Avalon Beach, Sydney

First of all, Avalon Beach is NOT renowned for its "white, white sand". The sand is derived from coral and is a deep, coarse orange. That said, it is one of the best of Sydney's excellent northern beaches, with a reliable break for surfers at it north end � the legendary Little Avalon point break at the south end is not for beginners or the faint-hearted � and safe, well-patrolled swimming in front of the local surf-lifesaving club. The nearby town is crowded in summer, but along with adjacent Newport, is home to many of Australia's top-ranked professional surfers, as well as several of the country's best-known, artists, writers, film-makers, and photographers. Visit it before it's over-run with the real estate development that is blighting Sydney suburbs.