6 Unique ways to explore Australia's iconic beaches

From surfing to paragliding, and even horseback riding, there's no shortage of things to see and do along the Australian coastline.

As this sun-kissed island continent is home to some of the world's most pristine and dynamic beach landscapes, it's well worth taking some time to thoroughly explore all the coastal areas available to you, as well as going for a relaxing swim, of course.

And there is a myriad of ways that you can still explore the Australian coast on a limited budget too! Here are just a few ways you can plan your own little adventures on your next Aussie coastal getaway.

Reliable snorkeling equipment including masks and flippers are beach essentials for many living across Western Australia and Queensland in particular, but even in coastal areas that don't boast extensive underwater coral reefs, there's still always plenty to see on a snorkeling trip.

In fact, some of Australia's best snorkeling spots can be found along the southern coast, across Victoria and South Australia. Regions like Victoria's Mornington Peninsula and Baird Bay in South Australia will have you come up close and personal with fish species and coastal fauna that you won't be able to see anywhere else.

You may stumble across scintillating blooms of jellyfish, scuttling crabs, sea stars, spiky sea urchins, and maybe even some free-roaming schools of curious cuttlefish and zebrafish too.

Underwater geographic formations can also be fantastic to explore. Victoria's Twelve Apostles Marine National Park, in particular, will have snorkelers swim through shipwrecks from early settlers, and even hidden underwater caves!

Fans of whitewater rafting may enjoy the zen practice of kayaking, one of the globe's most underrated watersports.

Alongside being a surprisingly effective full-body workout, kayaking across coastal areas will allow you to take in all the sights and sounds of the expansive Australian coastline at your own pace.

You can feel free to stop and explore any areas that take your fancy, giving you total control of the nature of your expedition.

Kayaking can also be a great activity for small groups or even couples who are looking for a more secluded and peaceful holiday experience.

In essence, this beachside activity is likely to get you feeling recalibrated and relaxed on your next coastal getaway. What else are vacations for?

If you're an avid surfer who has found themselves in a stretch of coastline where the waves are looking a little lacklustre, kitesurfing or kiteboarding may be just the activity for you!

In a similar fashion to kayaking, kitesurfing can be quite an intense full-body workout. The main distinction between these two watersports is simply that when kitesurfing, you're likely to travel at faster speeds than you may find yourself reaching in a kayak.

This exciting activity can be undertaken with the use of a kite, or even just by rigging your kiteboard up to a speedboat with some friends as a makeshift wakeboard, and taking turns trying to maintain your balance at even faster speeds.

Hiring a speedboat would naturally be ideal for optimal exploration of your coastal area, but rest assured, there's plenty to keep you occupied on a kiteboard regardless of whether you're hooked up to a kite or a boat.

Looking for a little more speed and excitement on your beachside trip? There's nothing quite like heading out on open waters with a jet ski.

The sounds, sprays, and speeds of these quick, little Motorcraft make for some exciting coastal expeditions and can allow for easy navigating in and around islands too.

The one downside of jet skis is, in fact, the amount of noise that they tend to produce.

They can be alarming for birds and other animals to hear and can cause rapid vibrations in ocean water which can scare fish and other creatures away.

Improper use of jet skis has also been known to damage reefs as well as nesting sites for seabird populations.

This is why there are regional or state guidelines regarding motorised watersports, and why jet skis generally aren't recommended for anybody who's looking to explore reefs or other areas with high populations of marine life.

You don't necessarily need to get in the water to explore your coastal surroundings. In fact, Australian coastal landscapes are known for their dynamic cliffs and greenery just as much as they're known for their sun, sand, and surf too!

You can find some stellar coastal walking tracks right across Australia, including on the many islands that make up the Australian coastline too.

As there are gorgeous coastal walking trails in literally every Australian state, you may even choose to start with all the big name hikes in your home state, before making your way across the country.

Regions like Western Australia's Rottnest Island and Victoria's Wilsons Promontory National Park, are amongst some of Australia's most bucket-list-worthy coastal hiking destinations.

Finally, our coastal areas tend to be fascinating spaces for learning and observing creatures of all sizes in their natural habitats.

Features like rock pools can be a valuable learning resource for young explorers, and may even prove to be a fantastic subject for nature photographers.

You'll be able to find rock pools with ease when exploring any rocks surrounding your beach at low tide.

Be sure to wear sensible footwear to minimise risks of falling, and keep an eye on the day's weather conditions to ensure that your chances of being stranded on rocks are also kept to a minimum.

If you're ever uncertain about a specific section of your coastline, enlist the help of a local guide, or steer clear entirely and find some more accessible platforms where rock pools are likely to be found.

~

Be sure to keep these activities in mind when planning your next Aussie coastal getaway.

If you can include even just one or two of these experiences into your beach trip itineraries, chances are high this coming summer by the sea is likely to be one you won't be forgetting any time soon!