_blank" rel="noopener">dubbed</a> the country’s best.</p><p dir="ltr">Brad Farmer, Tourism Australia’s beach ambassador, curated a top list of the best beaches Australia had to offer in 2022, whittling a list of 11,000 candidates down to just 20. </p><p dir="ltr">Going up against international favourites like Bondi, Byron and Noosa, Misery Beach came out on top.</p><p dir="ltr">“It’s a stunning beach,” Farmer told the <em><a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-01-30/australia-best-beach-misery-beach-albany-wa/100714820" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ABC</a></em>. </p><p dir="ltr">“It just ticks all the boxes of what the typical beachgoer is looking for - uncrowded, crystal-white sand, turquoise waters and a very dramatic granite backdrop.”</p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-2ceca9ba-7fff-060a-92ab-95fb902a2234"></span></p><p dir="ltr">Located 20 kilometres south of Albany on Western Australia’s south coast, Mystery Beach is about five hours southeast of Perth.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF;border: 0;border-radius: 3px;margin: 1px;max-width: 540px;min-width: 326px;padding: 0;width: calc(100% - 2px)" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CVB0vKnhmmK/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"><div style="padding: 16px"><div style="flex-direction: row;align-items: center"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 50%;flex-grow: 0;height: 40px;margin-right: 14px;width: 40px"> </div><div style="flex-direction: column;flex-grow: 1;justify-content: center"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;margin-bottom: 6px;width: 100px"> </div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;width: 60px"> </div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0"> </div><div style="height: 50px;margin: 0 auto 12px;width: 50px"> </div><div style="padding-top: 8px"><div style="color: #3897f0;font-family: Arial,sans-serif;font-size: 14px;font-style: normal;font-weight: 550;line-height: 18px">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0"> </div><div style="flex-direction: row;margin-bottom: 14px;align-items: center"><div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 50%;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px"> </div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px;flex-grow: 0;margin-right: 14px;margin-left: 2px"> </div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 50%;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px"> </div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 50%;flex-grow: 0;height: 20px;width: 20px"> </div><div style="width: 0;height: 0;border-top: 2px solid transparent;border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4;border-bottom: 2px solid transparent"> </div></div><div style="margin-left: auto"><div style="width: 0px;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-right: 8px solid transparent"> </div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;flex-grow: 0;height: 12px;width: 16px"> </div><div style="width: 0;height: 0;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-left: 8px solid transparent"> </div></div></div><div style="flex-direction: column;flex-grow: 1;justify-content: center;margin-bottom: 24px"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;margin-bottom: 6px;width: 224px"> </div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;width: 144px"> </div></div><p style="color: #c9c8cd;font-family: Arial,sans-serif;font-size: 14px;line-height: 17px;margin-bottom: 0;margin-top: 8px;overflow: hidden;padding: 8px 0 7px;text-align: center"><a style="color: #c9c8cd;font-family: Arial,sans-serif;font-size: 14px;font-style: normal;font-weight: normal;line-height: 17px;text-decoration: none" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CVB0vKnhmmK/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by BIG Drone Prints (@bigdroneprints)</a></p></div></blockquote><p dir="ltr">Unlike its more well-known competitors, Misery Beach has a bloody history that makes its name quite appropriate.</p><p dir="ltr">Until 1978, the sand and surrounding water would be stained red with the blood of slaughtered sperm whales, due to its proximity to a major whaling station.</p><p dir="ltr">With blood, fat and teeth in the water, Misery Beach was a poor choice for swimming, though it was a good spot for spearfishing and camping.</p><p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-19af1842-7fff-1f42-57aa-31ef11dbf745"></span></p><p dir="ltr">Since the whaling station shut down 44 years ago, the beach has become the safe haven for marine life it is today, with seals, dolphins and whales appearing in its waters.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF;border: 0;border-radius: 3px;margin: 1px;max-width: 540px;min-width: 326px;padding: 0;width: calc(100% - 2px)" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ70gjNrmaM/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"><div style="padding: 16px"><div style="flex-direction: row;align-items: center"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 50%;flex-grow: 0;height: 40px;margin-right: 14px;width: 40px"> </div><div style="flex-direction: column;flex-grow: 1;justify-content: center"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;margin-bottom: 6px;width: 100px"> </div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;width: 60px"> </div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0"> </div><div style="height: 50px;margin: 0 auto 12px;width: 50px"> </div><div style="padding-top: 8px"><div style="color: #3897f0;font-family: Arial,sans-serif;font-size: 14px;font-style: normal;font-weight: 550;line-height: 18px">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0"> </div><div style="flex-direction: row;margin-bottom: 14px;align-items: center"><div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 50%;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px"> </div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px;flex-grow: 0;margin-right: 14px;margin-left: 2px"> </div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 50%;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px"> </div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 50%;flex-grow: 0;height: 20px;width: 20px"> </div><div style="width: 0;height: 0;border-top: 2px solid transparent;border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4;border-bottom: 2px solid transparent"> </div></div><div style="margin-left: auto"><div style="width: 0px;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-right: 8px solid transparent"> </div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;flex-grow: 0;height: 12px;width: 16px"> </div><div style="width: 0;height: 0;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-left: 8px solid transparent"> </div></div></div><div style="flex-direction: column;flex-grow: 1;justify-content: center;margin-bottom: 24px"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;margin-bottom: 6px;width: 224px"> </div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;width: 144px"> </div></div><p style="color: #c9c8cd;font-family: Arial,sans-serif;font-size: 14px;line-height: 17px;margin-bottom: 0;margin-top: 8px;overflow: hidden;padding: 8px 0 7px;text-align: center"><a style="color: #c9c8cd;font-family: Arial,sans-serif;font-size: 14px;font-style: normal;font-weight: normal;line-height: 17px;text-decoration: none" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ70gjNrmaM/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jetstar Australia (@jetstaraustralia)</a></p></div></blockquote><p dir="ltr">With its unique history, Farmer said it was a compelling enough reason to bestow the accolade on the beach.</p><p dir="ltr">That, and because he finds many of Australia’s beaches to be “fatigued and overexposed” to beachgoers, who are looking more for “quirky and out-of-the-box” spots to enjoy.</p><p dir="ltr">As a result, the big-name beaches are nowhere to be seen on Farmer’s list.</p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Tourism Australia’s top 20 beaches in 2022</strong></p><ol><li><p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Misery Beach, Western Australia — Minang Country.</p></li><li><p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Horseshoe Bay, New South Wales — Dainggatti Country.</p></li><li><p dir="ltr" role="presentation">The Spit, Queensland — Bundjalung Country.</p></li><li><p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Flaherty's Beach, South Australia — Narangga Country.</p></li><li><p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Loch Ard Gorge, Victoria — Giraiwurung Country.</p></li><li><p dir="ltr" role="presentation">The Neck, Tasmania — Nuenonne Country on Lunnawannalonna.</p></li><li><p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Blue Pearl Bay, Queensland — Giya Country.</p></li><li><p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Depot Beach, New South Wales — Yuin Country.</p></li><li><p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Murrays Beach, Jervis Bay Territory — Yuin/Tharawal Country.</p></li><li><p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Dundee Beach, Northern Territory — Larrakia/Wadyiginy Country.</p></li><li><p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Dudley Beach, New South Wales — Awabakal Country.</p></li><li><p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Thompsons Beach, Victoria — Waveroo/Yorta Yorta Country.</p></li><li><p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Coogee Beach, Western Australia — Wajuk Country.</p></li><li><p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Mots Beach, Victoria — Kurnai Country.</p></li><li><p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Alexandria Bay, Queensland — Gubbi Gubbi Country.</p></li><li><p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Emu Bay, South Australia.</p></li><li><p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Lake Wabby, Queensland — Butchulla Country.</p></li><li><p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Congwong Beach, New South Wales — Eora/Tharawal Country.</p></li><li><p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Jellybean Pool, New South Wales — Dharug Country.</p></li><li><p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Ethel Beach, Christmas Island.</p></li></ol><p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-5b5edc5e-7fff-394c-7139-196bf626c4b9"></span></p><p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @australias_southwest (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B9q651Tp-ea/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>)</em></p>

Domestic Travel

Hitting the beach this summer? Here are some of our top animal picks to look out for

<p>Australia has one of the longest coastlines in the world. And it’s packed with life of all shapes and sizes – from lively dolphins leaping offshore, to tiny crabs scurrying into their holes.</p> <p>Here is just some of the diverse coastal life you might expect to see this summer, if you <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320720307722">spend some</a> time at the water’s edge.</p> <h2>Dolphins and turtles</h2> <p>We’re fortunate to have 15 species of dolphin (and one porpoise!) living in Australian waters. The large <a href="https://australian.museum/learn/animals/mammals/bottlenose-dolphin/">bottlenose dolphins</a> (<em>Tursiops spp.</em>) are relatively common and can be spotted all the way around our coast.</p> <p>You might see them playing in the waves, jumping out of the water, or even surfing among humans.</p> <p><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/436606/original/file-20211209-133881-1px5omu.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/436606/original/file-20211209-133881-1px5omu.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="Bottlenose dolphin mother and cals" /></a> <span class="caption">Bottlenose dolphins are generally grey with a lighter underside and have a pronounced, curved dorsal (upper) fin.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span></p> <p>Turtles are less obvious, but can be spotted as they bob their heads out of the water to breathe. Australia’s coasts are home to six of the world’s seven sea turtles (all <a href="https://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicthreatenedlist.pl?wanted=fauna">listed as either vulnerable or endangered</a>).</p> <p>The more common green turtle (<em>Chelonia mydas</em>) can be found everywhere except in the coldest southern waters. In summer, the turtles travel north to the tropical waters of QLD, NT and WA to reproduce – laying their eggs in the warm sand.</p> <p><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/436586/original/file-20211209-19-1u2t59m.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/436586/original/file-20211209-19-1u2t59m.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="" /></a> <span class="caption">Green turtles often get tangled in discarded fishing gear and nets and can die from ingesting plastics, so don’t litter!</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">John Turnbull/Flickr</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span></p> <p>Another reptile you might encounter in the eastern coastal areas is the water dragon (<em>Intellagama lesueurii</em>). You’ll find them hovering around beach-side picnic areas, looking for tasty treats such as flies, ants, bugs, native fruits and flowers. As with all native animals, it’s important not to feed them.</p> <p><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/436590/original/file-20211209-25-1e71enk.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/436590/original/file-20211209-25-1e71enk.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="" /></a> <span class="caption">Water dragons are good swimmers and stay near the water.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">John Turnbull/Flickr</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span></p> <h2>Heads in the clouds</h2> <p>If you cast your eyes up, you’ll see many coastal bird species soaring above.</p> <p>Two of our favourites are the protected white-bellied sea eagle (<em>Haliaeetus leucogaster</em>) and the sooty oystercatcher (<em>Haematopus fuliginosus</em>). Both rely on marine animals for food, and nest in coastal areas right around Australia.</p> <p><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/436592/original/file-20211209-140109-1c0pnm4.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/436592/original/file-20211209-140109-1c0pnm4.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" alt="" /></a> <span class="caption">With a wingspan of up to 2m, you can find white-bellied sea eagles soaring above headlands.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">WikiCommons</span></span></p> <p>The sea eagle mostly feeds on fish, turtles and sea snakes. It was recently <a href="https://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=943">listed as either threatened, endangered, or vulnerable in four states</a>, largely as a result of coastal developments.</p> <p>Meanwhile the sooty oystercatcher is, well, all black. It has distinctive bright-orange eyes and a long beak. Sooties can be found strutting among the seaweed and sea squirts on rocky shores.</p> <p>As the name suggests, these birds enjoy eating molluscs and other invertebrates.</p> <p><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/436593/original/file-20211209-21-1h1czbf.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/436593/original/file-20211209-21-1h1czbf.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="" /></a> <span class="caption">The sooty gives a loud whistling call before taking flight.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">John Turnbull/Flickr</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span></p> <h2>Crawling coastal critters</h2> <p>Many a critter will run for cover as sooties (and humans) approach, including the swift-footed crab (<em>Leptograpsus variegatus</em>). This crab’s mostly purple body is sprinkled with flecks of olive, and sometimes orange.</p> <p>The species lives among the rocky shores around southern Australia, from WA to QLD, and even Tasmania.</p> <p><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/436594/original/file-20211209-137612-4uld1f.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/436594/original/file-20211209-137612-4uld1f.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="" /></a> <span class="caption">The swift-footed crab can grow to about 5cm in shell width.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">John Turnbull/Flickr</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span></p> <p>You’re much less likely to see another common crab, the sand bubbler. But you might see the results of its industrious activity on flat, wet and sandy areas.</p> <p>Sand bubblers live in underground burrows, emerging during the low tide to filter sand through their mouthparts looking for food.</p> <p>In this process, they end up making little pea-sized sand balls. When the tide starts to rise again, they return to their burrows and wait in a bubble of air, which they use to breathe, until the tide recedes.</p> <p><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/436596/original/file-20211209-27-ft1len.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/436596/original/file-20211209-27-ft1len.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="" /></a> <span class="caption">Sand bubblers, from the family Dotillidae, are tiny and will quickly hide if they sense danger.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">John Turnbull/Flickr</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span></p> <h2>Magnificent molluscs</h2> <p>Molluscs are another diverse group of marine animals on our shores, and one of the best known molluscs is the octopus. Along with squid and cuttlefish, this trio of cephalopods is considered to be among the most intelligent invertebrates on Earth.</p> <p><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/436598/original/file-20211209-142574-atsquu.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/436598/original/file-20211209-142574-atsquu.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="Octopus in a glass jar" /></a> <span class="caption">Near urban areas, octopuses have been known to make homes of bottles, jars and even discarded coffee cups.</span> <span class="attribution"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/johnwturnbull/19733728835/" class="source">John Turnbull</a>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span></p> <p>In the case of the octopus, this may be due to having nine “brains”, including a donut-shaped brain in the head and a mini brain in each tentacle, which allow the tentacles to operate somewhat independently.</p> <p>Australia has several octopus species, from the gloomy octopus (<em>Octopus tetricus</em>) on the east coast, to the Maori octopus (<em>O. maorum</em>) in the south. The potentially deadly blue-ringed octopus (<em>Hapalochlaena sp.</em>) is found right around Australia.</p> <p><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/436599/original/file-20211209-137612-1dryfc0.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/436599/original/file-20211209-137612-1dryfc0.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="Octopus reaches for camera" /></a> <span class="caption">This gloomy octopus made a move for my camera as I took its photo.</span> <span class="attribution"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/johnwturnbull/27746924942/" class="source">John Turnbull/Flickr</a>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span></p> <p>Octopus forage at night, in shallow waters and to depths exceeding 500 metres. During the day they’ll return to their lair, which may be a hole, a ledge or a crack in a rock. They’ll often decorate their home with the discarded shells of their prey.</p> <h2>(Sometimes) stingers</h2> <p>You’ve probably seen jellyfish at the beach before, too. Species such as the moon jelly (<em>Aurelia aurita</em>) are harmless. But others can deliver a painful sting; bluebottles (<em>Physalia utriculus</em>) might come to mind here, also called the Pacific man-of-war.</p> <p>Bluebottles and their relatives, blue buttons (<em>P. porpita</em>) and by-the-wind sailors (<em>V. velella</em>) don’t swim. They float at the ocean’s surface and go where the winds blow, which is how they sometimes get washed onto the beach.</p> <p><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/436600/original/file-20211209-17-rr2j1.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/436600/original/file-20211209-17-rr2j1.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="Jellyfish on sand" /></a> <span class="caption">By-the-wind sailors have an angled ‘sail’ which takes advantage of the wind, moving them large distances to catch prey.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">John Turnbull/Flickr</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span></p> <p>Rather than being one animal, they are made of many polyps or “zooids” living together in a floating colony. Each polyp has a specialised role such as flotation, stinging, catching prey, digestion or reproduction.</p> <p>Anemones are also related to jellyfish, and come in many shapes and colours – from the bright red waratah anemone (<em>Actinia tenebrosa</em>) found in all states, to the multi-coloured shellgrit anemone (<em>Oulactis muscosa</em>) found from SA to QLD. They use their tentacles to sting and catch prey, but have no impact on humans.</p> <p>Many anemones live among the rocks and rock pools in the intertidal area, although some species, such as the swimming anemone (<em>Phlyctenactis tuberculosa</em>), live as deep as 40m underwater.</p> <p><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/436602/original/file-20211209-23-1h831bi.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/436602/original/file-20211209-23-1h831bi.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="Grid of four anemone photos." /></a> <span class="caption">Top left: shellgrit anemone, top right: swimming anemone, bottom left: red waratah anemone, bottom right: green snakelock anemone (<em>Aulactinia veratra</em>)</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">John Turnbull/Flickr</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span></p> <h2>Fancy fishes</h2> <p>Of course there are many fish to be seen along our shores – more than we could possibly mention here! In the shallows, we particularly like to find big-eyed <a href="https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/family/259">gobies</a>.</p> <p>Some of the most colourful fish in this zone are young damselfish. These are most diverse in tropical Australia, but still found in temperate waters. Their juvenile forms can be striped and spotted, with colours ranging from bright yellow to iridescent blue.</p> <p><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/436605/original/file-20211209-140109-vifrk0.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/436605/original/file-20211209-140109-vifrk0.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="Juvenile immaculate damselfish." /></a> <span class="caption">Immaculate damsels are endemic to Australian waters.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">John Turnbull/Flickr</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span></p> <p>It’s best to photograph any fish you want to identify. Resources such as <a href="https://reeflifesurvey.com/species/search/">Reef Life Survey</a> and <a href="https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/">Fishes of Australia</a> can help with this.</p> <p>If you upload your photos to the <a href="https://www.inaturalist.org/">iNaturalist</a> website, other users can help you ID them too. Uploading is also a big help to scientists, who then have a record of each sighting.</p> <p>Finally, the diversity of marine life on our coast isn’t something we can afford to take for granted. So if you hit the beach this summer, make sure you:<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/171744/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <ul> <li>do not bring any single-use plastics</li> <li>never leave anything behind (and preferably pick up any litter you see)</li> <li>and keep pets and cars away from sensitive habitats, such as dunes and bird nesting areas.</li> </ul> <p><span><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/john-turnbull-558403">John Turnbull</a>, Postdoctoral Research Associate, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-1414">UNSW</a></em> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/emma-johnston-94055">Emma Johnston</a>, Professor and Dean of Science, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-1414">UNSW</a></em></span></p> <p>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/hitting-the-beach-this-summer-here-are-some-of-our-top-animal-picks-to-look-out-for-171744">original article</a>.</p> <p><em>Image: John Turnbull</em></p>

Domestic Travel

"WOW!" Beach handball team responds to Pink's amazing offer

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Popstar Pink has offered to pay the fines issued to the Norwegian beach handball team for wearing shorts instead of bikini bottoms during a match.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After the match between Norway and Spain last weekend, the European Handball Federal (EHF) handed the Norwegians’ a $240 fine per player for “improper clothing”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The organisation said the shorts violated the athlete uniform regulations.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The fines, totalling $2410, caused widespread backlash with athletes and celebrities taking to social media to criticise the decision, including Pink.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The popstar even said she was “happy to pay” the fines for the team, and praised them for protesting the “very sexist” uniform rules.</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">I’m VERY proud of the Norwegian female beach handball team FOR PROTESTING THE VERY SEXIST RULES ABOUT THEIR “uniform”. The European handball federation SHOULD BE FINED FOR SEXISM. Good on ya, ladies. I’ll be happy to pay your fines for you. Keep it up.</p> — P!nk (@Pink) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pink/status/1419127641068630016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2021</a></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In response, the team shared the tweet on their Instagram Stories and thanked Pink for her support.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“WOW! Thank you so much for the support,” the team wrote.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The ruling also drew criticism from Norway officials, who argue that the womens’ uniform requirements were not practical.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“In 2021, it shouldn’t even be an issue,” Norwegian Volleyball Federation president Eirik Sordahl told national news agency NTB.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While beach volleyball players have not been required to wear bikinis since 2012, rules from the International Handball Federation (IHF) state that “female athletes must wear bikini bottoms” which have a “close fit”, be “cut on an upward angle towards the top of the leg”, and a side depth of 10 centimetres or less.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Male players, on the other hand, are allowed to wear shorts.</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Here are the rules for the men’s vs. women’s uniforms. Ridiculously <a href="https://t.co/8wDXG22sTd">pic.twitter.com/8wDXG22sTd</a></p> — KT SLP (@MrsThornSLP) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrsThornSLP/status/1419246549763244040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2021</a></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Norway asked the EHF for permission to play in shorts ahead of the tournament, but were told that rule violations would be punishable by fines.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The team complied until their last match.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The EHF is committed to bring this topic forward in the interest of its member federations, however it must also be said that a change of the rules can only happen at IHF level,” EHF spokesperson Andrew Barringer said in an email.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Clothing has been an issue in beach sports for a long time, with some women players finding bikinis degrading or difficult to play in.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Norwegian Handball Association (NHF) had been pushing for changes to the uniform regulations and planned to protest with the thigh-length tights the team wore.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Norway’s team captain told Norwegian broadcaster NRK that the team felt forced to wear bikini bottoms.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“So then we are forced to play with panties. It is so embarrassing,” she said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“First we were told about a fine of 50 euros ($AUD 80) per person per match, something that would have landed us a fine of about 4,850 euros ($AUD 7760). We accepted that. However, just before the match we were told that we will be disqualified if we play like that. So we had to go with bikini bottoms.”</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Instagram</span></em></p>

Money & Banking

Hidden Aussie beach cracks the top 10 in the world

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A Sydney-based content creator has gone viral for his footage from beaches that are very definitely off-the-beaten track.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Adam Rikys shares clips on </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@adamrikys/video/6985683756568808706?lang=en&is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tiktok</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> where he drops a pin on a new location in Australia using Google maps, then zooms in with stunning images of the beach, proving we’re a country full of hidden beachy treasures.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In one of his latest videos, the creator chooses Turquoise Bay in Western Australia.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Found in Cape Range National Park near Exmouth, Turquoise Bay was ranked as the sixth best beach in the world in Trip Advisor’s 2021 Travellers’ Choice Awards earlier this year.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CLqMB0vJg2E/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CLqMB0vJg2E/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Perth is OK! (@perthisok)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With its crystal clear waters and white sand, it’s easy to see why it scored a top spot.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, the area is prone to strong currents, with inexperienced swimmers advised to take caution.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Images: Venture Wanderer / Instagram, Hike Australia / Instagram</span></em></p>

Domestic Travel

Surprise discovery of huge tropical fish on US beach

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A large colourful fish has washed ashore on the US coast, with aquarium officials describing it as a rare occurrence.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 45-kilogram opah fish, also called a moon fish, was found on Sunset Beach in Seaside, a city in northwest Oregon.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“While rare this far north it is not unheard of,” Seaside Aquarium said of the unusual appearance of the fish in the area in a </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.facebook.com/SeasideAquarium/posts/6224256220917665" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Facebook post</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Keith Chandler, the general manager of Seaside Aquarium, told CNN that finding an opah on the Oregon coast is “uncommon” and that the fish was “in such great shape”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“They’re pretty cool fish, and we don’t normally see them on the shore,” said Mr Chandler.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It was pretty exciting for locals.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Due to the condition of the fish, Mr Chandler believes it had been on the beach for less than an hour before aquarium staff were notified.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Unfortunately, it washed up not living, but we got to it before the birds,” he said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mr Chandler said the opah is being stored in a large freezer, and that one lucky school group would get the chance to dissect the fish once the school year starts.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to the </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/opah#overview" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, little is known about the opah since they live deep in the ocean.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The species is usually found in temperate and tropical waters.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The NOAA describes the opah as having a silvery-grey, round body, with a rose red belly, red fins, and eyes encircled with gold.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Seaside Aquarium / Facebook</span></em></p>

International Travel

Aussie beach nabs #2 spot in world ranking

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The world’s top-50 beaches for 2021 have been announced, with an Australian beach taking the runner-up spot.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In their annual </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://bigseventravel.com/the-50-best-beaches-in-the-world/" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">‘Best Beaches in the World’ list</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, global travel authority Big 7 Travel included Queensland’s Whitehaven Beach in their scoring of stunning beaches from around the world.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When citing why they decided on Whitehaven as the second-best, the judges cited the famed beach’s soft sand and named it “among the purest in the world”.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CRS0mbBja_e/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CRS0mbBja_e/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Whitehaven Beach Day tour (@whitehavenxpress)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Found on the Whitsunday Islands, the beach boasts 7km of white silica sand and is “one of the world’s most unspoiled and beautiful beaches”, according to Big 7 Travel.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Because of the silica, the sand doesn’t retain heat, so it’s a fantastic place to walk on barefoot, even on a hot day.”</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNQVw1RspWZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNQVw1RspWZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Norge 🇳🇴 Norway (@nortrip)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The top spot was taken out by Vaeroy beach in Norway, which offers amazing coastline views from its clifftops and surprisingly warm waters.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: The Whitsundays Queensland / Instagram</span></em></p>

Domestic Travel

“Completely ridiculous” fine issued to Norwegian beach handball team

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Norway’s beach handball team has been fined 1500 euros (approximately $2500 NZD) over a violation of the sport’s uniform rules during the European Championships match.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In the bronze medal match against Spain, the Norwegian women’s team wore bike shorts instead of bikini bottoms.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The European Handball Federation (EHF) said in a statement that the shorts were “not according to the Athlete Uniform Regulations defined in the IHF Beach Handball Rules of the game”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The team was fined 150 euro per player.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Abid Raja, Norway’s sports minister, said it was “completely ridiculous” and that attitudes needed to change.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Norwegian Handball Federation (NHF) criticised the fine and took to Twitter to say it was proud of the women for saying enough was enough.</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Norway's women's beach handball team was fined €1,500 for refusing to wear bikini bottoms at a European championship game.<br /><br />Men wear shorts but IHF rules say women "must" use bikini bottoms, despite players saying that bikini bottoms are restrictive and uncomfortable to play in. <a href="https://t.co/VwP2cxAE1H">pic.twitter.com/VwP2cxAE1H</a></p> — AJ+ (@ajplus) <a href="https://twitter.com/ajplus/status/1417545591005974529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2021</a></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We at NHF stand behind you and support you. Together we will continue to fight to change the rules for clothing so players can play in the clothes they are comfortable with,” it said in the post.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to Beach Handball rules, female players must wear tops and bikini bottoms while men must wear tank tops and shorts.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Athletes’ uniforms and accessories contribute to helping athletes increase their performance as well as remain coherent with the sportive and attractive image of the sport,” the uniform regulations said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Female athletes must wear bikini bottoms … with a close fit and cut out on an upward angle towards the top of the leg.”</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">I knew there was a double standard for uniforms worn by male and female athletes... but this picture of Norway's beach handball team says a lot. <a href="https://t.co/qdZBKU7pTK">https://t.co/qdZBKU7pTK</a> <a href="https://t.co/KoWdOvecmr">pic.twitter.com/KoWdOvecmr</a></p> — Dr. Ji Son (@cogscimom) <a href="https://twitter.com/cogscimom/status/1417582965110894594?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2021</a></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The decision has been widely criticised on social media, with some calling the differing rules for the mens’ and womens’ uniforms a “double standard”.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Norwegian Handball Federation / Twitter</span></em></p>

Travel Trouble

John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s Palm Beach mansion sells for eyewatering $36 million

<p>An oceanfront Palm Beach estate that was once owned by celebrity John Lennon and his wife Yoko Ono has sold for a whopping $36 million.</p> <p>Reports say the El Solano is located on South Ocean Boulevard, which is referred to as Billionaires’ Row.</p> <p>The sprawling mansion with intricate detailing and expansive views was bought by the famous singer around 1980, according to the book<span> </span>Nowhere Man: The Final Days of John Lennon,<span> </span>by Robert Rosen.</p> <p>Mr. Lennon was shot to death a few months later after they bought the beautiful home, and his and Ms. Ono’s grand dream to renovate the home never came to fruition.</p> <p>Yoko sold the property in 1986.</p> <p>The 1920s-era, Spanish-style property is about 14,000 square feet and has seven large bedrooms.</p> <p>It was deigned by Society architect Addison Mizner, and has rare features not seen in most homes including an oceanfront dining room, a library fit for any bookworm and a grand salon with a wet bar.</p> <p><em> The Wall Street Journal</em> also reported when it hit the market that the estate also includes a tennis court, two swimming pools, a three-car garage and a beachfront cabana.</p>

Real Estate

See inside Matt Damon’s $22 million Byron Bay beach pad

<p>Matt Damon and his family have been welcomed with open arms by the closely-knit beach town of Byron Bay, NSW.</p> <p>To seal in their spot as residents, the actor has reportedly scooped up a $22 million mansion in the area.</p> <p>The unbelievable home was snapped up after a little over four days on the market,<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/oscarwinner-matt-damon-rumoured-buyer-of-22m-byron-bay-home/news-story/bb64832c4ae44fe83b48b34dca23f5ec" target="_blank"><em>The Daily Telegraph</em></a><span> </span>reported.</p> <p>While it has not been confirmed if the Hollywood heavyweight added the five bedroom property under his belt, he is a heavy contender.</p> <p>The home has sweeping views that overlooks Wategos Beach and is regarded as the of the area's most prestigious homes.</p> <p>In the middle of a quiet coastal town, the incredible property has all the bells and whistles including a heated infinity pool, tall ceilings and open spaces to host large gatherings. </p> <p>The property also offers three bathrooms and three car spaces. </p> <p>The Los Angeles based actor was spotted with his wife and three children holidaying in the coastal town in 2019 and rumours have ignited as to whether the family would be settling down.</p> <p>In 2019, Matt reportedly rented out the $4 million ($3.07m USD) property directly next door to Chris Hemsworth's property.</p>

Real Estate

How coronavirus self-isolation fatigue may lead to more beach drownings this summer

<p>The easing of physical distancing restrictions can’t come soon enough for those tired of self-isolation, and for many the beach represents a welcome therapy after an extended time indoors and alone.</p> <p>In Australia, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-26/coronavirus-crowds-sydney-beaches-again-despite-covid-19-risks/12185926">popular beaches in Sydney</a>, including the iconic Bondi Beach, were completely closed to public access during the government-imposed lockdown period. When they reopened under restricted conditions in late April (fall in the southern hemisphere), the unexpectedly large crowds led authorities to close them again.</p> <p>More recently, crowded beaches in the <a href="https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/ontario-premier-shocked-by-packed-toronto-beaches-warns-covid-19-fight-is-not-over-1.4995033">Great Lakes</a>, <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/coronavirus-comes-spring-break-locals-close-florida-beaches-after-governor-n1163741">Florida</a>, <a href="https://www.khou.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/galveston-beaches-see-uptick-in-crowds-as-city-takes-additional-measures-to-protect-visitors-from-covid-19/285-6bc76e6b-a076-40ac-8a22-a714e8ba0dfc">Texas</a>, <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-05-26/crowds-masks-venice-beach-memorial-day-weekend">California</a> and the <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/brits-flock-to-the-beach-amid-medics-warning-of-second-wave-20200625-p555y7.html">United Kingdom</a> show that people are eager to find their spot on the sand.</p> <p>While going to the beach to bathe or swim is seen as an enjoyable recreational experience, aside from social distancing concerns, beaches can be dangerous environments and it is <a href="http://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-19-389-2019">not uncommon for drownings</a> to occur. Unfortunately, there are several COVID-19-related factors that have the potential to significantly increase the number of beach drownings and rescues.</p> <p><strong>Beach hazards in a time of COVID-19</strong></p> <p>First, many of those people seeking out beaches may be infrequent beachgoers, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeog.2014.10.011">unfamiliar with beach hazards, such as rip currents, and safety practices</a>, including strategies on how to react when caught in a rip current as recommended by the <a href="http://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-17-1003-2017">Break the Grip of the Rip campaign</a> in the United States.</p> <p>Second, summer travel plans have been altered for many, meaning local and non-holiday beaches — many of which are not patrolled by lifeguards — may see larger crowds and could put <a href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0212349">bystanders who attempt rescues</a> at greater risk.</p> <p>Third, and most important, in normal years, lifeguard services would intervene to ensure that people don’t put themselves into dangerous situations. This year is different.</p> <p>Several jurisdictions from the <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-52038489">U.K.</a> and the <a href="https://www.hollandsentinel.com/news/20200608/covid-furloughs-meant-no-warning-flags-on-holland-beach-as-two-boys-drowned">Great Lakes</a> have cancelled their lifesaving programs due to COVID-19-related budget and health concern restraints.</p> <p>Coronavirus-related staff cuts and furloughs prevented Holland State Park in Michigan from setting up the flags to warn swimmers of the daily hazard along that section of Lake Michigan. The <a href="https://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/2020/06/double-drowning-tragedy-underscores-danger-of-great-lakes.html">lack of warning flags and lifeguards has already been blamed for the drownings</a> of a six-year-old and a 17-year-old on June 6. This is just but one example of how cutting funding to beach safety programs could cost lives.</p> <p><strong>Masking the truth about the surf hazard</strong></p> <p>There are interesting parallels between drowning prevention and efforts to flatten the COVID-19 curve.</p> <p>Many people do not wear a mask in public despite evidence that masks reduce the <a href="https://today.tamu.edu/2020/06/12/texas-am-study-face-masks-critical-in-preventing-spread-of-covid-19/">potential for COVID-19 transmission</a>. For example, if you have gone grocery shopping and avoided infection, you may become complacent and feel that masks and hand-washing are unnecessary. Or you may bend to peer pressure if you meet up with friends who are not wearing masks or social distancing.</p> <p>These same behaviours come into play with drownings. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-018-3424-7">Evidence suggests</a> that if you didn’t drown on your last visit to the beach, you’ll be confident that you won’t drown on your next visit — despite changing waves, tides and other conditions.</p> <p>Or if you are with a group of friends who are better swimmers, there is a greater chance that you will venture into deeper water to avoid the social cost of staying close to shore. You may also mirror the risky behaviours of other beachgoers.</p> <p><strong>Ignoring the warning signs</strong></p> <p>The time and financial investment made in travelling to the beach after being limited by stay-at-home orders for weeks and months means that more people may enter the water, even if the conditions aren’t ideal.</p> <p>Beach users escaping self-isolation at home may be tired of warnings and further restrictions on the beach and may ignore them, particularly if they believe that lifeguards are being <a href="https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-19-2541-2019">overly cautious</a>. This was the greatest concern expressed at a recent (virtual) conference to celebrate the creation of a legislated lifesaving program in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-015-1626-9">Costa Rica</a>.</p> <p>In the Great Lakes, the problem is made worse by the high-water levels that have <a href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/environment/ct-lake-michigan-record-water-levels-20200619-ntztvazvynf7bgbro3cgkp2diy-story.html">limited the amount of beach available</a>. Even where lifeguard services are still provided, the limited beach width means that people will either crowd together on the beach or move away from others, increasing the lifeguard’s patrol area — and the risk that someone will need rescue or will drown.</p> <p><a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/news/famous-sydney-beaches-closed-after-crowds-flout-coronavirus-restrictions">Restricting access to beaches</a> to limit crowds and the <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/15/us/covid-19-second-shutdown/index.html">potential for a second wave of COVID-19 cases</a>, will in turn limit the number of drownings as long as people <a href="https://abc7chicago.com/lake-michigan-chicago-beach-beaches-open/6265505">heed those closures</a>.</p> <p>COVID-19 has created a perfect storm that could make beaches more popular than ever before and raise the risk of drowning. So far, most of the concern has focused on the lack of social distancing and the looming threat of a second COVID-19 wave, but that focus may soon shift to drowning. Are we going to love our beaches to death?<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/141491/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/chris-houser-688101">Chris Houser</a>, Professor of Earth and Environmental Science, and Dean of Science, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-windsor-3044">University of Windsor</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rob-brander-111027">Rob Brander</a>, Professor, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-1414">UNSW</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-coronavirus-self-isolation-fatigue-may-lead-to-more-beach-drownings-this-summer-141491">original article</a>.</em></p>

International Travel

The world may lose half its sandy beaches by 2100: It’s not too late to save most of them

<p>For many coastal regions, sea-level rise is a looming crisis threatening our coastal society, livelihoods and coastal ecosystems. <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-020-0697-0">A new study</a>, published in Nature Climate Change, has reported the world will lose almost half of its valuable sandy beaches by 2100 as the ocean moves landward with rising sea levels.</p> <p>Sandy beaches comprise about a third of the world’s coastline. And Australia, with nearly 12,000 kilometres at risk, could be hit hard.</p> <p>This is the first truly global study to attempt to quantify beach erosion. The results for the highest greenhouse gas emission scenario are alarming, but reducing emissions lead to lower rates of coastal erosion.</p> <p>Our best hope for the future of the world’s coastlines and for Australia’s iconic beaches is to keep global warming as low as possible by urgently reducing greenhouse gas emissions.</p> <p><strong>Losing sand in coastal erosion</strong></p> <p>Two of the largest problems resulting from <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/srocc/">rising sea levels</a> are coastal erosion and an already-observed increase in the frequency of coastal flooding events.</p> <p>Erosion during storms can have dramatic consequences, particularly for coastal infrastructure. We saw this in 2016, when <a href="https://theconversation.com/sydneys-wild-weather-shows-home-owners-are-increasingly-at-risk-60621">wild storms</a> removed sand from beaches and damaged houses in Sydney.</p> <p>After storms like this, beaches often gradually recover, because sand from deeper waters washes back to the shore over months to years and in some cases decades. These dramatic storms and the long-term <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S002532271630010X">sand supply</a> make it difficult to identify any beach movement in the recent past from sea-level rise.</p> <p>What we do know is that the rate of sea-level rise has <a href="https://theconversation.com/contributions-to-sea-level-rise-have-increased-by-half-since-1993-largely-because-of-greenlands-ice-79175">accelerated</a>. It has increased by half since 1993, and is continuing to accelerate from ongoing greenhouse gas emissions.</p> <p>If we continue to emit high levels of greenhouse gases, this acceleration will continue through the 21st century and <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-does-the-science-really-say-about-sea-level-rise-56807">beyond</a>. As a result, the supply of sand may not be able to keep pace with rapidly rising sea levels.</p> <p><strong>Projections for the worst-case scenario</strong></p> <p>In the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/srocc/">report</a>, released last year, the highest greenhouse gas emissions scenario resulted in global warming of more than 4°C (relative to pre-industrial temperatures) and a likely range of sea-level rise between 0.6 and 1.1 metres by 2100.</p> <p>For this scenario, this new study projects a global average landward movement of the coastline in the range of 40 to 250 metres if there were no physical limits to shoreline movement, such as those imposed by sea walls or other coastal infrastructure.</p> <p>Sea-level rise is responsible for the vast majority of this beach loss, with faster loss during the latter decades of the 21st century when the rate of rise is larger. And sea levels will continue to rise for centuries, so beach erosion would continue well after 2100.</p> <p>For southern Australia, the landward movement of the shoreline is projected to be more than 100 metres. This would damage many of Australia’s iconic tourist beaches such as Bondi, Manly and the Gold Coast. The movement in northern Australia is projected to be even larger, but more uncertain because of ongoing historical shoreline trends.</p> <p><strong>What happens if we mitigate our emissions</strong></p> <p>The above results are from a worst-case scenario. If greenhouse gas emissions were reduced such that the 2100 global temperature rose by about 2.5°C, instead of more than 4°C, then we’d reduce beach erosion by about a third of what’s projected in this worst-case scenario.</p> <p>Current global policies would result in about <a href="https://climateactiontracker.org/global/cat-thermometer/">3°C of global warming</a>. That’s between the 4°C and the 2.5°C scenarios considered in this beach erosion study, implying our current policies will lead to significant beach erosion, including in Australia.</p> <p>Mitigating our emissions even further to achieving the Paris goal of keeping temperature rise to well below 2°C would be a major step in reducing beach loss.</p> <p><strong>Why coastal erosion is hard to predict</strong></p> <p>Projecting sea-level rise and resulting beach erosion are particularly difficult as both depend on many factors.</p> <p>For sea level, the major problems are estimating the contribution of melting Antarctic ice flowing into the ocean, how sea level will change on a regional scale, and the amount of global warming.</p> <p>The beach erosion calculated in this new study depends on several new databases. The databases of recent shoreline movement used to project ongoing natural factors might already be influenced by rising sea levels, possibly leading to an overestimate in the final calculations.</p> <p><strong>The implications</strong></p> <p>Regardless of the exact numbers reported in this study, it’s clear we will have to adapt to the beach erosion that we can no longer prevent, if we are to continue enjoying our beaches.</p> <p>This means we need appropriate planning, such as beach nourishment (adding sand to beaches to combat erosion) and other soft and hard engineering solutions. In some cases, we’ll even need to retreat from the coast to allow the beach to migrate landward.</p> <p>And if we are to continue to enjoy our sandy beaches into the future, we cannot allow ongoing and increasing greenhouse gas emissions. The world needs urgent, significant and sustained global mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions.</p> <p><em>Written by John Church. Republished with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-world-may-lose-half-its-sandy-beaches-by-2100-its-not-too-late-to-save-most-of-them-132586">The Conversation.</a> </em></p> <p> </p>

Cruising

Where exactly does beach sand come from?

<p>There’s more to beach sand than meets the eye. It has stories to tell about the land, and an epic journey to the sea. That’s because mountains end their lives as sand on beaches.</p> <p>Over time, mountains erode. The mud, sand, gravel, cobbles and boulders they shed are washed into streams, which come together to form rivers. As they flow down to the sea, all this sediment is ground up and worn down in nature’s version of a rock tumbler.</p> <p>Big rocks break down into smaller pieces, so most of what reaches the sea is mud. These silt and clay particles are too small to perceive with the naked eye. But you can see individual grains of sand, which are just bigger bits of rock.</p> <p>Next time you’re at the beach, pick up a handful of sand and look closely at it. Are all the grains the same color, or a rainbow assortment? Are they jagged and angular, or smooth and round?</p> <p>Different colors of sand come from different minerals, like khaki <a href="https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/feldspar#/media/File:Feldspar_1659.jpg">feldspar</a>, smoky white <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quartz#/media/File:Quartz,_Tibet.jpg">quartz</a>, green <a href="https://geology.com/minerals/olivine.shtml">olivine</a> or black <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basalt#/media/File:BasaltUSGOV.jpg">basalt</a>. The mix of colors in beach sand tells you what kinds of rocks produced it.</p> <p>The shape of sand grains also provides clues about where they come from. Angular grains of the same type of sand have not traveled as far as smooth round grains, which have been more worn down. And weak rocks break down to mud faster than hard rocks, so sand tends to be made of the harder types that break down slowly.</p> <p>About a tenth of the supply of sediment that reaches the sea is sand. These particles are between about half a millimeter and 2 millimeters in size – roughly as thick as a penny. These particles are large enough that they don’t flow right out to the deep sea.</p> <p>But the beach is just a temporary stop for sand. Big waves pull it offshore, and smaller waves push it along the coast. So keeping a beach nourished with sand is essential for keeping it sandy.</p> <p>Many beach towns spend millions of dollars to rebuild eroded beaches with new sand.</p> <p>Yet today many beaches are starving. Many dams trap the sand that flows down rivers, piling it up in reservoirs. All in all, human activity has cut off about <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.1109454">half the sand</a> that would otherwise end up on the world’s beaches.</p> <p>But humans haven’t turned the waves off, so as beach sand washes away and isn’t replenished, the shoreline erodes. That means that many beaches around the world are shrinking, slowly but surely.</p> <p>So next time you dig your toes into beach sand think about the epic journey it took to arrive beneath your feet. Take a moment to think about where the sand came from and where it’s going.</p> <p><em>Written by David R. Montgomery. Republished with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com/where-does-beach-sand-come-from-126323">The Conversation.</a> </em></p>

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Surprising Aussie beach crowned best in the world

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