Coolum Cool

I hate to break it to the rest of the world but south east Queensland really does have some of the world's best beaches. Long, white, sandy beaches. Sub tropical vegetation mixes with the Australian bush. Fabulously refreshing surf, making both keen surfers, swimmers and toddlers happy as they dodge the waves crashing onto the beach. The sun is pure. The beaches clean and safe, patrolled by the surf lifesavers. The best bit of all though is the space. There is plenty of it and I realised on Sunday why I am so bad at sharing beach space. When I'm at home I just never have to share, it's only when I venture abroad that I'm faced with the prospect of cramming in between lovers and families, on their mobile phones and eating their ham and cheese breadrolls.

Gigi and I spent the night with friends at Coolum beach on Saturday. Sunday dawned and it was quintessentially perfect beach weather. Wide open blue skies with white clouds scattered merrily across them. Gorgeous temperatures perfect for dips into the ocean followed by stretching out on the sand to dry off and catch some sun without risking burning to a crisp before noon. A five minute walk from our beach position we accessed true Aussie meat pies, healthy curried lentil and vegetable rolls, fish and chips and reasonably good coffees.

I was suddenly reminded of how much I'd missed the Queensland beach experience while living in Italy. Let me help you imagine how good it was with these photos!