My favourite beach is eassssily Bondi - okay, it's not a beautiful as some of the giant QLD beaches, or as undisturbed and pretty as the northern beaches, but it's just the best. It's within walking distance to everything I could ever need, including a Maccas and a frozen yogurt store, the best (and cheapest) lunch place ever, an organic bakery, several book stores, a shoe shop or two, markets....it's legendary. Don't question that. Plus, they're always giving out free stuff and the water is usually rough enough to take my fancy. (INSERT ANECDOTE) Not only did I grow up on the beach and hate beaches that are flat like swimming pools, but I have an irrational "fear" of swimming in water where I can SEE the fish. It's okay that they're there, but I don't like being able to see that. Surf fixes that problem right up - which is why I hate those pancake beaches. I also have a thing for sand (weird, right?), which rules out pretty much any beach in Italy or France...I'm picky, okay?