5 of Australia’s best beach BBQ spots this summer

Sun, sea and snags – a beach BBQ is a quintessentially Aussie experience. We’ve found five of the best locations to fire up the barbie and spend a day, safely, in the sunshine.

Burleigh Heads - QLD

Nestled just south of the bustling Surfers Paradise on Queensland's Gold Coast, Burleigh Heads is the perfect spot for a family barbecue. The beach itself provides ample space for surfers, with a sheltered area that's good for paddling with the little ones. The foreshore is lined with shady pine trees for when you want to step out of the sun, and there’s extensive parkland – ideal for spreading out the picnic blanket. Head to the nearby Tumgun Lookout for fantastic views of the ocean.

Shelly Beach - NSW

Much quieter than the main beach at Manly, Shelly Beach offers still waters and north-facing views – perfect for making the most of that late afternoon sunshine. Popular with swimmers, paddle boarders and the odd scuba diver, Shelly Beach has something to offer everyone. There are great barbecuing facilities and picnic tables under some shady trees. Just in case anyone is still hungry (or someone burns the sausages) The Boathouse Cafe is situated right on the beachfront serving up food and drinks until 4pm. 

Matilda Bay Reserve - WA

Matilda Bay Reserve covers a huge 20.6 hectares of land along the beautiful Swan River, so there's plenty of space to spread out, play games and walk along the water’s edge. Home to an array of wildlife, lucky visitors might catch a glimpse of pelicans, herons or even one of the 20 bottlenose dolphins that swim and play nearby. Free electric barbecues are available – and they're even cleaned every day. 

Catani Gardens -  VIC 

Located on the St Kilda Foreshore with direct access to the beach, Catani Gardens are a great spot to meet friends. You can bring your dogs too – although they must be kept on a lead. The rows of palm trees lining the park and pretty rotunda make it a great spot to snap some photos. For those less interested in Instagram, there's a playground and ample space for the kids to run about. Barbecues, picnic tables and drinking fountains are available.

Tamarama Beach - NSW

Situated along the Bondi to Coogee walk, Tamarama Beach is a great place to stop for a well-earned lunch. You can surf here too – but be careful, the currents are extremely strong so stick between the flags. With a relaxed, grassy barbecue area and playground, take a moment to watch the world go by – but don't forget to flip the burgers!

If you're headed to the beach this summer, make sure you stay sun safe – drink plenty of water and wear a hat and sunscreen. And don't forget to re-apply throughout the day.

Skin safety is really important at TAL, that’s why TAL's SpotChecker service will be available throughout December and January on specific weekends at Bondi Beach, Surfers Paradise, Cottesloe, West Beach Adelaide and St Kilda Beach. This free, professional skin checker service is available to everyone – you just need to make a booking - visit our website to secure your time. If there are no available appointments, walk-ins are welcome.