From the Dazed and Confused surfer vibe at Bondi Beach to the remote relaxedness of Palm Beach, the beaches that surround Sydney make the city even more special and that much more appealing (especially for two kids who'd been living in landlocked state for a few years...).

We loved Bondi so much that we went twice, both times walking along the rocky bluff, looking down as waves crashed into the famous Icebergs salt water pool - one of many in Sydney - and back across at the wide, soft-sanded shore. Bondi's entire cement retaining wall is covered in colorful spray-painted artwork, from intricate graffiti tags to splattered abstract works, each more intriguing than the last. 

Palm Beach is a farther drive but worth it for the views and to have your pick of waves. Freshwater Beach, next to Manly, is just big enough, perfect for families when the water is calmer, and also has its own salt water pool, which is arguably more awesome than Bondi's and much less crowded. 

In addition to salt water lap pools, at many beaches, a skate park and/or playground is not far away, making them an ideal spot to hang out whether you're a surfer, skater, beachcomber, sunbather or some combination of them all. 

The trend of beaches with personality continues all up and down Australia's east coast, and we're looking forward to seeing - and surfing - more of them in the coming weeks...