A hike by Cingshuei Cliffs

I was on my way to Qingshui Cliffs in Taroko National Park, but there was no public transport right to this site. Instead, I caught a train from Hualien to Chongde then had another seven kilometres to hike along coastal Suao-Hualien Highway.

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Hualien Beach

On a twenty-eight degree afternoon I strolled along Hualien’s promenade where the crashing waves blocked the sound of traffic. By the walkway was Pacific Park, Nanbin section, where a giant Buddha gazed down on its surroundings.

Vancouver’s infamous Wreck Beach

I stepped off UBC grounds and down steps for some 200 metres until I reached a stony beach. This was not your regular beach. The sign warned — a clothing optional beach. I had known this before I ventured down its steps, but thought on a brisk cool day I wouldn’t find anyone parading around without their clothes.

A hidden beach

During Queensland’s summer months, Wellington Point’s gritty beach was a popular local spot for families with small children. I remember it was busy and often difficult to find parking.

Sandy Cove Beach

Tucked away from Harrison Hot Springs was Sandy Cove Beach. It may have only been about a kilometre up and down a winding path, but it seemed like a world away. I met no one along the trail but when I arrived at the beach, a flock of birds took off, their wings clapping the air.

Isolated Deep Bay

Vancouver Island’s Deep Bay was a quiet nook with a pebbly beach and a view of the tail end of Denman Island in the distance. Off from Denman Island was Chrome Island marking the entrance to Baynes Sound. Perched on this tiny sandstone island, were a few buildings, including a lighthouse.

Rathtrevor Beach

Like Qualicum Beach, this sandy Vancouver Island beach stretched along a wide bay. It was a good two hundred metre walk to the water at low tide.

Qualicum Beach

Qualicum Beach on the east coast of Vancouver Island, stretched along a wide bay and went from pebbles to a sandy shoreline. I walked to the water’s edge over a variety of shells where I spotted the occasional sand dollar.

Pauanui Beach

While I stayed in Tairua, I decided to drive the twenty or so kilometres to Pauanui and take a walk along the sand dunes above the shoreline.

Coromandel Beaches

Forget the region’s famous Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach choking with tourists. Just close your eyes and point your finger blindly at the coastline along the Coromandel Peninsula and you’re bound to land on a perfect beach.